Top of the Market - San Diego

Where Ironside leans into warehouse-casual oysters and industrial-chic, Top of the Market commits fully to the occasion-dining format—this is where Little Italy locals bring visiting parents or mark promotions with a view of the bay. The formula is unapologetically classic: fresh seafood prepared with technique-driven flourishes (think progressive plating, not molecular gastronomy), served in a setting that treats dinner as an event, not just a meal.

The kitchen's ambition occasionally outpaces execution. Reviews land on a consistent note: impeccably fresh fish, thoughtful preparation, but inconsistent seasoning—sauces trend salty or overly acidic, particularly on the seabass and swordfish. When they dial it back and let the seafood speak, the formula works. The crème brûlée earns consistent praise; skip the guava cheesecake unless you enjoy syrup that competes with the fruit rather than complementing it.

Service runs attentive and knowledgeable, though even with ample staff, the pace lags during busy nights. You're paying expensive-tier prices for a dining experience that prioritizes presentation and polish over the kind of unfussy excellence you'll find downstairs or at Ironside's raw bar. But if you need the white-tablecloth treatment—birthday dinners, anniversary celebrations, impressing out-of-towners with harbor views—this remains the neighborhood's go-to for seafood occasions that require linen napkins and wine pairings. Reserve ahead, request window seating, and stick to preparations that don't overthink the fish.