The Coolest Rooftop Restaurants in San Diego
In a city as beautiful as ours, you’re going to want to enjoy the outdoors every chance you get — so it’s a good thing that the year-round mild and sunny weather here means al fresco drinks and dining are always on tap. Amazing rooftop restaurants in San Diego are a staple of outdoor fun here, and a fantastic way to experience “America’s Finest City”. If you’d like to get out and explore, here are our picks for the best places to elevate your experience.
Cannonball (1.2 miles away)
(Photo: @cannonballsd)
Directly overlooking the Mission Beach Boardwalk, Cannonball can lay claim to having the largest beachfront rooftop in the city. They also serve always-fresh sushi, seafood, and fresh California cuisine. You’ll find a delightful drinks menu of beachy cocktails here, too.
3105 Ocean Front Walk, San Diego, CA 92109
The Holding Company (2.6 miles away)
(Photo: @thc1502)
This inviting three-story hangout in Ocean Beach is located just half a block from the water. The always-hopping space features live music, Asian-inspired cuisine, and lively happy hours. When you arrive, head up to the rooftop for a uniquely Pacific perspective.
5046 Newport Ave, San Diego, CA 92107
Kettner Exchange (5.6 miles away)
(Photo: @kettnerexchange)
Kettner Exchange is a hip rooftop restaurant and bar that always draws a great mix of locals and visitors thanks to its exceptional manu, and wine list. While here, you can even book a private cabana complete with craft-cocktail decanters and self-serve beer taps.
2001 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
Mister A’s (6 miles away)
(Photo: @misterasrestaurant)
Mister A’s in Banker’s Hill offers guests an incredible gourmet menu, as well panoramic views in San Diego. From their roof deck, you can gaze out across Downtown, Balboa Park, and San Diego Bay as you enjoy exquisite fine dining and refined cocktails.
2550 Fifth Ave 12th floor, San Diego, CA 92103
Born and Raised (6.3 miles away)
(Photo: @bornandraisedstk)
The gorgeous, elegant rooftop space at this storied steakhouse combines regal Art Deco decor with fun and unexpected pop-culture touches. The cocktails and the cuisine are just as impressive and are regularly cited as some of the best anywhere in the city.
1909 India St, San Diego, CA 92101
Garibaldi (6.8 miles away)
(Video: @catchgaribaldi)
This speakeasy-style rooftop bar brings Mediterranean style flair and flavor to Downtown San Diego. The food and beverage menus here feature authentic Italian selections, with an emphasis on Sardinian-style fare, and pier-to-plate seafood caught by local fisher-folks.
901 Bayfront Ct, San Diego, CA 92101
Rustic Root (7 miles away)
(Photo: @rusticrootsd)
Rustic Root serves up traditional farm-style American cuisine, as well as a curated signature cocktail menu in a laid-back atmosphere. The inviting rooftop space is warm and relaxed, and absolutely perfect for a bit of people-watching in the Gaslamp Quarter.
535 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Altitude Sky Lounge (7.2 miles away)
(Photo: @altitudeskylounge)
Altitude Sky Lounge is the highest open-air rooftop bar in the area (at an impressive 22 stories up), meaning the views are truly amazing. This upscale lounge is located right next to Petco Park, making it the perfect spot to pregame before you cheer on the Padres.
660 K St, San Diego, CA 92101
The Nolen (7.5 miles away)
(Photo: @thenolenrooftop)
Located in the Gaslamp Quarter, this 14th-story rooftop bar serves creative craft cocktails and comfort food-inspired plates. Grab a drink, take a seat by the communal fire pit, and enjoy the spectacular views of downtown San Diego and the Coronado Bay Bridge.
453 Sixth Ave #7007, San Diego, CA 92101
George’s at the Cove (10.5 miles away)
(Photo: @georgesatthecove)
Located just to the north of us in the beautiful beachside town of La Jolla, George’s at the Cove is well worth the trip. Impressive cuisine, elevated cocktails, and amazing views of adjacent La Jolla Cove await at one of the most renowned rooftop restaurants in the area.
1250 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037
(Top photo: @cannonballsd)