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Best Seafood Restaurants in Hillcrest

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85 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Ironside Fish & Oyster restaurant
4.4
Awesome(4532)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Little Italy
Booked 81 times today
Nestled in the heart of San Diego's vibrant Little Italy, Ironside Fish & Oyster is a gem for seafood enthusiasts. Celebrated for its dedication to the freshest and highest quality seafood, this restaurant has transformed a historic auction house into a bustling seafood haven with an expansive raw bar and open-air culinary hubs. Patrons rave about their "10/10 plump oysters" and assert that the "fish and chips may be the best in San Diego." Not to be missed are their lobster rolls, described as "the best thing I ever had!" With its cool vibe and exceptional service, Ironside Fish & Oyster offers an unforgettable dining experience right by the docks where the city's fishing legacy continues to thrive.
A photo of insideOUT restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2258)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Hillcrest
Booked 14 times today
insideOUT in Hillcrest, San Diego, is a culinary gem renowned for its exceptional seafood offerings. Executive Chef Johnny Duran’s creative California-Mediterranean inspired menu features the freshest local ingredients, ensuring each dish is both delectable and authentically crafted. Guests rave about the quality of the seafood, with one patron describing the BBQ Garlic Prawns as "beautiful" and another applauding the Grilled Atlantic Salmon for its perfection. The vibrant ambiance, combined with consistently praised dishes, makes insideOUT a must-visit for seafood lovers seeking an elevated dining experience in San Diego’s only urban oasis.
A photo of Coasterra restaurant
4.5
Awesome(7531)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Harbor Island
Booked 58 times today
Coasterra stands out as a crown jewel of Seafood cuisine in San Diego, particularly celebrated for its fresh, innovative Mexican flavors right on the waterfront of Harbor Island. Patrons rave about the "spectacular view of the San Diego skyline" while indulging in dishes like the "Blood Orange Scallop Aguachile" and "Ancho Chili Roasted Salmon" which are just a few highlights of their diverse seafood offerings. As one diner exclaims, the seafood is "incredibly fresh and wonderful in flavor," ensuring each meal is an unforgettable experience. Whether you're a local or just visiting, Coasterra offers not only a meal but an experience, complete with "impeccable service" and a setting that makes every dining occasion special.
A photo of Seneca restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4117)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown
Booked 108 times today
Seneca, nestled in the heart of Downtown San Diego, offers a splendid Italian dining experience that captures the essence of Roman simplicity and culinary excellence. The restaurant brilliantly merges traditional Roman cooking techniques with San Diego's rich ingredient palette, creating a "True Roman Holiday in SD." Diners consistently praise its authentic Italian offerings, with one visitor remarking, "Visiting from Italy, good food selection and octopus tasted beautifully :)." The atmosphere is equally lauded, from its stunning downtown harbor views to its vibrant ambiance, making every visit memorable. Whether celebrating special occasions or enjoying a casual meal, Seneca stands out as a top choice for authentic Italian cuisine in San Diego.
A photo of Barbusa restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(4278)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Little Italy
Booked 91 times today
Barbusa, nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Little Italy in San Diego, offers a slice of Sicily with its authentic and modern Italian cuisine. Praised for its "excellent food" and "lively atmosphere," this gem stands out for its handcrafted pastas, stone-fired pizzas, and the freshest seafood. A favorite among locals, Barbusa is celebrated for its distinctive dishes like the Sicilian Ribeye and short rib lasagna, which are consistently lauded by diners. Guests rave about the "fantastic food" and "incredible ambiance," making it a must-visit for anyone craving a true Italian experience. With options for gluten-free and vegan diners, Barbusa ensures a delightful dining experience for all.
A photo of C-Level restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4863)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Downtown
Booked 92 times today
Located in the heart of Downtown San Diego, C-Level Lounge offers a cocktail bar experience that is as exceptional as its breathtaking waterfront views. Guests rave about the unique and masterfully crafted cocktails, highlighting favorites like the "spicy and perfectly balanced" Bloody Mary. The atmosphere is described as "upscale-casual," perfect for both special occasions and casual outings. Reviewers consistently praise the attentive and personable service, enhancing the overall experience. "The drinks were amazing," notes one satisfied customer, encapsulating the high standards of the cocktail bar at C-Level, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists seeking a memorable night out.
A photo of Parc Bistro-Brasserie restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(3080)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Banker's Hill
Booked 32 times today
Parc Bistro-Brasserie, nestled in the heart of Bankers Hill, San Diego, is a celebrated haven of French cuisine, meriting its spot on OpenTable’s “100 Best Neighborhood Gems in America for 2021.” Renowned for its seafood-focused approach, the bistro expertly balances classic French dishes with global inspirations. Patrons rave about the "outstanding jumbo shrimp cocktail & steak frites" and the brunch that has been crowned as the "Best Brunch in San Diego." The allure of Parc Bistro-Brasserie is enhanced by its "exceptional food" and ambiance that transforms a meal into a "Paris escape." With glowing reviews like "By far my favorite French restaurant in San Diego! The food is superb!", it's clear that Parc Bistro-Brasserie is a culinary gem that continuously captivates both locals and visitors alike.
A photo of Brigantine at Portside Pier restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4181)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown
Booked 51 times today
Located in the bustling heart of Downtown San Diego, Brigantine at Portside Pier is celebrated for its exceptional Steakhouse cuisine, harmoniously blending San Diego’s surf spirit with exquisite turf fare. Patrons rave about the "always amazing" food, where the classic filet mignon shines alongside local favorites like the marinated grilled swordfish. The ambiance and service are consistently highlighted in glowing reviews, with guests noting the "beautiful view" and "great service" as perfect complements to the mouth-watering dishes. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a casual meal, Brigantine at Portside Pier stands out as a culinary beacon in San Diego, offering a taste of local flavor paired with world-class steakhouse offerings.
