San Diego is well known for its vital, lively restaurant scene, especially if you love seafood, and you’ll find some of the best choices in Mission Bay.
The city is also something of a cultural melting pot, so if you have a favorite choice when it comes to spices, ethnic flavors, and global cuisine.
What follows is the best of the Bay when you’re looking for destination dining in Mission Bay. You’ll love the restaurant scene here—there’s a little bit of everything, and something for everyone.
Tidal/Paradise Point
Laid back and uncomplicated is the essence of the dining experience at Tidal, but make no mistake, this is still waterfront dining at its finest. Tidal is set in a private beach house, and the structure is full of trademark coastal design tricks that were pioneered by Hollywood producer Jack Skirball back in the 60s.
Tidal also features a deck with a fire pit, which will enhance the 180-degree views of Mission Bay. You can dine in on the Tidal’s deck, or if you’re in the mood for a different dining experience you can take your dinner down to the beach or opt for a more intimate dining experience by ordering to your bungalow.
Feel free to survey the menu and the setting at https://paradisepoint.com/san-diego-dining/mission-bay-restaurant-tidal/
Dockside 1953/Bahia Resort Hotel
Dockside 1953 is just a few steps from the beach on the Mission Bay peninsula, and it, too, offers a unique version of waterfront dining. The backdrop is a spacious outdoor patio with a covered trellis and some cozy fire pits, and once again you’ll be able to enjoy those unforgettable Mission Bay views as you dine.
Dinners feature shareable seafood starters, and you’ll love the selection of craft cocktails, too. You can peruse the menu and the backdrop at https://www.bahiahotel.com/dockside-1953
Oceana Coastal Kitchen/Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa
Considered Mission Bay’s ultimate spot for dining with a view, Oceana Coastal Kitchen’s claim to dining fame is chef-driven California cuisine. It’s part of the Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa, and it’s the perfect setting for a romantic dinner. Featuring a cold bar with sushi options, a small bites menu, and delicious main dishes including the freshest seafood available from the coast of Baja and the Pacific. Oceana Coastal Kitchen is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, explore their menus: https://www.catamaranresort.com/dine-overview.
Covewood/Mission Bay Resort
If an intimate dining experience is on the menu, you’ll definitely want to explore the offerings at Covewood. Fresh seafood and wood-grilled vegetables are paired with local wines and food-friendly cocktails at this modern and inviting eatery.
Pacific breezes and fire features are at the heart of Covewood dining. You can also get craft cocktails and shareable small plates at Plaza Del Sol, or Mexican cuisine at Solrisa when you stay at the Mission Bay Resort.
The Mission Bay Resort is also home to Mission Joe for coffee lovers, and some of the best room service choices you’ll find in the Bay. We understand that’s probably too many choices, so go to https://www.missionbayresort.com/restaurants-dining/ to narrow it down.
Red Marlin Restaurant and Terrace/Hyatt Regency Mission Bay
The Hyatt Regency Mission Bay is renowned for elegant, upscale dining. Regardless of the setting, the Red Marlin features seasonal American cuisine with both steak and seafood entrees. There’s an ultra-chic Chef’s Table that has a fire pit and a wine wall.
If you’re a morning person you can head over to get great coffee and amazing baked goods at Market Mission Bay, offering outdoor seating on the boardwalk with a view of the picturesque Mission Bay marina.
For those enticed by San Diego’s memorable flip-flop cuisine—yes, it’s a thing—you can go with burgers, tacos, sandwiches, or a poke bowl at Pelican’s on the Bay. The place to peruse is https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/california/hyatt-regency-mission-bay-spa-and-marina/sanis/dining
Firefly Eatery & Bar/The Dana on Mission Bay
There’s nothing quite like the Firefly. It combines seasonal local ingredients with curated wines, an assortment of local microbrews, and some truly inventive cocktails.
Firefly does happy hour on a daily basis from 3-5, and you can even bring your canine companion for a filet mignon dog biscuit and a fresh bowl of water.
Group dining is also available, and Firefly is the proud holder of Trip Advisor’s prestigious Certificate of Excellence for three years running. Feel free to check out the vibe at https://www.thedana.com/firefly-eatery-bar#gref.
Getting Hungry Yet?
Now that we’ve helped whet your appetite, come check out some of Mission Bay’s dining delights. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner for two or a delicious brunch spot with friends, these premiere San Diego restaurants will live up to your expectations, whether you’re visiting the city for a day or you’re in town for an extended stay. We’ve got some amazing food spots, so you owe it to yourself to pop in and check them out.