Where are the best restaurants in Pacific Beach San Diego? Here are 21 of them!
While Pacific Beach is known for its nightlife, the neighborhood has lots of great places to eat. We spent some time in Pacific Beach checking out their restaurants and bars and we’ve handpicked a list of the best ones for you.
Table Of Contents
Best Pacific Beach Restaurants
1. Ambrogio15 Pacific Beach
This sleek and modern restaurant is known for its Milan-style pizzas.
It has a clean and bright interior with chunky wooden tables and plush red seating, with a welcoming atmosphere. There’s also an outdoor terrace.
One of the highlights here is the pizza-making classes where you can learn from authentic Italian chefs.
The prices here are a little higher than other pizzerias in the area, but the quality is worth it.
We recommend you try:
- Scrocchiarella Mortadella E Burrata
- Bresaola Rucola E Parmigiano Pizza
2. Oltre Mare
Located in a quaint homely-looking building, Oltre Mare is a welcoming and down-to-earth restaurant.
They promise an authentic Italian dining experience, with multi-course meals featuring a mix of pasta and seafood.
The interior is modern with ambient lighting and extends to an outdoor terrace surrounded by plants and fairy lights. It’s the perfect spot for couples on a date night, or small older family groups on a special occasion.
It’s not the largest restaurant, so we recommend making a reservation to make sure you can get a table.
We recommend you try:
- Mussels Alla
- Pescatora for Two
- Tiramisu
3. Waterbar
This restaurant bar is located right on the beachfront.
It’s a spacious and relaxed venue with stunning ocean views looking out over the beach and ocean. It is perfect for couples or groups after a lively dining experience. As the sun sets, the vibe changes into a lively bar. Some nights there is live music.
It has an ocean theme running throughout giving it a more modern look compared to the standard beach shacks close by.
This place does get popular so depending on when you arrive, there might be a short wait, especially during the evenings.
We recommend you try:
- Ceviche
- Fish tacos
- Sweet & spicy wings
4. Kono’s Cafe
Located on the beachfront with a relaxed atmosphere, this surf shack-style diner serves up hearty breakfasts and lunch options with a large terrace and great views.
It’s a top choice for families, groups, or anyone craving a laid-back meal. It’s kid-friendly and also wheelchair-friendly thanks to no steps. They also have quick service so it’s perfect for a quick bite before heading to the beach for the day.
They have a surf-themed interior and make use of eco-friendly practices like using paper cups and wrapping.
One downside is that parking can be challenging around here and the place can get busy after 9 am.
We recommend you try:
- Egg Burrito
- Avocado Sandwich
5. JRDN Restaurant
This restaurant is the go-to destination if you’re looking for refined surf ‘n’ turf dishes.
Its open-plan, modern, and bright interior has large bi-fold windows with stunning views over the beach. They also have a large outdoor terrace with heaters for the colder mornings.
It’s a great spot for families and couples who want something a little more upmarket than the experience you get at the beachfront shacks nearby.
They stand out for their diverse brunch menu as well as a great selection of co*cktails.
We recommend booking a table, as there can be long wait times here.
We recommend you try:
- Chilaquiles Eggs
- JRDN Breakfast
6. The Local Pacific Beach
This pub has a laid-back atmosphere and is a great spot If you want pub grub and craft beers.
It has an industrial and junkyard-inspired interior, including exposed woods and eclectic finishes, with plenty of seating and standing room.
It’s an ideal place for friends looking for a fun hangout spot or families seeking a relaxed dining experience – it’s even dog-friendly.
Although this restaurant has a vibrant energy and tasty food options it can get very loud in the evenings.
We recommend you try:
- Buffalo beef sandwich
- Buffalo cauliflower
- Loco Moco
7. Bare Back Grill
This place is a great combination of being a bit kitschy and hipster, with plenty of wood-heavy details and New Zealand motifs dotted about. It’s adorned with plants and hanging baskets as well as a large outdoor terrace seating with grass umbrellas giving it a tropical vibe.
Insider, they have large bi-fold windows and long bench seating, making it perfect for groups and families looking for a relaxed atmosphere.
Back Grill specializes in artisanal burgers, pints, and sides.
