Seaport Village delivers serious views, but not every restaurant here deserves your time or money. We hit the waterfront and tried everything from fresh seafood joints to upscale steakhouses and hidden local favorites. Some were forgettable, others blew us away. These 25 spots actually live up to the setting and serve food that goes beyond the view. If you want to eat by the water without wasting a meal, start with this list.
1. Puesto At The Headquarters
If you’re ever in San Diego and looking for great Mexican cuisine Puesto At The Headquarters won’t disappoint. We tried tacos at 5 places in San Diego and this place was my favorite.
The cozy yet modern bi-level eatery has floor-to-ceiling windows, an outside terrace with large umbrellas, and bi-fold doors that open up one side of the building, creating a welcoming atmosphere with its large artwork and rustic wooden tables.
This spot is perfect for anyone – whether you’re on a date, out with family, or just hanging out with friends.
The Chicken Al Pastor taco was a hit – the melted cheese in the taco mixed with the chipotle tinga was the highlight. The taco was so good that I ordered another one before the kitchen closed and wish I ordered 2 more instead of 1.
Another dish we recommend is the Verduras bowl. It’s also gluten-free and vegan but we asked for some chicken. The bowl includes rice, beans, esquite (Mexican street corn salad), cabbage, onions, guacamole, and salsa.
This place is popular, so be prepared for a bit of a wait during peak times.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the rave reviews about the food and ambiance make it clear why this restaurant is a must-visit.
We recommend you try:
- Chicken Al Pastor taco
- Wayne’s Farms chicken, hibiscus & chipotle tinga, avocado, piña habanero pico (GF)
- Verduras Bowl (with an option to add grilled chicken)
2. Hi Poke Seaport Village
A cheerful quick-serve eatery located at the Headquarters in Seaport. Hi Poke Seaport Village serves custom poke bowls and burritos that are as colorful and vibrant as the restaurant itself.
The decor is modern and spacious interior with bright-colored walls and matching chairs. There’s also a small patio out front with some limited seating.
This restaurant is popular with tourists exploring Seaport Village, college students looking for a healthy bite, or anyone in a rush who doesn’t want to compromise on taste. They also have plenty of veggie-friendly options.
While it’s a bit pricier than some might expect for the portion sizes offered, the quality and location justify the cost.
We recommend you try:
- The classic poke bowl for a tried-and-true favorite
- A poke burrito for a fun twist on traditional poke
3. Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
This elegant fine-dining chain specializes in seafood and steak. You can also visit just for cocktails in their lounge on the live jazz nights.
The restaurant has a stunning interior from the grand entrance framed with palm trees, to the intimate and upmarket ambiance, and an impressive floor-to-ceiling wine rack.
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood is the perfect setting for a romantic dinner or a family gathering, thanks to its welcoming atmosphere for everyone including groups and the LGBTQ+ community.
Although this is a high-end restaurant with prices to match, portion sizes are generous and the food and drink are outstanding. The attentive staff makes dining here an experience to remember.
Be prepared for a potentially long wait, we advise making a reservation to guarantee a table.
We recommend you try:
- Creme Brulee
- Jumbo Lump Crab Cake
- Maine Lobster Bisque
4. Margaritas Kitchen & Cantina
Located in Seaport Village, Margarita’s Kitchen, is a stall-like restaurant serving up fresh, authentic Mexican flavors that have made it a local favorite.
Owned by Pepe and Deborah Stepensky, veterans in the restaurant industry, Margarita’s Kitchen is celebrated for its commitment to freshness and authenticity, utilizing locally sourced ingredients and homemade sauces.
The decor features an outside terrace with seating under umbrellas and trees, alongside an open, modern double-floor interior, including a mezzanine that allows for views of the harbor.
It’s an ideal spot for families, couples, and anyone looking to enjoy a great meal with a view.
This restaurant is perfect for a quick snack, we ordered 2 chicken chipotle tacos and they were really good!
While the restaurant is acclaimed for its quality, one downside is the potential waiting time to be seated due to its popularity – however, the line moves quickly.
We recommend you try:
- Baja Fish Tacos
- Carne Asada Fries
- Chicken Chipotle Tacos
- Pitcher of Lime Margarita
5. The Lion’s Share
This intimate bar with a moody vibe, is known for its handcrafted drinks and New American plates, featuring exotic meats that you won’t find anywhere else.
The interior of The Lion’s Share has a rustic look with red brick, dark woods, and vintage hunting lodge memorabilia, creating a unique atmosphere that sets an exciting mood.
Their specialty lies in their exotic meat offerings, which are constantly changing, but have included options like kangaroo, alligator, and even zebra.
