Top 5 San Diego Eateries with a View
San Diego’s endless sunshine and stunning coastline make it one of the best cities in the U.S. for dining with a view. Whether you want to sip cocktails by the ocean, enjoy rooftop skyline vibes, or savor fresh seafood overlooking the Pacific, these spots combine delicious menus with unforgettable scenery. From waterfront dining in San Diego to romantic rooftop restaurants, here are our top picks for meals you’ll remember long after the last bite.
Quick Picks
|
Restaurant |
Location |
View |
Cuisine |
Price Range |
|
Cannonball |
Mission Beach |
Pacific Ocean & sunset |
Sushi & seafood |
Visit Site |
|
Kairoa Brewing Co. |
University Heights |
City skyline |
New Zealand–inspired |
Visit Site |
|
Born and Raised |
Little Italy |
City skyline at night |
Steakhouse |
Visit Site |
|
George’s at the Cove |
La Jolla |
La Jolla Cove |
Modern American |
Visit Site |
|
Lumi |
Gaslamp Quarter |
Downtown skyline |
Japanese fusion |
Visit Site |
List of Top 5 San Diego Eateries with a View
Lets explore each San Diego Eateries with a View in more details.
Cannonball – Mission Beach’s Iconic Oceanfront Rooftop
- Must-Try Menu Items : Award-winning sushi rolls, ahi poke bowls, and fresh oysters paired with craft cocktails.
If your idea of the perfect meal includes the sound of waves and a golden Pacific sunset, Cannonball delivers. Sitting atop historic Belmont Park, it’s the largest oceanfront rooftop restaurant in San Diego. The sweeping beach views make it a prime spot for sunset dining in Mission Beach.
Insider Tip: Thursdays feature “Acoustic Sunsets” with live music — arrive before 6 PM for the best seats by the fire pits.
Kairoa Brewing Co. – Rooftop Flavors with a Kiwi Twist
- Must-Try Menu Items : Rosey Buggah blonde ale, Chicken Confit Panang Curry, and their famous Earl Grey Toad Toast for brunch.
Located in University Heights, Kairoa Brewing Co. blends laid-back San Diego charm with flavors from New Zealand. From the rooftop, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding neighborhood — perfect for a sunny afternoon.
Insider Tip: Sunset here is gorgeous, but brunch on the rooftop is a local secret — less crowded and equally scenic.
Born and Raised – Little Italy’s Luxe Rooftop Steakhouse
- Must-Try Menu Items : Tomahawk ribeye, tableside Caesar salad, and craft martinis.
For a night of elegance under the stars, Born and Raised in Little Italy delivers both flavor and style. The rooftop terrace offers romantic city skyline views, with velvet seating, lantern lighting, and a swanky atmosphere perfect for date night.
Insider Tip: Reserve a rooftop table in advance, especially on weekends. Dress code leans upscale, so leave the flip-flops at home.
George’s at the Cove – La Jolla’s Oceanfront Favorite
- Must-Try Menu Items : Seared duck breast, fresh fish of the day, and vegetarian paella.
Perched above La Jolla Cove, George’s offers some of the most stunning ocean views in San Diego. Celebrity chef Trey Foshee serves modern American dishes that showcase local ingredients and coastal flavors.
Insider Tip: Sunset dining here is magical, but lunch also offers spectacular views without the dinner rush.
Lumi – Japanese Fusion in the Gaslamp Quarter
- Must-Try Menu Items : Chef’s sushi omakase, miso black cod, and lychee martinis.
This vibrant rooftop restaurant from celebrity chef Akira Back brings a mix of Japanese flavors and global influences to downtown San Diego. With skyline views, fire pits, and DJ beats, Lumi is ideal for a lively night out.
Insider Tip: Go for happy hour before exploring the Gaslamp nightlife — Lumi’s rooftop is even prettier as the city lights up.
Final Bite
From Pacific Ocean sunsets to glittering downtown skylines, these top 5 San Diego eateries with a view prove that great dining is about more than just what’s on the plate. Whether you’re planning a romantic evening, a brunch with friends, or a special night out, these spots combine flavor, atmosphere, and scenery for an unforgettable experience.
