Located steps from the beach at Mission Bay, Oceana Coastal Kitchen serves a selection of dishes from land and sea using sustainable, fresh ingredients. Highlights include a 25-foot-long cold bar that serves a selection of oysters, fresh sushi, seafood platters and specialty items, such as yellowtail crudo, sesame sea bass ceviche, king crab legs, tuna carpaccio and more. The focal point of the entire restaurant, however, is an 800-gallon aquarium that is home to fluorescent tropical jellyfish. Sip on a cocktail from a menu of tropical-inspired drinks or enjoy an extensive selection of California wines including nearly 30 by the glass. Restaurant guests also receive complimentary valet parking and dogs are welcome on the patio.
Recommended for Seafood because: Located inside The Catamaran Hotel, it's a good choice for those vacationing in Pacific Beach.
Katie's expert tip: Kids are sure to be mesmerized by the jellyfish tank so ask for seating near it, if possible.
Located in a new building, Point Loma Seafoods is better than ever. Fish is brought in and selected daily by the owners who also claim that there is also no better shrimp on the market than what they sell. Locals have favored this fish and chips place for years, and it's one of San Diego's best places for al fresco dining. Reasonably priced fresh seafood, party platters, and sushi (there's also a sushi deli should you want a few rolls while you're there) are on offer if you're entertaining at home. The ambiance is very casual as it's a combination eatery and seafood market.
Recommended for Seafood because: Ask a local what their favorite seafood restaurant is and most will answer Point Loma Seafoods.
Katie's expert tip: Have fresh caught fish? Point Loma Seafoods offers custom fileting and smoking. The homemade tartar sauce is to die for, too.
Guy Fieri of "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives" loves Blue Water Seafood and so will you. Absolutely nothing else is on offer other than fresh seafood cooked to order. Choose your fish or shrimp, pick a marinade, and ask for a sandwich, plate or tacos. It's that simple. The no-frills ambiance of this little Mission Hills gem lets the fresh, extremely reasonably-priced food speak for itself. Locals favor the fish tacos, oysters and the market for at-home preparation. Call in advance if you're placing a to-go order, as there can be a wait to order at peak times. It might be hard to find a table in the restaurant/market during peak times... it's that popular!
Recommended for Seafood because: It was featured on the Food Network for solid yet simply-prepared fish tacos.
Katie's expert tip: Try to avoid peak times, because as neat as it was to see Blue Water Seafood on TV, it's become even more popular than it already was.
Small and unassuming, El Pescador Fish Market in La Jolla has been a local favorite for over 30 years. Place an order to-go, pick up some fresh fish from the market or dine in. El Pescador is known for it's fish sandwiches, with swordfish and calamari being the most popular. Or, pick a fish, decide if you want it char-grilled or sauteed, and then put it on a salad (all salad dressings are homemade) or order a full plate, which includes a small salad and steamed rice. Prices are reasonable, service is friendly and the quality superb. Leave your fancy clothes at home as the ambiance is beach-casual.
Recommended for Seafood because: El Pescador is somewhat of a hidden gem in La Jolla for ceviche, fish sandwiches and filets to take home.
Katie's expert tip: Take home some honey-smoked salmon. It perks up a homemade salad or morning bagel.
Despite it's location and seriously casual ambiance, the quality of the food at Pacific Beach Fish Shop may surprise you. Pick a fish, select a marinade then decide if you'd like a taco, sandwich, salad or plate. Soak up the sun on the big patio, which also happens to be dog-friendly. Thirsty? They have a rather large selection of over 50 local craft beers. Locals rave about the fish and chips, lobster lumpia, tacos and more. Thursday is dollar oyster night until they run out. There is also now a kids menu and there's no fee for corkage if you want to BYO wine.
Recommended for Seafood because: Choose your fish and then choose the preparation: taco, sandwich, salad or plate with two sides. Then, eat al fresco.
Katie's expert tip: It's a counter-order restaurants so wait times can be long in the evenings and on weekends. They offer beer and wine only.
