The 10 best Restaurants in San Diego with Incredible Views For 2023

Excellent food isn’t the only aspect of an incredible dining experience. We know if you want the full package you want an ambience to match a delicious meal. The great thing about San Diego is many restaurants have some of the most stunning views in the entire California coast. We have personally dined at all these locations and have been absolutely blown away by both the food and the views. From cityscapes to ocean views our list everything you could look for when it comes to the full dining experience.

1. The marine room

 

The Marine Room is a iconic restaurant located in La Jolla, San Diego. It is known for its stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, which can be enjoyed from almost every table in the restaurant. The restaurant is located on the beach, offering diners a unique dining experience as they enjoy their meal while watching the waves crash against the shore and even sometimes against the windows of the restaurant itself.

The Marine Room’s menu features contemporary American cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. The chefs strive to create dishes that are both delicious and visually appealing, and the menu changes seasonally to reflect the best available ingredients. The restaurant also has a well-stocked bar, offering an extensive wine list and signature cocktails to complement the meal.

Cost Location Contact Information
$$$$ 2000 Spindrift Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States Phone: +1 858-459-7222

2.Mister A’s

 

Within the heart of the city of San Diego’s downtown you can find this incredible view from Mister A’s. This restaurant offers fine dining options fit for a king of luxury. Mister A’s has the reputation of the one of the best steakhouses in San Diego, and boasts an impressive 4.8 star rating on OpenTable at time of writing. Mister A’s in our opinion is the best of both worlds when it comes to both a city view and waterfront view.

Cost Location Contact Information
$$$$ 2550 Fifth Avenue, Twelfth Floor, San Diego, CA 92103, United States Phone: +1 619-239-1377

3. Top of the market

 

Elegant Seafood overlooking the northern end of the San Diego harbor doesn’t get much better than next restaurant on our list: Top of the Market. The Top of the Market restaurant is located in the historic Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego, California. The building was originally built as a hotel and later converted to a restaurant in 1936. It has outstanding views of San Diego Bay and Point Loma from its floor-to-ceiling windows. Pictured above is their rooftop dining option, but there is also indoor dining with the same great views of the harbor one floor below.

Cost Location Contact Information
$$$ 750 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101, United States Phone: +1 619-234-4867

4. Eddie V’s

 

La Jolla Cove’s best fine dining restaurant is hands down Eddie V’s. The dining room is beautiful inside and out. Overlooking the La Jolla coastline with some of the best beaches in San Diego, you can be sure to spot a dolphin or two. Craft cocktails and wine pair perfectly with this beautiful dining experience.

Cost Location Contact Information
$$$$ 1270 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037 Phone: +1 619-615-0281

5. pacific coast grill

 

One of the few restaurants that sits directly on the sand of the Pacific Coast, Pacific Coast Grill is a great spot to have an anniversary dinner watching the sun set over the ocean.

The Pacific Coast Restaurant is a great place to go if you are looking for views. The restaurant has a set of windows that overlook the ocean and this provides an amazing view of the coast from the restaurant.

The food is also really good. They have a lot of different dishes that are all really tasty and they have a great selection of wines as well so you can pair your meal with wine if you want to.

Be sure to be ready to valet your car as this restaurant is directly off of PCH with no individual parking lot.

Cost Location Contact Information
$$$ 2526 S Coast Hwy 101, Cardiff, CA 92007 Phone: +1 760-479-0721

6. A.R. Valentien at the lodge torrey pines

 

The A.R. Valentien looks over the famous Torrey Pines Golf Course and cliffs. Nothing beats looking out over the freshly lowed pristine grass of the Torrey Pines course and getting views of crystal blue La Jolla water. Not only are the views exceptional, but so is the food. Chef Jeff Jackson is one of the early pioneers of farm to table in San Diego. A.R. Valentien has a custom built outdoor wood fired oven that creates some of the best fall off the bone meat you could ask for.

Location:  11480 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037

Cost Location Contact Information
$$$$ 11480 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037 Phone: +1 858-777-6635

7. JRDN

 

A more casual restaurant on this list is JRDN located in the Pacific Beach neighborhood of San Diego. JRDN is located inside the Tower 23 Hotel and has great views of Pacific Beach. JRDN can be found right in the center of the Pacific Beach boardwalk with direct views of the Pacific beach pier. Most likely all the best sunset pictures you have seen with a Pacific Beach Geotag are taken at the PB pier, because it is without a doubt the most scenic location in all of the Pacific Beach neighborhood of San Diego.

