Best Restaurants in San Diego With a View: Your Guide to Coastal Cuisine and Bayfront Bites

Start with George’s at the Cove, located in La Jolla. It’s one of the must-visit restaurants with a view San Diego is known for—thanks to its tri-level oceanfront layout that lets you choose your vibe.

For casual rooftop dining, the Ocean Terrace is where it’s at; try the Local Rockfish Tacos or the Grilled Albacore Sandwich. If you’re feeling fancy, the California Modern level has upscale dishes that lean coastal chic.

There’s a kid’s menu with chicken strips and grilled salmon that even picky eaters will devour. Pets are welcome on the Ocean Terrace, so bring your pup for the sunset and stay for the shrimp cocktail.

Book a table at The Marine Room, sitting pretty right along the coast. This is one of the top romantic restaurants in San Diego with a view, especially when the waves literally crash against the windows during high tide—talk about dinner and a show.

Order the Beef Carpaccio with cured yolks and truffle vinaigrette or the Signature Lobster Roll served on buttered brioche with lobster cappuccino. There’s no official kids’ menu, but the chef can whip up simplified dishes for the little ones.

Pets aren’t allowed here—it’s strictly humans-only, but the setting is so dramatic, no one’s complaining. Just be prepared for higher prices—it’s a splurge, but one you won’t regret.

Elevate your evening at Mister A’s, perched high in Bankers Hill. As one of the top restaurants in San Diego with a view, it overlooks the downtown skyline, San Diego Bay, and even Balboa Park.

You can’t go wrong with the Baja Striped Sea Bass or the Butter-Poached Lobster for that classic fine-dining flex. Brunch here also caters to families, and while there’s no kids’ menu, staff is happy to modify dishes for younger palates.

No dogs allowed, but the space is too elegant for pets doing zoomies anyway. This one’s for anniversary dinners, proposal nights, and “I just got promoted” celebrations.

Dine at Coasterra and you’ll be treated to one of the best views in town. It absolutely offers stunning views of the San Diego Bay downtown skyline and Coronado Bridge, making it a knockout for happy hour or dinner with a backdrop.

Dive into the Prime 32 Oz Bone In Ribeye or Surf and Turf Quesadilla and wash it all down with one of their spicy margaritas. Kids can snack on Cheese Quesadillas or Chicken Fingers without complaints.

The outdoor patio is pet-friendly, so your pup can lounge while you toast the skyline. It’s trendy but not try-hard, which means you can dress up—or roll in with sandy beach hair and still feel right at home.

Score a reservation at Island Prime and prepare to be wowed. It’s considered one of the best restaurants with a view in San Diego, thanks in part to the menu crafted by Chef Partner Deborah Scott.

Meaty highlights include the 20 oz Bone-In Ribeye and the indulgent Trio of Filet Mignon. Kids will be happy with the Sharp Cheddar Mac N’ Cheese or Lobster Bisque.

Island Prime is not pet-friendly, so you’ll need to leave your furry dinner date at home for this one. However, it’s upscale, sleek, and perfect for when you want dinner to feel like an event.

Wrap it up at The Nolen, a rooftop gem in the heart of downtown. This rooftop lounge is a standout among restaurants in San Diego for its sleek atmosphere and sweeping views of the city skyline.

Order up the Pulled Pork Sliders for sharing or go all-in on the Truffle Fries and a craft cocktail flight. It skews more adult, but families are welcome during early hours and the kitchen’s flexible with simpler requests.

No pets here—it keeps a loungey, elevated vibe that’s more spritz than squeaky toy. It’s a strong choice for a pre-theater drink or girls’ night with major rooftop energy.

Head north to Jake’s Del Mar for the ultimate toes-in-the-sand meets surf-and-turf experience. It delivers serious surf-and-sunset vibes and is best known for signature dishes including the Mixed Seafood Pot and Togarashi Spice Crusted Ahi that hit the sweet spot between beach casual and date night.

Try the Baja Fish Tacos or the perfectly cooked Hula Pie while watching waves roll in. Kids will love the Teriyaki Chicken or Grilled Cheese Sandwich—straightforward and satisfying.

Pets aren’t allowed inside, but it’s right on the beach, so a pre- or post-meal stroll with your furry friend is easy. It’s the kind of place where flip flops and fine wine live in harmony.