Whether you live in San Diego or you’re there for spring break visiting for a few days, you might find yourself in Ocean Beach. Unlike other uber popular areas like Old Town or Mission Beach, Ocean Beach has a very local, low-key feel to it- one of the reasons we love it so much! And what’s a day in OB without some delicious food? We created this guide to the best Ocean Beach restaurants so that you have no excuses when it comes to fantastic food.
9. OB Noodle House & Sake Bar
Very much a local favorite, OB Noodle House & Sake Bar is one of the best Ocean Beach restaurants for an affordable, flavorful lunch or dinner. The cuisine here is Asian fusion, and you’re here for a delicious bowl of pho, or bun vermicelli noodles. Start with the spicy garlic wings if you’re extra hungry!
OB Noodle House & Sake Bar
8. The Joint
The Joint is about as eclectic as they come, with a menu serving sushi, tapas, and even brunch on the weekend. Rest assured, the food here is good, and it’s a great spot close to the beach and main walking areas of Ocean Beach. You’re coming here primarily for the sushi- it’s the only place we’ll get sushi in Ocean Beach and they have a great spread of classic and innovative rolls. The Rast Roll is our go-to, with spicy tuna, cucumber, avocado, lemon, tobiko, kizami nori, microgreens, and soy-yuzu.
The Joint Sushi & Tapas
7. It’s Raw Poke Shop
If you want a delicious, no-frills meal while you’re adventuring through Ocean Beach, the It’s Raw Poke Shop is your one-stop shop. It’s a family-owned spot, and they serve authentic Hawaiian poke every Tuesday through Sunday, from noon until 6 p.m. You’ll have plenty of delicious, fresh options to choose from here, but we recommend trying at least a couple different kinds of poke with a side of rice and chili garlic edamame. Cash only!
It’s Raw Poke Shop
6. Breakfast Republic
There are a few spots to grab breakfast in Ocean Beach, and Breakfast Republic makes some of the best. They have 10 locations in town and eight of those are in San Diego. The Ocean Beach location is nice and big (come here for breakfast with a group), with large windows and fun decor. The menu has a little something for everyone, including benedicts, omelets, scrambles, pancakes, and french toast. Feeling something sweet? Get the french toast sampler- it’s the best way to sample one of our favorite things to get at Breakfast Republic.
Breakfast Republic
5. Hodad’s
Hodad’s Downtown
4. The 3rd Corner Wine Shop & Bistro
If you’re looking for something on the upscale end of the spectrum on our guide to the best Ocean Beach restaurants, then The 3rd Corner Wine Shop & Bistro is your best bet. The ambiance here is formal but not too fussy — just make sure you aren’t in your swimsuit and flipflops. Most folks come here for their seemingly endless stash of wine, but the food is absolutely delicious. Always start with the cheese and cured meat plate, and the pan-roasted chicken served with a lemon chicken jus is our favorite entree!
The 3rd Corner Wine Shop & Bistro
3. Blue Water Seafood Ocean Beach
Blue Water Seafood has served delicious, fresh seafood to San Diego natives for years, and in 2019 they opened their second location in Ocean Beach on Santa Monica Ave. The quality of fish doesn’t get better than this. You can choose from a wide variety of fish such as yellowtail, seared ahi, Scottish salmon, and mahi-mahi, and see it plated in a variety of delicious entrees like poke, cioppino, fish and chips, or (our personal favorite) tacos. The food here is not only incredible, but they have one of the best outdoor patios in Ocean Beach too!
Blue Water Seafood Ocean Beach
2. Little Lion Cafe
Blink and you’ll miss it, the Little Lion Cafe is one of our very favorite Ocean Beach restaurants. Technically in Sunset Cliffs, this local spot is a stone’s throw away from OB and worth an extra minute or two of driving. It’s a tiny, cozy restaurant, perfect for breakfast before a walk alongside the gorgeous Sunset Cliffs Natural Park. The food here is equal parts comforting and nourishing. Think house-made granola, eggs benedict, seafood salad, and fried chicken sandwiches. Open for breakfast and lunch every day except Monday, and dinner on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Little Lion Cafe
1. Mike’s Taco Club
With so many Ocean Beach restaurants to choose from, it’s hard to pick a #1 spot, but if you can only make it to one place, head straight to Mike’s Taco Club. It’s appropriately quirky and down-to-earth, super close to the water, and they serve phenomenal tacos. They’re salty (but not too salty), packed with flavor, and so completely satisfying. The fish tacos are hard to beat, but if fish isn’t your thing they also serve steak and veggie tacos. Whether you’re looking for a late breakfast or post-surfing dinner, Mike’s is always a good decision.
Mike’s Taco Club
$ Mexican, Seafood, Bars