Cost Location Contact Information
$$$ 723 Felspar St, San Diego, CA 92019 Phone: +1 858-270-2323

8. The nolen

 

The Nolen is a rooftop bar located in the heart of San Diego, offering stunning views of the city skyline. This chic and sophisticated venue offers a unique dining experience with its stunning panoramic views and innovative cocktails. With a sleek and modern decor, The Nolen creates a stylish atmosphere that is perfect for both casual and formal gatherings.

The menu at The Nolen features a variety of innovative cocktails, including signature drinks and classic favorites. They also offer a carefully curated selection of craft beers, as well as a range of fine wines. For food, the menu focuses on light bites and small plates, featuring creative and flavorful dishes that are perfect for sharing.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic date spot or a fun night out with friends, The Nolen is the perfect choice. The spacious rooftop patio is the perfect place to relax and take in the stunning views of the city, while the indoor lounge offers a more intimate setting for conversation and cocktails. With its stylish atmosphere, expertly crafted cocktails, and breathtaking views, The Nolen is a must-visit for anyone in search of a truly unforgettable dining experience in San Diego.

Cost Location Contact Information
$$ 453 6th Ave San Diego, CA 92101 Phone: +1 619-796-6536

9. Il Fornaio Coronado

 

Il Fornaio is a charming Italian restaurant located in the charming seaside town of Coronado, San Diego. Known for its authentic Italian cuisine, warm atmosphere, and beautiful views of the ocean, Il Fornaio is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious meal in a truly unique setting.

The menu at Il Fornaio features a wide range of traditional Italian dishes, all made with the freshest ingredients and prepared to perfection. Whether you’re in the mood for pasta, seafood, or one of the restaurant’s famous wood-fired pizzas, there’s something on the menu for everyone. The restaurant also offers a selection of local and international wines, making it the perfect place to enjoy a glass of vino with your meal.

In addition to its great food, Il Fornaio is also known for its beautiful setting. The restaurant is located in a historic building that has been beautifully restored to its original charm, complete with high ceilings, antique accents, and an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs at work. With its warm, inviting atmosphere and breathtaking views of the ocean, Il Fornaio is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a meal.

Cost Location Contact Information
$$ 1333 1st St, Coronado, CA 92118 Phone: +1 619-437-4911

10. Cannonball

 

Cannonball is a popular beachfront restaurant located in Ocean Beach, San Diego. It’s known for its large rooftop dining area, making it the perfect place to enjoy a meal while taking in the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The atmosphere at Cannonball is relaxed and casual, making it a popular spot for families, friends, and couples.

In addition to its amazing views, Cannonball is also famous for its delicious sushi menu, which is widely regarded as one of the best in the county. With its unique blend of fresh ingredients and traditional sushi-making techniques, the sushi at Cannonball is a must-try for seafood lovers.

Cannonball also offers live acoustic music on Thursday evenings, making it the perfect place to catch a sunset with some tunes. The combination of great food, music, and views makes Cannonball a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner for two or a fun night out with friends, Cannonball is a great choice.

So if you’re in the Ocean Beach area and looking for a place to enjoy some delicious food and amazing views, be sure to check out Cannonball. You won’t be disappointed!

Cost Location Contact Information
$$ 3105 Ocean Front Walk, San Diego, CA 92109 Phone: +1 858-228-9304

San Diego restaurants with views faq

Are the restaurants in San Diego with the best views expensive?

The short answer to this question is yes. If you want the best views in San Diego coupled with an elegant dining experience, typically you will be paying a premium. The price of entrees for most of these restaurants will average from $25 to $60 dollars and $10 dollars for cocktails.

Do I need to have a reservation to dine at the restaurants with the best views in San Diego?

While we recommend having a reservation to dine at any of these restaurants as they can get very busy, it is not absolutely necessary. Most of these restaurants will take walk-ins, but you could be waiting a very long time for a table or even simply get turned away.