The 11 Best Restaurants in San Diego With A View (2024)
Looking for the best restaurants in San Diego with a view? We’ve got you covered with some hidden gem locations and some iconic classics.
San Diego offers perfect weather and bay views nearly 365 days a year.
The restaurants here offer a variety of waterfront and city skyline views.
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Best Restaurants in San Diego With A View
These are the best restaurants in San Diego with a view.
1. C-Level Lounge
Location: 880 Harbor Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
C Level Lounge is open daily for lunch and dinner.
They have a variety of menu items from seafood to pastas to steaks.
If you visit during Happy Hour, several appetizers and drinks are only $10.
2. Top of the Market
Location: 750 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Top of the Market is a fine dining contemporary seafood restaurant overlooking San Diego Bay from Coronado to Point Loma.
They are open only for dinner Wednesday – Sunday.
Top of the Market is an award winning restaurant that offers seasonal menu items.
3. Mister A’s
Location: 2550 Fifth Ave, FL 12, San Diego, CA 92103
Enjoy a meal at this rooftop restaurant with city views of downtown.
They have recently completed a total renovation and glow-up, so if you’ve been before, it’ll be a whole new experience.
Dishes are inspired by American, French, and Mediterranean cuisine with a 15 page wine list.
They do have a business casual dress code that is strictly enforced.
4. The Nolen
Location: 453 Sixth Ave, Unit 7007, San Diego, CA 92101
Another rooftop bar and lounge with views of downtown and the Coronado bridge.
The Nolen is located on the 14th floor of the Courtyard Gaslamp.
They are open for dinner nightly until midnight and 1 am.
Sundays they offer brunch and an afternoon happy hour.
Monday through Wednesday there is also an early dinner happy hour.
5. Mitch’s Seafood
Location: 1403 Scott St, San Diego, CA 92106
Mitch’s Seafood is at the Point Loma Sportfishing Dock in the middle of San Diego.
They serve local fish caught by local fishermen, so it’s some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever get.
They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.
At this local seafood place you’ll enjoy views of the harbor and Coronado.
6. Portside Pier
Location: 1360 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Portside Pier is considered the best waterfront dining in Downtown San Diego.
They offer seafood, Mexican cuisine, and 360 degree views of the bay.
It’s made up of 4 signature restaurants, including outdoor patio and lounge options.
There is also a coffee and gelato shop.
7. Bali Hai Restaurant
Location: 2230 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106
Bali Hair specializes in Polynesian cuisine, with views of San Diego Bay.
They are most known for their Mai Tai’s, which they’ve sold over 2 million of!
Most week days they offer a happy hour special and on Sundays they offer brunch.
8. Tom Ham’s Lighthouse
Location: 2150 Harbor Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
This place is open for lunch and dinner daily + brunch on Sundays.
Tom Ham’s Lighthouse features dishes like Paella, Scallops, BBQ Brisket, Raw Bar Platters, Shellfish Platters, and more.
9. Coasterra
Location: 880 Harbor Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Coasterra is the best Mexican restaurant with bayfront views in the Harbor Island area.
They are open for lunch and dinner daily.
Happy Hour is Monday through Friday from 3:30pm – 5:30pm in the Tequila Lounge and out on the Patio.
During happy hour enjoy $8 appetizers such as Crispy Masa Calamari or Ceviche Classico and $8 signature cocktails and house wines.
10. The Rooftop by STK
Location: 600 F St, San Diego, CA 92101
The Rooftop is the largest in San Diego’s Gaslamp District.
Their specialties are cocktails and shareable plates.
It’s an entirely different menu than the STK Steakhouse.
They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, usually between 7 am and 9 pm, later on weekends.
There is an upscale casual dress code that is enforced on the weekends.
11. The Fish Market
Location: 750 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92132
The Fish Market serves the freshest seafood from all over, not just San Diego.
They are known for their grilled fish, oyster bar, poke, sashimi, and their retail market where you can buy fresh or cooked fish to prepare at home.
They have 4 locations in California, so if you’re ever in Del Mar/Solana Beach, San Mateo, or Palo Alto you can visit them there too.
More Unique Dining Experiences in San Diego
Beyond the scenic views, there are plenty of other great reasons to enjoy dining experiences around San Diego and here are some of our favorites.
☑️ Best Birthday Restaurants in San Diego
As someone who has spent a couple birthdays in San Diego, I can tell you with certainty that it is a great city for birthday celebrations.
☑️ Best Seafood Restaurants in San Diego
With San Diego’s unique location along the Pacific Ocean, there are plenty of great seafood restaurants that serve locally caught, fresh seafood.
☑️ Best Italian Restaurants in San Diego
The Little Italy neighborhood is home to some of the best Italian restaurants in San Diego, but that’s not the only place where you can find some gems!
