Best Seafood Restaurant in San Diego

[socal1]

Hello everyone!

I am new to this board and would like to hear some suggestions for people's favorite seafood
restaurants in San Diego and what you like about them. Thanks so much.

[pickypicky]

The Fishery. When I was away from SD for a year, I found it hard to eat fish any place else. Where else does the server say "harpooned this morning?" Often, I'll just order by the fish and ask for minimal prep just to taste the sea. Bonus: one of the most interesting wine lists by-the-glass or bottle in SD.

[foodiechick]

The Fishery doesn't get nearly enough love on this board. +1!

[pickypicky]

I know. Why is that? They do incredible business. Are packed all the time. We often sit at the bar and split an entree. Service is excellent-- the whole package. Maybe because it's in PB? No matter. They've got you and me, chica.

[nileg]

I like The Fishery. Its biggest issue is noise. Lots of hard flat surfaces makes it a noisy place even when it isn't filled with people. If they could only get someone in to make some sound deadening alterations I'd give the restaurant more recommendations.

[pickypicky]

agree noise is a problem. we usually eat early and/or sit at the bar, which works better for me, for some reason. at its peak times, you're right, it's deafening.

[MrKrispy]

They had some issues early on (that aren't allowed to be posted on Chowhound) so I think a lot of people just wrote them off. heck, I didn't even know they were still in business. I used to live near there and would go often for a quick bite or for Lobster season but never think to go back now that I live elsewhere. Oops.

[menuinprogress]

The Fishery has really upped their game in the last year or so. I went for one of their "Tuesday Tastings" (a very reasonably priced three-course set menu) about a month ago and really enjoyed it.

[Fake Name]

at the risk of establishing myself as their personal shill, I thought Gabardine had some of the best fish dishes I've seen anywhere last night. Only got to taste mine and hers, which were great, but the others I saw going by to other diners looks amazing.

[bhoward]

I cannot comment about you being a personal shill but I can say that I ate at Gaberdine tonight and the meal was outstanding--had Moonfish for the first time and it was superb. Full report to follow. One negative I must report--the restaurant is loud beyond belief--we had to pracitcally scream to be heard at our five top.

[Beach Chick]

Fakey is a shill and more... ; )

So, you had Moonfish..never seen or heard about it..what else did you have?
WTF on restaurants being loud beyond belief...

[deckape]

Moonfish is otherwise known as Opah, a fish that's not uncommon on fish house menus. Trying to be a little too cute by not using the common name in my book.

[Beach Chick]

Thanks deckape!

[pickypicky]

I think The Fishery has a stuffed Opah on their wall with a little plaque, and I always misread it as OPRAH.

[4wino]

I like Truluck's a lot.

[Beach Chick]

Great happy hour too..

[Beach Chick]

My fave's..

El Pescador in La Jolla..sea bass sandwich is sublime
Fish Market Downtown..oyster bar or sushi..
Top of the Market/Fish Market but NOT the downstairs restaurant
Marisco German food truck in City Heights
Point Loma Seafoods..best scallop sandwich
Pelly's Fish market Carlsbad
Bay Park Fish Company
Fishery in PB

[bhoward]

Chick: I am confused. What is the difference between "Fish Market downtown" and the Top of the Market/Fish Market? Forgive my ignorance--I am visiting from out of state.

[wanker]

Same restaurant. Top of the Market is just the higher end version. Both are very good, however, the FIsh Market is more family oriented and loud, where the Top of the Market is more subdued and relaxed,

[bhoward]

I understand that. I assume BC meant to only get oysters and sushi at the Fish Market downtown and nothing else.

[Beach Chick]

I'm not a fan of the restaurant downstairs BUT love the Oyster Bar and the sushi bar on the lower level and the Top of the Market upstairs is pricey but well executed and fantastic.

Oyster Bar has some fab Kumamoto oysters, bowl of chowder, steamers and some cheesy bread with a glass of wine..outstanding!
Bayfront patio is great to have a drink and a shrimp cocktail and watch the boats go by.

You have a fantastic avatar...stay thristy my friend.
; )

[bhoward]

Got you. Ate at the Top of the Market last evening and it was indeed wonderful. I will have to try the oyster bar downstairs, especially since Point Loma Seafood is going to be closed my entire trip!

