Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Mission Bay

104 restaurants available nearby

1. Herb & Wood

4.7

Exceptional(6477)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Little Italy

Booked 110 times today

A timeless, sought-after dining escape, celebrated Chef Brian Malarkey opened Herb & Wood to instant acclaim over four years ago. In that time, the restaurant has become an icon, a dining destination that has helped to propel San Diego's culinary reputation to new heights. By focusing on rustic, wood-fired dishes, Chef Malarkey's menu elevates humble ingredients such as carrots, beets, and chicken, incorporating Mediterranean flavors and a California ethos of seasonality and sustainability.

A photo of Tom Hams Lighthouse restaurant

2. Tom Hams Lighthouse

4.6

Exceptional(6667)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Downtown

Booked 61 times today

Tom Ham’s Lighthouse was built in 1971 by a man who was not afraid to put his name on his product. Rooted in warm welcomes & excellent food, Tom Ham made his lifelong dream a reality. Tom Ham’s Lighthouse is the only restaurant in the US to have a USCG operated & maintained Lighthouse attached to it. You can locate us on any modern nautical map as Beacon #9. Featuring a 100% responsibly resourced seafood menu & award winning Sunday Champagne Brunch, we are a must when it comes to the San Diego food scene. The dining room, purposely shaped like the state of California, allows for groups as grand as 50 yet private enough for a couple’s night out. Holiday brunches have been long time family traditions for many San Diegans. Start your family’s tradition this next holiday. With the best views of the Downtown City Skyline, Coronado & San Diego Bay, Tom Ham's is & remains a San Diego tradition in dining excellence since 1971.

3. Dockside 1953

4.4

Awesome(609)

Price: Moderate

• Californian • Mission Beach

Booked 29 times today

With its spectacular waterfront setting on Mission Bay, nautical-inspired design, and a menu of mouthwatering dishes, Dockside 1953 is a favorite restaurant for hotel guests and locals alike. Aptly named for its marina-facing locale at the Bahia Resort Hotel and the year the resort opened, Dockside 1953 is a stunning standout in San Diego’s dining scene. Fresh, coastal-inspired, and locally sourced — the eclectic menu of California fare features dishes to satisfy all palates. With a dedication to high-quality ingredients, menu highlights include classic sweet and savory options for breakfast; salads, bowls, and flatbreads for lunch; sharable starters and fresh seafood entrées for dinner; and a thoughtful wine and cocktail menu. The extensive outdoor patio features cozy fire pits, gorgeous Mission Bay views, and a covered trellis to shade guests.

4. The Fishery

4.7

Exceptional(3067)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Pacific Beach

Booked 53 times today

BEHIND EVERY GREAT SEAFOOD RESTAURANT IS A WAREHOUSE STOCKED WITH FRESH SEAFOOD. The Fishery Restaurant & Market is located just a few blocks from the ocean in North Pacific Beach. The restaurant menu reflects ‘coastal cuisine’ with a simple yet serious focus on the best our coastal fisheries and local farms have to offer. The passion that drives Chef Mike Reidy is evidenced by flavors that can only be achieved using ingredients at their peak of seasonality and freshness. The Fishery was awarded the prestigious Award of Excellence for its Wine List from Wine Spectator in 2018- Present. Our wine list is inspired by the great wines of Europe and their American counterparts and we strive to showcase real, natural, food friendly-wines with a sense of place.The Fishery Market showcases fresh fish, prepared seafood, salads, sauces and marinades.

A photo of Oceana Coastal Kitchen restaurant

5. Oceana Coastal Kitchen

4.3

Awesome(1300)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Pacific Beach

Booked 7 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.”

6. Paradisaea

4.7

Exceptional(568)

Price: Very Expensive

• Californian • La Jolla

Booked 23 times today

A celebration of food, cocktails, art, and warm hospitality. Housed in the historic Piano Building, in the heart of the vibrant community of Bird Rock, Paradisaea is a destination restaurant and bar, that San Diegans frequent for crave-able, accessible fare, executed at the highest level.

7. El Agave

4.7

Exceptional(2477)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Old Town

Booked 35 times today

Experience the true flavor of Mexico at San Diego’s premier Mexican cuisine destination.Established in 1996, El Agave Restaurant & Tequileria offers its patrons a unique dining setting withinthe largest tequila museum in the United States – with over 3,000 tequilas on display – alsorepeatedly voted the #1 tequila bar in the country. Nestled in historic Old Town, San Diego, it is theperfect place to enjoy a business lunch, romantic date, rehearsal dinner or to simply relax andunwind sipping find tequila with friends.

