15 Best Restaurants in Mission Bay and the Beaches, San Diego

An unexpected oasis of elegance among an often too-casual Mission Beach, Moe's delivers an unpretentious but classic steak house experience. Splurge-worthy treats such as Japanese A5 Wagyu or the bone-in rib eye are tempered by lighter and more wallet-friendly dishes marked as "Entree Alternatives," like seared scallops and dry-aged duck. Classic cocktail fans will appreciate the extensive martini menu and other tried-and-true favorites. The impressive bar with its rich wood details and high-backed leather seating is an experience in itself. 

One fan called it “a notch above amazing”—an accolade not expected for a Japanese eatery wedged into a strip mall in Pacific Beach. But it’s a destination for lovers of high-quality, superfresh raw fish from around San Diego and abroad; reservations are strongly encouraged. The front parking lot is very small, but there's additional parking behind the mall.

Occupying a prime oceanfront lot just south of Crystal Pier, the views from the raised dining room are impressive. Throw in an excellent raw bar, a wide selection of shared plates, and a buzzy bar scene and you get Waterbar's "social seafood" concept.

This build-your-own ice-cream-sandwich shop a block from Pacific Beach is a local favorite thanks to its homemade cookies and diverse array of ice-cream flavors, from mint chip to the bright blue "Bear Batter" made with brownies and sprinkles. Don't miss out on their hot pressed ice-cream sandwiches!

Although the panoramic ocean view is the star attraction at this rooftop restaurant next to Belmont Park, the tasty sushi and share plates are a pleasant surprise for such a touristy locale. Lunch and dinner service bookend a popular afternoon happy hour.

Patrons can have expansive seaside views and choose from over 68 craft beer selections, too, at this spacious Belmont Park bar and restaurant. The relaxed, boardwalk atmosphere—and giant wall-sized television screen—makes it a perfect spot for lounging after riding some waves at Mission Beach, or to cool down after soaking in some sun.

Nestled in a quieter, less-touristy section of Pacific Beach, The Fishery is a local favorite for high-end, sustainable seafood. With a fish market incorporated into the restaurant's design, the freshness of their ingredients is proudly on display, and the extensive menu offers poke, sushi rolls, and other raw bar favorites alongside excellently cooked preparations of spot prawns, crusted halibut, lobster, and seasonal whole fish. The grand seafood tower is sure to make an impression. An engaging wine list and cocktail selection round out the exceptional offerings.

This chic, ocean-facing restaurant (pronounced Jordan), in the boutique TOWER23 Hotel, offers a diverse menu, including a sushi and raw bar and inspired California cuisine. Lunch and weekend brunch are very popular, and on Friday and Saturday the bar is jammed with under-thirty types eager to see and be seen.

Surfers, bicyclists, and sun worshippers visiting or living in Pacific Beach line up at the counter of this casual seaside café for hearty breakfasts and lunches. Some chow down inside surrounded by surfing decor, while others watch waves crash from the outdoor patio.

Walk off your meal along the bustling boardwalk, which also offers prime people-watching.

Owner Nico Gibbons has been a familiar face in the San Diego seafood scene for years, and he finally found a permanent location for his popular pop-up in 2024. Located just a block from the oceanfront, the small suite contains both a dining area and market case stocked with rotating cuts of fresh ahi tuna, shrimp, halibut, swordfish, red snapper, and more. It doesn't get any fresher than this.

Be sure to try Nico's homemade habanero-guava-carrot hot sauce, or purchase your own bottle to take home.

Owner Kelsey McNair's obsession for detail in his beer is equally apparent in his NYC-style pizzas, which come in 12" and 18" options. Toppings range from house marinara sauce to fresh basil, Calabrian chili peppers, capicola, and meatballs straight from his mother's recipe book.

Bring quarters for the two pinball machines.

Also known as the Fish Shop, this is a favorite among locals. Peruse the customizable menu that lets diners select a type of fish, marinade, and preparation style (grilled or fried, and taco, sandwich, salad, or plate) that suits their tastes. You can dine on the heated patio, order your food to go, or buy the daily catch to cook at home.

This casual eatery always commands a crowd, thanks to the explosively flavorful sliders they call "lil' masterpieces." Despite their small size, Rosemarie's sliders pack a punch, from the spicy Nashville hot chicken to the deliciously messy Little Munchies. They recommend two per person, but we won't judge if you order more.  Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 2:30 to 5 pm, with specials on sliders, fries, beer, wine, and cocktails.

Credited with popularizing fish tacos in the United States, Ralph Rubio brought the Mexican staple to San Diego, opening his first restaurant in Pacific Beach where it still stands today. The original beer-battered fish tacos have fried pollock topped with white sauce, salsa, and cabbage atop a corn tortilla.