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Best Restaurants for People Watching in Mission Bay

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23 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Draft restaurant
4.1
Excellent(126)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Mission Bay
Booked 3 times today
Located directly on the Mission Beach boardwalk, Draft Restaurant is serving up 54 beers on tap pairing the surf and sand with a wide variety of craft beers. But the appeal doesn’t stop at the #brewsandviews; Come hungry and experience a fresh take on beachside dining featuring casual, handcrafted fare from Executive Chef Luis Romero.
A photo of Trattoria Don Pietro restaurant
3.9
Excellent(824)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Old Town
Booked 1 time today
Thanks to Trattoria Don Pietro, there is finally something new and fresh happening in Old Town. After spending a lifetime of cooking Italian food and a few years in LA learning from the best restaurants in the industry, Pietro is finally ready to roll up his sleeves and show San Diego his take on traditional Italian cuisine with a trendy twist. Between our groundbreaking Italian menu, wisteria garden patio ambiance, and over-the-top cocktails, we stand alone as the most instagrammable restaurant in San Diego. Come stop by today and experience our delicate balance of tradition and trend.
A photo of World Famous restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1035)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Pacific Beach
Booked 29 times today
Specializing in surfside dining featuring Southern California Coastal cuisine, market fresh pacific seafood, hand carved prime rib, & grilled to order steaks. Menus are written daily and inspired by sustainable California harvests.
A photo of Beaumont's restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(927)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • La Jolla
Booked 14 times today
Established in the heart of La Jolla’s Bird Rock seaside community in 2005, Beaumont’s Neighborhood Eatery has been a central meeting spot for locals to gather for fabulous food, hand-made cocktails, and top-rated entertainment in a casual, yet contemporary atmosphere earning its title as the “heart and soul of Bird Rock”. Nightly happy hour and a fantastic dinner menu are just the beginning, because a full bar and live local music add to the great vibe. You’ll find Beaumont’s weekends a need to be at event for brunch!
A photo of Miss B's Coconut Club restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(127)
Price: Moderate
• Caribbean • Mission Beach
Booked 2 times today
What you’ll find here is classic, Caribbean-inspired American food with tiki flair. Cubano Roasted Pork, Jerk Chicken and Coconut Shrimp are in synch with the mambo rhythm of your appetite, and our house-ground burger is one like you won’t find anywhere in town. Jumbo Coconut Shrimp and a list of Street Cart items will have you coming back to try them all, whether you order something “to go” from our walk-up counter, stay to eat on our spacious outdoor patio, or take a seat inside.Coconut Club’s décor evokes a celebration of Mission Beach’s nautical and maritime past, which takes form as an inspired interpretation of a 30’s-style sailor tiki club. Rum is the star here, and has a leading role in our creative list of grownup cocktails, which includes shareable, tiki-inspired punches and bowls to drum up conversations and generate a buzz. Coconut Club is also a purveyor of fuel that fires the craft beer frenzy, with 20 local and microbrew tap handles.
A photo of Brigantine Point Loma restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1983)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Point Loma
Booked 9 times today
A San Diego tradition since 1969, the Brigantine has received many accolades in our 40+ year history: "BEST SEAFOOD", "BEST CASUAL SEAFOOD", "BEST HAPPY HOUR", and even "BEST SWORDFISH IN THE WORLD", according to USA Today - just to name a few. Beautifully remodeled in early 2009, the Brigantine is well-known for the signature Clam Chowder, Grilled Swordfish, and Fish Tacos. The Brigantine is a favorite among locals for consistently fresh seafood, succulent steaks and grilled meats. Home to the America's Cup until 1995, Shelter Island is still the yachting center of San Diego. The Brigantine offers glimpses of this busy marina from the outdoor patio and semi-private banquet areas. The Point Loma Brigantine serves dinner 7 nights a week, and lunch Saturday & Sunday. Join us for our signature $5 Happy Hour from 3-6pm.
A photo of Casa De Freds, Tacos y Tequila restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(324)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Old Town
Booked 1 time today
ABOUT FREDS OLD TOWN | Since 2001, Casa de Freds in Old Town has been bringing the fiesta to San Diego. Freds is the place for amigos - both new and old - to have a great time while enjoying quality food, fresh margaritas and a festive atmosphere. The menu offers a wide variety of delicious, Baja-infused selections that are made from fresh, high-quality ingredients. The vibrant decor and great music provide a unique dining experience right in the heart of historic Old Town. The restaurant offers plenty of versatility for groups of many sizes. The large outdoor patio is dog friendly, so bring in your furry friends and check out the doggy menu! The outdoor bar is a fantastic spot to enjoy the San Diego sun, whether you are here for the weekend or live down the street. Freds newly renovated Fiesta Cantina is the perfect place to watch your favorite sporting events. The Cantina also offers daily specials that will keep your tummies, glasses and pockets full. Thanks Amigo!
