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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Gaslamp Quarter

Dinner spots with seafood

You want a dinner that centers on the catch of the day. If the seafood is not the focus, you are not interested.

Based on 801 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Romanissimo Cucina Italiana image 1
Romanissimo Cucina Italiana image 2
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Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers cozy atmosphere with authentic Italian music softly playing. Well-spaced tables and beautiful Roma decor create a warm, inviting setting. Both indoor and outdoor seating provide privacy and comfort, enhancing the dining experience.

Atmospheric setting suits romantic dinners and celebrations. Service includes attentive staff who frequently check in and refill water.

Oysters stand out for their incredible quality. Dishes like squid stuffed with crab, mussels, clams, and seafood risotto offer rich, flavorful tastes with balanced seasoning.

People are saying

"The Italian food here tastes like you're actually in Italy."

"These dinner spots transport you straight to Italy with authentic flavors."

"The stuffed calamari here is outstanding and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 4 pm to 6 pm with food and drink specials.

2

Expect a variety of food options during happy hour for around $60 total.

3

The restaurant is dog-friendly on the patio for those with pets.

02
Taka Restaurant image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers an authentic atmosphere with cozy, laid-back vibe and polished, low-key luxe decor. The space is small and sleek, with well-lit interiors and occasional outdoor seating to escape noise. It attracts diners seeking fresh, high-quality sushi paired with a notable sake selection.

Dinner here features incredible white glove service and a delicious meal. The experience feels perfect and special for occasions.

Freshness stands out with fresh fish served consistently. Sashimi comes in generously sized pieces showcasing excellent quality.

People are saying

"I thought the Japanese food here was the best I've ever had."

"The seafood here is so fresh, it has no fishy smell or taste."

"The sushi here is really amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required before dining at Taka Restaurant.

2

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

3

Fresh wasabi is available as a $9 add-on.

03
Saint James French Diner image 1

Stylish French-inspired restaurant with a cozy ambiance and classy decor reminiscent of a Montmartre cafรฉ. Brightly lit bar features a stacked bottle display creating a cool vibe. Rooftop lounge offers a breathtaking city view, enhancing the overall experience.

Phenomenal dinner service supports corporate dinners and group events. The venue suits gatherings of 15 or more with a pleasant atmosphere and consistent satisfaction.

Oysters come at a bargain price during happy hour and taste very good. Fish dishes are perfectly cooked, with steak frites and clams with chorizo standing out.

People are saying

"I found the Parisienne burger to be the best burger I ever had."

"This burger tastes like Paris and makes you feel gorgeous."

"The happy hour oysters were a great deal at $2."

Good to know

1

Weekday happy hour from 3 to 6 offers burgers at half off, making it an incredible deal.

2

Happy hour runs Wednesday through Sunday from 3-6, with $10 burgers on Thursdays.

3

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.

04
Hasta Maรฑana Cantina image 1

Lively restaurant with colorful decor and upbeat Latino music that creates a high-energy atmosphere. Spacious layout includes a large bar offering a wide selection of drinks. Outdoor seating provides a shaded area for a more relaxed experience.

Dinner features a Birria with a huge beef rib, paired with incredible mash and a rich red sauce. The setting suits casual dinners and drinks with friends, offering authentic Mexican flavors.

Shrimp Diablo and Carne Asada plates offer bold flavors. Fried fish tacos come true Baja style. White fish ceviche features bright acidity and thick, seasoned tortilla chips.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and made with fresh ingredients."

"The dinner spots here have huge enchiladas and delicious burritos."

"The Diabla shrimp burrito was delicious and overflowing with flavor."

Good to know

1

Happy hour on drinks runs from 3-6pm daily.

2

Expect a $6 charge to add meat to quesadillas.

3

Generous portions are served, so come hungry or plan to share.

