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Best American Restaurants in Pacific Beach

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136 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Pacific Beach Hideaway restaurant
1. Pacific Beach Hideaway
5.0
Exceptional(3)
Price: Moderate
• American • Pacific Beach
Booked 12 times today
Hideaway is a beach-town casual kitchen and bar located in Pacific Beach, California. The concept honors the local community, incorporating vintage artifacts, furnishings and artwork that reflect its laidback surf, music and beach culture and history.
A photo of Firehouse American Eatery and Lounge restaurant
2. Firehouse American Eatery and Lounge
4.6
Exceptional(193)
Price: Moderate
• American • Pacific Beach
Booked 3 times today
Firehouse American Eatery and Lounge in Pacific Beach, San Diego, epitomizes the essence of Californian cuisine with a delightful ocean view that complements its vibrant atmosphere. This beachside gem is renowned for its eclectic American dishes, craft cocktails, and an iconic patio that features a signature fire pit and private cabanas. Diners rave about the "best French Toast" and "delicious calamari," highlighting the quality and authenticity of its offerings. With glowing reviews like "the service is amazing!" and the "best food decision we could make," Firehouse not only promises but delivers a quintessential Californian dining experience. Whether it's brunch by the ocean or a late-night gathering, this spot is a must-visit for anyone seeking the true flavor of California.
A photo of Union Kitchen & Tap Pacific Beach restaurant
3. Union Kitchen & Tap Pacific Beach
4.6
Exceptional(4)
Price: Expensive
• American • Pacific Beach
Booked 2 times today
At UNION PB, we proudly declare a "Culinary Revolution." Our menus are meticulously crafted to showcase the quality and purity of each ingredient. Our chefs, devoted to their craft, infuse every dish with innovation. Our creative mixologists serve up classic and progressive cocktails, each balanced with a broad spectrum of specially selected spirits and liqueurs. Our emphasis on interesting and artisanal winemakers, along with our showcase of house-made cocktails and craft beers, adds distinguished appeal to your experience. Just a stones throw from Mission Blvd. UNION is more than a dining experience, it is a place where people come together. Join a community dedicated to crafting unforgettable moments and forging lasting connections. Welcome to the heart of UNION Kitchen & Tap.
A photo of The Fishery restaurant
4. The Fishery
4.7
Exceptional(3060)
Price: Expensive
• American • Pacific Beach
Booked 34 times today
Nestled just blocks from the ocean in North Pacific Beach, San Diego, The Fishery epitomizes exceptional Californian cuisine with its dedication to fresh, local ingredients. Celebrated for its coastal-inspired menu, the restaurant has earned accolades such as the Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence from 2018 to the present. Patrons consistently rave about the quality and creativity of the dishes. One diner exclaimed, "Best Seafood in San Diego. All the food items were well made, tasty and delicious." With its focus on seasonality and a superb wine list that complements the vibrant flavors of each dish, The Fishery offers an authentic taste of California's rich coastal bounty in a setting that's as welcoming as it is picturesque.
A photo of Slowly Restaurant & Lounge restaurant
5. Slowly Restaurant & Lounge
4.7
Exceptional(54)
Price: Expensive
• American • Pacific Beach
Booked 12 times today
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Pacific Beach, San Diego, Slowly Restaurant & Lounge offers an exceptional Mediterranean culinary experience that's as authentic as it is innovative. Patrons rave about the "amazing" in-house creations, from the perfectly fried branzino with crispy skin to the richly flavored broccolini paired with whipped feta and harissa sauce. Guests are consistently impressed by the fresh, high-quality ingredients and the creative twists on Mediterranean classics. The atmosphere is described as "chic yet warm," making it the perfect spot for both a casual meal and a sophisticated evening out. With glowing reviews highlighting both the food and the ambiance, Slowly stands out as a Mediterranean gem in San Diego's culinary scene.
A photo of Paradisaea restaurant
6. Paradisaea
4.7
Exceptional(562)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • La Jolla
Booked 21 times today
Nestled in the historic Piano Building in the heart of La Jolla's vibrant Bird Rock community, Paradisaea epitomizes the essence of Californian cuisine with its commitment to quality, flavor, and local sourcing. Celebrated for its "crave-able, accessible fare executed at the highest level," this destination restaurant has become a local favorite, with diners praising its "amazing food and service" and the "extraordinary" chef's tasting menu. The ambiance, described as both "vibrant" and "soothing," complements the meticulously prepared dishes, from the fresh oysters to the flavorful steak au poivre, each "beautifully presented and delicious." Paradisaea's dedication to the Californian tradition of fresh, innovative dining is evident, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a truly remarkable meal in La Jolla.
A photo of Oceana Coastal Kitchen restaurant
7. Oceana Coastal Kitchen
4.4
Awesome(1300)
Price: Expensive
• American • Pacific Beach
Booked 14 times today
Oceana Coastal Kitchen in Pacific Beach, San Diego, guarantees an unparalleled seafood experience that has diners raving, "Absolutely love this restaurant" and praising dishes like "super fresh seafood!" and the "amazing" seafood tower. Nestled in an iconic Pacific Beach hideaway, this gem offers a stunning bayfront dining ambiance with an impressive 800-gallon aquarium and sweeping panoramic views of Mission Bay. The menu, curated by Executive Chef Paul Arias, includes highlights like the Striped Seabass and the Oceana House Roll, which have helped earn the restaurant the prestigious 2023 Traveler’s Choice Best of the Best award from TripAdvisor. Whether you're enjoying a sunny al fresco meal or a cozy dinner, Oceana Coastal Kitchen is the epitome of high-quality, authentic seafood cuisine.
A photo of Waterbar San Diego restaurant
8. Waterbar San Diego
4.4
Awesome(388)
