Best Southwest American Restaurants in Ocean Beach

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Regions

San Diego

Neighborhoods

Banker's HillBarrio LoganBay ParkCoronadoDowntownGrantville

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

173 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Coasterra

4.6

Exceptional(7908)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Harbor Island

Booked 117 times today

Coasterra, nestled in the scenic Harbor Island of San Diego, is a beacon of exceptional Seafood cuisine. With breathtaking views of the bay and the city skyline, Coasterra offers an unforgettable dining experience that pairs perfectly with its high-quality Seafood offerings. Guests rave about standout dishes like the "Blood Orange Scallop Aguachile" and the "hefty and delicious" mahi tacos, both of which showcase the restaurant's dedication to authentic and flavorful Seafood. The ambiance and service complement the exquisite cuisine, making every visit a delightful occasion. Whether celebrating a special moment or enjoying a casual meal, Coasterra promises a Seafood experience that is both memorable and delectable.

2. Starlite

4.7

Exceptional(314)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Mission Hills

Booked 101 times today

Starlite: A timeless San Diego icon with a fresh future, helmed by Chef Ted Smith.Please note: Our establishment is 21+

A photo of Wonderland Ocean Pub restaurant

3. Wonderland Ocean Pub

4.6

Exceptional(28)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Ocean Beach

Booked 32 times today

Located steps from the sand in Ocean Beach, San Diego, Wonderland Ocean Pub offers incredible ocean views and a laid-back coastal vibe. Join us for our daily sunset toast, a unique tradition to celebrate the beauty of the Pacific as the day winds down. Our menu features fresh, locally-inspired dishes perfect for any occasion, from fish tacos and shareable small plates to indulgent weekend brunches. With warm hospitality and an unforgettable oceanfront setting, Wonderland is a must-visit destination for locals and visitors alike.

4. La Doña

4.7

Exceptional(26)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Ocean Beach

Booked 10 times today

Located just steps from the Pacific Ocean, La Doña brings vibrant Mexican flavors to the coast with fresh ingredients and a modern twist to Ocean Beach. From house-made classics to bold takes on traditional favorites, every bite is crafted with care and authenticity. Pair your meal with hand-crafted cocktails, a carefully curated selection of San Diego’s finest craft beers, or a refreshing classic Mexican cerveza. Whether you’re gathering for family dinner, toasting with friends, or simply savoring the moment, La Doña is where great food, good vibes, and unforgettable memories come together.

5. OB Surf Lodge

4.6

Exceptional(27)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Ocean Beach

Booked 21 times today

OB Surf Lodge celebrates the vibrant spirit of 1960s SoCal surf culture, paying tribute to the iconic roots of Ocean Beach and the surf lifestyle that defined the area. Our coastal-inspired brunch, served with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, offers a fresh and exciting experience for every guest. We take pride in preparing our menu from scratch daily and cooking everything to order.

A photo of Cocina 35 Liberty Station restaurant

6. Cocina 35 Liberty Station

4.7

Exceptional(190)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Shelter Island / San Diego Bay

Booked 31 times today

Our team is dedicated to bring to you the essence of Mexico, the flavors, aromas, culture, service and textures that were given to us, growing up cooking right next to our grandparents in Mexico.We are the only restaurant in San Diego that specialized in Chilaquiles the Most traditional Mexican Breakfast.

7. Herb & Wood

4.7

Exceptional(6766)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Little Italy

Booked 69 times today

Herb & Wood in San Diego's vibrant Little Italy is a shining example of exquisite American cuisine. Celebrated Chef Brian Malarkey crafts a menu that elevates rustic, wood-fired dishes, blending Mediterranean flair with California's commitment to seasonality and sustainability. Diners rave about the "incredible dinner" experience, showcasing "amazing, flavorful food" and "outstanding service." The ambiance is described as "beautiful" and "welcoming," making every visit memorable. Signature dishes like the pork belly and filet mignon are praised for their exceptional taste. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a night out, Herb & Wood promises a "truly memorable culinary experience."

A photo of Ironside Fish & Oyster restaurant

8. Ironside Fish & Oyster

4.7

Exceptional(4726)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Little Italy

Booked 107 times today

Ironside Fish & Oyster in San Diego's Little Italy is a quintessential hotspot for authentic American cuisine, seamlessly blending traditional and contemporary flavors. This gem pays homage to its roots in the fishing industry with a mouthwatering menu that features renowned dishes such as the lobster roll and clam chowder, praised for being “chock full of clams.” The vibrant atmosphere and top-notch service are frequently highlighted in reviews, with one diner noting the “excellent experience, food, and ambience.” With a stellar raw bar and an enticing happy hour, Ironside promises a “delightful experience” that diners find irresistible.

9. El Sueño

4.4

Awesome(271)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Old Town

Booked 19 times today

El Sueño in Old Town, San Diego, redefines the Sushi experience with its exceptional quality and authentic flavors. Guests rave about the "amazing aguachile roll," highlighting the restaurant's unique twist on traditional Sushi. With a focus on fresh and high-quality ingredients, every dish promises a delightful culinary journey. The ambiance adds to the experience, creating a vibrant and inviting atmosphere perfect for any occasion. While the restaurant is celebrated for its Mexican fare, its Sushi offerings stand out, making it a must-visit for Sushi enthusiasts. El Sueño is not just a meal; it's a celebration of flavors and craftsmanship in every bite.

A photo of Bali Hai Restaurant restaurant

10. Bali Hai Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(6139)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Shelter Island / San Diego Bay

Booked 52 times today

Bali Hai Restaurant in San Diego is a top-tier destination for Seafood enthusiasts, offering "excellent" and "delicious" dishes with an authentic touch of the Pacific. Set against the stunning backdrop of the San Diego Bay, the restaurant provides not only a feast for the taste buds but also for the eyes. Reviewers rave about the Coconut Shrimp and the Honey Cashew Shrimp, highlighting their exquisite taste and presentation. Guests appreciate the "lovely Poke appetizer" and the "crispy Ahi," which are perfect examples of the restaurant's dedication to quality and authenticity. With a history of over fifty years, Bali Hai continues to impress with its superb Seafood offerings and exceptional service.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

J
JohnVIP
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
The service is excellent; everyone at the Coronado Blanco is friendly and helpful!
More info
Blanco Cocina + Cantina - CoronadoPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Coronado
•
4.8
J
Janet
San Diego •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Only bad thing was that the tortilla chips were rancid. We brought it to the attention of our waitress and she took care of it. All the bags were rancid from the supplier and they were notified.
More info
Casa De Freds, Tacos y TequilaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Old Town
•
4.6
L
LouiseVIP
New York City •13 reviews
4.0
Dined on Jul 3, 2025
Overall very good food. The guac table side was tasty, as were the complimentary chips and salsa. Chicken mole was flavorful and so were the shrimp tacos. Margarita was a bit strong until mixed more.
More info
Ortega's A Mexican BistroPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Hillcrest
•
4.7
N
Nancy
San Diego •16 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jun 25, 2025
Our group of 6 tried this restaurant for the first time for weekday lunch and thoroughly enjoyed the food and service. Everyone was quite pleased with their orders. Background music was at an acceptable level, allowing us to converse without straining to hear each other. All in all, we were delighted to have discovered this restaurant at Fashion Valley!
More info
Blanco Cocina + Cantina – Fashion ValleyPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Mission Valley
•
4.8
D
Dustin
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jun 1, 2025
We visited before a Padres day game and had a great time. The restaurant was pretty busy and the service and the food was great. We definitely will be back.
More info
Blind BurroPrice: Moderate• Mexican / Southwestern• Downtown
•
4.7

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