Sometimes there can be a wait for food, but the servers are friendly and the food is good quality.
We recommend you try:
- Fish N’ Chips
- Burgers
- Chicken Pot Pie
8. Pacific Beach Fish Shop
This industrial-style restaurant serves up a great selection of fresh fish and seafood served in tacos, sandwiches, and salads, paired perfectly with local microbrews.
Inside you’ll find chunky wooden tables, with the fresh catch of the day laid out. Outside the terrace has benches with ambient lighting under umbrellas.
It has a relaxed atmosphere so is perfect for casual outings, whether with couples or families.
The food is top quality, however, it’s slightly pricey.
We recommend you try:
- Coconut shrimp.
- Hawaiian Ono Taco
- Fresh fish
9. The Fishery
The Fishery is inside an 18th-century building and has the feel of a traditional seafood market brick-and-mortar warehouse.
Its bright and open interior has a fish market theme and is one of the best restaurants for seafood enthusiasts. It’s a great place for a romantic dinner or family outing.
A couple of downsides of this place are that prices can be on the higher side and wait times may vary, especially during peak hours.
We recommend you try:
- Macadamia nut-crusted halibut
- Grilled swordfish
10. Woody’s Breakfast And Burgers
Located right on the boardwalk, this laid-back beach restaurant offers a relaxed vibe with its hole-in-the-wall style shack and ample outdoor seating.
It’s ideal for couples, and families, as well as being dog friendly.
They serve up a tasty range of sandwiches, wraps, tacos, and smoothies against the backdrop of stunning beach views. We recommend getting one of their hearty breakfast burritos and pairing it with a warm coffee on chilly mornings.
One of the biggest gripes here is that we wish they adopted some eco-friendly practices – they use single-use plates and forks.
We recommend you try:
- Avocado and scrambled eggs
- Breakfast burrito
11. Enoteca Adriano
Enoteca Adriano gives a refined dining experience with its authentic Italian food in a welcoming and intimate space.
The decor is cozy with large bright windows, and an outdoor terrace with an all-weather covering for year-round alfresco dining although we do recommend taking a sweater or something warm as the outdoor seating at night can be a bit chilly.
This restaurant is ideal for date nights, small groups, or families looking to celebrate a special occasion.
Portions sizes are generous, and their pasta dishes and a great selection of paired wines are popular here.
We recommend you try:
- Their homemade pasta
- Carpaccio Di Manzo
- Pope’s Pillow Gnocci
12. World Famous
With a blend of surf, turf, and pub grub in a simple, wood-paneled setting, World Famous has big windows and stunning oceanfront views with a relaxed vibe.
It’s ideal for couples or families and groups wanting great food and service.
Prices here are on the higher side, the quality of food and the views justify it.
We recommend you try:
- Fish and chips
- Classic burger
13. Costa Brava
This restaurant combines classic Spanish bodega charm with the laid-back atmosphere of a surf shack.
They mostly serve up tapas and casual meals which makes it a great spot for relaxed dining for friends or couples looking to share delicious food washed down with sangria.
The outdoor seating under a canopy is perfect for long drawn-out summer evenings.
We recommend you try:
- Pulpo
- Ox tail
- Chorizo y butifarra
- Patatas Alioli
14. Baja Beach Cafe
If Barbie designed a beach shack, this would be it. The bright pink exterior with its straw roof adds a fun touch to this eatery.
The cafe is located on the boardwalk, with unobstructed views of the beach. It’s a great spot for families and friends looking for a relaxed beachside meal.
Sometimes the service is a little bit too relaxed. Don’t come here expecting a quick meal.
We recommend you try:
- Vodka BBQ wings
- Queso dip
15. The French Gourmet
We love this restaurant for its adorable French farmhouse-style building.
This bistro, bakery, and wine shop features everything you’d expect from bright blue shutters, hanging baskets, and striped canopies.
Inside, the traditional farmhouse theme continues with brick walls, wooden ceilings, and checkered tablecloths, creating a chic and inviting atmosphere.
This is a perfect spot for couples or families who are looking for homemade goodies with a European flair. The food here is outstanding, as is the service.
They also have plenty of gluten-free options among their baked goods.
