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Best Waterfront Restaurants in Rancho Santa Fe

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27 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Chart House Restaurant - Cardiff restaurant
4.5
Awesome(7648)
$$$$
• Seafood • Solana Beach
Booked 59 times today
When it comes to the cuisine, Chart House serves the best steak and seafood Cardiff has to offer, with dishes just as jaw-dropping as the view. Taste famous Chart House specialties like Shrimp, Avocado + Mango Stack, Spiced Ahi, or the best Prime Rib Cardiff diners have experienced. No matter what you're looking for, Chart House has a waterfront view of fine dining.
A photo of The Shores Restaurant - La Jolla Shores Hotel restaurant
4.5
Awesome(2572)
$$$$
• American • La Jolla
Booked 30 times today
The Shores Restaurant is definitely a waterfront eatery. As the reviews highlight, it offers stunning ocean views from its open-air patio and floor-to-ceiling windows. Customers have raved about the 'beautiful ocean view at pretty much any spot inside', and how the 'whole dining experience was exceptional with the sunset'. Even the outdoor dining options are praised for their 'great view of the ocean'. So, if you're in the mood for American cuisine and a beach-style dining experience, The Shores Restaurant at La Jolla Shores Hotel is your place!
A photo of Dockside 1953 restaurant
4.4
Awesome(746)
$$$$
• Californian • Mission Beach
Booked 26 times today
With its spectacular waterfront setting on Mission Bay, nautical-inspired design, and a menu of mouthwatering dishes, Dockside 1953 is a favorite restaurant for hotel guests and locals alike. Aptly named for its marina-facing locale at the Bahia Resort Hotel and the year the resort opened, Dockside 1953 is a stunning standout in San Diego’s dining scene. Fresh, coastal-inspired, and locally sourced — the eclectic menu of California fare features dishes to satisfy all palates. With a dedication to high-quality ingredients, menu highlights include classic sweet and savory options for breakfast; salads, bowls, and flatbreads for lunch; sharable starters and fresh seafood entrées for dinner; and a thoughtful wine and cocktail menu. The extensive outdoor patio features cozy fire pits, gorgeous Mission Bay views, and a covered trellis to shade guests.
A photo of Oceana Coastal Kitchen restaurant
4.4
Awesome(1378)
$$$$
• Seafood • Pacific Beach
Booked 18 times today
Oceana Coastal Kitchen features chef-driven, California cuisine along with modern, ocean-inspired design. The restaurant offers a memorable bayfront dining experience at an iconic Pacific Beach hideaway.The airy waterfront restaurant includes several distinct dining areas such as a quartz-topped cold bar embedded with mother of pearl and sea glass. The focal point in Oceana Coastal Kitchen's main dining room is an impressive 800-gallon aquarium, while a sliding window fully opens to showcase unobstructed views of Mission Bay.Oceana Coastal Kitchen offers an al fresco experience for guests, complete with sleek booths and tables with sweeping panoramic waterfront views. Led by Executive Chef Bryan Stuppy, favorite menu items include the Oceana House Roll, the Harris Ranch Ribeye, and the Striped Seabass.We are excited to announce that we have been recognized by TripAdvisor as a 2023 Traveler’s Choice Best of the Best award winner, ranking 10th in the country for “Everyday Eats.”
A photo of Brigantine at Portside Pier restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(5163)
$$$$
• Seafood • Downtown
Booked 127 times today
The Brigantine is more than just home to some of San Diego’s finest seafood. It’s a place where locals and visitors alike come to share a lively atmosphere and authentic sense of community. The Morton family opened the first Brigantine on Shelter Island in 1969, with a vision that embraced the beach town lifestyle, a dedication to flavorful food, and a passion for friendly service. Today, we’re known far and wide for our San Diego-style surf and turf. From our award-winning fish tacos and freshly shucked oysters, to classic filet mignon or our perpetually best-selling marinated grilled swordfish. Always prepared to exceed expectations, and served with a smile. You can stop in at any neighborhood Brigantine and get a taste of the local flavor, from regionally inspired specials, to custom cocktails and home town craft beers. At the Brigantine we make first timers feel like regulars, and consider regulars part of the family. So come by often, and share our taste for life.
A photo of Waterbar San Diego restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(472)
$$$$
• American • Pacific Beach
Booked 32 times today
Located alongside the vibrant ocean-front boardwalk in Pacific Beach, Waterbar offers only the best in tantalizing menus, innovative libations, panoramic views, and lively entertainment. Our “social seafood” menu is inspired by East coast, West coast and Baja cuisines, and transforms the freshest flavors through our chef’s unique renditions of coastal classics. Flavor-forward craft cocktails, local micro-brews, national brand favorites, and a diverse wine list are offered across comfortable bar seating, community-table dining, and intimate ocean-side tables. Waterbar’s thriving, energetic environment captures the passion of San Diego’s iconic coastline for an unforgettably satisfying experience.
A photo of C-Level restaurant
Icon
4.6
Exceptional(6324)
$$$$
• Cocktail Bar • Downtown
Booked 132 times today
C-Level is a waterfront restaurant, as stated in its description and confirmed by numerous reviews. It's on the waterfront overlooking the city skyline and Coronado. Patrons highlight the breathtaking water views, and recommend booking tables by the water for the best experience. They also suggest catching sunsets and enjoying the city light up.
