San Diego received its nickname “America’s Finest City” for many reasons, and one is of course its stunning beaches. What better way to enjoy the views of the city’s rocky coastlines and sandy beaches than by combining the view with delicious foods? We have a list of some of the best restaurants for CISL students to explore. Each offers a beautiful view of one of San Diego’s bodies of water (the Pacific Ocean, La Jolla Cove, or the San Diego Bay) and each restaurant is also a great experience to have while living as an international student in San Diego.
Have you been to any of these restaurants? Send us your photos at blog (at) cisl.edu!
Restaurants with the Best Views in San Diego
Downtown/Embarcadero
Top of the Hyatt
On the 40th floor of the beautiful Hyatt hotel is a bar that will take your breath away. Enjoy 360-degree views of Downtown San Diego, the Pacific Ocean, San Diego Bay and Coronado from this incredible location. Don’t miss the champagne toast at sunset!
Top of the Market
Located right on the water of the San Diego Bay, Top of the Market is a restaurant for those looking to get so close to the water that they can almost touch it! The entire restaurant is lined with windows, providing a view from nearly every table, and the patio area is a perfect place to watch the ships sail by.
Pacific Beach
PB Shore Club
Diners looking for a casual lunch or dinner–and a great chance of seeing dolphins!–should check out PB Shore Club. The bar boasts the best views of Pacific Beach and also has delicious lobster tacos. Make sure to bring your I.D.: you must be over 21 to enter.
Harbor Island
Bali Hai
An old, classic restaurant in San Diego underwent a makeover several years ago and is still a favorite hangout for locals. The restaurant’s beautiful views of Downtown San Diego make any meal memorable, but make sure to also take a walk along the pier before or after dinner: it is a great place to take some photos of the city!
Del Mar
Pacifica Del Mar
Another classic restaurant, Pacifica Del Mar is built in a small shopping center that includes high-end boutiques, several other restaurants, and a wine bar called Sip by Flavor Del Mar. The shopping center is built above the parking garage, raising the restaurant and all of the buildings up for a stunning view of the water. Â New chef Stephanie, who has a Peruvian background, puts together interesting meals with ingredients from many cultures.
Coronado
Hotel del Coronado
The most famous hotel in California is also home to one of the most loved locations to grab a drink or some food. The Hotel del Coronado’s bar offers a beautiful location to sit and watch tourists, joggers, beach-goers, and locals mingle, and the cocktails are surprisingly not as overpriced as you’d expect, considering how expensive a night in the hotel is!
Il Fornaio
On the other side of Coronado is Il Fornaio, a popular American restaurant. Il Fornaio is located on the water and provides guests with views of the San Diego Bay, the Downtown skyline, and the Coronado Bridge. Breathtaking!
La Jolla
The Shores Restaurant
Because the village of La Jolla is built on a cliff, many of its restaurants have a beautiful view of the water. The Shores is one of the most famous and is a great place for a date night or a night with friends. Many bars have live music on the weekends, so make sure to bring your dancing shoes!
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