But if you’re not feeling adventurous, they also have classic dishes like steak and salmon.
Their cocktail menu is equally impressive, with plenty of creative concoctions.
We recommend you try:
- Sausage Board
- Our Deviled Eggs
- Burger
6. Sally’s Fish House & Bar
Sally’s Fish House & Bar is an elegant waterfront eatery. It stands out for its commitment to sustainable seafood and its stunning location.
It has modern indoor seating with large windows as well as an outdoor patio equipped with umbrellas and overhead lighting, creating the perfect setting for enjoying sunsets over the bay.
This restaurant is suitable for a range of customers. From couples looking for a romantic evening, to families enjoying a day out, it’s even pet-friendly.
We recommend you try:
- Oysters and Shrimp Cocktail
- Maine Lobster Roll
- Fish Tacos
7. Edgewater Grill
This charming spot sits right on the edge of San Diego’s bay.
Edgewater Grill is a seafood-focused American eatery perfect for families, couples, or a casual get-together with friends.
It offers both indoor and outdoor seating, where you can enjoy your meal with a stunning view of the water. From the outside, the billing has a Greek appearance with white walls and blue umbrellas outside, while the inside is modern with ambient lighting.
If you opt for the outside tables, it’s worth bringing a jacket for the evenings as it can get chilly by the water.
We recommend you try:
- Fish and Chips
- The Catch Burger with fries
8. Top of the Market – San Diego
This high-end seafood restaurant offers more than just delicious meals; it provides an experience.
Its white-tablecloth setting and large windows overlooking the bay make it a perfect spot for those looking to enjoy a classic, elegant dining atmosphere.
Top of the Market – San Diego is ideal for couples, and families celebrating special occasions or even business dinners.
Dinner reservations are recommended to make sure you get a spot in this sought-after location. It’s also worth knowing that this place has a high-end price tag.
We recommend you try:
- Grilled Spanish Octopus
- Alaskan Halibut with Miso
9. New York West
This classy pub is located inside a hotel. It’s perfect for sports fans thanks to the multiple TVs mounted on the walls.
New York West gives off Italian café vibes, featuring checkered floors and sleek black tables and chairs.
It has a unique blend of comfort food with an Italian twist with a menu filled with pizza, burgers, steak, and pasta.
While it may not serve NYC-level pizza slices, the variety and quality of food are good and the service is excellent.
We recommend you try:
- Pepperoni, Supreme, and Cugine Pizza
- Honey Sambal Chicken Wings
10. Malibu Farm San Diego
This restaurant offers a dining experience with panoramic views from its cozy, Scandinavian-style interior, complete with wooden benches and long tables adorned with soft cushions.
Malibu Farm San Diego is a great spot for anyone looking to enjoy a meal in a serene setting, from couples seeking a romantic evening to families enjoying a day out.
What sets this place apart is not just its fantastic views but also its commitment to delicious food and artful presentation.
Book a table in the rooftop area for the best views.
We recommend you try:
- Breakfast Burrito
- Fried Egg Sandwich
- Paloma Mocktail
11. Louisiana Charlie’s
This Mardi Gras-themed restaurant gives you a blast of Southern charm and flavors right by the water.
With classics like BBQ and Cajun-style dishes, plus strong, tasty cocktails, Louisiana Charlie’s is perfect for anyone craving a festive atmosphere — great for families and friends celebrating a special occasion.
The undercover porches mean you can dine al-fresco on both sunny and rainy days.
We recommend you try:
- Cajun Seafood Platter
- Baby Back Ribs
- Fried Catfish
12. Mr. Moto Pizza Seaport Village
This trendy spot with hipster vibes is all about bringing a slice of New York City to your plate with its signature NYC-style pizzas.
The exterior of the building features comic-style artwork, while the interior blends rustic elements with corrugated iron panels and quirky artifacts scattered throughout.
Mr. Moto Pizza Seaport Village is a casual place where you can enjoy pasta, salad, and of course, pizza.
Try the Pizza of the Month for something new and exciting every time you visit!
We recommend you try:
- Pepperoni Pizza
- Garlic Knots
- Slices of California Love
13. Market One @ Hyatt
Located inside the Manchester Grand Hyatt, Market One @ Hyatt is a canteen-style restaurant is open to everyone, not just hotel guests!
The modern vibe with bright geometric patterns and lights makes the place look lively and welcoming. Inside you’ll find long counters and fridges where you can pick out your food and drinks.
This spot is perfect for those on the go, but families and groups of friends might enjoy it the most because of the casual, laid-back atmosphere.