A photo of Pacific Beach Alehouse restaurant
4.4
Awesome(264)
Price: Moderate
• American • Pacific Beach
Booked 2 times today
With handcrafted beer, eclectic menu, friendly service, and a lodge-like ambiance, Pacific Beach Alehouse is anything but ordinary. Dining Out magazine calls us "a world class microbrewery and restaurant," and "a destination for beer aficionados, tourists, and locals. We offer a wide variety of savory handcrafted burgers, flatbreads, and signature dishes. We feature four separate dining areas, each with its own unique atmosphere. You can sip a cold refreshing beer on our Sky Deck while enjoying the unparalleled views of Crystal Pier and the Pacific Ocean, or you can cozy up to the fire pit on our patio. Inside you can relax with your friends at our tables adjacent to our microbrewery. We offer free Wifi. We accept online reservations for groups of 6-12 guests. Reservations for 12+ people, please call the restaurant to book. We do not guarantee seating on the Sky Deck, but may request it as a preference.
A photo of Parma Cucina Italiana restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(108)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Hillcrest
Booked 3 times today
Known for the Best Lasagna in San Diego, Parma Cucina Italiana is a charming and cozy family run Italian restaurant in the heart of Historic Hillcrest. Our traditional Italian cuisine is inspired by generations of home cooking, fresh ingredients, and simple presentations. Our specialties originate from Northern Italy. The must try lasagna is decadent layers of Bolognese and béchamel sauce. Or try our tortellini with cream and prosciutto, or our pappardelle pasta tossed with slow braised short rib and porcini mushrooms. We have an extensive wine collection with wines from the best regions of Italy. And an Italian meal wouldn’t be complete without our homemade desserts. We suggest tiramisu and profiteroles alla nutella.
A photo of Kettner Exchange restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1416)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Little Italy
Booked 76 times today
Kettner Exchange boasts two levels of indoor/outdoor drinking and dining and Little Italy’s only rooftop patio with spanning harbor views. We feature Progressive American cuisine from critically acclaimed Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski. In 2019, Kettner Exchange was named to Michelin Guide's prestigious Bib Gourmand list. Kettner Exchange has proudly maintained this award every year thereafter. Originally introduced in 1997, the Bib Gourmand category highlights restaurants that serve high-quality meals which include two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Lane
    1 review
    4.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Came in 45 minutes before reservation. The hostess said she would try and she did after Only about 5-10 minutes so she did a fantastic job. She asked if we wanted to be seated inside Or outside we chose inside because it was cold. After a few minutes we asked to be moved Outside because we couldn’t hear areselves Think much less talk to each other. Extremely Loud. We went outside and the heaters kept us Warm. My wife had a pasta dish and I had the Prime Rib which I was hesitant to order because You usually get burned. I also added on the lobster bisque instead of salad. My wife liked the pasta and I like the bisque but it tasted more Like beer cheese soup and had no lobster Flavor. My prime rib was excellent really good. I would recommend this place good value And really good food.
    More info
    World FamousPrice: Moderate• Californian• Pacific Beach
    4.5
  • Paige
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    It was great! Awesome vibes and tasty food. I recommend!
    More info
    Beaumont'sPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• La Jolla
    4.7
  • Sofia
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Feb 17, 2025
    We made a reservation for 11 people and our waitress was amazing. They got us sat outside on their balcony, which is an amazing space on a nice day. Delicious food and drinks. Highly recommend. 
    More info
    Miss B's Coconut ClubPrice: Moderate• Caribbean• Mission Beach
    4.8
  • john
    San Diego •1 review
    4.0
    Dined on Feb 15, 2025
    Valentines day was busy and serv8ce was delayed by 30 minutes but the food was worth the wait, can't wait to come back and try the regular menu
    More info
    Trattoria Don PietroPrice: Moderate• Italian• Old Town
    3.9
  • Leanne
    San Diego •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 22, 2024
    It was cute and festive for the holidays! Crowded but thankful we made reservations. The heat lamps outside were perfect and we enjoyed the food and drinks . I would come back again for sure and bring my other friends. We love how it was family friendly so able to bring the kids . Ayden was a wondeful server and was very attentive so thank you so much!
    More info
    DraftPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Mission Bay
    4.1
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