Best Waterfront Restaurants in La Mesa

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanSteakhouseSeafoodMexicanCocktail BarMediterranean

Regions

San Diego

Neighborhoods

DowntownNational City

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for fine wines

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

9 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Sally's Waterfront Dining restaurant

1. Sally's Waterfront Dining

4.5

Awesome(2185)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Downtown

Booked 29 times today

Sally's Fish House & Bar is a waterfront restaurant located in San Diego, overlooking the Bay and offering stunning views of the marina. The restaurant's description mentions dining 'right on the water' and many reviews mention the beautiful location next to the harbor, with outdoor seating that provides a great view of the water.

2. Seaview

4.4

Awesome(349)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown

Booked 5 times today

Seaview is a waterfront restaurant as it offers dining with a view of the dock. Reviews often mention the 'view of the dock' and the 'nice view for a brunch', indicating the restaurant is indeed situated by the water. The restaurant's description also mentions an outdoor patio with views of the marina.

A photo of Roy's San Diego Waterfront restaurant

3. Roy's San Diego Waterfront

4.1

Excellent(3804)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Downtown

Booked 41 times today

Roy's San Diego Waterfront is a waterfront restaurant located on the water at the Marriott Hotel and Marina. The description mentions patio dining just steps from the water, and numerous reviews mention the outdoor seating with great waterfront views. One reviewer mentions watching the sunset over the marina, while another mentions enjoying the view of the bay and boats. It's a perfect spot for a relaxing dinner while enjoying the waterfront view.

4. Animae

4.8

Exceptional(3523)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary Asian • Downtown

Booked 64 times today

Located just steps from the waterfront, ANIMAE is where West Coast flair meets Asian soul. Under the direction of Executive Chef Tara Monsod, a James Beard Award finalist, the menu delivers bold, genre-defying dishes like her signature Pork Tomahawk Tocino—a smoky, sweet, deeply umami showstopper grilled over a traditional coal-fired oven.Inside, ANIMAE stuns with a maximalist-meets-modern aesthetic: think art deco glam, velvet banquettes, mirrored ceilings, and an energy that’s both sultry and celebratory. Whether you're dining in the main room or sipping cocktails in the tucked-away lounge, every corner invites you to stay awhile.

A photo of Sessions by the Bay restaurant

5. Sessions by the Bay

4.6

Exceptional(157)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • National City

Booked 81 times today

Welcome to Sessions By The Bay — San Diego’s first and only 21+ cannabis consumption lounge and dispensary, located right on the waterfront in National City.More than just a weed dispensary, we offer a one-of-a-kind space where premium cannabis, dining, live music, and cutting-edge immersive art spaces come together to create an unforgettable experience.Lounge reservations are highly encouraged; walk-ins welcome based on availability.Lounge Access Details:• Monday – Thursday: FREE lounge entry for all San Diego county locals with valid ID.• Lounge Entry Fee: $10 for non-locals or non-qualifying visitors.*Lounge fee is also waived with a $75 subtotal purchase in the dispensary for anyone. Must show same day receipt.We recommend arriving 30 minutes early to complete your dispensary purchase for lounge use.Guests may bring approved electronic devices for a $10 corkage fee. Standard vape batteries are exempt. Cancel 24+ hours for refund. For help, please call us (619) 935-7374

A photo of Brigantine at Portside Pier restaurant

6. Brigantine at Portside Pier

4.7

Exceptional(4526)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Downtown

Booked 131 times today

The Brigantine is more than just home to some of San Diego’s finest seafood. It’s a place where locals and visitors alike come to share a lively atmosphere and authentic sense of community. The Morton family opened the first Brigantine on Shelter Island in 1969, with a vision that embraced the beach town lifestyle, a dedication to flavorful food, and a passion for friendly service. Today, we’re known far and wide for our San Diego-style surf and turf. From our award-winning fish tacos and freshly shucked oysters, to classic filet mignon or our perpetually best-selling marinated grilled swordfish. Always prepared to exceed expectations, and served with a smile. You can stop in at any neighborhood Brigantine and get a taste of the local flavor, from regionally inspired specials, to custom cocktails and home town craft beers. At the Brigantine we make first timers feel like regulars, and consider regulars part of the family. So come by often, and share our taste for life.

A photo of Topsail at Portside Pier restaurant

7. Topsail at Portside Pier

4.7

Exceptional(162)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Downtown

Booked 33 times today

San Diego's most iconic waterfront property features Topsail, a luxury lounge on the rooftop at Portside Pier! Indulge in fresh seafood, craft cocktails, and small plates while relaxing fireside above the water!

8. Hudson & Nash

4.2

Awesome(142)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Unspecified • Downtown

Booked 18 times today

Waterfront Kitchen and Cocktails. San Diego - long known for its beach vibe and coastal vistas - is a multi-cultural community with a mouthwatering array of uniquely regional culinary offerings, from the deliciously decadent to the effortless classics. Whether Point Loma's sea-sprayed tidepools, Convoy's Asian and Pacific Islander influence, or Barrio Logan's Chicano heritage, we invite you to explore all that San Diego has to offer

A photo of Miguel's - Portside Pier restaurant

9. Miguel's - Portside Pier

4.7

Exceptional(223)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Downtown

Booked 17 times today

Beginning with a few classic recipes culled from our chef’s family and friends, the menu captured the true spirit of Mexico. And its authentic style drew a loyal following of those in search of Sonoran grilled swordfish tacos, sizzling sirloin fajitas, and spicy rich chicken mole.Over three decades, our signature friendly service and festive decor have made Miguel’s a San Diego tradition for locals and visitors alike. Our commitment to artisan cuisine has only grown stronger. That means handmade tortillas, fresh salsas, and colorful crispy chips made daily right in our kitchen. Of course, there’s our decadent, must-have jalapeño white sauce, occasionally referred to as white gold by regulars, and craved up and down the coast.We invite you to stop in. Enjoy a refreshing hand-shaken margarita and a genuine, mouthwatering Mexican meal. Lets celebrate what we hope will be your first of many, many visits.

‘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
James
2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Outside dining at its best. Beautiful views of the city both day and night. Heaters for chilly nights.
More info
Peohe's - Coronado Waterfront RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Coronado
•
4.5
H
HectorVIP
San Diego •4 reviews
4.0
Dined 3 days ago
Regular customers until our recent experience. Had a dinner reservation, were promptly seated then after a reasonable time our order for appetizers was taken. However after reminding the waiter twice about our order over a forty minute span there was no sign of our food and no sign of our waiter, so we left.
More info
Roy's San Diego WaterfrontPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Downtown
•
4.1
C
Chad
Caribbean •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
We reserved lunch with one of my customers and the atmosphere was awesome! Sat outside with a great view. Service was on time and accurate. Food was cooked perfectly!! Definitely coming back.
More info
Sally's Waterfront DiningPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Downtown
•
4.5
J
john
Las Vegas •3 reviews
4.0
Dined on Jun 2, 2025
Overall, good service and decent experience. Limited menu for supper. Good wine.
More info
Red Marlin - Hyatt Regency Mission BayPrice: Expensive• Californian• Mission Bay
•
4.5
M
Maurio
Phoenix / Arizona •1 review
5.0
Dined on Mar 29, 2025
Very good food and good service, definitely worth it
More info
SeaviewPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown
•
4.4

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