Dining with the Best Views in San Diego

Bertrand at Mister A’s gives you an almost 180 degree view of the San Diego skyline. Located on the 12th floor of the 5th Avenue Financial Center building. Not the height, but the building itself is a little reminiscent of the grand skyscrapers in New York City. In the foyer is a huge photogenic metal lamp structure. The food is good and the view is just incredible. If you want to spend less, you can go for the lunch hour and see San Diego in the sunlight. For dinner, you will have a spectacular nighttime horizon. You can sit indoors beside a window, or outside in the fresh coastal air. Tip: Definitely call for reservations, especially on the weekends. They have online reservation booking which may be easier for you.

Cusp restaurant is located on the 11th floor of Hotel La Jolla and overlooks a good part of La Jolla, as well as La Jolla shores beachfront. The food is excellent, but it is the view that will hold your gaze throughout the meal. This is definitely a place you want to come during the day- whether meeting for drinks or having a meal- the view is just amazing! Tip: There is only valet parking, but you can get your ticket validated at the restaurant which cuts a fee off the price.

Island Prime is one of the Cohen brother’s group of restaurants and is now a new favorite of ours. The salmon was tender and served with a delicious black linguini. My husband’s skirt steak was grilled just right. They have a good wine list and the service was excellent. I suggest sharing a desert, as they are quite large for just one person! They gave us the obligatory piece of bread, or a ‘popover’ to start our meal. I wasn’t going to eat it, but when I saw my husband crunch open the layered, flaky crust to expose a soft middle, I was intrigued. So I spread some of the jalapeno jelly butter on my piece and it was absolutely delightful! I don’t have to wonder how it was made either, because our server ran us off a copy of the recipe. Apparently, if there’s a dish you really like, you can ask your server to get you a copy! Tip: They can’t guarantee a window seat as they are first come, first serve. Make your reservation for 5pm sharp when they open and you will have your window seat.

George’s is famous for two things. A stunning view and some of the best fish tacos around. There are multiple parts to George’s: a rooftop dining experience, a fun bar with equally good views as well as an exceptional fine dining experience serving California Modern cuisine. Whichever spot you choose, you won’t regret it!

With two stories and multiple patio choices, you will have a fantastic view of the San Diego Bay anywhere you sit. In 1976, The Fish Market was started by a fisherman and his friend, who was a boat captain and a gourmand. The history shows, because all you will find here is the freshest seafood. My favorite spot to sit is on one of the two outdoor patios (not pictured here) to enjoy the most from the warm San Diego sun. Tip: The parking lot is metered and shared with people who are in the area to visit the parks and walk along the harbor. Parking can be difficult to find. If you’re staying in the downtown or Gaslamp, then I recommend walking. Otherwise, there is valet parking.

Peohe’s has been a fixture on Coronado Island for quite a while. The food is good, but the view is amazing! After you eat, stroll along the sidewalk and over to the park. If the tide is low, you may even be able to explore the tide pools. Tip: I recommend the patio seating.

The Marine Room faces the Pacific Ocean and is the only place in San Diego where you can eat great food in a cozy atmosphere while the surf pounds the glass. Don’t even bother coming here unless it’s during high tide. When you visit San Diego- just check the tide charts and then call the Marine Room to reserve your breakfast spot during high tide. They do an elaborate buffet and I was actually impressed at the quality of food. There’s something for everyone. The set up is buffet style, but the food is definitely not! From wild caught salmon to pastries to breakfast meats- there’s something for everyone. Recommended: Definitely check the restaurant website before reserving your seat. And definitely reserve a seat!