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Tom Hams Lighthouse, San Diego, CA

Tom Hams Lighthouse

4.6
4.6
6114 Reviews
$31 to $50
Seafood
Top Tags:
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
7:00 PM
Booked 78 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Private dining

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Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • 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
  • Website
    http://www.tomhamslighthouse.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Kyle Kovar
  • Catering
    Please contact Perla Ortiz in our catering office. 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
  • Location
    2150 Harbor Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
  • 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

Featured in

What 6,114 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
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • San Diego

    Great for scenic views

6,114 Reviews

  1. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall4food3service4ambience5
    The food was okay the servers were nice but few so we had to wait a while for them to come around overall it’s a nice place for a date or to eat with the fam

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  2. lovetoeat

    San Diego

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The view is the best in San Diego. The service is impeccable and the food delicious. I had the oysters and we shared the roasted cauliflower. Also, the bouillabaisse, quite enough for two. Free dessert for my birthday, thank you!

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  3. JayS

    San Diego

    72 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    72 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall3food2service4ambience5
    My wife and I tried Tom Hams for dinner for the first time. The view of the bay and the city is really amazing. Our waitress was great. Food? Not so much. My scallops were quite fishy...not acceptable at $38. According to my wife, her clam linguine dish was Olive Garden quality. Cocktails lacked any alcohol and mine was embarrassingly bad. We tend to give good reviews to most places so this was definitely a disappointment. If you happen to be near the airport or downtown and want to go for the view you will not be disappointed. But be aware this is nowhere near the quality of food as other comparably rated places.

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  4. Billy2013

    San Francisco

    204 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    204 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall1food1service1ambience5
    3rd visit, 2nd outside on patio. View outdoors amazing, seafood platter good, but ordered entree fish HORRIBLE !!! Special Yellowtail was sooooo FISHY, uneatable. Replacement Salmon almost as bad, had to ask for LEMON to make it fair. Overcooked as well, no restaurant-quality fish here. Simple cooking ruined by bad OLD fish & poor cook who overcooks. A “fish restaurant” ?????

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  5. GarrettM

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was fabulous, the view was beautiful with the boats racing on the water. Service was also very good.

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  6. Cathy

    Phoenix

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    If you don’t try Sunday brunch here if you’re in San Diego, then you are missing out! Great food, great deal and the view is spectacular- great service, too!

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  7. MarkL

    Boise

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The best buffet that my wife and I have been to. There were a lot of choices. It was a bit pricey, but well worth it!

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  8. RichardA

    San Diego

    21 reviews

    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    My first time in and I'll be back. Fantastic views with great food and service. Prices were more reasonable than most local higher end restaurants.

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  9. NoelH

    San Diego

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Service was awesome and you can’t beat the views! Hostess station was a little less enthusiastic about her job.

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  10. DougP

    Chicago

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great outdoor harbor view dining experience. Tasty food and attentive service.

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  11. RayL

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    Our waiter was very good. He attended to us in a very timely manner and came by twice to ask how we were doing. The man that served us our food was not friendly at all. He seemed like serving us was a chore. We asked him for an extra spoon and extra dressing an he never came back. We had to ask our waiter for them. Something that we was curious. When we got to our table, one of the chairs had a napkin over the back rest and so did two other tables??? That didn't look too elegant.

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  12. AnnC

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 12, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    weekday early lunch outside was especially noteworthy for ambiance but had no complaints about anything else. A bonus is that, at least for midweek lunch parking is easy, service good and noise outdoors modest. lack of parking & noise especially are reasons I stop going to restaurants.

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  13. HeidiSusan

    Detroit

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 12, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    My group of four chose to sit outside. One of us is in a wheelchair, and all of the staff were very accommodating. Loved the outside seating, with spectacular views. The salmon dinner I had was so delicious, I cleaned my plate, which is not a common occurrence! Everyone else was also very satisfied with their food. Our server Kerri was very friendly, and was nice enough to provide us with two complimentary desserts for two birthdays in the group. We are generally pleased when we go to Tom Ham's, and last night was no exception! Thank you for a wonderful birthday meal!

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  14. Mari

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The place was great. Service was impeccable. The view was unmatched.

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  15. Nikki

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Satisfied our seafood cravings in a higher level! One of the best places to try if you are here in SD and the ambience was amazing! We really had a great night! Looking forward into trying their Sunday Brunch Buffet soon ☺️

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  16. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    54 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    54 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience5
    Overall it was a good experience but we probably won’t be back for a while. The menu hasn’t changed in a long time. The food choices are limited and the food is just average. Service was good and friendly. The best thing about Tom Hams is the view. It’s right on the water with a great view of downtown San Diego. If you’re looking for something casual with a great view it’s for you. It can be fun, however, they need to update and improve the menu.

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  17. JoFoodie

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We came for lunch. The food was delicious, atmosphere was relaxed, the view was spectacular and the wait staff was spot on!

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  18. ChrisK

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience5
    This was our first time dining at Tom Hams. The seafood dishes were good but not exceptional. If there were specials or local catch options, we were not informed of them. My guest’s steak was cooked as ordered but lacking in flavor. The ice tea was very watered down (maybe due to ice melt?). I had to request a refill. The server was efficient but not friendly. He was a bit curt and seemed annoyed that we hadn’t made our selections the first time he came by our table. My guest and I shared an appetizer and were charged a fee on the bill. There was no mention of the extra charge when we ordered and I don’t recall ever being charged a split fee on appetizers (which are often shared). You may want to rethink that policy. It was a beautiful day and we asked to sit outside. The shade from the umbrellas was appreciated and the view was spectacular - it was the highlight of our get together. Thank you for providing decent food in a gorgeous location.