The portions are huge! We split a chicken quesadilla and a tomato basil soup – which was the soup of the day.
The chicken quesadilla was stuffed with chicken and cheese and it came with a decent serving of guacamole, sour cream, pico de Gallo, and fresh jalapenos. The soup was also huge and very hot so be careful when you’re sipping it – especially if you’re in a hurry.
We thought that this was just a light lunch and it might not be enough for the both of us but we were so FULL and struggled to finish it all at the end.
They also have a happy hour every day from 3:30 pm until 6 pm.
The downside is that they close between 11-11:30am on weekdays. Otherwise, they’re open from 7am to 9:30pm on all days.
We recommend you try:
- Chicken Quesadilla
- Tomato Basil Soup
14. The Fish Market – San Diego
This restaurant offers some of the best-grilled fish and seafood plates.
The Fish Market – San Diego is located right on the edge of the water with outstanding views over the bay. Inside, the ambiance is clean and classic, with an open kitchen and a counter to see various fresh fish.
The restaurant appeals to a wide range of customers from couples on a romantic night out to groups making it an ideal choice for any occasion. It’s also great for families, with its kid-friendly approach and items like high chairs and a special menu just for the little ones.
We suggest making a reservation for both lunch and dinner to avoid the usual wait. Prices can be on the higher side, but the quality and experience are well worth it.
We recommend you try:
- Rockfish
- Louie Salad, paired perfectly with their Calamari
- Clam Chowder
15. Roy’s Restaurant
Roy’s Restaurant is a high-end chain known for its Hawaiian fusion cuisine created by the notable chef Roy Yamaguchi.
The interior is spacious and contemporary, with various levels with views over the bay, and an inviting outdoor setting with a firepit.
This place is ideal for romantic dinners, special occasions, or anyone looking to treat themselves to an exquisite culinary experience.
While the prices are higher, the superb quality of food, ambiance, and service make it worth every penny. Make sure to book in advance, it gets busy.
What sets Roy’s apart is not only its innovative fusion cuisine but also the recognition it has received. Awards include the ECARA for Outstanding Operations and James Beard Foundation Award Winner.
We recommend you try:
- Roy’s Melting Hot Chocolate Soufflé
- Misoyaki Butterfish
- Crispy Wok Fried Shrimp Tempura
16. Crack Taco Shop
Crack Taco Shop is a take-out spot famous for its quick bites and terrace seating.
It’s a small, hole-in-the-wall eatery that packs a big flavor punch, especially with their tacos. The restaurant is popular among locals and visitors.
This is a great spot to get a casual meal by the water.
What makes Crack Taco unique is its location right by the boardwalk, offering a scenic view while you eat.
We recommend you try:
- Baja Shrimp Taco
- Pollo Asada Taco
17. The Cheesecake Factory
The Cheesecake Factory is a familiar chain restaurant known for its vast menu and, of course, the signature cheesecakes.
We hadn’t been to this particular location but we’ve eaten many times with family at the San Jose, Schaumburg and Madison locations so we recommend this spot if you’re looking for a familiar name. The Cheesecake Factory is perfect for families and groups.
It strikes a balance between casual and trendy, making it welcoming to families they’re super accommodating with high chairs and a kids’ menu – yet romantic enough for a casual date night. They also have outdoor seating under umbrellas, a firepit, and ambient lighting at night.
We love going here for special occasions. As a heads up, if you’re celebrating a special occasion, let them know secretly in advance and they’ll bring out a cake slice to the table as a surprise!
One downside is that they can be a bit pricey and the wait times can be long.
We recommend you try:
- Pasta (delicious but filling)
- Oreo Cheesecake
- BLT and fries
18. Marina Kitchen Restaurant & Bar
This chic and expansive hotel kitchen is great for anyone who wants a Californian twist on classic comfort food.
The decor and location at Marina Kitchen Restaurant & Bar are sublime. It has bay views, and a large patio area overlooking the bay. The interior oozes luxury. It features walls adorned with wine bottles, solid wood, and leather furniture, creating an upscale vibe.
This restaurant comes with a high price tag compared to other places with similar quality in the area.
However, it’s worth noting that breakfast is buffet-only, which might not suit everyone’s preferences.
We recommend you try:
- Grilled Octopus
- Lobster Roll
- Ribeye or Fried Chicken
19. The Landing @ Hyatt
This unique restaurant and bar inside the Hyatt is open to both guests and the public
The decor of The Landing has a 1930s feel to it with its wooden paneling and leather chairs. It’s an open, airy space and a great spot for couples or solo diners looking for a quality meal in a stylish setting.
There’s an excellent variety of food and drinks on the menu and the staff gets high marks for their outstanding service.