Places To Stay in San Diego With a View
Keep the celebrations going by checking out some of the most iconic hotels in and around San Diego.
If you want to be as centrally located as possible, Hilton San Diego Bayfront is for you!
If you’re more into a beach getaway or staying somewhere historic and iconic, then Hotel Del Coronado is definitely more your speed.
➡️ Hilton San Diego Bayfront
Hilton San Diego Bayfront is the most centrally located hotel you’ll find.
We’ve stayed here on several visits and it’s our favorite.
It’s just across the street from the Gaslamp Quarter, Petco Park, and the Convention Center.
Really any room will give you a great view whether it’s the San Diego Bay, the city skyline, or the ballpark.
You can see the full walk-through and view from our room in this video on our YouTube Channel!
👉 Click Here To Book Your San Diego Bayfront Stay Today!
➡️ Hotel Del Coronado
Hotel Del Coronado is an iconic hotel in San Diego!
If you don’t recognize the name, surely you’ll recognize the architecture.
At least once in your life you need to stay here!
If you’ve ever been to Disney World, this resort might remind you of the Grand Floridian, but I assure you they are different.
👉🏼 Click Here To Book Your Hotel Del Coronado Stay Today!
Fun Things To Do in San Diego
Why stop your birthday celebration with just dinner?
There are a ton of other great experiences you can have in San Diego the whole rest of the day or weekend!
✅ San Diego Birthday Weekend Itinerary
This is a great itinerary for first time visitors to see a little bit of everything that San Diego has to offer, while also making sure to celebrate your special day.
✅ San Diego Zoo and La Jolla Day Trip
If you have just one day in the area and you’ve never been, the San Diego Zoo is one of the most well known zoos in the world.
Then finish your day in La Jolla experiencing the wildlife in the real world.
👉 Click Here To Book Your One Day Ticket To San Diego Zoo Today!
✅ The Best Things To Do In North Park
San Diego has a variety of neighborhoods, each with their own flair.
North Park is a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood that is home to a diverse mix of people, businesses, and attractions.
Whether you’re looking for a place to grab a bite to eat, catch a show, or simply relax and enjoy the atmosphere, North Park has something for everyone.
✅ The Best Things To Do In Ocean Beach
Ocean Beach is a vibrant, bohemian neighborhood in San Diego.
It’s known for its classic SoCal beach vibe, with surfers and sunbathers filling the namesake beach.
The Ocean Beach Pier is a popular local fishing spot with sweeping views.
Nearby, Newport Avenue is lines with antique shops, beachwear and surf boutiques, organic groceries, taquerias, and brewpubs.
The Ocean Beach Farmers Market features live music.
✅ San Diego Urban Wineries Ultimate Guide
San Diego is a city with a thriving wine scene, and its urban wineries are a big part of that.
These wineries are located in the heart of the city, making them easy to access and explore.
They offer a variety of wines to taste, as well as educational tours and tastings.
Whether you’re a wine lover or just looking for a fun night out, San Diego’s urban wineries are a great option.
✅ The Best Weekend in Oceanside
Oceanside is a city with something for everyone.
From its beautiful beaches and surfing waves to its vibrant downtown area and delicious food scene, there’s no shortage of things to do and see in this Southern California city.
✅ Ramona Valley Weekend Getaway Itinerary
Ramona, California is a charming town located in the foothills of the Laguna Mountains.
It is known for its beautiful scenery, mild climate, and abundance of outdoor activities.
Today, Ramona is home to a variety of historical sites and up and coming wineries.
✅ Visiting In The Fall?
Here are several Fall specific itineraries for visiting San Diego, including seasonal events and festivals that only happen this time of year!
Explore More Of San Diego With GoCity!
A great way to see all that San Diego has to offer is with a GoCity Pass!
We’ve used them in several cities and it’s a great way to get discounted deals on many attractions around town.
GoCity attractions cards offer included admission to over 400 top attractions, activities, tours, and museums for one low price!
Save up to 50% compared to buying separate tickets at the attractions and receive a free full-color guide book with your purchase.
Choose from two options: Go City’s All-Inclusive Pass offers admission to top attractions and activities for one low price with a savings of up to 50%.
Build Your Own Pass allows you to customize a pass and save up to 20% on top attractions!
👉 Click Here To Get Your GoCity San Diego Pass Today!
How To Get Around San Diego
The best way to see all the best of San Diego without having to drive around is the Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley.
This trolley will take you to Coronado, the Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, Old Town, and more!
We’ve used this trolley on multiple visits, especially when we stay at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel, because one of the stops is right outside the front door!
👉 Click Here To Book Your Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour Today!
Conclusion: Best Restaurants in San Diego With a View
These are the best restaurants in San Diego with a view whether you’re looking to enjoy city views or ocean views.
They are seemingly limitless rooftop restaurants and bars and dockside restaurants on the water.