We recommend you try:
- Baguettes – various fillings
- Crepes
16. Oscars Mexican Seafood
Modern, bright, and clean, this Mexican-inspired seafood spot, is perfect for quick meals with friends and family.
It has a relaxed atmosphere, with no-frills dining and plenty of outdoor seating, which is also dog-friendly.
One thing to note with this restaurant is that parking can be a bit tricky and might mean parking quite a long way from the venue.
We recommend you try:
- Shrimp taco
- Mixed ceviche
- Fresh seafood
17. Pacific Beach AleHouse
This multi-story beachfront pub is the perfect spot for a relaxed meal with friends, while also enjoying amazing ocean views.
The menu offers a variety of pub classic dishes, as well as craft beers from their own brewery.
This pub has plenty of outdoor seating across various levels. There are also shaded areas as well as a fire pit making this a year-round hangout.
Service here is quick, some even say that it can feel a bit rushed.
We recommend you try:
- Mac and cheese with chicken
- Burgers
- Steaks
18. Cafe Athena
Located inside a shopping center, this Grecian gem serves up an eclectic menu based around Greek cuisine.
It’s split across 3 ambiently lit rooms with a modern-rustic aesthetic. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with plenty of Greek-inspired fabrics and greenery.
Cafe Athena is the perfect venue for a girls’ brunch or a relaxed morning for couples.
It’s a popular spot for locals and falls outside the usual tourist traps.
We recommend you try:
- Moussaka
- Gyros Plate
- Hummus
19. Breakfast Republic
This hip and quirky restaurant serves up inventive breakfast plates alongside craft beer and co*cktails, making it a fun spot for everyone at any time of the day.
With an industrial-modern look featuring chunky tiled walls and unfinished woodtime, it’s spacious and great for groups. It has a relaxed atmosphere perfect for couples on a casual date or a chilled place for families.
Their portions are generous with plenty of vegetarian options available which are clearly labeled.
Breakfast Republic is popular with locals and visitors, so it can get busy, the wait time is usually minimal, and it’s only a short wait until you’ll be seated.
We recommend you try:
- Breakfast Sammie
- French Toast
20. Lahaina Beach House
Sitting right on the beachfront, this no-frills gem features a large wooden terrace with plenty of outdoor seating complete with heaters for chilly evenings.
The views here are outstanding, and it’s a perfect spot for sunset views.
Portions are generous and tasty with a good selection for a relatively small place.
They serve up a great selection of beers, and while the pitchers of beer are a hit, the plastic cups might not sit well with eco-conscious diners. They only take cash.
We recommend you try:
- Carne Asada Nachos
- California Burrito
21. Mati’s Birria + Beer
A small spot with high ceilings, and white walls, furnished with ambient lighting, plants, and wooden furnishings, this restaurant gives off a welcoming atmosphere.
They are family-friendly, with an excellent menu for children, as well as being accessible for anyone in a wheelchair thanks to its ground floor setting.
The dishes here are generously sized and fair priced with plenty of options for vegetarians. The restaurant’s commitment to vegetarian options includes discounts for meatless Mondays!
We recommend you try:
- Birria Flautas
- Grilled Cheese
- Birria Crunchwrap
FAQ: Pacific Beach San Diego Restaurants
What’s the difference between Mission Beach and Pacific Beach?
Mission Beach is known for its classic boardwalk and amusem*nt park feel, while Pacific Beach is known for its nightlife. Both beaches are popular, but Mission Beach offers more family-friendly attractions.
Is Pacific Beach a nice area?
Yes, Pacific Beach is a beautiful area with a young and energetic vibe. It’s got lots of bars and restaurants. While generally safe, always be alert especially at night.
Do you need a car in Pacific Beach?
Not necessarily. Pacific Beach is quite walkable, and many amenities are close by. But if you plan to explore beyond this neighborhood, you’ll need a car.
Is Pacific Beach crowded?
Pacific Beach can get crowded, especially on sunny days and weekends. The boardwalk, beaches, and bars draw big crowds.
Final Thoughts: Pacific Beach Restaurants
As we wrap up our guide to the 21 best restaurants in Pacific Beach, you might be wondering where are the best places to drink here? Here are the best 17 of them. But there is more to eating and drinking here, so check out our best things to do in PB post.
