Best Restaurants for People Watching in Pacific Beach

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSeafoodFrenchMexicanBritish

Regions

North San DiegoSan Diego

Areas

CoronadoDel MarDowntownHillcrestLa JollaLittle Italy

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeaway only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

22 restaurants available nearby

1. The Whaling Bar

4.7

Exceptional(97)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • La Jolla

Booked 24 times today

Rediscover The Whaling Bar in La Jolla, blending historic charm and modern luxury. Once beloved in the La Valencia hotel, it's back after ten years, mixing its rich legacy with today's elegance. Known for its cozy atmosphere and top-notch service, it's been updated for contemporary tastes without losing its heritage essence. Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski, with a background in America's top kitchens and Iron Chef America, leads the culinary journey, offering a menu that combines classic and innovative approaches. The Whaling Bar invites both old fans and new to enjoy luxury and become part of La Jolla's ongoing story.

2. World Famous

4.6

Exceptional(1042)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Californian • Pacific Beach

Booked 22 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.

3. Beaumont's

4.7

Exceptional(926)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • La Jolla

Booked 8 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!

4. Brockton Villa

4.7

Exceptional(2807)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Californian • La Jolla

Booked 21 times today

Great Food * Epic SunsetsBrockton Villa is a beautiful historic home converted into a restaurant located directly across from the ocean. Our seaside location offers a spectacular view of the world-famous La Jolla Cove, and has become a favorite "show off" spot for locals and visitors alike. We are known for our breakfasts, including our famous Coast Toast. Our chef creates many other wonderful dishes seasonally for lunch and our dinner service.Our house is the perfect place for you to host your next party. Whether it be a wedding reception, rehearsal dinner, baptism, bridal shower, baby shower, or any special occasion.Brockton Villa loves families! Please don't forget to include your little ones in your reservation count!

A photo of Trattoria Don Pietro restaurant

5. Trattoria Don Pietro

3.9

Excellent(826)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Old Town

Booked 3 times 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.

6. Draft

4.1

Excellent(126)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Mission Bay

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 Miss B's Coconut Club restaurant

7. Miss B's Coconut Club

4.8

Exceptional(128)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Caribbean • Mission Beach

Booked 4 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 Pacific Beach Alehouse restaurant

8. Pacific Beach Alehouse

4.4

Awesome(264)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Pacific Beach

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 Casa De Freds, Tacos y Tequila restaurant

9. Casa De Freds, Tacos y Tequila

4.7

Exceptional(325)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Old Town

Booked 4 times 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!

10. Kettner Exchange

4.7

Exceptional(1428)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Little Italy

Booked 63 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

O
Olivia
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Great place for locals and to take friends and family. Some beach front establishments are a gimmick, but world famous is a beautiful waterfront spot with delicious food, great service, and reasonable prices. We come often for brunch on the weekends and always bring our out of town guests!
More info
World FamousPrice: Moderate• Californian• Pacific Beach
•
4.6
IW
IdaliaW
San Diego •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
The food was delicious and the hostess highly accommodating to our needs, great view too!
More info
Brockton VillaPrice: Moderate• Californian• La Jolla
•
4.7
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
The food was delicious, the service was excellent. We had a wonderful evening.
More info
The Whaling BarPrice: Expensive• Californian• La Jolla
•
4.7
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on 1 Mar 2025
We had a great time! Our server was awesome. I wish I could remember her name. The food was delicious. There was a band playing inside so we sat outside on the heated patio. It was fun and lovely. The drinks were great.
More info
Beaumont'sPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• La Jolla
•
4.7
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined on 28 Feb 2025
Such a sweet ambiance! Good groovy music and excellent service! Can’t recommend this place enough.
More info
Trattoria Don PietroPrice: Moderate• Italian• Old Town
•
3.9

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