Best Restaurants With a View in San Diego
In a city as beautiful as ours, you’re going to want to enjoy the scenery every chance you get — so it’s a good thing that the year-round mild and sunny weather here means dining with a stunning view is always on tap. Amazing waterfront and 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 San Diego Restaurants with incredible views to accompany their delicious dining.
Cannonball (1.2 miles)
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.
(Photo: @cannonballsd)
3105 Ocean Front Walk, San Diego, CA 92109
The Holding Company (2.6 miles)
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.
(Photo: @thc1502)
5046 Newport Ave, San Diego, CA 92107
Humphreys SoCAL Dining and Music (4.3 miles)
This exceptional eatery at our sister property Humphreys Half Moon Inn is a great option for a delicious waterfront dining experience. Enjoy locally sourced seafood, steaks, and other fresh twists on creative cuisine. Not only will you be treated to the perfect plates, but the views of the marina are unbeatable! Join the fun on Sundays for the locals’ favorite champagne brunch, with water views, mimosas, prime rib, omelets, crab, and more.
(Photo: @halfmooninn)
2241 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106
Bali Hai (4.4 miles)
Bali Hai offers a grand Polynesian dining experience wrapped in a delightfully kitschy, tropically Googie exterior. The potent fruity beverages (a.k.a. their infamous Bali Hai Mai Tai) and sweeping San Diego Bay views may be some of their biggest draws, but the crazy-fresh seafood and sumptuous steaks are what you’re really here for. To get there just enjoy a quick stroll across the island from us!
(Photo: @balihairestaurant)
2230 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106
Blue Wave Bar & Grill (4.6 miles)
As a classic California café, Blue Wave offers fine dining in a casual atmosphere. You’ll find this exceptional eatery right in front of Shelter Island’s marina and alongside the stunning outdoor pool at our sister property, Best Western Plus Island Palms. The menu is fresh, local, and prepared daily — so you’re sure to find something that satisfies. Don’t forget to grab a refreshing cocktail from the full-service bar so you can sip and savor while you scope out the marina view.
(Photo: @bluewavebarandgrill)
2051 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106
Kettner Exchange (5.6 miles)
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.
(Photo: @kettnerexchange)
2001 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
Island Prime/C-Level (5.8 miles)
Island Prime (and its on-site C-Level Lounge) takes oceanfront dining to an entirely new level. Set on piles directly over the water, this eatery lets you go beyond the beach — offering exceptional views of the San Diego Bay and downtown skyline. Their unparalleled views make this a fantastic choice for a romantic evening or first date; and is also very popular for business lunches if you’re looking to impress a client.
(Photo: @islandprimeclevel)
880 Harbor Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Mister A’s (6 miles)
Mister A’s in Banker’s Hill offers guests an incredible gourmet menu, as well as panoramic views of 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.
(Photo: @misterasrestaurant)
2550 Fifth Ave 12th floor, San Diego, CA 92103
Born and Raised (6.3 miles)
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.
(Photo: @bornandraisedstk)
1909 India St, San Diego, CA 92101
Rustic Root (7 miles)
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.
(Photo: @rusticrootsd)
535 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Altitude Sky Lounge (7.2 miles)
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.
(Photo: @altitudeskylounge)
660 K St, San Diego, CA 92101
Portside Pier (7.3 Miles)
Portside Pier offers a lively mix of over-the-water dining experiences against the backdrop of the bay and downtown skyline. Guests can enjoy fresh seafood, authentic Mexican flavors, pub fare, coffee, and gelato—all with a stunning 360° view of the San Diego waterfront. Make sure to check out Brigantine, Miguel’s Cocina, Ketch Grill & Taps, and Topsail!
(Photo: @socaltravelblog)
1360 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Pinpoint Cafe (9 miles)
Nestled in La Jolla’s stunning coastal landscape, Pinpoint Cafe offers more than just exceptional coffee—it’s a hidden gem boasting breathtaking ocean views. Whether you’re a local seeking serenity or a visitor eager to uncover La Jolla’s secrets, this “treehouse” promises a delightful blend of caffeine and coastal charm.
(Video: @palmtreesandpellegrino)
The Marine Room La Jolla (9.7 miles)
If we’re highlighting dining with a view in San Diego, we’d be remiss not to mention a true must-visit luxury dining experience: the Marine Room in La Jolla. Not only have they recently unveiled an intimate dining space called The Lounge, but they offer globally-inspired seafood dishes and chef-driven cocktails. The real draw is their “High Tide Dinner”. If you’re lucky to get reservations in advance, you’ll see that you are literally on the water, with dramatic crashing waves that land right along your window-front seats.
(Photo: @themarineroom)
2000 Spindrift Dr. La Jolla, CA 92037
George’s at the Cove (10.5 miles)
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.
(Video: @georgesathecove)
1250 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037
Plan Your Foodie Tour at The Dana
Regardless of where you elect to get an eyeful with your plateful, you really can’t go wrong planning your stay at The Dana on Mission Bay! Our competitive rates, exceptional rooms, and guest-first amenities are all as delicious as the dining in the area. Plus, we’re also a waterfront destination, so the scenery doesn’t stop once you return to your “home base” after dessert. Take a look at our Special Offers page, select the San Diego travel deal that’s right for you, and prepare to be impressed.