San Diego’s downtown dining scene is packed with incredible seafood spots. We have upscale steakhouses serving top-tier seafood to oceanfront gems with unbeatable views. If you want a tower of seafood, crudo, or perfectly seared tuna, there are options. Come hungry for the best seafood downtown San Diego.
Unbeatable Seafood Dining in Downtown San Diego
San Diego’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean makes it a prime location for fresh, high-quality seafood. With access to fish and shellfish right off our shores, daily catches are brought in by local fishermen. Seafood lovers can enjoy everything from swordfish to lobster just hours after being in the ocean.
Huntress
Huntress is a modern steakhouse in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. They offer fresh seafood dishes like the “From Sea To Shore Seafood Platter.” It has sixteen chilled shellfish and seafood bites. Other highlights include “Dry Aged Tuna & Frites” with green peppercorn sauce. This spot serves the best seafood downtown San Diego.
Lionfish
Lionfish Modern Coastal Cuisine is located in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. It is known for its fresh seafood offerings. Dishes like Robata Diver Scallops, Broiled Big Glory Bay Salmon, and Spicy Grilled Octopus are signature dishes. You’ll find the best seafood downtown San Diego here.
Lou & Mickey's:
Lou & Mickey’s is a classic steakhouse in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. They serve fresh seafood dishes like Seared Rare Wild Yellowfin Tuna (Ahi). They also have a daily selection of oysters and jumbo shrimp. It’s the perfect spot for both business and social gatherings, making it one of the best seafood restaurants in downtown San Diego. Locals love this for the best seafood downtown San Diego.
Vistal
Vistal Bar + Restaurant offers stunning panoramic views of San Diego Bay. The food is just as impressive. Fresh seafood dishes, like the Rosarito Shrimp Cocktail, feature Baja-sourced shrimp in a tasty cocktail sauce. The menu highlights regional flavors from the Baja Peninsula, Pacific Islands, and Mediterranean fishing villages. Craving the best seafood downtown San Diego? Try this place.
STK San Diego
Although steak is the signature item at STK, you’d be missing out if you didn’t try the tuna tartare. Or the miso-glazed Chilean sea bass. The restaurant is a combination of a modern steakhouse and chic lounge. They offer everything from weekend brunch and happy hour to an excellent dinner service. Don’t miss the best seafood downtown San Diego at this restaurant.
C Level Lounge
C Level Lounge is perched on stilts over San Diego Bay. It’s hard not to be mesmerized by the stunning views of the downtown skyline and Coronado Bridge. Charred Octopus. The menu changes based on seasonality. The Mediterranean Bowl with corvina fish catch and Charred Octopus are must-order dishes. This restaurant is known for the best seafood downtown San Diego.
Top of the Market
Top of the Market offers seating with views of San Diego Bay and the Midway. However, the chef’s table is where you get the best view of fresh seafood being prepared, cooked, and plated. Known as one of the best seafood restaurants in downtown San Diego. Their signature dishes include grilled octopus, kanpachi crudo, Alaskan halibut, and ahi tuna. Fresh catches make it the best seafood downtown San Diego.
Other Must-Try Seafood Restaurants in Downtown San Diego
Brigantine Seafood & Oyster Ba
Brigantine Seafood & Oyster Bar is a popular San Diego restaurant chain. It is known for its fresh seafood and steaks and relaxing atmosphere. Their signature dish is their award-winning fish tacos.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar is a high-end restaurant in the Gaslamp Quarter. They serve prime steaks, and seafood, and have an extensive wine list.
Morton's The Steakhouse
Morton’s is an upscale dining destination specializing in steaks. They serve seafood in addition to steak, including Chilean sea bass, oysters, shrimp, and crab legs. This menu highlights the best seafood downtown San Diego.
Sally's Fish House & Bar
Sally’s Fish House & Bar reopened in April 2025 with a reimagined space. Tourists seek the best seafood downtown San Diego at this spot.
Water Grill San Diego
Water Grill is known for its fresh, high-quality seafood and a menu that changes daily. They offer a wide variety of fish, lobsters, crabs, oysters, and shellfish. A favorite among locals for the best seafood downtown San Diego.
I have also published my list of the best restaurants in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter.
