Best Restaurants in Pacific Beach

Best Fish Tacos in Pacific Beach

Oscars Mexican Seafood

746 Emerald Street, 858-412-4009

Fresh fish tacos are the specialty. The entire menu of Mexican cuisine is delicious. Head toward the beach, walk one block south to Emerald.

Best Fresh Fish Market in Pacific Beach

Nico's Fish Market

745 Emerald Street, 858-352-6432

Local fishermen serving what they catch daily. Fish market with fresh-cut fish to order, plus restaurant side with tacos, burritos, poke bowls, and ceviche. A half block from the water on Emerald.

Best Coffee in Pacific Beach

Drift Cafe

4652 Mission Blvd, 858-263-4298

Great coffee, smoothies, breakfast sandwiches and acai bowls. Friendly and comfortable. Right around the corner toward the beach.

Runner-up: Barista Botanist — a plant-filled cafe a couple blocks up on Cass Street

Best Breakfast in Pacific Beach

Kono's

704 Garnet Avenue, 858-483-1669

Delicious and fresh, large portions, incredible value and unbelievable location. There will be a line. Head to the beach, walk south 4 blocks to the pier.

Runner-up: Fig Tree Cafe
A little farther but worth it: The Mission — legendary breakfast, down Mission Blvd toward Mission Beach.

Best Bagels in Pacific Beach

Mission Bagel

1344 Garnet Avenue, 858-522-0389

NY-style bagels, hand-rolled and boiled fresh daily. Classic flavors with schmears, lox, and deli salads. Four blocks south on Garnet between Bayard and Cass. Friendly owners and staff!

Best Tacos in Pacific Beach

City Tacos

4516 Mission Blvd, 858-284-4239

Get the Sonora fish taco or the quesabirria. Huge topping and salsa bar. Cross Mission Blvd and head south a few blocks.

Best Burritos in Pacific Beach

Taco Surf

4657 Mission Blvd, 858-272-3877

Local Mexican institution + surfboard museum. California Burrito, Carnitas Burrito, Breakfast Burritos, you can't go wrong. Around the corner to the left.

Best Pizza in Pacific Beach

Mr. Moto

4653 Mission Blvd, 858-490-0501

New-York-style thin crust pizza, available by the slice or for delivery. Head toward the beach, turn left on Mission, 1 block.

Runner-ups: Ambrogio15, true Italian style from Milan · Pizza Cassette , new, sit down restaraunt · Square Pizza Co., Detroit-style, best-reviewed pizza in the neighborhood.

Best Ice Cream Sandwiches in Pacific Beach

Baked Bear

4516 Mission Blvd, 858-886-7433

Custom made-to-order ice cream sandwiches. Freshly baked cookies, brownies, waffles, with your choice of ice cream. Cross Mission Blvd and head south 3 blocks.

A little farther but worth it: Mr Frostie — the real stuff, authentic soft serve since 1949.

Best Acai Bowl in Pacific Beach

Palmy's

976 Felspar Street, 858-886-7111

A restored century-old beach cottage surrounded by plants. Order the acai bowl and grab a seat in the garden patio — great coffee and breakfasts too. A few blocks in from the water on Felspar.

Best Chicken Wings in Pacific Beach

Dirty Birds

4656 Mission Blvd, 858-274-2473

The chicken wings at Dirty Birds are something special. Over 30 varieties. Try one of the dry rubs. Cross Mission Blvd and head south 1/2 block.

Best Hamburger in Pacific Beach

Bare Back Grill

4640 Mission Blvd, 858-274-7117

New Zealand-style burgers with grass-fed beef and a wide variety of cheeses. Head left and cross Mission Blvd, head south 1 block.

A little farther but worth it: Rocky's Crown Pub — locals best burger in San Diego. 21+ only.

Best Seafood in Pacific Beach

The Fishery

5040 Cass Street, 858-272-9985

A great selection of very fresh seafood. No dish ever disappoints here. Perhaps the best restaurant in San Diego.

Runner-up: Pacific Beach Fish Shop — Casual fish & chips and oysters.

Best Thai Takeout in Pacific Beach

Thai Village

4618 Mission Blvd, 858-270-4991

Not much atmosphere but delicious and convenient for takeout/delivery. Try the Avocado Curry! Toward beach, left on Mission Blvd and head south 1 1/2 blocks.

Best Italian in Pacific Beach

Enoteca Adriano

4864 Cass Street, 858-490-0085

Cozy, authentic Italian food with many wines from Italy. Daily buratta specials and for dessert the Pope's Pillow. East 3 blocks and north between Law and Beryl.

Best Sushi in Pacific Beach

Sushi Ota

4529 Mission Bay Dr, 858-880-8778

The best sushi in San Diego. Not much to look at from the strip mall exterior but worth the short drive.

Best Cocktail in Pacific Beach

The Grass Skirt & Captain's Quarters

910 Grand Avenue, 858-412-5237

A tiki restaurant and bar up front, and a hidden pirate-themed speakeasy through an unmarked freezer door in back. Reservations recommended, especially for the back room.

Best Ocean View in Pacific Beach

JRDN (Tower 23)

723 Felspar Street, 858-270-5736

Amazing sunset views and people-watching, steaks and California cuisine. Great breakfasts too. Head to the beach and head two blocks south.