05
Dobson's Bar & Restaurant image 1
Californian restaurant

Two-level space combines an intimate bar with a quaint upstairs dining area. Atmosphere shifts from loud live music downstairs to a cozy, romantic vibe upstairs. Frequented by those seeking a casual, friendly setting with a touch of old-school charm.

Offers intimate private dinners and a quiet atmosphere ideal for pre-theater meals. Serves well for celebration dinners with a local touch and historical charm.

Shrimp dishes stand out with garlic shrimp and shrimp linguine offering strong flavors. Fish and chips come out delicious and well-prepared, complementing the seafood options nicely.

People are saying

"The mussel bisque soup here is rich and amazing."

"The sourdough bread at these dinner spots is life-changingly delicious."

"The shrimp linguine and fish and chips were delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

2

Music is featured on Tuesday nights, creating a lively atmosphere.

3

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on busy nights.

06
TACO CENTRO image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with open kitchen and fresh tortilla making visible from inside. Atmosphere shifts from warm and inviting to loud music on busy days, with an outdoor patio offering a quieter option. Extensive salsa bar provides a wide variety of sauces to complement the food.

Affordable and delicious tacos make dinner easy and satisfying. Food works well for late meals and takeout, pairing nicely with beer.

Shrimp and fish tacos stand out with fresh, flavorful fillings. The mar y Tierra taco combines melted cheese, shrimp, steak, and chipotle sauce for a crisp, tasty bite.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food, especially the tacos, to be spectacular."

"The seafood tacos here are so flavorful and fresh."

"The tacos here are incredible and very delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers $5 beers on Taco Tuesdays from 6 PM.

2

Taco specials are available on Tuesdays and game days.

3

Expect the restaurant to be busy on Taco Tuesdays, around 75% full.

07
Zama San Diego image 1
Latin American restaurant

Latin American restaurant with beautiful Tulum-inspired decor and a magical patio creates a lively atmosphere. Music plays loudly, often featuring DJs and dancers, making the vibe energetic and festive. Celebrations include sparklers and indoor fireworks, adding to the dynamic party energy.

Dinner features memorable experiences with excellent drinks and a visually appealing setting. Music is loud and dance-y, fitting for a party atmosphere.

A big choice of seafood stands out, including fresh oysters. The menu blends seafood, sushi, and steak options.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, full of flavor."

"Our server Davide made our dinner amazing and was so attentive."

"The seafood recommendations from the server were fantastic."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times, especially on weekends.

2

A 20% service charge is automatically added to all dining bills.

3

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

08
Huntress image 1
Steak house

Steakhouse with modern decor and a live DJ creating an energetic vibe without overpowering conversation. Atmosphere feels upscale and fun, attracting a stylish crowd. Seating varies from intimate to lively, with some areas offering views and private rooms.

Dinner features steak dinners and garlic fries that stand out. The spot suits both date nights and larger group dinners with solid drink options.

Fresh oysters stand out, especially the Bone Marrow Basted Oysters with rich bone marrow butter. The From Sea to Shore Seafood Platter offers buttery scallops and a tangy crudeau, while garlic shrimp prawns add a flavorful start.

People are saying

"The A5 wagyu and wagyu bites were perfect."

"The Dinner Spots here, like the sea bass, were excellent."

"The seafood here is so refreshing and flavorful, I'll crave it."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for larger groups.

2

A 20% service fee is automatically added for parties of six or more.

3

Happy hour runs on weekdays before 7 pm with discounted cocktails.

09
Rockin' Baja Lobster - Gaslamp image 1

Mexican restaurant with a sports bar atmosphere featuring loud TVs and live music that keeps energy high. Offers a self-serve salsa bar and a full margarita menu, with seating options including a pleasant outdoor patio. The space fills up and gets noisy when busy, making it lively rather than quiet.

Seafood dinners come in large portions that often leave leftovers. Tacos offer variety with Tres Amigos tacos standing out, while others like Chingones are more average.

Seafood shines with broiled shrimp and lobster tails seasoned in Mexican spice. Butter poached lobster tacos and blackened fish tacos stand out alongside a seafood bucket and mussels.