A photo of Beeside Balcony La Jolla restaurant
4.3
Awesome(304)
$$$$
• Contemporary European • La Jolla
Booked 33 times today
Beeside Balcony is a hidden gem in La Jolla Village, CA with a relaxed seaside chic décor where guests enjoy global mediterranean cuisine and ocean views from interior and the balcony. A third generation chef of Spanish and Italian descent, and hailing form Paris, France, Christophe's restaurant career began at 17 in the kitchen of his father's restaurant in Pasadena when they first emigrated to the USA. Upon returning to southern California in 2011, Christophe spent 8 years as the managing partner of Eddie V's Prime Seafood in La Jolla. Here he deepened his knowledge of sourcing and cooking the freshest seafood available, while delivering world class service. The laid back coastal vibe of La Jolla, combined with the attention to detail from Christophe's fine dining background, infuses Beeside Balcony with an easy elegance that elevates any gathering, and makes the perfect backdrop to showcase his global mediterranean menu. Ask About our Speakeasy!
A photo of Tom Hams Lighthouse restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(6963)
$$$$
• Seafood • Downtown
Booked 93 times today
Tom Ham’s Lighthouse was built in 1971 by a man who was not afraid to put his name on his product. Rooted in warm welcomes & excellent food, Tom Ham made his lifelong dream a reality. Tom Ham’s Lighthouse is the only restaurant in the US to have a USCG operated & maintained Lighthouse attached to it. You can locate us on any modern nautical map as Beacon #9. Featuring the best views of the Downtown Skyline, Coronado & San Diego Bay, as well as award winning Sunday Brunch, we are a must when it comes to the San Diego food scene. Tom Ham's is & remains a San Diego tradition in dining excellence since 1971. Cancellation Policy: Tom Ham's requires a credit card to secure all Sunday Brunch, Holiday reservations, and large groups. All credit card information will be processed securely. Changes to reservations can be made online through OpenTable up until 24 hours before the reservation. No-shows or cancellations less than 24 hours in advance may be subject to a charge of $25 per person.
A photo of Fish Market Downtown restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(429)
$$$$
• Seafood • Downtown
Booked 99 times today
Fresh & Local. The Fish Market serves only the freshest catches from waters near, far and everywhere in between. Seafood is our passion, freshness is our mission, and quality is our commitment.Retail Market. Every one of our restaurants has a retail market showcasing the seafood we serve on our menu. Order any menu item to go, shop for fresh fish to prepare at home, or grab a box of ready-to-eat smoked salmon. And don’t be shy about asking our experts for cooking tips!
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Patricio
    Phoenix / Arizona •24 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Great experience. Wonderful view of the ocean. Good service and food-
    More info
    Chart House Restaurant - Cardiff$$$$• Seafood• Solana Beach
    4.5
  • Tracy
    Indiana •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    The food was great and the service was even better! I wanted to take a piece of cheesecake to go, but they were out. So I passed on dessert, but before we walked out our waitress stopped us, they found another cheesecake and gave me a piece to go on the house. She went above and beyond on my opinion. We sat outside by a fire pit and the atmosphere was perfect for a date night. A great start to our San Diego vacation.
    More info
    Dockside 1953$$$$• Californian• Mission Beach
    4.4
  • Mori
    Las Vegas •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Absolutely loved our experience at Shored Restaurant in La Jolla! One of the biggest perks is the parking garage with validation for the first two hours — such a huge bonus in La Jolla. Our server, I believe her name was Karen or Karrie, was absolutely wonderful. She was so attentive, friendly, and gave fantastic recommendations throughout the meal. The service truly elevated the entire experience. The food was incredible from start to finish. We ordered two kids’ sourdough pizzas, the wagyu and fries, half chicken, seafood pasta, and mussels — every single dish was delicious and full of flavor. The ambience is also beautiful. The restaurant sits right by the beach, making it feel so scenic, peaceful, and relaxing while you dine. Such a great spot for both the food and the atmosphere. We’ll definitely be back!
    More info
    The Shores Restaurant - La Jolla Shores Hotel$$$$• American• La Jolla
    4.5
  • Louis
    San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on May 19, 2026
    Waterbar was a great experience both times I visited — once for lunch and once for dinner. The setting is beautiful, right on the water, with open windows that make the restaurant feel bright, fresh, and relaxing. The views, atmosphere, and oceanfront feel really add to the dining experience. The staff was welcoming, the service was professional, and the food was excellent. It’s a perfect spot for a nice lunch, dinner, or to bring guests who want a memorable waterfront restaurant experience. I would definitely come back.
    More info
    Waterbar San Diego$$$$• American• Pacific Beach
    4.6
  • Melany
    Las Vegas •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on May 8, 2026
    The food was stellar!! Everything perfectly cooked and came out timely. We shared the braised pork belly, I had the fish and chips, and my boyfriend got some rolls and nigiri. There was plenty of chatter around us and there was a guitarist performing music right on bay. The ambience was perfect for a romantic dinner. Service was great, and you can’t beat the view if you sit outside.
    More info
    Oceana Coastal Kitchen$$$$• Seafood• Pacific Beach
    4.4
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