Ocean Beach: 6 Must-Try Restaurants for the Ultimate San Diego Foodie Experience
Nestled along San Diego's sunny coastline, Ocean Beach (OB) is a lively, relaxed beach town with a friendly bohemian/hippy community. Whether you're here for surfing, exploring quirky shops, or enjoying the laid-back atmosphere, OB warmly welcomes food lovers eager to taste a variety of delicious flavors in a truly unique setting. Take a leisurely walk down Newport Avenue, and you'll find a great selection of must-visit restaurants serving everything from iconic burgers and fresh seafood to tasty Asian-fusion and authentic Mexican dishes—making Ocean Beach an ideal spot for those who love excellent food and a classic Southern California beach vibe. Here are my top 6 favorites you should try!
Let’s go on a tasty food adventure, shall we?
Hodad's Ocean Beach
When you think about relaxing at the beach, grabbing a burger might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But I’m really glad I finally gave it a try on this trip! This spot is well-known because it was featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. And let me tell you, these burgers are truly something special. I ordered their single cheeseburger, and it was anything but ordinary—huge enough to almost fall apart as I took a bite! It’s a bit on the pricey side at $17, but honestly, you get so much quality and flavor for what you’re paying. If you love quirky décor, you’re in for a treat—this place is decorated with license plates from all over the U.S., and there’s even a tiny Volkswagen inside where you can sit down and enjoy your meal. Oh, and don’t forget to try their onion rings—they’re fantastic!
OB Noodle House & Sake Bar
I wasn’t planning to make this post solely about Guy Fieri’s Dinner, Drive-In, and Dives, but this spot also made it onto his list. A friend who used to live in San Diego highly recommended it. Located right in the heart of Ocean Beach, the dog-friendly OB Noodle House offers signature pho bowls and tasty Asian-fusion dishes in a relaxed, welcoming setting—plus, they even invite dogs to join at the outdoor tables on their cozy enclosed patio. I ordered their traditional pho, and honestly, it totally revived me after a tough night from New Year's Eve and a chilly, rainy day!
Blue Water Seafood Ocean Beach
This is my go-to spot when I stay in Ocean Beach, such a hidden gem! I always order their delicious poke dish with a side of Presco, which is the cheapest place to get a glass at $8. This place is connected to Wonderland Ocean Pub, which I will discuss more below, but my favorite thing about this place, besides fresh seafood and ingredients, is that you can watch the sunset over the ocean while you're eating your dinner!
Wonderland Ocean Pub
On July 4, 1913, Wonderland Park, San Diego's first amusement park, opened in Ocean Beach, covering 9½ acres of beachfront. Before Belmont Park, it was a lively spot with waterslides, a roller skating rink, carnival games, a bowling alley, a zoo with 350 monkeys, and the West Coast’s largest roller coaster. Though closed in 1915, its spirit endures in Ocean Beach culture. Wonderland Ocean Pub honors this history with ocean views, a coastal menu, and local craft beers. I recommend dining here after your tour, especially their famous surf and turf burger with garlic prawns, a chuck patty, arugula, tomato, Oaxaca cheese, lobster aioli, fried leeks, in a brioche bun. It’s a must-try! Unlike Blue Water, this place is higher up, offering great sunset views. Arrive at least an hour early to catch the sunset, as it gets busy.
Nico's Mexican Food
If you're searching for the best Mexican food, this place is a true favorite! They've been a family-owned spot serving the San Diego Ocean Beach community with fresh, delicious, and authentic Mexican dishes since 1982. Just a quick heads-up: they only accept cash, but there's an ATM inside to make it easy. I really suggest grabbing their tacos to go and enjoying them while sitting on the beach, watching the waves roll in—it's such a delightful experience!
Cafe Bella
This is another favorite spot of mine when I'm in OB. Nearly every morning, I stop by to enjoy their delicious cold brew and the lox sandwich! It’s truly one of the best lox sandwiches I’ve ever had. They also offer a variety of other breakfast sandwiches and smoothies. I tried one of their detox smoothies on New Year's Day, and it really helped me with my hangover! I highly recommend their acai bowls too. It’s such a wonderful place to relax, read a book, or get some work done!
I'd love to hear from you—please share your favorite place and the reasons why in the comments!