Prices here are a bit higher than average.
We recommend you try:
- Burger and Crispy Fries
- Chicken Wings with Dipping Sauce
- Bamboo Roll Sushi
20. San Diego Burger Co.
This casual burger joint is known for its variety of beef, chicken, veggie, and seasonal patties.
The San Diego Burger Co. has a friendly vibe and a patio perfect for enjoying good weather, it’s an excellent spot for families and is dog-friendly.
The restaurant stands out for its quick service and welcoming staff making it perfect for a quick yet enjoyable meal.
We recommend you try:
- Bacon Cheeseburger
- Hamburger
21. Kansas City Barbeque
Kansas City Barbeque, famously known as the “Top Gun Bar,” is a must-visit spot for movie fans and BBQ lovers.
This easygoing hangout serves up hearty plates of BBQ and beer and with its large outdoor terrace makes it an ideal choice for families, couples, or groups of friends.
The interior takes you back in time with its retro diner look, featuring 1940s-style memorabilia, a classic jukebox, and those iconic checkered tablecloths.
This bar does get busy, so arrive early to beat the crowds, especially if you’re visiting around lunchtime.
We recommend you try:
- Fam-Slab Ribs & 1 Pound Brisket
- BBQ Chicken
- Pulled Pork Plate
22. Mike Hess Brewing at Seaport Village
Mike Hess Brewing – Seaport Village is a brewpub and the best spot for anyone looking to enjoy a casual drink or meal with an incredible view of the bay.
With its outdoor seating and a wall that opens up to the terrace, it’s perfect for soaking in the scenery while enjoying a cold beer. The interior’s basic bench-style seating adds to its laid-back charm, making it an ideal spot for couples, families, or friends.
Don’t miss out on trying a flight of their beer options to discover your favorite. Plus, you get a free glass and a 50% discount on a t-shirt with your flight!
We recommend you try:
- Nachos and Tacos
- Fish and chips
- Beer Flight
23. Burgers, Bait & Beer
This shack-style bar and grill is located right on the bay front. It has a cool vibe with its outdoor seating and unobstructed views overlooking the bay.
Burgers, Bait & Beer is a great spot for grabbing a quick bite. They specialize in typical bar food but with a unique twist in flavor. There are also quite a few veggie-friendly options.
The restaurant is particularly appealing to families, groups of friends, or couples looking for a laid-back dining experience in a scenic location.
This is a reasonably priced bar when you consider the quality of food and location.
We recommend you try:
- All American Burger
- Baja Burger
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich
24. Joe’s Crab Shack
This informal seafood chain is like stepping into a classic boathouse, with its traditional wooden design and maritime decor. It’s an inviting place for anyone who loves things like classic fish and chips served in baskets or wrapped in paper, which adds to the authentic experience.
Joe’s Crab Shack is ideal for families, couples, or groups looking for relaxed dining
Portion sizes are generous, so come hungry or be ready to share. Also, don’t miss out on their happy hour for great deals on beers and wines
We recommend you try:
- Seafood nachos for a flavorful start
- Shrimp Sampler to taste a variety
- Lobster Bisque for a comforting finish
25. Seaview Restaurant
If you love buffet breakfasts, then Seaview Restaurant at the Hyatt is a must-visit!
Known for its all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet, it offers an impressive mix of both hot and cold items, including made-to-order omelets, waffles, pastries, and much more.
The restaurant’s decor has a classic look with plush chairs and several counters serving up delicious buffet options. It’s also blessed with a stunning patio overlooking the waterfront marina.
We brought so much food back to our table – each of us ordered omelets, Yukon gold potatoes, GF bread, a buttermilk pancake, a waffle, fruit, artisan cheese, smoked salmon, cottage cheese, and some pastries. Kiran had coffee and I had tea.
While it is a breakfast buffet, you’ll also have a waiter to serve any beverages that you want.
This restaurant is open to the public but you do need to call in advance to make a reservation, there’s usually a long queue waiting here. It’s also pricey at $37 per person for breakfast so we suggest going for brunch here instead to make the cost feel more reasonable given the variety and quantity of food you can enjoy.
Despite the expense, the experience and the great selection of breakfast items make it worthwhile at least once.
We recommend you try:
- Made-to-order omelets
- Yukon gold potatoes and GF bread
- Buttermilk pancake and a waffle
Final Thoughts
After exploring and tasting what Seaport Village has to offer, we’re confident you’ll find a restaurant that hits the spot. Each place in our guide serves up delicious dishes.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or looking for new spots on your next trip, these Seaport Village restaurants are definitely worth checking out.
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