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Best Seafood Restaurants in Hillcrest

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85 restaurants available nearby

A photo of insideOUT restaurant
1. insideOUT
4.7
Exceptional(2265)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Hillcrest
Booked 44 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 Seneca restaurant
2. Seneca
4.7
Exceptional(4125)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 39 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 Coasterra restaurant
3. Coasterra
4.5
Awesome(7534)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Harbor Island
Booked 42 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 C-Level restaurant
4. C-Level
4.7
Exceptional(4865)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 53 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 Ironside Fish & Oyster restaurant
5. Ironside Fish & Oyster
4.4
Awesome(4533)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Little Italy
Booked 29 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 Barbusa restaurant
6. Barbusa
4.6
Exceptional(4279)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Little Italy
Booked 68 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 Parc Bistro-Brasserie restaurant
7. Parc Bistro-Brasserie
4.8
Exceptional(3082)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Banker's Hill
Booked 25 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
8. Brigantine at Portside Pier
4.7
Exceptional(4184)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 34 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
9. Cellar Hand
4.7
Exceptional(107)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Hillcrest
Booked 3 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 Water Grill - San Diego restaurant
10. Water Grill - San Diego
4.7
Exceptional(3581)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 42 times today
Nestled in the vibrant heart of San Diego's Gaslamp District, Water Grill San Diego offers an unparalleled seafood experience that has consistently earned it top ratings among the city’s seafood dining spots. Right from the bustling docks, their boat-to-table strategy ensures only the freshest seafood, including an impressive variety of fish, lobsters, crabs, and oysters, makes it to your plate, often within hours of being caught. Patrons rave about their 'exceptional' seafood dishes, with the Chilean seabass and lobster frequently highlighted as 'possibly the best ever had.' Each dish is crafted to showcase the natural flavors of the high-quality ingredients, earning glowing reviews for both the culinary finesse and the lively, elegant ambiance. Whether it's the 'amazing' oyster sampler or the expertly prepared sea bass, Water Grill promises a memorable dining adventure right in the bustling center of San Diego.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • ELIZA LEARY
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined today
    Enjoyed our Thanksgiving early dinner here, they had a fixed menu for $89.95. We had a choice of first course, second course and dessert. I had the yummy pan seared sea bass. We were seated at the patio. It was pretty warm even though it was partially open air.. they had ample heaters and a fireplace. Magnificent views of the San Diego skyline. Service was top notch, our waiter was very nice and attentive. Cocktails were extra, and they were delicious. The place was packed, but didn't take away from the cozy ambiance. Would love to be back.
    More info
    C-LevelPrice: Moderate• Cocktail Bar• Downtown / Gaslamp
    •
    4.7
  • Vincevip
    San Diego •21 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Great thanksgiving feast with breathtaking view of the bay and San Diego’s skyline. Service was extremely friendly and professional. The staff constantly attend to your needs. One of them even helped carry one of my plates back to the table. The food selection was very eclectic and included hand crafted soups, multiple meat carving stations, and a wide variety of salads, side dishes, and desserts. Will definitely consider coming back here for future holiday feasts. Thank you coasterra for a wonderful experience.
    More info
    CoasterraPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Harbor Island
    •
    4.5
  • Jocelyn
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    My friends and I love Seneca, we keep going back to this place every time we hang out. The pizzas and pastas are so yummy!! We’ve tried a few things from the menu and there hasn’t been one we didn’t like. They have a good variety of pizzas, pastas and appetizers. They have good mocktails too, the cucumber is my favorite! And I don’t drink alcohol so I haven’t had any cocktails but from what I’ve heard those are good too! The staff has always been super friendly and welcoming and the view is breathtaking! I highly recommend giving this place a try! 🙂
    More info
    SenecaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown / Gaslamp
    •
    4.7
  • Dana
    San Diego •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    OUTstanding from start to finish! The decor and ambiance made me so darn happy. It was a golden, gaudy, Christmas explosion and I loved every second of it. Drinks were great and food was incredible. Our server Tommy (I think) was attentive and helpful. We got the Caesar salad, the house salad, the roasted chicken and the short rib. The Caesar salad and short rib were our favorites. We waited a long time to finally make it in but we’ll be back in the spring for a new round of decorations. It’s just so good.
    More info
    insideOUTPrice: Expensive• Californian• Hillcrest
    •
    4.7
  • Nataliavip
    San Diego •21 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 19 Nov 2024
    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

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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