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Best Waterfront Restaurants in La Jolla

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25 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Waterbar San Diego restaurant
4.5
Awesome(408)
Price: Moderate
• American • Pacific Beach
Booked 18 times today
Located alongside the vibrant ocean-front boardwalk in Pacific Beach, Waterbar offers only the best in tantalizing menus, innovative libations, panoramic views, and lively entertainment. Our “social seafood” menu is inspired by East coast, West coast and Baja cuisines, and transforms the freshest flavors through our chef’s unique renditions of coastal classics. Flavor-forward craft cocktails, local micro-brews, national brand favorites, and a diverse wine list are offered across comfortable bar seating, community-table dining, and intimate ocean-side tables. Waterbar’s thriving, energetic environment captures the passion of San Diego’s iconic coastline for an unforgettably satisfying experience.
A photo of Oceana Coastal Kitchen restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1322)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Pacific Beach
Booked 17 times today
Oceana Coastal Kitchen features chef-driven, California cuisine along with modern, ocean-inspired design. The restaurant offers a memorable bayfront dining experience at an iconic Pacific Beach hideaway.The airy waterfront restaurant includes several distinct dining areas such as a quartz-topped cold bar embedded with mother of pearl and sea glass. The focal point in Oceana Coastal Kitchen's main dining room is an impressive 800-gallon aquarium, while a sliding window fully opens to showcase unobstructed views of Mission Bay.Oceana Coastal Kitchen offers an al fresco experience for guests, complete with sleek booths and tables with sweeping panoramic waterfront views. Led by Executive Chef Paul Arias, favorite menu items include the Oceana House Roll, the Harris Ranch Ribeye, and the Striped Seabass.We are excited to announce that we have been recognized by TripAdvisor as a 2023 Traveler’s Choice Best of the Best award winner, ranking 10th in the country for “Everyday Eats.”
A photo of World Famous restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1056)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Pacific Beach
Booked 39 times today
World Famous is a waterfront restaurant located in San Diego's Pacific Beach neighborhood. It's known for its Southern Californian Coastal cuisine, featuring seafood and prime rib. As one reviewer noted, 'The food is fantastic plus a great atmosphere next to the water!' Another said, 'right in the boardwalk with killer ocean views.' The restaurant's location directly on the beachfront sidewalk, with stunning views of the ocean, makes it a hit among diners.
A photo of JRDN Restaurant restaurant
4.5
Awesome(2174)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Pacific Beach
Booked 33 times today
Soak up ocean views and the energetic vibe of Pacific Beach while dining on menu inspired by San Diego's unique culinary influences. The dishes blend California cuisine, with its focus on seasonal ingredients, with Japanese and Baja flavors in surprising ways. Serving steak, sushi and seafood, JRDN's menu artfully balances elevated classics and premium signature dishes. Footsteps from the Pacific Ocean and Crystal Pier, JRDN serves daily brunch and dinner in our ocean view dining room and sun-kissed outdoor patio. The atmosphere is warm and inviting and the crowd, hip yet comfortable - all enjoying the view of the ocean while sipping hand-crafted signature cocktails and exploring one of San Diego's most creative wine lists. Complimentary Valet - 2 Hours
A photo of Peohe's - Coronado Waterfront Restaurant restaurant
4.5
Awesome(8879)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Coronado
Booked 54 times today
Peohe's - Coronado Waterfront Restaurant is located on Coronado Island, offering spectacular waterfront views of the San Diego Skyline. Reviews often mention the 'waterfront dining', 'beautiful location looking at the City lights over the water', and 'great water views'. It's clear that this restaurant is a popular spot for a relaxing waterfront dining experience, with a variety of seafood and other dishes inspired by the island.
A photo of Roy's San Diego Waterfront restaurant
4.2
Awesome(3749)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown
Booked 51 times today
Roy's San Diego Waterfront is a waterfront restaurant located on the water at the Marriott Hotel and Marina. The description mentions patio dining just steps from the water, and numerous reviews mention the outdoor seating with great waterfront views. One reviewer mentions watching the sunset over the marina, while another mentions enjoying the view of the bay and boats. It's a perfect spot for a relaxing dinner while enjoying the waterfront view.
A photo of Coasterra restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(7773)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Harbor Island
Booked 133 times today
Coasterra is San Diego's premier bay front dining destination! We are an innovative and modern restaurant, lounge and floating event center, featuring Mexican cuisine.
A photo of C-Level restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(5205)
Price: Expensive
• Cocktail Bar • Downtown
Booked 152 times today
C-Level is a waterfront restaurant, as stated in its description and confirmed by numerous reviews. It's on the waterfront overlooking the city skyline and Coronado. Patrons highlight the breathtaking water views, and recommend booking tables by the water for the best experience. They also suggest catching sunsets and enjoying the city light up.
