Diners' Choice: Great for scenic views restaurants in North San Diego

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking restaurants that have the most scenic view in North San Diego? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Poseidon

4.8

4.8 (5763)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Del Mar

About the restaurant

The minute you walk into Poseidon, you’ll be swept by the fabulous view. You couldn’t be closer to the sand and the beach than sitting at Poseidon on their beautiful outdoor patio. With such a spectacular ocean view, you’ll experience breathtaking sunsets and during the right season even catch a glimpse of the whales migrating up or down the coast. The bar offers a large circular firepit, which is nice on those chilly fall or winter nights. Off to the side of the bar is a split level dining room offering every table a panoramic view of the beach and the ocean. For decades, Poseidon has delighted both local San Diegans and the tourists that love the beach.

Top review

Kathee

Dined 5 days ago

The entire staff was very friendly and personable from beginning to end. The view is perfect.The food, cocktails and ice tea were all beyond delicious.The sea bass was amazing! I highly recommend the Poisedon with it's relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff and fabulous food and drinks!

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4.7

4.7 (10760)

$30 and under

American

Del Mar

About the restaurant

Aloha friends of Jake’s Del Mar! We are open for indoor and outdoor dining, takeout, and delivery. Visit jakesdelmar.com to view our menus or place a takeout order online!

Jake’s is the quintessential California oceanfront dining experience. The eclectic menu compliments the casual, yet elegant restaurant atmosphere right on the Del Mar shore. With chef-driven California coastal fare, craft cocktails, and unforgettable ocean views, it’s the best of the west coast. Whether for a date night or a celebration with friends and family, Jake’s serves up something special every time.

Top review

Christel

Dined 1 day ago

Amazing service. Food was excellent. But the view during sunset was unforgettable.

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Pacific Coast Grill - Cardiff

4.7

4.7 (9586)

$50 and over

Seafood

Cardiff By The Sea

About the restaurant

Pacific Coast Grill's oceanfront venue features unique Pacific Coastal cuisine, an oyster bar, select sushi rolls, and a plethora of seafood choices, delicious steaks and more! There are two levels of dining at the new PCG with every dining seat in the house carefully planned to have an ocean view. There are bars on both levels and a heated outdoor patio and a deck with one of the best views of the Pacific Ocean and the line up at Cardiff Reef. You can watch surfers, kite surfers, dolphins, whales and spectacular sunsets from throughout the restaurant.

Top review

ClaudiaVIP

Dined 1 day ago

under excellent management had a wonderful experience celebrating our 46th anniversary

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4.6

4.6 (1080)

$30 and under

Californian

Cardiff By The Sea

About the restaurant

Daytime service is as it always has been: order at the counter and the food will be brought to you in the seating area upstairs or out under our tent. Night-time is full service in the upstairs seating area. On Friday nights, we also have live music from 7-9pm.
Ki's is a perfect fit for its local beach community culture. We provide food options that serve the needs of people who enjoy the outdoors and have a high degree of awareness for their health, fitness and well being. And Ki's is more than just a 'health food' option for many. It is simply great food for anyone-professionals, families looking for a home-cooked meal or friends hanging out enjoying some tasty eats.

Top review

ChefVIP

Dined on Jun 24, 2025

The waitresses have gotten so much nicer and more professional. It's a pleasure to dine here. I always order the Santa Fe Wrap from downstairs. It's a little more expensive than lunchtime, but it's totally delicious and comes with either a small salad or fries. I love, love, love their peanut sauce, so that what I use instead of the yogurt dressing! One thing you can count on. Their food is fresh, healthy and consistently good!

The Watering Hole- San Diego Zoo Safari Park

4.5

4.5 (1400)

$30 and under

Gastro Pub

Escondido

About the restaurant

Located in the San Diego Safari Park
OpenTable Diners Choice 2025 Award for Best Ambiance

Enjoy an incredible view of the African Plains at the Safari Park's newest gathering spot: The Watering Hole restaurant and bar. Watch rhinos and giraffes as you dine on menu items including tasty sandwiches and fresh salads or relax with a refreshing beverage from the full-service bar with a wide selection of craft beers, wine, and mixed drinks.

Top review

Cheri

Dined on Jun 23, 2025

Unique & beautiful African lodge setting overlooking the San Diego Safari Park’s savanna animals. Excellent variety of menu items - appetizers, sandwiches, salads & desserts made to order. Good bar & beverage choices. A totally fun destination!

