Dock and Dine: Restaurants to Visit Via Boat in in San Diego, California
With amazing cuisine and stunning waterfront views, San Diego (situated between Chula Vista and La Jolla) is a popular destination for boaters and food lovers. Here are some of the best dock and dine restaurants across San Diego Bay, Downtown, Coronado and Mission Bay.
Downtown & North Embarcadero
Portside Pier
This expansive pier at North Harbor Drive is a popular dock and dine spot. Four restaurants plus coffee and gelato await, whether you’re traveling from a marina or a private boat dock for rent. Dine under open skies with full San Diego Bay panoramas. Free guest slips (on a first‑come, first‑served basis) are available right at your table. Dock and dine restaurants at Portside Pier include:
- Brigantine
- Miguel’s Cocina
- Ketch Grill & Taps
- Portside Coffee & Gelato
Harbor Island
On Harbor Island, Island Prime, Coasterra and C-Level are upscale venues that serve prime steaks, modern Mexican fare and creative cocktails with dock and dine access. Reservations for slips are recommended to ensure docking access. Coasterra also shines in Reddit chatter for its city and Bay sunset views.
Tom Ham’s Lighthouse & Boathouse
A classic duo on Harbor Island’s west end, Tom Ham’s Lighthouse offers fresh seafood. It’s walkable from docks on Harbor Island and makes an excellent spot to visit from a private boat slip rental or marina in San Diego.
Point Loma & Pier 32 Marina
Mitch’s Seafood
Mitch’s Seafood, a beloved San Diego staple located on the Point Loma Sportfishing Dock, is known for its fresh daily catch. Counters overlook the marina, and the lines move fast. It’s open all day and makes an excellent spot to visit from private boat lift rentals. Don't miss the wahoo sandwich on a torta bun.
Other restaurants accessible via Point Loma Marina’s dock and dine access (slips are first-come/first-served and usually have a two-hour maximum) include
Shelter Island
Bali Hai
Bali Hai is a Polynesian‑themed tiki oasis with its own yacht dock and legendary mai mais. Docking is first-come/first-served so arrive early to secure a spot (especially around sunset).
Fathom
A relaxed taproom at the Shelter Island Fishing Pier, Fathom serves craft beers, bratwursts and fishing‑pier ambience. Free docking is right off the pier.
Coronado
Crown Landing
For a peaceful and quiet dock and dine experience on Coronado’s South Bay, Crown Landing has first‑come/first-served docks with beautiful views. It’s located away from the bustle of downtown at the Loews Coronado Bay Hotel.
Peohe’s & Il Fornaio
Tie up at the public dock (four-hour limit) near the Coronado Ferry landing, and stroll to premium waterfront dining with sweeping bay views at Peohe’s or Il Fornaio.