A photo of Animae restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(3440)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary Asian • Downtown
Booked 89 times today
Located just steps from the waterfront, ANIMAE is where West Coast flair meets Asian soul. Under the direction of Executive Chef Tara Monsod, a James Beard Award finalist, the menu delivers bold, genre-defying dishes like her signature Pork Tomahawk Tocino—a smoky, sweet, deeply umami showstopper grilled over a traditional coal-fired oven.Inside, ANIMAE stuns with a maximalist-meets-modern aesthetic: think art deco glam, velvet banquettes, mirrored ceilings, and an energy that’s both sultry and celebratory. Whether you're dining in the main room or sipping cocktails in the tucked-away lounge, every corner invites you to stay awhile.
A photo of Brigantine at Portside Pier restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4447)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown
Booked 135 times today
The Brigantine is more than just home to some of San Diego’s finest seafood. It’s a place where locals and visitors alike come to share a lively atmosphere and authentic sense of community. The Morton family opened the first Brigantine on Shelter Island in 1969, with a vision that embraced the beach town lifestyle, a dedication to flavorful food, and a passion for friendly service. Today, we’re known far and wide for our San Diego-style surf and turf. From our award-winning fish tacos and freshly shucked oysters, to classic filet mignon or our perpetually best-selling marinated grilled swordfish. Always prepared to exceed expectations, and served with a smile. You can stop in at any neighborhood Brigantine and get a taste of the local flavor, from regionally inspired specials, to custom cocktails and home town craft beers. At the Brigantine we make first timers feel like regulars, and consider regulars part of the family. So come by often, and share our taste for life.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • SaraVIP
    San Diego •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    It was Easter Sunday, and it was good energy but yet still subdued The food was awesome, the bottomless mimosas were generous and never left empty, and our server was fantastic It’s a great spot for a date night, taking friends to a great affordable restaurant right on the beach, or a family friendly brunch We all struggled to pick something off the menu as we wanted multiple items My friend leaned in and said, well that just means I need to come back! 10/10 would recommend for an upscale and affordable meal at the beach!
    More info
    Waterbar San DiegoPrice: Moderate• American• Pacific Beach
    4.5
  • BrianneVIP
    Seattle / Eastern Washington •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    My family and I had the BEST time while dining here. We had front row to the beach and were able to watch our kids play on the beach while my husband and I enjoyed a nice meal and relaxed! The service was so kind and friendly! The steak and apps were wonderful as well. We loved it so much we ate here back to back nights!
    More info
    Oceana Coastal KitchenPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Pacific Beach
    4.6
  • LizaVIP
    Sacramento / Sacramento Valley •22 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Visited 10 years ago and just recently… still is perfect. Menu items are wonderful. I had the shrimp and hubby had steak. We had the shared mashed bacon cheese potatoes too… YUM!! Service was excellent. Highly recommend and beautiful view with many windows. Thanks Riley for the great communication while we were on the road from NorCal. 😎👍
    More info
    Red Marlin - Hyatt Regency Mission BayPrice: Expensive• Californian• Mission Bay
    4.3
  • kelly
    Las Vegas •3 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Great location at marina Good food options Noisy but that suited us fine as we had kids A bit pricey but understandable for San Diego water restaurant No dish was amazing but all good enough
    More info
    Sally's Waterfront DiningPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Downtown
    4.3
  • Maurio
    Phoenix / Arizona •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Mar 29, 2025
    Very good food and good service, definitely worth it
    More info
    SeaviewPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown
    4.6

Discover best waterfront restaurants in La Jolla

Discover the charm of waterfront dining in La Jolla, San Diego, where every restaurant offers a unique perspective on the serene oceanfront. These eateries provide not only breathtaking views but also a variety of culinary delights, ensuring a memorable dining experience by the water. From sophisticated seafood dishes to casual beachside fare, the restaurants cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences, all while embracing the natural beauty of their coastal location. La Jolla's dining scene is renowned for its emphasis on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and innovative cuisine, making it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts and ocean lovers alike. Whether you're looking for a romantic sunset dinner or a lively meal with friends, the waterfront restaurants in La Jolla promise an enchanting atmosphere accompanied by exceptional service and unforgettable flavors. Experience dining where the ocean meets the sky, and let the panoramic views and exquisite dishes transport you to a world of culinary excellence.

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