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Tom Hams Lighthouse, San Diego, CA

Tom Hams Lighthouse

4.6
4.6
6226 Reviews
$31 to $50
Seafood
Tom Ham’s Lighthouse was built in 1971 by a man who was not afraid to put his name on his product. Rooted in warm welcomes & excellent food, Tom Ham made his lifelong dream a reality. Tom Ham’s Lighthouse is the only restaurant in the US to have a USCG operated & maintained Lighthouse attached to it. You can locate us on any modern nautical map as Beacon #9. Featuring a 100% responsibly resourced seafood menu & award winning Sunday Champagne Brunch, we are a must when it comes to the San Diego food scene. The dining room, purposely shaped like the state of California, allows for groups as grand as 50 yet private enough for a couple’s night out. Holiday brunches have been long time family traditions for many San Diegans. Start your family’s tradition this next holiday. With the best views of the Downtown City Skyline, Coronado & San Diego Bay, Tom Ham's is & remains a San Diego tradition in dining excellence since 1971.

Make a reservation

2 people

9:30 PM


Booked 38 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Private dining

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Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, Californian, Steak
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sun 9:30 am–2:30 pm Lunch Mon–Sat 11:30 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (619) 291-9110
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Kyle Kovar
  • Catering
    Please contact Laugan Miller in our catering office.<br />banquets@tomhamslighthouse.com
  • Private party facilities
    Private and Semi-private accommodations for groups from 20 to 350. Buyouts available. All Dining space has magnificent view of the San Diego Bay.
  • Private party contact
    Brooke Otto: (855) 510-8333
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown
  • Cross street
    Harbor Dr.
  • Parking details
    Plenty of free parking right out in front in our private lot.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 6,226 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

6,226 Reviews
  1. JoeO

    San Diego

    132 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    132 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    With a better arrangement of the tables, with some plants and trees in the main dining area, it would feel less like a Military Mess Hall, and more like an expensive restaurant.

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  2. JasonA

    Hawaii

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great view of the city. Various stations help keep flow of guest moving. Quality of the food was excellent. Fantastic seafood selection

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  3. JillB

    Palm Springs

    44 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    44 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Best coastal view of the Bay and downtown San Diego! Took guests before their flight to London and they so enjoyed the breathtaking views! Seafood platters were generous and a good value. Louie salad excellent choice as well

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  4. MelindaD

    Orange County

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service3ambience5
    The food and locale is perfect... but they did not want to seat us at 4:55 because our rerve wasnt until 5..which is at the end of happy hour. but we said ok, then seat us for happy hour. very weird. they said they have nothing to do with open table so we had no idea of the time issue. we were seated for happy hour and ordered dinner five minutes later. this was odd customer service.

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  5. jeffc

    Phoenix

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great dinner and the service was fabulous. Our waitress was very attentive but not overly bothersome. She had a great personality and knew just when to stop at our table. The food was delicious and just the right amount. Will definitely go back the next time we are in town.

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  6. FredN

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    My guests were pleasantly surprised at the at the amount and quality of food. The ambiance sparkled and the staff was very attentive. Is it too early to sign up for next year?

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  7. BSFS

    San Diego

    5 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall3food2service2ambience1
    The seafood bar was great the rest of the food tasted like convention buffet food. It was very noisy. We were disappointed.

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  8. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall3food2service4ambience3
    I had high expectations for what is normally a fantastic restaurant. I did not feel the food to price point for adults ($74) was a good value. I did not partake in most of the cold seafood bar except for the scallops which were good. There was just too many people (walk-ins). The floors were a mess with dropped food which they did try to keep up with but had a hard time. My water glass was never refilled so I ended up drinking water from others in my party that were having something else to drink thankfully. The dessert bar was a few pies, cookies, and ice cream with a scooper everyone was touching. The pie was under baked. Overall I would not go back and I'm so sorry to say that as Tom Hams is a wonderful memory from my childhood.

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  9. DennisG

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall4food3service5ambience2
    excellent service staff, always someone to attend to needs...Courteous and knowledgeable. Thanks

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  10. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    Busy and managed well. I enjoyed the views and many dishes at the buffet. Didn't feel rushed, when people were waiting. Overall it was a positive value experience. We plan to return.

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  11. KimB

    San Diego

    9 reviews

    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    It was too cold and windy outside, they needed to turn on the heaters, lobster claws were horrible , over cooked, grainy and tough. The rest of the food was good

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  12. SteveE

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The service was outstanding, and the food was outstanding too. Very well organized Thanksgiving event. 

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  13. Pasadenadiner

    Los Angeles

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beautiful landmark restaurant. Great views and service. Delicious food choices.

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  14. TonyC

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Everything was good except for the lady that sat us down. She did bot look approachable, had no smile or greeting. Not sure if she was just having a bad day or if thats just the way she is. When we were leaving Tom Ham’s someone said “have a good night,” so I looked to see and I saw 2 ladies. The other lady wasn’t looking at us but the the no greet lady was looking at us with a flat stare. I said “thank you” back anyway. So that is the only reason why I did not give this review 5 stars, because she was not friendly. As far as food, service and ambience, everything was fantastic! Juan was our server and did a good job taking care of us.

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  15. AlexanderN

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 20, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    I was there for lunch. The view of the Harbor is one of the best in SD.

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  16. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    24 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on November 20, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Great location for a leisurely lunch. Service was attentive and food & ambience were excellent.

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  17. CarlosR

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great experience. Alicia provided great service and recommendations. All the staff were friendly and professional. I would recthos for any special occasion.

