Top 6: Rooftop Restaurants in San Diego

Invariably one of the oldest and most revered epicurean traditions, open air dining is an experience for the senses, focused on blending the natural environment into a meal. Our moderate southern California climate is the perfect setting, no matter what time of the year. Even during cooler fall and winter evenings, most patios have heat lamps or light covers to keep the chill away. San Diego is certainly synonymous with outdoor dining, and these fine dining examples are great options for enjoying a meal al fresco.

Enjoy these 6 best rooftop restaurants San Diego has to offer. In no particular order. 

1. Eddie V’s La Jolla

1270 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA | (858) 459-5500 | Online

Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, (in-depth review here) is an amazing outdoor dining restaurant. It has two rooftop decks overlooking the La Jolla Cove. If you’re in the mood for patio dining, this is certainly one of the most spectacular locations in southern California, with 180-degree unobstructed views of the La Jolla cliffs and Pacific Ocean. Enjoy a beautiful sunset while indulging in the freshest prime seafood and hand-cut steaks from the finest, specialty-aged, USDA center-cut beef available. Flavorful dishes include Wild Mushroom Salad with hot goat cheese, arugula and champagne vinaigrette, Cold Water Maine Lobster Tails, and Chilean Sea Bass steamed "Hong Kong style" with light soy broth. Choose from more than 200 world-class wines in a setting that’s relaxed, refined, and filled with the rhythms of nightly live music from the V Lounge. Guests can always count on Eddie V’s commitment to the best quality seafood and steaks, and the restaurant’s superior customer service.

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2. Tom Ham’s Lighthouse

2150 Harbor Island Dr, San Diego, CA | (619) 291-9110 | Online

Nestled at the far west end of Harbor Island, Tom Ham’s Lighthouse has been in business for over forty years and is considered one of the more prominent unique restaurants in San Diego Bay. Recently renovated to enhance every square foot, guests can enjoy newly expanded views of downtown San Diego, Coronado, and Point Loma from the indoor dining room and beautiful outdoor patio. "During the day there are a variety of ships and sailboats, and at night the lights of the downtown city skyline are amazing," said executive chef, Lance Repp. With a new menu based heavily on seafood with Mediterranean influences, there are other options, including dry-aged steaks, pork belly, and duck. "We use as much local produce and sustainable seafood as we can, including local fishing boats for our day-boat dishes. Almost everything is made in-house," explained Repp. "We also have 32 taps on hand, as we are constantly rotating through local craft brews." Sunday Brunch is nearly filled to capacity every week, as diners wander through endless options ranging from traditional breakfast items to mounds of fresh seafood chilled on ice. Now owned and operated by the second generation of Ham’s, the tradition of exceptional cuisine continues with a modern edge to provide a memorable experience.

3. The Prado at Balboa Park

1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA | (619) 557-9441 | Online 

The Prado (full review) is the winner of numerous local and national awards for its location and cuisine. Strategically positioned in the architecturally stunning House of Hospitality, it is the only full-service restaurant in the world-famous Balboa Park. Surrounded by museums, theaters, gardens, and fountains, the Prado is a destination for both tourists and locals. It is a striking combination of lush landscapes, structural designs, cultural attractions, and a fun place to eat. With multiple choices for dining, including an enclosed terrace, open-air patio, and lively lounge, it’s easy to find the right atmosphere for your visit. The restaurant is also a favorite for catering to special occasions or events. Executive Chef Jonathan Hale brings a unique style and flavor to his dishes, drawing from an eclectic life and career that spans the globe. Born in India and raised in London, Chef Hale was professionally educated at the Culinary Institute of America in New York City. From there he worked at some of the world’s finest restaurants in Colorado and Hawaii, finally landing in San Diego in 2001. Whenever possible, Chef Hale is adamant about supporting local farmers. He enjoys creating new and exciting dishes and watching his guests marvel at the textures and flavors.

4. 333 Pacific

333 N Pacific St, Oceanside, CA | (760) 433-3333 | Online

Complete with a breathtaking view of San Diego's beaches from every seat in the house. The spacious covered outdoor patio is one of the best locations for enjoying a Pacific sunset, with the long Oceanside Pier as a backdrop. Running in parallel with the Oceanside boardwalk, there’s always plenty of action both day and night. The expansive lounge is also a central destination, featuring over 100 vodkas from around the world, including every variety of cocktail concoions imaginable. A stellar California coastal menu effectively highlights local seasonal ingredients and wholesome preparations that are executed with meticulous care. Diners have a variety of options to choose from, including raw bar and sushi offerings, soups, salads, pasta, seafood, steaks, chops, and vegetarian choices. On-the-ball foodies are constantly giving high marks to the lamb sirloin encrusted with black trumpet mushrooms and served with roasted fingerling potatoes and cipollini onions.

5. Rancho Santa Fe Bistro

6024 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe, CA | (858) 756-1221 | Online

Located in the heart of downtown Rancho Santa Fe, this village eatery has undergone several changes since restaurateur Mozy Jahanguiri purchased the space in January 2013. Aside from changing the name and menu, the beautiful outdoor patio has been transformed into a unique garden canopy, where guests can enjoy cool summer salads of spinach, arugula, goat cheese and cranberries, or something more substantial—slow-cooked beef short ribs; grilled Norwegian salmon with caper sauce or Jidori chicken piccata. The newly installed wood wine cellar houses more than 2,000 bottles of French and American wines, the perfect accompaniment to any number of the Bistro’s creations from the brunch or dinner menu. Outstanding customer service and the simplicity of delicious food and wine are a testament to Jahanguiri’s longstanding career in the restaurant industry and his passion for serving others.