The best restaurants in Pacific Beach, according to people who actually live here.
Pacific Beach grows up in fits and starts, still sunburned and loud, but now with proper birria, wood-fired Neapolitan pies, and hand-pulled pasta landing between the fish taco shops.

Pacific Beach
$ · Mediterranean · 2.5

Pacific Beach
$ · Indian · 2.5

Pacific Beach
$ · Mediterranean · 2.5

Pacific Beach
$ · Seafood · 2.5

Pacific Beach
$ · Restaurants · 2.5

Pacific Beach
$ · Indian · 2.4

Pacific Beach
“Artisanal burgers, pints & sides in a kitschy, wood-heavy setting with a New Zealand motif.”
$$ · American · 2.4

Pacific Beach
“Sandwiches, tacos & smoothies are offered by this laid-back beach restaurant with outdoor seating.”
$ · Restaurants · 2.4

Pacific Beach
$$ · Mexican · 2.4

Pacific Beach
“Surfboard-heavy space steps from the boardwalk is popular for taco plates & build-your-own burritos.”
$ · Mexican · 2.4

Pacific Beach
“Festive taqueria serving familiar Mexican dishes including carne asada, carnitas & fish tacos.”
$ · Restaurants · 2.4

Pacific Beach
$$ · Pizza · 2.4

Pacific Beach
“Destination for refined takes of surf 'n' turf with acclaimed view, cocktails & people-watching.”
$$$ · Restaurants · 2.4

Pacific Beach
$ · Restaurants · 2.4

Pacific Beach
“Refined Italian fare includes burrata & pasta served in a homey, intimate space with outdoor patio.”
$$ · Italian · 2.4

Pacific Beach
$ · Tacos · 2.4

Pacific Beach
$$ · Seafood · 2.4

Pacific Beach
“Fun spot for inventive breakfast plates, plus craft beer & cocktails, in hip & quirky surrounds.”
$$ · Restaurants · 2.4

Pacific Beach
$ · American · 2.4

Pacific Beach
“Upscale Indian eatery & bar dishing up curries, tandoori & other favorites in an intimate space.”
$$ · Indian · 2.4

Pacific Beach
“Small, neighborhood spot offering three types of square pizza slices, including Detroit-style.”
$ · Pizza · 2.4

Pacific Beach
$ · Restaurants · 2.4

Pacific Beach
$ · Restaurants · 2.4

Pacific Beach
$$ · Pizza · 2.4

Pacific Beach
$ · Restaurants · 2.4

Pacific Beach
“Branch of a Mexican seafood chain known for classic & modern tacos, tortas, sides & sodas.”
$ · Tacos · 2.4

Pacific Beach
$ · Restaurants · 2.4

Pacific Beach
“Quaint cafe serving up locavore breakfasts, including French toast, inside or on the shaded patio.”
$$ · Restaurants · 2.4

Pacific Beach
“Hearty breakfast & lunch options in a relaxed diner with a surf-themed interior.”
$ · Restaurants · 2.4

Pacific Beach
“Locals head to this adults-only, casual sports bar offering pints & made-to-order burgers & fries.”
$ · American · 2.4

Pacific Beach
“Market-fresh sushi & entrees, plus a seafood market inside a midcentury, brick-&-mortar warehouse.”
$$$ · Seafood · 2.4

Pacific Beach
$$ · American · 2.4

Pacific Beach
$$ · Thai · 2.4

Pacific Beach
$ · Restaurants · 2.4

Pacific Beach
$ · Restaurants · 2.4

Pacific Beach
$ · Thai · 2.4

Pacific Beach
“Made-to-order fare like avocado or mango curries keep locals returning to this relaxed Thai eatery.”
$ · Thai · 2.4

Pacific Beach
$$ · Pizza · 2.4

Pacific Beach
“Breezy, beachside bar with understated decor & nightly events from live bands & sports to karaoke.”
$$ · American · 2.3

Pacific Beach
“Buzzy upstairs bungalow for revered fish tacos & pub grub with an action-sports decor & beach views.”
$$ · Restaurants · 2.3

Pacific Beach
“Spacious hangout with ocean views serving up seafood dishes & craft cocktails in a mod space.”
$$ · Restaurants · 2.3

Pacific Beach
$ · Restaurants · 2.3

Pacific Beach
$ · Vietnamese · 2.3

Pacific Beach
$ · Restaurants · 2.3

Pacific Beach
$$ · Thai · 2.3

Pacific Beach
“Snug, cash-only beachfront bar with a menu of burgers & tacos, plus a vast patio with sunset views.”
$ · Restaurants · 2.3

Pacific Beach
“Lively mainstay draws crowds indoors or on the coveted patio for beers, bar grub & dancing at night.”
$$ · Restaurants · 2.3

Pacific Beach
“2-story beachfront pub popular with locals for house-brewed beer, pub grub & patio people-watching.”
$$ · Restaurants · 2.3

Pacific Beach
“Unfussy counter-serve option dishing up pizza & salads made from locally sourced ingredients.”
$$ · Pizza · 2.3

Pacific Beach
$ · Thai · 2.3