People are saying

"The food here is really good, with great flavors and fresh ingredients."

"The seafood buckets here are scrumptious and seasoned with a whisper of Mexican spice."

"The seafood tacos here are some of the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

The happy hour is available Monday through Friday from 3pm to 6pm.

2

Expect a wait outside during peak hours.

3

There is a 5% surcharge added to each bill.

10
Le Petit Chef - San Diego image 1

Dinner theater combines animation projection with dining, creating a unique visual show on each plate. Atmosphere feels private and intimate, though room and setup lean toward casual rather than upscale. Entertainment is fun and flawless, making it a distinctive experience for special occasions.

Dinner combines a four-course meal with a unique animated show that entertains throughout. Each course offers a surprise of flavors, making it a memorable and whimsical experience.

Seafood dishes feature shrimp and mussels in small portions. The seafood tomato bisque offers good flavor but comes at room temperature. Non-seafood options appear mainly on the kids' menu.

People are saying

"The food was served exactly as depicted in the animation."

"This dinner spot offers a creative and fun animated dining experience."

"The seafood bisque had good flavor."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating and high demand.

2

Expect to spend around $500 for two people for a four-course meal.

3

The experience includes a unique 3D storytelling show with each course.

11
Asti Ristorante image 1
Italian restaurant

Small, dim-lit Italian restaurant with cozy ambiance and elegant, welcoming atmosphere. Noise level can be high due to lively groups, making it less suited for quiet dining. Offers outdoor seating and a prominent bar area within a compact space.

Dinner features good service from kitchen and front staff, with early seating avoiding waits. Meals include appetizer, two entrees, and a large Pellegrino for about $100, offering solid value.

Local seafood shines with shellfish and fish prepared without heavy seasoning. Shrimp features prominently, served grilled with Gamberoni Torinese sauce or in a creamy gorgonzola gnocchi dish.

People are saying

"The food here tasted amazing, truly incredible."

"The dinner spots here have delicious food, especially the pasta."

"The grilled seafood fradiablo had a large amount of seafood."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for large groups to ensure seating.

2

A 20% gratuity is automatically added to the bill for large parties.

3

Expect higher prices for menu items, especially during peak hours.

12
Urban India Restaurant & Bar image 1

Small space shifts from quiet restaurant by day to lively nightclub with a DJ playing Latin music on weekends. Atmosphere feels more like a bar with awesome music and a family-owned vibe. Outdoor patio offers a spot for people watching during major events.

Dinners offer full of flavor meals that invite repeat visits. The spot pairs vibrant atmosphere with live music, making it a lively place to enjoy an evening.

Fish Pakora stands out with its crispy texture. Shrimp dishes, including tandoori shrimp, offer bold flavors alongside other seafood options.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was delicious."

"I loved all the delicious dishes I ordered for dinner."

"I really enjoyed the fish pakora."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required but recommended for busy weekend nights.

2

Credit card payments incur an extra charge; cash is preferred.

3

The lunch menu can be confusing; ask staff for recommendations.

13
AKA San Diego image 1
Restaurant

Interior features Asian-inspired decor with stylish, romantic design and photo-friendly artwork. Atmosphere balances warm, welcoming vibes with lively music and dancing, creating a fun environment for groups. Cocktails and sushi stand out as notable highlights.

Dinner offers a casual ambiance suited for friends or dates. Service stands out with gracious and accommodating staff providing helpful recommendations.

Fish dishes stand out for their super fresh quality and memorable taste. Shrimp appears in several forms like tempura and Pad Thai, both noted for strong flavors.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was great and delicious."

"Our server Martin made our dinner spots truly special."

"The seafood here is so fresh, especially the sushi and shrimp."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great deals on drinks and appetizers.

2

The restaurant turns into a nightclub on weekends after dinner.

3

Reservations are recommended for large groups, especially on weekends.

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Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego

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