San Diego: a city where the skyline competes with the beaches for the ‘Most Likely to Make Your Instagram Followers Jealous’ award. With cliffs that could double as movie sets and an ocean that refuses to take a bad photo, it’s a wonderland of views. It’s no shocker, then, that the city’s clever restaurateurs have set up shop in spots where the scenery is as delectable as the menu.
Craving a side of ocean breeze with your entrée? Or perhaps a sunset that looks like it’s been photoshopped, but trust us, it’s all natural? Then dive into San Diego’s best restaurants with a view. Bon appétit, and don’t forget to charge your phone – you’re going to need it for the pictures.
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Rustic Root
📍535 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Rustic Root is where you go to elevate your dining experience—literally. With its rooftop seating, you’re not just munching on a meal; you’re reigning supreme over the Gaslamp Quarter. The view? Oh, it’s just a casual panorama of charming old-fashioned buildings that make you feel like you’ve time-traveled (minus the inconvenience of horse-drawn carriages).
The food is what happens when American comfort classics get a sunny California makeover. The bar’s lineup of signature cocktails isn’t just impressive; it’s practically a who’s who of mixology mastery. So, grab a seat, order a round, and toast to being on top of the world (or at least the Gaslamp Quarter)
The Nolen
If you’re looking for a fancy night downtown, try the Nolen. First, find your way to the Courtyard Gaslamp (no, it’s not a quest, just a hotel). Then, play your golden ticket – the elevator to the 14th floor. What awaits is a rooftop bar and lounge experience that’s nothing short of ‘wow’. Up there, you’re not just sipping drinks; you’re practically rubbing elbows with the city skyline.
The view stretches from the heart of downtown to the Coronado Bridge, and it’s so breathtaking, you might forget to Instagram it (but don’t). And it’s not just about the eye candy; their modern twists on classic cocktails will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about happy hour. Oh, and the bar food? It’s like your favorite comfort food went to culinary school. Trust me, it’s an elevator ride worth taking – just don’t press the wrong button!
Sally’s Fish House & Bar
Ahoy, seafood lovers! If you’ve ever fantasized about dining like a sophisticated pirate, Sally’s Fish House & Bar is your treasure island. Nestled with a view of a marina, this spot lets you munch on locally-sourced seafood while being serenaded by the distant songs of yachts and sailboats.
Picture it: you’re savoring sushi and ceviche, surrounded by boats that might make you consider a career in sailing (or at least in boat-spotting). And let’s talk about the main stars: the crab cakes and seafood paella, so good they could start a maritime legend. And the Chilean sea bass? It’s grilled over a wood fire, infusing every bite with the essence of Poseidon’s barbecue.
As the evening rolls in, cozy up by the outdoor fire pits. They make every meal feel like a warm hug… with a side of ocean breeze. It’s not just a meal; it’s an aquatic adventure minus the seasickness.
The Fish Market
OK, the name of this restaurant isn’t particularly inspired, but the view from the restaurant is. It’s built right over the water in a location that gives it an incredible panoramic view of the whole bay.
The Fish Market serves seafood, of course, cooked in a variety of different styles. No matter what the style, though, each dish is subtly and skillfully flavored. All of the seafood is locally sourced. And if you don’t particularly like seafood, there are other dishes, too. They do a pretty good steak. The Fish Market is a family restaurant, so feel free to bring the kids.
Valle Restaurant
If you want more of a Mexican meal, head out to the Valle Restaurant. It serves traditional Mexican cuisine done really, really well, with some surprising little twists. And that’s not surprising, because the chef is Michelin starred. The picaña, for example, is made with a nice, exceptionally tender wagyu beef.
The outdoor patio looks right over the palm tree-lined beach, giving diners there the sort of view that can only enhance a fine meal of the sort you can get here. For the best vibe, go in the evening.
Cannonball
This is the largest beachfront rooftop restaurant in all of San Diego. You get a great view of Mission Beach, and that’s a really appropriate view for a place that has a vibe like a beach party.
You should really go there for their Acoustic Sunsets. The combination of live music and the sun going down over the ocean is a lot of fun. The sushi menu is really incredible.
Brigantine (Little Italy)
Right below Top Sail, Brigantine offers a great vibe right on the San Diego Harbor. If you’re in the Little Italy area, you can enjoy a waterfront view while being in the downtown area.
We recommend going for the crab cake – it’s a filled with alot of crab!
Kairoa Brewing Co.
Kairoa Brewing Co. offers up an interesting mix of favorite New Zealand dishes and classic American ones. Try pairing a New Zealand sausage roll with a local San Diegan beer. There’s all kinds of interesting beers to go along with your meal, as well as wine cocktails, hard kombucha, and cocktails. And they’re particularly enjoyable when consumed on the rooftop patio, which overlooks the University Heights district. We also recommend the salmon sashimi.
Kettner Exchange
This restaurant has two levels of both dining overlooking Little Italy. The rooftoppatio is great for a dinner experience that’s atmospheric as well as innovative. The menu is creative, featuring such unexpected items as foie gras French toast and suckling pig larb. The cocktails are every bit as creative as the meals are. You can even rent the cabanas on the rooftop. The building itself won a prestigious award for architecture.
Waterbar
If you’re looking to be a little classy in Pacific Beach, check out Waterbar which is located along the boardwalk in Pacific Beach. They serve amazing cocktails and is also one of our favorite bars in Pacific Beach.
They have bar seating with a great view but if you can make reservations or find a hightop table along the windows, you will have a spectacular date night. You’ll be able to watch the sunset as well as people watch the crazy-ness of the Pacific Beach boardwalk while enjoying a nice dinner and drinks.
Coasterra
The view here is one that is best enjoyed at a particular time of day. Sunset, to be precise. You see, it has an excellent view of both the ocean and the downtown area. So when the sun goes down, the ocean waves catch on fire while the darkening city lights up. It’s quite a show. And while you’re enjoying it, you can also enjoy some high quality food. The steak with the house sauce and pickled vegetables is worth trying. The roasted chicken is more delicious than roasted chicken has any right to be. Enjoy them with a coconut margarita, which is possibly the best drink ever invented. Grab some churros with chocolate caramel dipping sauce while you’re at it. They’re incredible!
George’s by the Cove
George’s by the Cove is a classic San Diego restaurant located in the heart of La Jolla. With its outdoor patio and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, it is the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends. Enjoy the unique menu featuring seafood, steak, and more.
Mister A’s
Mister A’s is a modern American restaurant located on the 12th floor of a building in Banker’s Hill. Enjoy stunning views of San Diego Bay and beyond while savoring delicious cuisine. The restaurant offers an extensive wine list and craft cocktails, as well as a variety of gourmet dishes. A must-try is the signature dish, the pan-seared scallops with mushrooms and truffle oil. Enjoy the view and the delightful flavors of the food in the sophisticated atmosphere of Mister A’s.
