Tom Ham's Lighthouse
Tom Ham's Lighthouse is a San Diego tradition. It's one of the oldest restaurants on Harbor Island, one of two man-made spits extending into the Big Bay, and after more than 30 years in the same spot still is known for its hearty seafood and meat dishes, including clam chowder (served in a warm-bread bowl), maple plank Alaskan halibut and Seafood Newburg.
2150 Harbor Island Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 291-9110
www.tomhamslighthouse.com
Bali Hai
Another San Diego institution, Bali Hai has been serving delectable South Seas specialties since the 1950s. A second-story dining room affords expansive views of the entire bay from the restaurant's longtime location on the southernmost tip of Shelter Island, in what looks something like a giant tiki hut set amidst a wonderful Polynesian garden. Be sure to try the "Chicken of the Gods," consisting of a marinated chicken breast breaded and served with tangy orange and light cream sauce. And don't forget to order a Mai-Tai or other tropical "umbrella" drinks.
2230 Shelter Island Drive
San Diego, CA 92106
(619) 222-1181
www.balihairestaurant.com
Anthony's Fish Grotto
Anthony's Fish Grotto is to San Diego's Embarcadero what Fisherman's Wharf is to San Francisco. The Ghio family has been serving fresh seafood to San Diego for three generations, and this is the flagship, situated right on the waterfront west of downtown and flanked by two of the city's most famous museums, the U.S.S. Midway to the south and the San Diego Maritime Museum to the north. The coconut shrimp are to die for, but for heartier appetites try the Big Bay Combo, with garlic butter shrimp, a crab cake and a salmon fillet.
1360 North Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 232-5103
www.gofishanthonys.com/index2.html
Edgewater Grill
The Edgewater Grill is one of the most popular restaurants in Seaport Village, a Cape Cod-style village of shops, boutiques and restaurants on the southwestern tip of downtown. The Grill features spectacular views, a classy menu that includes an out-of-this-world grilled flat-iron steak, and the chance to walk off dinner calories along a charming three-mile waterfront walkway.
861 West Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 232-7581
www.edgewatergrill.com
Fish Market
The flagship of the regional Fish Market chain has been serving the freshest seafood and sushi from its downtown waterfront location since 1989. The downstairs decor can only be described as nautical funk, while the upstairs Top of the Market is an elegant fine-dining establishment. Appetizers just might be enough, especially if you order the peel-and-eat shrimp or bucket of steamed clams, mussels and cockles.
750 North Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 232-3474
www.thefishmarket.com
