If you’ve been trying to track down the best restaurants in San Diego with a view, you’ll love these picks!
San Diego is known for everything from its incredible museums and galleries to its stunning coves and shopping opportunities… and you might be looking for the best restaurants in San Diego with a view that’ll let you take it all in.
From little beachside restaurants with ocean views, to amazing wineries with countryside views, this list has it all!
Whether you’re on the hunt for the best restaurants in San Diego with a view for a budget trip or want to go all-out, you’ll find somewhere wonderful to try out here!
So let’s go!
George’s at the Cove
To start our list of the best restaurants in San Diego with a view, we have George’s at the Cove!
Not only is this one of our all-time favorite restaurants in La Jolla for delicious seafood, but the waterfront vistas from here are stunning.
The dishes are inspired by California coastal fare. So, expect classic dishes like fish tacos, soups, and an amazing mussel mariniere to appear on the menu.
It’s definitely on the pricey side. But the panoramas over the ocean, the sprawling terrace make this amazing.
Read more about La Jolla: Our favorite cheap eats in La Jolla! For budget-friendly travelers!
Cordiano Winery
Next up on our list, it’s the gorgeous Cordiano Winery. This family-run winery is also a delicious pizza restaurant, and (as you can imagine) the countryside and vineyard views are something special.
The view up here is simply magical, and we recommend heading there around sunset, to enjoy some local win, and some homemade pizza.
Sounds pretty perfect right? It’s a beautiful pick for restaurants in San Diego with a view.
Bali Hai Restaurant
Bali Hai Restaurant, is an eternally popular Polynesian spot!
It’s an extremely popular place to host weddings in San Diego, but it’s also one of the best choices if you adore fresh seafood with your view!
Throw in their excellent happy hour (just try the Mai Tais!) and live music, and it’s easy to see why it’s among our top picks!
Read more San Diego food ideas: Top MIchelin Star restaurants in San Diego
Portside Pier
Portside Pier deserves a mention on any list of the best restaurants in San Diego with a view. Unlike a few of the others on this list, this place is utterly casual and serves pub grub.
So, don’t worry about pinching pennies to afford a meal here!
You’ll find authentic Mexican food here as well as fresh seafood and an incredible range of cocktails and brews.
Mitch’s Seafood
Mitch’s Seafood is among the top seafood restaurants in the city and is famous for the incredible views they offer to customers.
This place is known for serving some of the most glorious fish tacos in San Diego, but don’t miss out on its raw bar or clam chowder either!
If you’re partial to a boozy beverage, this is one of those places that boasts an awesome drinks menu too. Whether you’re feeling wine or cocktails, this place has got you covered.
Read more San Diego ideas: Top 11 places for deep dish pizza in San Diego!
Cannonball
This Asian fusion restaurant is home to the largest oceanfront restaurant in the area. So, it’s unsurprising that it’s on our list!
The menu is packed with Californian favorites with Pacific Rim influences.
The lobster and tuna rolls are divine but don’t sleep on the salads if you’d like something light before hitting the water.
Whatever you order, this is one of the restaurants on my list that you’ll want to secure a booking for. As it gets BUSY!
Read more about visiting San Diego: 30 fun things to do in the Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego!
Bernardo Winery
Next on our list of the best restaurants in San Diego with a view, it’s the wonderful Bernardo Winery.
If you want to enjoy some views a little ‘in-land’ then we think you’ll love visiting Bernardo Winery, as it is surrounded by some of the most stunning landscapes and vineyards.
Their food menu has been designed to perfectly complement the wines, so you know you’re in for something truly delicious when dining here.
Personally, we LOVE their pasta dishes! So make sure you try one of the many choices during your visit.
Tom Ham’s Lighthouse
Tom Ham’s Lighthouse is tucked away on Harbor Island Drive.
Their enormous deck offers next-level views over the waterfront, and their delectable brunch buffet is always fully booked.
This is among the best restaurants in San Diego with a view that specializes in seafood. But you’ll also find a few steaks and veggie dishes sprinkled in too.
Oh, and if you want to spend your time sipping cocktails on the patio? You’ll have no trouble doing that during the height of summer!
Top of the Market
If you’re on the hunt for the best restaurants in San Diego with a view, then you’ll adore Top of the Market.
This spot is one of our favorite places to visit in the Gaslamp Quarter as it provides breathtaking views over San Diego’s harbor.
You can thank the floor-to-ceiling windows for that!
Although it’s considered a high-end restaurant (so might be slightly out of budget for some travelers), it’s worth shelling out for.
And hey – you only live once, right?