A photo of Cellar Hand restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(107)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Hillcrest
Booked 6 times today
Cellar Hand in Hillcrest, San Diego, is a beacon of Mediterranean cuisine, celebrated for its authenticity and dedication to the farm-to-table philosophy. Patrons rave about the "unique flavors and combinations that create an unforgettable dining experience," emphasizing the restaurant’s commitment to using hyper-local ingredients sourced directly from San Diego farms. The menu, crafted by the talented Executive Chef Logan Kendall, receives constant praise, with dishes like the "Aly’s Crudo" and "Thompson Heritage Berkshire pork" standing out as favorites. The ambiance, described as the "perfect blend of comfort, relaxation, and modern style," along with an "excellent wine selection," ensures that Cellar Hand is not just a meal, but a culinary journey through the essence of the Mediterranean. As a top recommendation, the restaurant is a must-visit for anyone seeking a true taste of Mediterranean flavors in a vibrant community-focused setting.
A photo of ARLO San Diego restaurant
4.3
Awesome(738)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Mission Valley
Booked 7 times today
At ARLO San Diego, located in the vibrant Mission Valley, the steak cuisine is a testament to culinary excellence. This award-winning destination, celebrated for its "divinely decadent" Wagyu meatloaf and perfectly tender steaks, ensures every meat lover's dream is fulfilled. Guests rave about the quality, with one diner mentioning, "The steak was cooked exactly how asked, and was juicy and perfectly tender." The use of fresh, local ingredients elevates each dish, providing an authentic and memorable dining experience. Whether it's a casual meal or a large group gathering, ARLO's commitment to top-notch cuisine and its quirky, inviting atmosphere make it a must-visit for anyone craving expertly crafted steak in San Diego.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Stephanie
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Food and service was amazing as always! Chelsea was amazing at keeping us happy and making sure we were satisfied with the recent menu changes. Never had a meal I didn’t enjoy here.
    More info
    CoasterraPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Harbor Island
    4.5
  • Cindy
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Two friends flew in from out of town & I suggested we try C Level. Neither had been before. It was a sunny gorgeous day & we sat out on the patio. The service was impeccable and the food was delicious. We ordered the lobster Mac & cheese, fish & chips & shrimp & crab Louie salad. Everything was fresh & flavorful. They loved our lunch & would highly recommend it.
    More info
    C-LevelPrice: Moderate• Cocktail Bar• Downtown
    4.7
  • Kimberly
    San Diego •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Christmas Magic Our dining experience was golden. The atmosphere was over the top, literally with giant snowflakes, golden ornaments sparkling everywhere. We had a smile on our face the whole evening. Our food was delicious. I had the filet again because it's that good. My friends had the salmon. I tried the 1/2 Caesar salad, the best I’ve had in years. We got a side of crispy red potatoes and garlic bread with dipping au jus. Everything was cooked to perfection and tasted great. They give you umbrellas to use because every hour on the hour Christmas music starts to play and it snows!!!! So much fun. To top it all off we had the Baked Alaska flambé. Our waiter poured a flaming blue caramel sauce over our dessert. What a show! My only regret was we shared it and I didn’t get my own. LOL!! Excellent place for a date night, but a must see for everyone to get in the Christmas spirit. PS We loved our waiter Michael he gave us exceptional service .
    More info
    insideOUTPrice: Expensive• Californian• Hillcrest
    4.7
  • Nataliavip
    San Diego •21 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    What can I say? This is easily one of the best happy hour spots in San Diego! The ambiance is stunning, the service is outstanding, and the food is absolutely incredible. We had yet another fantastic experience here, this time for an early dinner to celebrate my kid’s birthday. The oysters were incredibly fresh, the Japanese sweet potatoes are a must-try, the fish and chips were amazing—so fresh and moist—and the clam chowder was perfection. The smoked trout dip wasn’t my favorite this time, but it was still a solid appetizer. Our server, Mike, was exceptional—attentive, polite, and spot-on with his food recommendations. We’ll definitely be back, and if you’ve never been to this place, make a reservation now. You can thank me later!
    More info
    Ironside Fish & OysterPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Little Italy
    4.4
  • Benyamin
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Absolutely loved the experience, my girlfriend had told me about the restaurant. She loves the early 90s so the vibes of the restaurant was amazing for her, I loved the decor as well as the general ambiance. The vodka pasta was so good, I got the 40oz porterhouse. The outside was grilled perfectly as well as the medium on the inside. The drinks were so good from the Cabernet my girlfriend had to the Gin & Tonic I had were both wonderfully made. 10/10, will absolutely be suggesting this place to every couple we know as THE date night spot in San Diego.
    More info
    SenecaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown
    4.7

Discover best Seafood restaurants in Hillcrest

Discover the vibrant seafood dining scene in Hillcrest, San Diego, where the coastal flavors meet urban flair. In Hillcrest, seafood enthusiasts can expect a variety of culinary experiences, from innovative California-inspired dishes to traditional seafood classics. Restaurants in this eclectic neighborhood pride themselves on sourcing the freshest ingredients, ensuring that each dish serves up both quality and taste. Many establishments feature menus that highlight local catches and seasonal specialties, catering to both casual diners and gourmet aficionados alike. The dining atmosphere in Hillcrest varies from intimate and cozy to lively and modern, making it a perfect destination for any occasion. Visitors will appreciate the commitment to excellence in service and the emphasis on creating memorable dining experiences. Whether you're a local or a tourist, exploring Hillcrest's seafood offerings is sure to satisfy your palate and provide a delightful culinary adventure.

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