Best Waterfront Dining in San Diego

Located steps away from the ocean, The Shores Restaurant has one of the best views in all of San Diego. It is almost as if you can reach out the window and touch the sand. Sunday brunch is a la carte and features favorites such as huevos rancheros, brioche french toast, chilaquiles and more. Renowned chef and award-winning cookbook author, Bernard Guillas, changes the menu based on what is in season. The Shores Restaurant is a part of the La Jolla Shores Hotel and provides room service to the lucky guests. Happy hour in the bar is also an awesome place to enjoy the sunset over the ocean.

Though casual in nature, you may be faced with a wait on the weekends if you don't plan accordingly. World Famous is popular with locals for good reason. Patio seating is adjacent to the beach boardwalk where not only are the ocean views relaxing, the people-watching is entertaining. All-day dining is on offer with the kitchen closing at 11:00pm. There's a light bar menu and the restaurant menu both featuring California cuisine such as a variety of salads and seafood entrees. They're known for some of the best fish tacos in town. Happy hour in the bar runs Monday - Thursday with the special varying by the day. As beach parking can be tough, World Famous offers valet on the weekends.

Located upstairs from the more casual Fish Market, this refined venue offers views from Point Loma to the Coronado Bridge, along with cuisine that is nothing short of spectacular. An incredibly broad offering of seafood might include Scottish Isles salmon, South American lobster tail, Oregon dungeness crab, or Chilean sea bass that is all flown in daily. The romantic setting features crisp linens, flickering candlelight, impeccable service, and exhibition-style cooking. Salads and land-based dishes are also served, along with an expanded wine list. The restaurant is considered one of the best in Southern California and has an exhibition-style kitchen. The dress code is smart casual and it's an excellent date night spot.

JRDN is beachfront Tower 23 Hotel's 10,000 square foot contemporary oceanfront steak and seafood restaurant, featuring casually sophisticated cuisine. If you need a hip and trendy place that's less hectic than Gaslamp options, this is also your place to grab a drink. Lounge with your companions, listen to live music and enjoy a specialty cocktail along with ocean breezes. JRDN has indoor/outdoor seating right on the Pacific Beach boardwalk which makes for excellent views and people watching. The clean, simple but modern decor includes color-changing lights and a giant water wall. It's certainly more upscale than neighboring bars but maintains a fun and casual atmosphere.

It's hard not to relax over breakfast, brunch or lunch at Brockton Villa, while gazing out over gorgeous La Jolla Cove. This historic building maintains a casual, cottage feel reminiscent of dining at a friend's beach house. Go for the Coast Toast, Brockton Villa's proprietary french toast recipe (french bread soaked in whipping cream), or pulled pork chilaquiles. The Crab Ipanema (crab benedict) is also famous. Indulge in a fresh orange juice mimosa or two. Kids have their own reasonably priced breakfast menu featuring pint-sized portions of popular dishes. Service is friendly, too. Then, go walk off your meal at La Jolla Cove.

Jake's Del Mar has been popular with residents and visitors for many years. The restaurant is located right on the sand and open daily for lunch, happy hour, and dinner as well as Sunday brunch. Jake's also has a very large selection of gluten-free menu options (though thte kitchen itself is not gluten-free) available at all times. Choose from seafood dishes such as Peruvian shrimp ceviche, curry and cumin crusted ahi or mixed seafood pot. Rest assured land-based dishes also delight with burgers and filet mignon. The gigantic macadamia nut ice cream, chocolate cookie crust Hula pie is worth saving some extra room for. Jake's has also been recognized for their recycling and other green efforts.

Pacific Coast Grill's new beachfront location makes it one of the most scenic spots in North County to eat or grab a drink. The festive, al fresco patio wall borders the sand and the ocean breezes are as relaxing as you might imagine. The California cuisine menu is made with fresh, local and free range ingredients. Popular items include seafood mains like porcini crusted scallops, lobster tacos, sushi rolls and Hawaiian style baby back ribs. Gluten free and plenty of vegetarian options are available. PCG is can also host your next private party between the indoor Reef Room and a patio buyout. Reservations are accepted and highly encouraged, especially during peak times.

A fashionable destination for dinner or drinks, Island Prime boasts enchanting skyline views, a wealth of trendy cocktails, and flawless service. The restaurant is sitting on stilts, resting over the San Diego Bay. Local celebrity chef Debra Scott's deft touch is evident with creations like macadamia crusted mahi mahi with seabeans, roasted pineapple salsa, yuzu beurre blanc. Island Prime's Filet Trio topped with Alaskan king crab, wild mushrooms and blue cheese served with sea salt mashed potatoes is a meat lovers dream. Perfectly grilled steaks are always a fine choice as well. C Level Lounge is more casual, but has a similar menu. Both restaurants have an excellent gluten-free menu.

Dramatically situated on Prospect Street in La Jolla overlooking the blue Pacific, George's at the Cove combines exceptional cuisine and service with spectacular views from every level of the multi-tiered restaurant. Dine in the contemporary restaurant and bar indoors, dubbed California Modern; choose the Ocean Terrace, a great rooftop dining spot; or settle in at Level2, a casual dining and bar destination. The menu, which specializes in California cuisine, reflects the use of fresh local ingredients and unique combinations of flavors to create a memorable dining experience. The restaurant also offers a creative, delectable dessert menu as well as TBL3, a unique opportunity to put your meal into the capable hands of Executive Chef and Owner, Trey Foshee, throughout 12-14 amazing courses.

Perhaps best known for its setting right on the beach, so close to the water that at particularly high tides the waves crash on the windows, The Marine Room serves fine, globally-influenced cuisine. The menu is seasonal but one favorite that is always available is the signature lobster bisque (order it). Main course highlights have included sea salt crispy skin branzino, absinthe butter basted lobster tail, and kalbi shiso lacquered organic tofu. Impeccable service, attention to detail, and an award-winning wine list round out the experience. Check the special event calendar for high tide happy hours and dinners as well as other not-to-be-missed experiences. Happy hour at the bar is also a fantastic way to experience this waterfront restaurant.