Vessel Restaurant
When it comes to the best restaurants in San Diego with a view, you can’t beat Vessel Restaurant.
This contemporary restaurant serves gorgeous New American cuisine and offers stunning views over the marina from every angle.
You’ll usually be able to grab an entrée for under $30, but a three-course blowout will set you back quite a bit.
So, part of what you’re paying for is the panoramas!
Regardless of whether you’re craving seasonal dishes, fresh seafood, or cocktails at their 360° bar.
Read more about San Diego food: 11 best seafood markets in San Diego!
Monarch Ocean Pub
Our next suggestion for the best restaurants with a view in San Diego, it’s Monarch Ocean Pub.
This is a great choice for restaurants with a view in San Diego, especially if you’re looking for somewhere casual but lively.
The vibe here is great, and the views are perfection. If you’re searching for somewhere to spend a relaxed Saturday afternoon with great food, great drinks and great views – you can’t get much better than this.
Read more San Diego inspiration: 45 Unusual and unique things to do in San Diego!
C-Level Lounge
C-Level Lounge is the place to be for the best restaurants in San Diego with a view of the skyline and the waterfront.
This place is one of the most popular rooftop bars in San Diego, and it serves an incredible range of cocktails and chophouse dishes.
So, if you’re feeling a steak and a round of drinks after a long day of exploring the city, this is a great choice, for sure. Just be aware that it’s far busier here in the evenings!
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Coasterra
Coasterra is a vibrant Mexican restaurant offers amazing waterfront dining right on the San Diego bay and serves everything from ceviche to enchiladas.
The food and drinks are excellent.
But it’s the outdoor patio, candlelit tables, and upscale feel that make this one of the best restaurants in San Diego with a view.
Read more San Diego food recommendations: Top 20 places for Mexican food in San Diego
Brockton Villa
Brockton Villa is next on our list, and it’s a beautiful pick.
This place is located right on the waterfront, so you’ll get beautiful and calming views of the ocean as you dine.
Brockton Villa is also a really charming little restaurant, with tons of character and history! This is a great choice, especially if you’re dining out on a beautiful summer’s day!
Edgewater Grill
Are you on the hunt for the best restaurants that specialize in all-American fare? If so, Edgewater Grill is the place to be.
It’s on the cheaper side, which makes it a top choice for the best restaurants in San Diego with a view.
We highly recommend ordering the delicious crab soup if you want to try local catches.
But virtually anything from their brunch to their charcuterie boards is worth trying!
Read more San Diego food ideas: Where to find the best Seafood Boil in San Diego!
Altitude Sky Lounge
Next up on our expansive list of the best restaurants in San Diego with a view, it’s Altitude Sky Lounge!
This has always been one of our go-to rooftop bars in the Gaslamp Quarter thanks to its panoramic views over the city and Petco Park.
Realistically, it’s what you should expect if you’re 22 floors above ground!
You won’t find huge plates on the menu here.
Lumi
Lumi is a bright and busy rooftop bar in San Diego that serves delicious Japanese cuisine from chef Akira Back.
It’s right in the heart of the Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District. So, you should expect dazzling views of Gaslamp and the rest of the city from up here.
Whether you’re craving seafood, sake, or a few cocktails, this is one won’t disappoint.
Read more about San Diego: 15 Charming Small Towns Near San Diego!
GARAGE Kitchen + Bar
GARAGE Kitchen + Bar is our next suggestion for the best restaurants in San Diego with a view.
If you’re looking for classic New American fare, seasonal cocktails, and sports, you’ll love dining here.
Food-wise, you can expect brunch classics every weekend and a decent range of burgers and light bites.
And the cocktail menu? You’ll find everything from the Cucumber Collins to the fragrant Lavender Mist!
The Marine Room
The Marine Room is our next pick for the best restaurants in San Diego with a view.
Known for its bougie French fare and elegant dining room, this is a fabulous option if you’re searching for amazing views and amazing food!
You’ll get stunning views over La Jolla Cove. And you’re so close to the water, that you might even see the waves crashing at the windows on occasion!
Read more about La Jolla: Top 10 La Jolla restaurants on the water!
Jake’s Del Mar
Next up on our list, it’s the lovely Jake’s Del Mar.
This place is located a little further out from the center of San Diego (in the suburb of Del Mar) but we promise you, it’s worth the extra drive.
With stunning floor-to-ceiling windows, and a prime spot right on the water, this is a gorgeous pick for restaurants in San Diego with a view!
Sunday brunch is our favorite time to visit this lovely San Diego restaurant with a view!
Hopefully our list of the best restaurants in San Diego with a view has given you plenty of inspiration!
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