With spring in full swing and sunny skies overhead, it’s a good time to explore some of San Diego’s vibrant outdoor dining scene.
Here’s a slice of what to try:
Set atop the Brick Hotel, Cococabana offers panoramic Pacific Ocean views and lively island vibes. Savor the Island Style Catch, an almond-crusted, fresh fish dish served with coconut rice, roasted asparagus, cognac orgeat cream sauce and capers.
Laid-back beach atmosphere and refined cuisine come together at Sandpiper Wood Fired Grill & Oysters in La Jolla Shores. Start with fresh raw oysters ahead of the standout Berkshire pork chop, paired with cheddar grits, pear mostarda and arugula.
Karl Strauss Brewing Company offers a laid-back patio experience at each of its four San Diego County locations with fresh lagers and West Coast IPAs. Menu highlights include Ahi Poke Nachos, along with the award-winning Mac On Tap mac ‘n cheese. Beer selections include Follow the Sun Lager, Tower X West Coast IPA, and Red Trolley Ale.
Coco Maya rooftop bar has an open-air patio and a menu that is a vibrant fusion of Yucatán and Caribbean flavors, featuring eclectic small plates fired up in a Josper charcoal oven. The Spicy Mango Ceviche, shrimp, red onions, tomatoes, cucumber, serranos, mango, avocado, cilantro oil, and a mango sauce dusted with Tajín, offers a bold taste of the tropics.
George’s at the Cove sits above La Jolla Cove and its rooftop Ocean Terrace and open-air Level2 provide two options to enjoy the fresh ocean breeze. The California-inspired menu showcases fresh, seasonal ingredients with highlights like the Local Seared Rare Yellowtail complemented by green garlic, wild mushrooms, roasted fennel, artichoke and a kumquat jam.
Mavericks Beach Club features multiple bars, craft cocktails and a fun crowd. Dig into the Ahi Bowl, featuring fresh ahi tuna, avocado, spicy garlic, ponzu and wonton chips. Catching the big game, dance to live music or play outdoor games along with enjoying the bites.
Sandbar Sportsbar & Grill has a Sky Deck that offers ocean views and the award-winning TKO-style taco with a grilled filet of local white fish, wrapped in a cotija cheese-encrusted flour tortilla and topped with chipotle aioli, escabeche slaw, lime crema, spicy guacamole, crispy onion strings, and fried cilantro.