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  18. Karen

    Orlando

    7 reviews

    3.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience3
    The only savings grace was our bartender Tim. After that it went downhill. Our waitress was awful, bringing us nothing even close to what we ordered, and insisting we did. Then she proceeded to bring the wrong item 2 more times. Food was only mediocre, despite the rave reviews. Somewhat disappointed

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  19. PaulL

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Sat outside on heated patio. Great food view and service!

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  20. AnjaS

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Tom Ham’s Lighthouse has been the go-to place for special dinners and celebrations for our family for many years. We will be back!

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  21. AllenH

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our experience was excellent. Having dinner with brother and sister in law. We all enjoyed our meal. We sat in a booth overlooking the bay and view of San Diego skyline. Very impressive. Service was excellent also. We had reservations and were seated right away.

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  22. FoodieDoodie

    San Francisco

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent! Service was so good! Clam chowder and Calamari was exceptional! Oksana our server was the best!

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  23. HiltonHeadNavy

    Charleston

    87 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    87 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The lobster rolls were amazing! Service was outstanding and the view was fabulous!!

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  24. CliffW

    Orange County

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was better this time. Service and friendliness were excellent.

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  25. LizaN

    San Diego

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 14, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    Service was impeccable. The view of the San Diego skyline was beautiful. The food ruined the experience. We ordered the soup of the day which is the lobster bisque. It was very salty. We then had calamari and fried oysters for appetizers and they were good. For our main entrees, we had the paella, the linguine with clams and the bouillabaisse. All of them were very salty. This is not the first time we ate at Tom Ham’s. I don’t know what changed but this dinner was just really salty. I would understand if one entree was salty but all of them? Hmmmm…

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  26. PamH

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 13, 2023

    overall3food2service5ambience5
    It was a beautiful and interesting venue. Lots of complimentary parking. We had a reservation, but didn't need it. There weren't many customers. We sat outside and it was so lovely. Great service. The menu, food and drinks weren't at the same level. We had a hamburger and lobster bisque. There wasn't lobster to be seen in the soup. The hamburger was pretty good. It was really fun to check it out.

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  27. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall1food1service3ambience1
    Poor quality food, do not recommend. Experienced tummy issues.

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  28. Foodie

    San Diego

    19 reviews

    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best brunch ever if you love crab legs. Also the service and view of the water is fantastic. We love coming here!

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  29. KeithC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great place, great ambiance and most importantly the food is great. My go to for hugh end seafood dining

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  30. DOUGLASW

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience2
    It's been awhile since we've dined at Tom Hams. First impression was a little tired, terrible lighting. We made a reservation about 3 days before our dinner. They wouldn't seat us along the windows although there were open tables. Those tables did eventually fill up. Service was slow. We were at the table about 15 minutes before we got our cocktails. I asked for a wine list, took about 8-10 minutes. We ordered a bottle of Pinot. It arrived after our entrees, about half way through our dinners, unacceptable

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  31. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved everything! We ate early and glad we did because it was getting pretty loud by the time we left.

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  32. WillT

    San Diego

    24 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    great margaritas - short ribs were very delicious.

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  33. tomm

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall3food2service5ambience5
    Besides the service, which was very good, the experience was very average.

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  34. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a great place to take out of towners . Beautiful location, near the airport and so convenient isn’t with lots of parking. Menu had something for everyone, I had paella, my friend a salad with added salmon, and the drinks selection has it all too. Service was perfect and the server was happy to take our picture. Can’t fault this place.

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  35. ROBERTM

    San Diego

    22 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on November 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Lighthouse is a wonderful place for lunch on their balcony overlooking SanDiego bay. The service and food has always been great and the prices very reasonable for the area. We like to start our meal with one of their Mai Tai’s and a shrimp ceviche appetizer. A great place for a leisurely lunch with great views, friendly service and delicious food.

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  36. FranciscoE

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had a great time! Anniversary went great and the food was great! View was awesome and waiter took care of us. Could not be happier with the service!!!

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  37. ScottyG

    Los Angeles

    25 reviews

    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on November 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I went there for my birthday with my husband and it was perfect. We sat outside with a lovely heater and I had a totally delicious lobster. The view of the bay was lovely and romantic, and the service was spot on! This was our second trip to Tom Hams and it never fails to impress usl Oh, and my husband had Pallela and loved it.

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  38. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 2, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Sat outside. Beautiful night, great food and excellent service. Can't beat that.

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  39. Erica

    Greater Boston

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved the food and ambience, nice that parking is free, great atmosphere, very relaxed. The lobster bisque was terrific and staff was very friendly and attentive.

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  40. TammyB

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 31, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience3
    Was hoping to watch the sunset, however the restaurant/bar views don't allow for that. You do however get a beautiful view of the city as the lights come on. The staff was super friendly. The food was good. I did notate that we were celebrating our anniversary & it was acknowledged by the staff which was super sweet.

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Tom Hams Lighthouse offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (619) 291-9110.

Tom Hams Lighthouse is rated 4.6 stars by 6226 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

9:30 PM


Booked 38 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Tom Hams Lighthouse

2150 Harbor Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92101

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Harbor Dr.
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sun 9:30 am–2:30 pm Lunch Mon–Sat 11:30 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, Californian, Steak
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Plenty of free parking right out in front in our private lot.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Kyle Kovar
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (619) 291-9110
  • Catering
    Please contact Laugan Miller in our catering office.<br />banquets@tomhamslighthouse.com
  • Private party facilities
    Private and Semi-private accommodations for groups from 20 to 350. Buyouts available. All Dining space has magnificent view of the San Diego Bay.
  • Private party contact
    Brooke Otto: (855) 510-8333
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