Best Fun Restaurants in Ocean Beach

91 restaurants available nearby

1. Barbusa

4.6

Exceptional(4282)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 77 times today

Barbusa Local Modern Sicilian Restaurant.Lively atmosphere with our craft cocktails, handmade pastas, freshest seafood, delicate pizza, and our famous Sicilian Ribeye.Pizza Served from our stone fired oven.Gluten free and Vegan Items AvailableWHILE WE VALUE THE TIME OF ALL OUR LOYAL GUEST AND SMILING FACES, WE KINDLY REQUEST YOU LIMIT THE TIME SPENT AT YOUR TABLE TO 1 HOUR AND 30 MIN DUE TO MANDATED REDUCTION IN CAPACITY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORT, WE COULDNT BE MORE THRILLED TO HAVE YOU DINE WITH US!

A photo of Bali Hai Restaurant restaurant

2. Bali Hai Restaurant

4.5

Awesome(5968)

Price: Expensive

• Polynesian • Shelter Island / San Diego Bay

Booked 43 times today

Exotic Pacific dining on an enchanted tiki island.The Bali Hai Restaurant has been a favorite in San Diego for over fifty years. Our spectacular views of the San Diego bay and the downtown skyline make us the perfect location for any special event. Along with our dining room upstairs, our premise possesses three different and versatile private rooms. The flexibility of multiple private facilities allows us to accommodate any type of party. We host weddings, class reunions, birthdays, anniversaries, concerts, memorials, festivals, fundraisers, business meetings, seminars, and corporate events.

A photo of Brigantine at Portside Pier restaurant

3. Brigantine at Portside Pier

4.7

Exceptional(4188)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 96 times today

The Brigantine is more than just home to some of San Diego’s finest seafood. It’s a place where locals and visitors alike come to share a lively atmosphere and authentic sense of community. The Morton family opened the first Brigantine on Shelter Island in 1969, with a vision that embraced the beach town lifestyle, a dedication to flavorful food, and a passion for friendly service. Today, we’re known far and wide for our San Diego-style surf and turf. From our award-winning fish tacos and freshly shucked oysters, to classic filet mignon or our perpetually best-selling marinated grilled swordfish. Always prepared to exceed expectations, and served with a smile. You can stop in at any neighborhood Brigantine and get a taste of the local flavor, from regionally inspired specials, to custom cocktails and home town craft beers. At the Brigantine we make first timers feel like regulars, and consider regulars part of the family. So come by often, and share our taste for life.

A photo of Tom Hams Lighthouse restaurant

4. Tom Hams Lighthouse

4.6

Exceptional(6652)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 68 times today

Tom Ham’s Lighthouse was built in 1971 by a man who was not afraid to put his name on his product. Rooted in warm welcomes & excellent food, Tom Ham made his lifelong dream a reality. Tom Ham’s Lighthouse is the only restaurant in the US to have a USCG operated & maintained Lighthouse attached to it. You can locate us on any modern nautical map as Beacon #9. Featuring a 100% responsibly resourced seafood menu & award winning Sunday Champagne Brunch, we are a must when it comes to the San Diego food scene. The dining room, purposely shaped like the state of California, allows for groups as grand as 50 yet private enough for a couple’s night out. Holiday brunches have been long time family traditions for many San Diegans. Start your family’s tradition this next holiday. With the best views of the Downtown City Skyline, Coronado & San Diego Bay, Tom Ham's is & remains a San Diego tradition in dining excellence since 1971.

A photo of Ponyboy at The Pearl Hotel restaurant

5. Ponyboy at The Pearl Hotel

4.7

Exceptional(45)

Price: Expensive

• American • Point Loma

Booked 7 times today

Nearly 70 years after its arrival onto the San Diego boutique hotel landscape, Point Loma’s iconic mid-century modern Pearl Hotel has unveiled the latest chapter in its storied history with an ambitiously reimagined restaurant and bar: Ponyboy. The inspiration behind Ponyboy extends beyond its décor and menu. Named after the protagonist of S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders, the restaurant conveys the spirit of individuality and rebellion in a time when hope and resilience were pivotal to navigating the challenges of a changing world. Guests will sense the nod to cultural iconography as they step into a space that feels familiar and refreshingly new. The ambiance is designed to harken back to a bygone era when traditional American comfort foods and elaborate dinner parties were both fashionable and fun. We look forward to seeing you soon, drink in hand, soaking in the sun pool-side. Stay gold, San Diego.

6. Beaumont's

4.6

Exceptional(915)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • La Jolla

Booked 7 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!

