The Fish Market
Gaslamp Quarter“The Fish Market doubles as a working retail seafood counter and a bayfront restaurant, which means whatever you're eating upstairs was probably swimming this morning.”
**Why you'd come here instead of Las Hadas or The Waves:** While those spots add Mexican or surf-bar spins to their seafood, The Fish Market runs a full retail operation downstairs—actual cases of fresh fish you can buy and take home, right below the dining room. The connection isn't cosmetic. The upstairs menu pulls directly from what's moving through the market, so the grilled catch changes based on what's actually available, not what's been sitting frozen in back. It's the rare Gaslamp restaurant where "market price" means something beyond an excuse to charge more.
The setting delivers what you'd expect from Harbor Drive: tables literally over the water, floorboards with gaps wide enough to see straight through to the bay below, boats drifting past while you eat. Outdoor seating gets aggressively hot in full sun—multiple reviewers mention sweating through dinner—but evening service solves that problem. You're here for views and seafood that tastes like it came off a boat, not a truck.
The tourist trap anxiety is real—location screams it, proximity to the Midway doubles down—but the food consistently surprises people expecting mediocre convention-center fare. Service stays professional even during prime waterfront hours, and they actually staff properly instead of letting tables sit empty while you wait.
**The move:** Go for early dinner when the sun's dropping, ask what came in fresh that day, order it grilled. Happy hour exists and waiters will point you toward it. Parking is Harbor Drive parking—expensive and competitive. If you're hitting the Midway or downtown museums anyway, this works as your post-tour meal. Just book ahead for weekends and don't expect cheap.
FAQ
Is there parking at The Fish Market?
Do I need a reservation, or can I just walk in?
What should I order on my first visit?
Is this place actually good, or just a tourist trap?
Can I bring my kids?
What about vegetarian or gluten-free options?
When's the best time to visit to avoid crowds and heat?
Is there outdoor seating, and what's the vibe?
Google Reviews
Unexpectedly great! Great restaurant and fish market ( lower level) . The food was way better than expected. We went after touring the Midway and just wanted to sit and eat and thought this might be a tourist trap. We were soooo wrong. Decent prices and food was great. We had the Fish and Chips and NE Clam Chowder as well as swordfish tacos and one person got a burger which he says was really good. Friendly and attentive staff. Parking is limited as is most of the area.
2 months ago
Lovely restaurant that overlooks the waterfront! I chose outdoor seating and we were actually above the water, not just on land! I could see the ocean through the cracks in the floorboards. There was a great view with the evening sun and boats on the water. The server was kind and the food was great. I’m glad they have so many seafood options since it is a restaurant by the sea. Definitely would visit again
2 months ago
We came for a late lunch/early dinner and were easily seated outside by the water. We chose this restaurant as it seemed to have more fresh fish and gf options than others nearby. The setting was gorgeous on the water (but got really hot too). Service was good. Food was yummy too. The fish and shrimp ceviche was on point. The swordfish was tasty but a little tougher than we like. The poke bowl had good flavor. We’d come again.
2 months ago
Although this is more like a tourist attraction nearby the museum, but their foods were very good, and we got live music in the evening so the atmosphere was lovely. The service is top notch and the waiters also let us know the happy hour offers. Parking is also easy, right outside of the restaurant. We will definitely come back again.
3 months ago
Went here for my birthday weekend 2-14 and this restaurant is beautiful! Our table was overlooking the water. We could see cruising boats,people surfing,jet skiing and just enjoying the scenery. The food unfortunately very mediocre. But I would definitely go back again because of the breath taking scenery and the hospitality by the manager- didn't get her name but she was a lovely African American woman. She walked from table to table smiling and making sure everyone had everything that they needed. She put that extra classy touch to my first time experience here.
2 months ago
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Contact & Hours
750 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
- Monday: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM
- Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM
- Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM
- Thursday: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM
- Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM