Best Seafood in San Diego

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.