Oscar's catapulted to fame in Pacific Beach for fantastic and inexpensive fish tacos. This is its original location, a hole in the wall near a smoke shop and a dive bar. It's casual with a to-go atmosphere and very little seating but other locations in Pacific Beach have larger dining areas. The tacos, which can be upgraded to a burrito for just $1 more, are worth the wait--and there is often a wait. Portions are huge with the tacos heaving with meat, cheese and avocados. Double the avocados if you like for just 50 cents and grab an agua fresca with free refills.
Recommended for Seafood because: Oscar's is major bang for your buck, not to mention of of the best places for fish tacos in town.
Katie's expert tip: It is popular, but worth the wait for an awesome shrimp or fish taco. Try the smoked fish taco.
The Fishery is an unpretentious, restored vintage warehouse located 3 blocks from the beach in the Pacific Beach area. Part restaurant and part fish market, The Fishery supports local artisanal fishermen they call out by name. Chef Paul Arias perfects a seasonal menu that changes based on what is available locally. Wine on offer is designed to pair well with seafood. Favorites include the market fish and chips, swordfish tacos, clam chowder, sushi and more. The market has a catering menu and to-go orders can be placed and picked up within 15 minutes or so. Dress is casual and pets are welcome on the patio.
Recommended for Seafood because: It's simply-prepared, awesome seafood in the Pacific Beach area, near La Jolla, and great for all ages... even pets are welcome on the patio.
Katie's expert tip: The Fishery has some of the best ceviche in San Diego. It's also moderately-priced and the quality rivals the fancier Gaslamp seafood restaurants.
Versatility and freshness set this seafood specialist apart. Combining a bountiful oyster bar with a fresh fish menu that changes daily, Oceanaire offers a changing selection that may include snapper, swordfish, grouper, mahi-mahi and blue marlin steak. Jumbo lump crab cakes and fish and chips are favorites as well. Savory sides range from sour cream and onion mashed potatoes to fried green tomatoes. The 1930's decor and an adjoining cocktail bar add to the appeal of the restaurant's large and lively dining room. Oceanaire has received numerous awards for being one of the best seafood restaurants in San Diego. Prices reflect the quality.
Recommended for Seafood because: It's a special occasion staple for San Diegans that receives high marks for gorgeous seafood.
Katie's expert tip: Join the Landry's Select Club (The Oceanaire Seafood Room is a member) to earn points for visiting participating restaurants from coast to coast. You'll receive exclusive member-only benefits.
This Eddie V's location in the revitalized police headquarters is a big one. Occupying the space of the former courthouse, it sports a two-level interior including mixed woods, glass accents, a 20-foot wine wall, three private dining areas and a V Lounge with live jazz daily. The vibe is of an elegant steakhouse or supper club and a meal here is a splurge that very few people complain about. Service sparkles and the steak, crab cakes, lobster bisque, bananas foster, crab fried rice and fresh seafood filets do not disappoint. Seafood arrives fresh from all over the world. This restaurant is perfect for date night.
Recommended for Seafood because: Sure, it's an upscale chain but the steak and seafood here are always top notch.
Katie's expert tip: While the fresh bread with sea salted butter is amazing, pace yourself. You have to make it to the Georges Bank scallops and then some. So good.
Truluck's La Jolla has been recognized by many of San Diego's local publications for a good reason. Come hungry, because you'll want it all from crab claws to lobster bisque to perfectly-cooked prime cuts of steak with sauce choices such as chimichurri. The crab is fresh from Truluck's own fisheries. The restaurant is a champion of the sustainable seafood movement and does not serve seafood out of season. Hormone-free and all natural meats are sourced from U.S. family farms. The wine list is updated weekly and features sommelier selctions by the glass. If you're feeling like something a bit stiffer, the cocktail list is lengthy with about 15 different specialty martinis on offer.
Recommended for Seafood because: Truluck's is versatile: great for date night, family dinners, happy hour and more. The food is always outstanding.
Katie's expert tip: Truluck's has one of the best happy hours in San Diego with half-off of their lounge menu (tuna tartare tower, escargot and more), half-off cocktails and discounted wine.
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