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Popular dish

Chicken Club

Chart House Restaurant - Cardiff

4.4

4.4 (7418)

$30 and under

Seafood

Solana Beach

About the restaurant

Chart House is a fine dining restaurant serving seafood & steak and famous for their spectacular views. For more than 50 years, Chart House has redefined the ideal dining experience. With 27 waterfront and showcase locations ranging from the historic to the unforgettable, Chart House restaurants specialize in dazzling views, unique cuisine and exceptional service. From fresh fish specialties to slow-roasted prime rib, the renowned chefs of Chart House have tailored a menu that adds a unique touch to local flavors. And the Chart House happy hour is a guest favorite, where guest favor our signature cocktails and delicious bites you are sure to enjoy. Our original Hot Chocolate Lava Cake is the perfect end to a memorable dining experience at Chart House. Chart House offers the ideal setting for your next event. We would be happy to assist you with all the details of your special occasion.

Top review

CharlesVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Had a great lunch and good service. We sat at the window for a beautiful view of the ocean waves!

En Fuego Cantina and Grill

4.4

4.4 (295)

$30 and under

Mexican

Del Mar

About the restaurant

En Fuego Cantina & Grill in Del Mar is one of the original restaurants in the Village. It was established in 1995 and has been serving delicious Mexican cuisine and amazing margarita's ever since. Open daily for lunch and dinner, serving Happy Hour 7 days a week from 4pm to 6pm and Taco Tuesday every week from 4:30 till close.

En Fuego Cantina and Grill has an expansive menu with classic favorites like fresh guacamole and chips, carnitas, fajitas and enchiladas. Try one of the house specials like the Chile rellenos, a traditional recipe, with battered and stuffed Anaheim chilis topped with tomatillo sauce and a three-cheese blend.

Top review

Margaret

Dined on May 23, 2025

Delicious food. Excellent service. Beautiful ambiance. Easy to fit a large party. Great location!

VAGA Restaurant & Bar

4.3

4.3 (352)

$31 to $50

American

Encinitas

About the restaurant

For a true “vaga”, the journey is never-ending; the spirit and palate, always curious. Drawing ingredients and inspiration from near and far, VAGA explores San Diego’s ever-changing confluence of culture and wanderlust. From its perch on a coastal bluff in Encinitas, California, VAGA keeps one hand in the ocean, one hand in the farm, and both eyes on the horizon.

VAGA Restaurant & Bar is located on Level 2 of Alila Marea Beach Resort. Valet parking is available through the resort for $5.00 per car before 5 pm with validation only. After 5 pm, valet parking is $10.00 per car with no validation required. Self-parking is not available.

Top review

MarilynVIP

Dined 1 day ago

The moment we arrived we were greeted by the manager whom seated us. She was highly skilled at making us feel welcome. Her customer service skills were excellent. The same can be said for our server (we dined on the deck overlooking the ocean and a beautiful sunset). A lovely experience overall. These folks understand customer service.

Cococabana

4.2

4.2 (236)

$31 to $50

Tapas / Small Plates

Oceanside

About the restaurant

We operate on a first come, first serve seating policy. For parties of 6 or more, please visit us on OpenTable or visit our Events Page to inquire about special events & parties.

Housed on the Brick’s 2,100-square-foot rooftop is the Cococabana Bar, a Caribbean-style cocktail bar with its own menu of small bites.

Top review

Cristine

Dined on Jun 22, 2025

Great view, a bit breezy and amazing cocktails!!! The wine list is limited but overall great bar.

Joe's Crab Shack - Oceanside

3.9

3.9 (63)

$30 and under

Seafood

Oceanside

About the restaurant

Joe’s Crab Shack offers a variety of favorites from all parts of the sea and shore. From its extensive menu, guests can choose from buckets of seasonal seafood, fried shrimp platters and fish dishes, as well as options from the “mainland” that include steak, sandwiches, and chicken. Guests can indulge in over-sized and creative cocktails, such as the Shark Bite which is playfully garnished with a shark toy. Since its inception, Joe’s popularity has stemmed not only from its menu, but also its retail store. With various pieces of merchandise for purchase, including the ever-popular tie-dye T-shirt with the phrase “Peace, Love and Crabs,” Joe’s has become synonymous with the word “fun.”

Top review

Gary

Dined 4 days ago

Busy Friday night with noisy crowd but seafood very good

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