3 Best Restaurants in Harbor Island, San Diego

Coasterra

$$$ | Harbor Island
Swathed in murals, intricate light fixtures, breezy outdoor seating, and a cushy interior, this massive waterfront destination has one of the best skyline views in the city, making it a top spot for Mexican craft cocktails and bayfront dining. The menu veers toward modern Mexican with starters like tableside guacamole, tuna tostadas, and crispy calamari; be sure to try their organic margaritas or various agave-based libations. For something more substantial, go for Chef Deborah Scott's fish-and-chips or chicken enchiladas. The menu is somewhat pricey but worth every penny to dine on top of the water with an unobstructed view of downtown.

Island Prime and C Level

$$$$ | Harbor Island

Two restaurants in one share this enviable spot on the shore of Harbor Island: the splurge-worthy Island Prime steak house and the relaxed C Level with a choice terrace. Both venues tempt with unrivaled views of Downtown San Diego's skyline. Island Prime's surf-and-turf dinner menu offers a trio of fillets topped with blue cheese, wild mushrooms, and Alaskan king crab. At C Level, sharable plates are often Asian fusion-inspired, like the ahi stack with mango salsa and taro chips, or comfort food like lobster and fontina BLT. Of the nearly dozen desserts, don't miss the potted brownie banana split: homemade peanut butter ice cream over a warm brownie with dulce de leche, fudge, and brûléed bananas.

Tom Ham's Lighthouse

$$ | Harbor Island

It’s hard to top this longtime Harbor Island restaurant’s incredible views across San Diego Bay to the Downtown skyline and Coronado Bridge. An alfresco dining deck and a contemporary seafood-focused menu ensure the dining experience at this working lighthouse doesn't take a back seat to the scenery. Sample the iced shellfish platter before moving on to traditional lobster bouillabaisse and paella or grilled prawns with spicy grits. The family-owned institution also serves a popular Sunday brunch that stars crab legs, peel-and-eat shrimp, smoked salmon, and oysters along with mimosas. Prefer beer? Choose from a long list of on-tap and bottled craft brews.

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