8. World Famous

4.6

Exceptional(1003)

Price: Moderate

• Californian • Pacific Beach

Booked 55 times today

World Famous is a neighborhood gem in Pacific Beach, San Diego, serving fresh Californian cuisine. It's renowned for its spectacular oceanfront views and inviting ambiance. Reviewers consistently praise the excellent service, delicious food, and the relaxing atmosphere. One reviewer even said, 'Always a pleasure to eat there. Always great service!!' Another noted, 'The food is always prepared perfectly & is delicious.' It's clear that this place is a local favorite and a must-visit destination for anyone in the area.

A photo of Solare Ristorante Lounge restaurant

9. Solare Ristorante Lounge

4.7

Exceptional(2445)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Point Loma

Booked 23 times today

Family-owned and operated, Randy Smerik and his team are dedicated to providing an amazing dining experience for you. Our authentic Italian cuisine features a focus on fresh and locally sourced ingredients. including fresh pasta made each morning and organic produce, wild fish, and hormone free meat.

10. The Red Door

4.7

Exceptional(2979)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Mission Hills

Booked 20 times today

The Red Door San Diego is committed to offering our guests sustainable and responsibly sourced farm-to-fork dishes. We proudly serve contemporary Italian and modern European cuisine with the freshest locally grown and handcrafted products available. We also feature delicious and unique ingredients from around the world. Chef/Owner Luciano Cibelli shops daily, personally selecting every item we serve. He bakes fresh breads, rolls, desserts and all of the pasta in house (including a special Gluten Free Bucatini) and he develops his menus in rhythm with the seasonal San Diego harvest. Enjoy nightly special offerings or a house favorite, Beef Wellington. Join us for the highly rated cuisine and return for the charming ambiance and excellent service behind the Red Door.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

C
Chris
San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Finally a FRESH SEAFOOD DOWN TO EARTH CLASSY Restaurant that provides the ultimate in freshness in every ingredient tasted this night. My wife and I frequent seafood restaurants all over the Pacific including Maui and other neighboring islands. Only one that came close is Merrimans' not Mama's. The Fishery is the Real Deal and Thanks to the wonderful mind and hard work of the Owner and its' hard workers and especially the Chef who have nailed this hard to please type of cuisine and preparation.... Thanks for making our trip memorable to SD and we will be back. The Wards from SF Bay Area.... Chris and Lauren
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The FisheryPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Pacific Beach
•
4.7
J
JoeVIP
Los Angeles •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
This restaurant exceeded my expectations, it might be one of the best hotel restaurants I’ve ever dined at. Really great experience all around.
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Dockside 1953Price: Moderate• Californian• Mission Beach
•
4.4
K
Kathleen
Phoenix / Arizona •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Simply put, one of the best meals I have had the privilege of enjoying! Delightful server, Calvin, was very in tune with the timing of our meal and our needs. The fixed menu was perfect for Christmas Eve, as it kept the meal flowing and decision-making to a minimum. Every course was delectable from the scallop crudo, the creamed mushrooms, and the sea bass, to the date cake with walnut ice cream! Mezcal hibiscus cocktail was creative and tasty, as well! I will definitely be back!
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Herb & WoodPrice: Expensive• Californian• Little Italy
•
4.7
S
Shiela
San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Awesome experience as always. We love this place. The food, service and ambiance were excellent. Our server was very attentive and friendly. Highly recommend this place👍
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Tom Hams LighthousePrice: Expensive• Seafood• Downtown
•
4.6
A
arelis
Orange County •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 30, 2024
Delicious sashimi, lava rolls & fresh oysters. Excellent service. Very friendly & welcoming
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Oceana Coastal KitchenPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Pacific Beach
•
4.3

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Mission Bay

Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Mission Bay

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104 restaurants available nearby

1. Herb & Wood

2. Tom Hams Lighthouse

3. Dockside 1953

4. The Fishery

5. Oceana Coastal Kitchen

6. Paradisaea

7. El Agave

8. World Famous

9. Solare Ristorante Lounge

10. The Red Door

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable