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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Gaslamp Quarter

Seafood spots with outdoor space

Fresh seafood served in an outdoor space that feels like a destination rather than a patio add-on.

Based on 825 Opinions
+822
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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.

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.

Seating includes both inside and outside options, with the patio featuring heater lights and string lights that keep the area warm and inviting after dark.

People are saying

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

"The outdoor space has such a nice ambiance and cute vibes."

"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
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.

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.

The outdoor patio offers plenty of seating and a nice venue to enjoy meals or drinks. It provides a great spot to watch boats sail by while dining outside.

People are saying

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

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

"This outdoor space is perfect for a tasty meal before a Padres game."

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.

03
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.

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.

A barrier between the street and outdoor seating creates a child friendly space. The outdoor sitting area offers a nice spot to enjoy tacos away from the loud music inside.

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 eating tacos in the pretty outdoor space."

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.

04
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.

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

Outdoor seating offers a quiet spot away from the loud indoor atmosphere. Tables outside are pup friendly and usually available without a reservation.

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."

"It's great that the outdoor space is pup-friendly and accommodates toddlers."

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.

05
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 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.

A nice patio offers pleasant outdoor seating with a great view. The outside bar adds to the experience, and seating is usually prompt with some people watching opportunities.

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."

"I enjoyed the pleasant outdoor seating and great people watching."

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.

06
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.

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

A beautiful patio creates a magical outdoor space with detailed design that feels both priceless and inviting. The outdoor area complements the nice interior, making the whole setting pleasant.

People are saying

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

"The seafood recommendations from the server were fantastic."

"The patio here is beautiful and feels magical."

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.

07
Pizza and Pasta on 5th image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers loud, upbeat music that energizes the space late into the night. Outdoor seating provides a pleasant spot to enjoy meals with an authentic Italian vibe. The atmosphere combines delicious pizza with a lively, social energy.

Shrimp dishes stand out here with shrimp pasta and shrimp Alfredo offering rich flavors. The shrimp Caesar salad also delivers a fresh, tasty option.

Outdoor seating offers beautiful sunset views and a patio good for people watching. The area often has secondhand smoke from nearby smokers.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is heavenly, especially the pasta."

"The Seafood here is amazing, and the staff is so kind."

"I loved sitting outside; the outdoor seating was beautiful at sunset."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs until 9pm with affordable drink specials.

2

The restaurant is open until 3am, making it a late-night option.

3

Expect high prices; a pizza can cost around $44 after extras.

08
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.

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.

Outdoor seating offers a shaded atmosphere with tables ready for quick seating. The space feels inviting for dining with options to customize dishes while enjoying the fresh air.

People are saying

"The food here tasted amazing, truly incredible."

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

"I loved sitting outside to people watch."

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.

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Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego

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