[Beach Chick]

Sorry to hear about PLS..place hasn't closed since the Red Sea parted..
Where else are you dining in SD?

My Fave's..
Dobson's for the mussel bisque in the Gaslamp is excellent for lunch..sit in the bar..great burger too.
Cowboy Star
Cafe Chloe
Grant Grill
Basic for pizza
Bali Hai in Shelter Island for mai tai and great food with fab views
Tender Greens @ Liberty Station next to Airport
Bay Park Fish Company
Brigantine Shelter Island everyday happy hour..great fish tacos

[bhoward]

Thanks for the tips. We are staying in PL and definitely want to get some fish tacos at Bragantine soon.

[svnirvana]

Taco specials all day Tuesday in the bar at the Brig

[ian langdon]

Agree the Fishery........If you wanna pay $10-12 more and have a view go to Top of the Market.

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Top of the Market
750 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101

[socal1]

Thanks for your suggestions everyone!
We went to Roy's in La Jolla and really enjoyed it; the fish had a nice presentation and tasted very fresh!

[cstr]

For American style seafood, Fishery or Point Loma are good basic places. For Mexican style, Marisco's Godoy in CV has excellent flavorful grilled Pulpos, Grilled marinated Pescado Zarandeado and Cheviche. They also have different HH daily specials.

[rpwilliams]

Very minimalist preparation, and not really a restaurant, but great variety and all sorts of good stuff. Point Loma Seafood. The oysters are a steal and delicious; they have lots of very tasty smoked fish, and they're right where the sportfishers come in, so they've got all kinds of good fresh stuff that they'll prepare simply and deliciously for you.

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Point Loma Seafoods
2805 Emerson St, San Diego, CA 92106

[scottca075]

Not sure when you were last at Pt Loma Seafood, but last time I went they didn't have their usual line-up of smoked fish, the major reason I go there, because of limited space in the temp trailer for the remodel. I haven't been in a month now probably, but I am hoping they are back in their regular facility soon.

[stevewag23]

Not even close.

It is not a remodel. They leveled the old building and they are building a new building.

The good news is, their quality of food hasn't seemed to drop off at all.

[scottca075]

No, the quality of the food hasn't declined, but unless they have the smoked fish someplace else, they don't have the 7-10 different kinds they used to have, they had two maybe.

[rpwilliams]

Ah, remodel, eh? Sounds good. I haven't been there in about 6 months.

[foodiechick]

The Fishery in Pacific Beach is a local gem. Very fresh, local offerings. They are even the supplier for many San Diego restaurants. Small retail operation inside the restaurant sells seafood, sauces, salads, crabcakes and some premarinated items.

[pantani]

Fish House Veracruz in San Marcos or Carlsbad.
The food is basic and not any thing special but the fish is very fresh and prepared simply.
I also like their Manhattan clam chowder and they have best seafood market in north county.

[globocity]

Second "The Fishery". My favorite seafood restaurant in SD. Although I no longer eat swordfish, when I did, their swordfish tacos were my number one pick. I also enjoy their halibut, salads, and tuna sandwich. Great spot for both lunch and dinner. Now if only they had the view that JRDN enjoys.....

[deeznuts]

I haven't found any that I love, but I enjoy eating fish at smaller restaurants. I recall having a decent meal at Solana Beach Fish House, and also a fish sandwich at El Pescador in La Jolla.

There are also similar ones in Bay Park but I forget the names.

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Solana Beach Fish House
124 Lomas Santa Fe Dr, Solana Beach, CA 92075

[scottca075]

I judge seafood places by how fresh is the seafood and do they have some creative dishes.

Ones that I like that are highend are Oceanaire, Top of the Market, McCormick & Schmick's, King's Fish House, Roy's and Donovan's Prime Seafood.

I know most of these are chains, but I find them to have really fresh fish and some creative preparations.

There are places that are not "seafood" restaurants like Blanca and Pamplemousse Grill, to name two, that have amazing seafood dishes that blow away most of the restaurants I have mentioned (Roy's being the exception).

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Oceanaire
San DIego, CA, San DIego, CA

King's Fish House
5625 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Top of the Market
750 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101

[socal1]

Thanks for your recommendations scott. I'll check them out.

[cstr]

I do like Donovan's.