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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Gaslamp Quarter

Seafood lunch spots

Made for those who prefer a light, seafood-focused midday meal over a heavy lunch.

Based on 665 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
TACO CENTRO image 1
TACO CENTRO image 2
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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.

Tacos stand out as a go-to lunch choice here, especially the fish tacos known as a local gourmet dish. The spot works well for quick, satisfying meals near the convention center.

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."

"I loved the authentic, flavorful tacos at this lunch spot."

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.

02
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.

Offers lunch and dinner options alongside an expanded Sunday brunch menu. The burger Parisienne stands out as a lunch choice on weekdays.

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."

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

"This lunch spot's burger Parisienne with secret sauce is exceptional."

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.

03
Baja Rick's Cantina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor seating overlooks waterfront with stunning harbor views and a coastal-meets-urban vibe. Live music and DJs create a lively atmosphere, especially before sports events. Playful, colorful decor with nautical touches complements the bright, airy indoor space.

Lunch offers light but filling options like BBQ Chicken Wraps and fish tacos. The spot suits multiple visits with a relaxed vibe and beer choices.

Crispy, perfectly battered fish tacos come with tangy slaw and creamy sauce wrapped in warm tortillas. The menu also features a blackened white fish bowl and a notable shrimp cocktail alongside grilled shrimp skewers.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and top-notch."

"The fish tacos here are crispy, battered, and delicious."

"This lunch spot has delicious tacos and burritos."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm with 32-ounce Coors for $12.

2

Expect longer wait times during conventions or special events.

3

The kitchen closes early, so check before arriving.

04
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.

Chill vibe suits lunch meetings or casual dates. Lunch menu offers options for kids, and calling ahead for specific dishes works well.

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 food here is amazing; I loved the mushrooms with garlic shrimp."

"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.

05
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.

Friendly and helpful servers create a welcoming lunch atmosphere. The Diabla burrito offers a filling meal with delicious beans that can be enjoyed in multiple sittings.

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 service at this lunch spot is so friendly and helpful."

"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.

06
Manna Heaven BBQ Downtown image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

Korean barbecue restaurant features robot servers and tablet ordering for a mostly automated experience. Atmosphere stays cozy and inviting with lattice grills that enhance smoky flavors. The vibe is fun and relaxed, suitable for casual meals and special occasions.

Super affordable prices stand out during lunch. The spot offers Korean BBQ with a relaxed vibe just after the lunch rush.

Shrimp comes with grilled garlic and vegetables, offering a flavorful bite. The all-you-can-eat menu includes a wide variety of marinated seafood alongside meats and banchan.

People are saying

"The Korean BBQ here is amazing, especially the meats."

"I loved the garlic shrimp with oil and grilled vegetables."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is really great."

Good to know

1

Happy hour specials are available, offering great deals on drinks and appetizers.

2

The restaurant opens at 12 PM, and there is usually no wait at that time.

3

The ordering process is efficient and involves cute robots for service.

07
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.

Prompt seating outside creates a relaxed vibe for lunch. Service stands out as fast and friendly, complementing the fresh seafood and beer options.

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 lunch spot service was attentive and kind."

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.

08
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.

Lunch offers fresh naan and a variety of options including chicken curry and vegetarian dishes. Portions can be small but the food tastes great and provides enough for the next day.

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 found the food at this Lunch Spot to be delicious."

"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.

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Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego

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