7. The Fishery

4.7

Exceptional(3051)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Pacific Beach

Booked 49 times today

BEHIND EVERY GREAT SEAFOOD RESTAURANT IS A WAREHOUSE STOCKED WITH FRESH SEAFOOD. The Fishery Restaurant & Market is located just a few blocks from the ocean in North Pacific Beach. The restaurant menu reflects ‘coastal cuisine’ with a simple yet serious focus on the best our coastal fisheries and local farms have to offer. The passion that drives Chef Mike Reidy is evidenced by flavors that can only be achieved using ingredients at their peak of seasonality and freshness. The Fishery was awarded the prestigious Award of Excellence for its Wine List from Wine Spectator in 2018- Present. Our wine list is inspired by the great wines of Europe and their American counterparts and we strive to showcase real, natural, food friendly-wines with a sense of place.The Fishery Market showcases fresh fish, prepared seafood, salads, sauces and marinades.

8. ARLO San Diego

4.3

Awesome(748)

Price: Moderate

• American • Mission Valley

Booked 11 times today

ARLO is an award-winning restaurant known for its scratch-made dishes, crafted from fresh local ingredients. Serving breakfast, weekend DJ brunch, and dinner, ARLO offers a fun and quirky environment. Highlights include a sweeping outdoor patio, swaying palm trees, and a giant outdoor fireplace. The experience is rounded out by an inventive cocktail program, an extensive wine list, and local craft beers on tap. Recently, ARLO won Best Hotel Restaurant and Best Restaurant for Big Groups in the San Diego Magazine Best of 2024 awards. Free parking is available.

9. The Grass Skirt

4.7

Exceptional(692)

Price: Expensive

• Polynesian • Pacific Beach

Booked 62 times today

From beverage director Eric Johnson love of tiki cocktails, to corporate executive chef Brian Redzikowski’s mastery of southeast asian cuisine, the grass skirt combines the fun, lighthearted, escapist nature of tiki culture, with the creativity and unsurpassed food and beverage quality guests have come to expect from SDCM restaurants.

A photo of Bencotto Italian Kitchen restaurant

10. Bencotto Italian Kitchen

4.6

Exceptional(3287)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 73 times today

ONLINE RESERVATIONS ARE LIMITED. PLEASE CALL THE RESTAURANT IF YOUR DESIRED TIME IS NOT AVAILABLE.We are proud to offer 75 kinds of different pasta recipe, fresh and hand-crafted 12 hours a day."Bencotto" means cooked well: this is what authentic Italian food is about.It tastes as it should and would in Italy.Bencotto offers two different eating environments: guests can either enjoy their meal at our “kitchen-esque” bar downstairs, or they can relax in the intimate low-ceiling dining area upstairs. The décor creates a clean and sophisticated atmosphere, where old-world charm and warmth blend with contemporary appeal.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

C
Chris and Anitavip
San Diego •43 reviews
5.0
Dined today
My wife and I enjoyed it completely the hostess status immediately in a perfect spot to watch the sunset. The salad I had was delicious and entrées were excellent. I really enjoyed our waitress and her help in all aspects of our visit. Thank you so much!
More info
Brigantine at Portside PierPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Downtown / Gaslamp
•
4.7
M
Matt
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
The best atmosphere, team and food in San Diego! A must experience if you haven’t been!
More info
BarbusaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
•
4.6
L
Leslievip
Denver / Colorado •72 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
This was our first visit, we didn’t know this wonderful restaurant was here. It’s tucked in front of the airport and offers fantastic views of the bay and the San Diego skyline. Service was excellent, the patio was phenomenal, and the food was excellent too. We will remember this gem and will be back!
More info
Tom Hams LighthousePrice: Expensive• Seafood• Downtown / Gaslamp
•
4.6
K
Kathryn
San Francisco Bay Area •13 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We prefer to sit on the deck where it is always more intimate, quieter, away from the busy intersections. The San Diego skyline is crisp in every direction. Heaters keep you from getting chilled in the cooler nights. Food and service never disappoint. Bali Hai has been our go-to spot since I was a child 60+ yrs ago for celebrations. Just recently we've been taking advantage of their holiday buffets; OMG, beautiful and delicious!
More info
Bali Hai RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Polynesian• Shelter Island / San Diego Bay
•
4.5
H
Heather
Pinehurst •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 22, 2024
Absolutely fantastic experience - this place is such a gem. From the food and drinks to the ambiance and staff, the small but beautiful touches, I can’t say enough good things.
More info
Ponyboy at The Pearl HotelPrice: Expensive• American• Point Loma
•
4.7

Best Fun Restaurants in Ocean Beach

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91 restaurants available nearby

1. Barbusa

2. Bali Hai Restaurant

3. Brigantine at Portside Pier

4. Tom Hams Lighthouse

5. Ponyboy at The Pearl Hotel

6. Beaumont's

7. The Fishery

8. ARLO San Diego

9. The Grass Skirt

10. Bencotto Italian Kitchen

See what locals rave about

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