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  19. JulieA

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    The appetizer and drinks were great. The service was excellent. Unfortunately the main course was awful. If you want to try it go for the drinks and appetizers and sit outside, the view is amazing.

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  20. Diva

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    We had a great time and lunch at Tom Ham’s. The shrimp salad was delicious although a challenge to eat in the oval bowl. Wonderful service by an attentive staff made the occasion memorable. Thank you!

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  21. Terste

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The salmon, the cubed potatoes, the hummus were all top notch, along with the dessert. Plus one of the best city views anywhere!

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  22. SeanR

    Las Vegas

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 6, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Weeknights at Tom Hams are wonderful! Quieter, more intimate, more conducive to conversation. Unhurried. Wait staff are knowledgeable and do not hover! Suggest ordering oysters with sauces on the side and not on the oyster itself. Don't be afraid to dress up a little or a lot. Guys in ball caps and shorts sure did look out of place!

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  23. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    10 reviews

    4.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on September 6, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    My wife and I celebrated our 12th wedding anniversary and we’re very pleased. Our server Alicia did a tremendous job. We had the calamari and hummus appetizers which were both good. The bouillabaisse and paella entrees were both good as well. Alicia recommended the brownie for dessert, which was excellent, and also on the house due to it being our anniversary. We will definitely be back!

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  24. BobA

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 6, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Didn’t get his name but our server was outstanding.

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  25. Ingeborg

    San Diego

    24 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on September 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always delicious. Always the best service. Always a pleasure to be on that beautiful terrace.

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  26. OpenTable Diner

    Indiana

    12 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on September 5, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience3
    It is more about the views. Food is mediocre at best. Nothing comes out warm

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  27. SteveS

    San Francisco

    34 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on September 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Sat outside. Has to be one of the best views in SD.

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  28. MandyA

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 4, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Great server, lovely space. So nice to enjoy the SD bay from their balcony perch!

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  29. KarenH

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing lunch by the water. We got the lobster rolls, fish and chips and po boy. We had the oysters which were delicious also.

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  30. GracieA

    Los Angeles

    6 reviews

    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 4, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    Wish we could have been offered a nice table outside with a view. We had reservations and yet when we got there they offered outside or inside but the outside tables available were not by the view. Sadly, we chose inside and they Darby’s by the window which was just ok .

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  31. ChristineP

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 4, 2023

    overall3food3service1ambience4
    We sat outside. Our waitress was gone quite a bit; we waited nearly 25 minutes to order drinks. We wouldn’t see her for a while. She said she hadn’t eaten much on the menu at all but could recommend the linguine; she said that was the only dish she had eaten there. Was a bit disappointing that she wasn’t familiar with the menu items. Made it harder for us to appreciate the options. My first bite of the paella, I pulled a long strand of hair from a muscle. Since we didn’t see our waitress for at least 20 minutes, I eventually got up to see the manager to let him know that there was a hair in my food and that we hadn’t seen our waitress for some time. He took offense. Was very gruff with me, said the waitress had worked there for many years but had food allergies or something. (If you can eat linguine with clams, then you should also be able to eat rice with mussels — the remark was odd). He wasn’t friendly about my concerns at all — it felt more like a confrontation. He did take the paella off our bill, which wasn’t my intent, but the right thing to do, I suppose. We won’t go back, though. The food was average and the service so disappointing.

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  32. ChrisB

    San Diego

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on September 4, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Plenty of parking (free) in their own private lot. Service was phenomenal from arrival to the end. Cocktails were very flavorful and about average priced (~$15/drink). Food was delectable. Slightly on the smaller size portions. Slightly pricier than what you would anticipate ($52 for 12oz NY steak) Service from all staff that we encountered were very nice. The ambience is where it's at. 7pm was perfect timing before sunset and enjoying dinner when it gets dark to see the downtown cityscape lights. Definitely worth checking out.

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  33. RupalK

    Greater Boston

    5 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience5
    Would like to see more vegetarian options and more pasta station options.

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  34. Sunset1

    San Diego

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Michelle was great. So was the rest if tgs stAff!

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  35. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Dinner, perfect views and personal firework show courtesy of Sea World - next level experience! We will definitely return. 😋

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  36. AudreyT

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    it was such a beautiful night! got to catch an amazing sunset and there was a lovely wedding happening that made the vibe so happy and lively! definitely will go again

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  37. RonaldK

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Sat outside beautiful, excellent service, received a anniversary desert that went excellent with the Irish coffee.

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  38. OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Jacob was the man, excellent service, will come back 😁

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  39. MikeK

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Sarah was an amazing server! The food was outstanding! Plenty of menu items to choose from! The Mai tai was very very strong !

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  40. Sarah

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent view from the outdoor patio was a plus. Food and service were equally great. A wonderful experience.

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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 6114 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 78 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Tom Hams Lighthouse

2150 Harbor Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92101

Dining areas

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
  • 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
  • Website
    http://www.tomhamslighthouse.com/
  • Phone number
    (619) 291-9110
  • Catering
    Please contact Perla Ortiz in our catering office. 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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