Price: Moderate
• American • Pacific Beach
Booked 14 times today
Located alongside the vibrant ocean-front boardwalk in Pacific Beach, Waterbar offers only the best in tantalizing menus, innovative libations, panoramic views, and lively entertainment. Our “social seafood” menu is inspired by East coast, West coast and Baja cuisines, and transforms the freshest flavors through our chef’s unique renditions of coastal classics. Flavor-forward craft cocktails, local micro-brews, national brand favorites, and a diverse wine list are offered across comfortable bar seating, community-table dining, and intimate ocean-side tables. Waterbar’s thriving, energetic environment captures the passion of San Diego’s iconic coastline for an unforgettably satisfying experience.
A photo of NINE-TEN restaurant
9. NINE-TEN
4.7
Exceptional(2931)
Price: Expensive
• American • La Jolla
Booked 15 times today
Nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of La Jolla, San Diego, NINE-TEN stands out as a beacon of farm-to-table excellence. Under the helm of nationally-recognized chef Jason Knibb, the restaurant has earned a MICHELIN distinction for its commitment to locally-sourced, seasonally-inspired cuisine. Diners rave about the exceptional quality of dishes such as the "best duck breast I’ve ever had" and praise the innovative "Mercy of the Chef" tasting menu. With ingredients carefully selected daily from local artisans, NINE-TEN not only promises but delivers a dining experience that is both authentic and sublime. Whether you're enjoying a meal on their cozy terrace with ocean views or indulging in the warmth of their elegant indoor setting, NINE-TEN is a true gem in farm-to-table dining.
A photo of The French Gourmet restaurant
10. The French Gourmet
4.6
Exceptional(1566)
Price: Moderate
• American • Pacific Beach
Booked 19 times today
At The French Gourmet in Pacific Beach, San Diego, diners experience the epitome of American cuisine with a delightful Californian twist on French classics. This neighborhood gem consistently impresses with its "outstanding" meals and "exceptional" service, offering a "great variety of different French breakfast items" and dinners that leave guests planning their next visit. Whether it's the "perfectly cooked" filet mignon or the "delicious" French toast, the menu reflects a dedication to quality that has endured for over four decades. One reviewer raved, "the food was outstanding, every single thing was very delicious!!" making it clear why The French Gourmet remains a beloved spot for both locals and visitors alike.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Rich
    Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities •13 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Great service.Food exceeded expectations. Highly recommended. I will come back to try more of their menu.
    More info
    Pacific Beach HideawayPrice: Moderate• American• Pacific Beach
    •
    5
  • DavidVIP
    San Diego •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Wonderful anniversary dinner. Great spot with very good food. The pita bread and burrata salad was fantastic.
    More info
    Slowly Restaurant & LoungePrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Pacific Beach
    •
    4.7
  • Susan
    San Diego •55 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 12 Dec 2024
    If you like fresh seafood, this is definitely the place for you!! But it’s not just the seafood that’s great, their salads and soups are amazing too!! My husband had the clam chowder and it was thick and rich- whole clams (not diced up little pieces)….and I had the chicory salad which was a lot more than just chicory….it had dates, blue cheese, persimmons, pumpkinseeds. I was so delicious that I ate the whole thing (but honestly, it’s a shareable portion). I had the macadamia crusted halibut which was perfectly cooked and the sauce was the perfect accompaniment. My husband had the scallops with squid in risotto….also delicious! We will definitely be back and bring friends next time!!
    More info
    The FisheryPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Pacific Beach
    •
    4.7
  • Rob
    Calgary / Southern Alberta •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 9 Sept 2024
    The food was amazing, and the service was great. Visited Firehouse 21 next door to get a few T-shirts as well. Great location. We will be back during our next trip to San Diego
    More info
    Firehouse American Eatery and LoungePrice: Moderate• American• Pacific Beach
    •
    4.6
  • BethVIP
    San Diego •12 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 23 Aug 2024
    Large group celebrating a birthday on ALL YOU CAN EAT CRAB night (Thursday nights). The staff was great, they were attentive and always there to get us drinks or more crab! The team did a great job making sure the celebration went well. The crab was AMAZING. The chef stopped by to check on us and tell us how the crab is prepared. Overall great experience.
    More info
    Union Kitchen & Tap Pacific BeachPrice: Expensive• American• Pacific Beach
    •
    4.6

Discover best American restaurants in Pacific Beach

Discover the vibrant American dining scene in San Diego's Pacific Beach neighborhood, a hotspot for culinary enthusiasts looking to savor American cuisine with a local twist. Pacific Beach offers a diverse array of American restaurants that cater to every taste, whether you're craving classic comfort foods or innovative dishes that push culinary boundaries. Each restaurant in this lively area focuses on high-quality ingredients, often sourced locally to support sustainability and provide the freshest flavors. Menus are rich and varied, featuring everything from expertly grilled steaks and gourmet burgers to artisanal salads and seafood caught right off the coast. The dining experience in Pacific Beach is enhanced by the scenic ocean views and the casual yet sophisticated ambiance typical of San Diego. Visitors and locals alike appreciate the commitment to excellence in service and the overall dining experience, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking the best in American dining. Whether you're a long-time resident or a first-time visitor, the American restaurants in Pacific Beach promise a memorable culinary journey.

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