Adjacent to San Diego Bay in downtown San Diego you’ll find the charming and eclectic Seaport Village. It’s one of San Diego’s local hidden gems and is filled with shops, galleries, and of course — plenty of restaurants.

In the summer Seaport Village offers free concerts and face painters and, in the winter, a giant red poinsettia Christmas tree.

Whether you’re looking for a fish market, a cafe, or just a really good fresh margarita to quench your thirst in between food tours, Seaport Village Restaurants have it all, in every season.

To give you some food inspiration for the area, here are some of our favorite restaurants in Seaport Village in San Diego.

Seasons 52

Photo by: Seasons 52

Seasons 52 is the best of both worlds — a fresh grill and a wine bar. They source their ingredients at the peak of freshness in order to create delightful dishes that speak to the season. Grab a drink like the Hawaiian Pineapple Cosmopolitan made with pineapple vodka or the Rosé Lemonade made with Ketel One Grapefruit and Rose Botanical Vodka, Royal Post Rosé, and lemon. Enjoy a flatbread to start off your dining experience with a side of whole roasted cauliflower or grilled artichokes. Choose an entree from the land or the sea and ask the sommelier for a wine pick to go along with it!

Margaritas Kitchen and Cantina

Photo from Yelp

For a taste of old Mexico and authentic flavors, visit Margarita’s Kitchen and Cantina. When it comes to restaurants at Seaport Village, this one is a staple that specializes in margaritas and recipes originating in Oaxaca and Michoacan. Enjoy classic combo plates, tacos, burritos, quesadillas, chimichangas, and nachos. And of course — don’t forget the margaritas. They come in strawberry and lime flavors and can be served frozen or on the rocks for a refreshing taste of San Diego.

Buster’s Beach House & Longboard Bar

Photo by: Buster’s Beach House & Longboard Bar

Buster’s is laid back and offers an experience full of tropical vibes. With a beautiful panoramic view of the water, a casual elegance, and the “aloha spirit” it’s no surprise that families find Buster’s Beach House & Longboard Bar to be a top restaurant pick in Seaport Village. Come for breakfast, lunch, dinner or happy hour for everything from Tiki Chicken to the California Cobb. Don’t forget the Tempura Banana Fritters for dessert, fresh sliced bananas fried in a coconut tempura batter with macadamia nut ice cream and caramel sauce.

San Diego Pier Cafe

Photo by: San Diego Pier Cafe

The San Diego Pier Cafe is a landmark in Seaport Village. Since 1980, they’ve offered the ambiance of a quaint New England-style restaurant with daily selections of fresh grilled fish and an unbeatable view (you’re not just looking at the water, you’re on the water.) From Cioppino to Seafood Fettuccini to Citrus Marinated Sea Bass, this is the Seaport Village spot for fish lovers. Check out the chef’s weekly specials or the upstairs happy hour, which runs Monday through Friday from 3-6pm.

Marion’s Fish Market & Restaurant

Photo by: Marion’s Fish Market & Restaurant

Marion’s Fish Market & Restaurant is a prime Seaport Village restaurant to enjoy bay views on the waterfront patio alongside a wonderful meal. They offer dishes like homemade clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl, fish tacos with a secret mayo chipotle sauce, and ceviche shrimp cocktails. The fried oysters, crab cakes, and popcorn shrimp are not to be missed, either!

Puesto at the Headquarters

Photo by: Puesto at the Headquarters

Puesto at the Headquarters rests in what used to be the original San Diego Police Headquarters. When it comes to restaurants by Seaport Village, this is a creative and delicious option. It features large outdoor patios, massive steel doors, and multiple murals from artist Chor Boogie. The space was imagined by acclaimed designer Thomas Schoos and serves as an ode the street of Mexico City. Plus, the tacos! Whether you’re going for the grilled rockfish, the Maine lobster, the filet mignon, or the chicken tomatillo, each is a true San Diego treat. Pair your meal with a housemade Aguas Frescas like the piña melon, or a flight of tequila, mezcal, wine, or cerveza.

Harbor House

Photo by: Harbor House

Harbor House has a beautiful view and plenty of fresh oysters. The oysters are shucked to order and can be enjoyed chilled, grilled, or barbecued. If you’re looking to try the whole selection, go for the Oyster Sampler, a popular combination of oysters from the raw bar. Because there’s no better combination than oysters and bubbles, make sure to relish in your fresh oysters alongside a glass of sparkling Chandon from Napa or Villa Sandi Prosecco.

Seaport Grill

Photo from Yelp

For grilled foods like Philly cheese steaks, hot dogs, and bratwursts, you’ll definitely want to pay a visit to Seaport Grill. It’s a simple option for casual dining and fun for kids, too. Between corn dogs, chicken strips, and French fries, this is the type of feel good food that’s perfect to eat after a long walk along the water. For a vegetarian option, they serve an eggplant sandwich, and you can also jazz up your fries by adding chili, cheese, or ranch to them (or all of the above).

Hi Poke

Photo by: Hi Poke

If you’re craving PYOP — pick your own poke — in Seaport Village, Hi Poke is the perfect spot! Pick your base (like white or brown rice), then pick your protein (like salmon or spicy tuna), then pick your flavor, your toppings, and your crisps. Essentially, the possibilities are endless, so you’ll never run out of new things to try! They also offer special bowls, warm bowls, and organic hot tea or fresh young coconuts to sip on.

When it comes to Seaport Village restaurants, it’s an area known for fresh fish and delicious cuisine in a charming setting. Its location is close to the historic Gaslamp Quarter, so if you grab lunch in Seaport Village, make sure to check out the flavors of the Gaslamp for dinner.

Whatever your reason for visiting San Diego — whether for work, pleasure, or a staycation, we’d love to take you on a San Diego tour of some of the best sites and foods our area has to offer. We look forward to exploring with you soon!