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11 Must-Try Coronado Restaurants

Coronado is home to luxury hotels, upscale shopping, beautiful beaches, and other attractions. Moreover, Coronado has excellent fine dining, laid-back lunch and brunch spots, and plenty of places to go for special occasions. 

dish served at coronado san diego restaurants

Whether you’re looking to have an intimate dinner with somebody or a fun family dining experience, you’ll find no shortage of great restaurants in Coronado.

To help you find the ideal spot, be it for its location, menu, or general vibe, I’ve compiled a list of the best restaurants in Coronado, San Diego below!


Coronado Brewing Company San Diego Tasting Room

1205 Knoxville St, San Diego, CA 92110
Phone: 619-275-2215
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If you’re in San Diego and want to try the local brews, then Coronado Brewing Company should be top of your list.

They’ve been in operation for over 20 years and have won numerous awards for their craft beer. The San Diego Tasting room is an extensive, fun, industrial space that feels modern and fresh.

You can go here after a visit to SeaWorld as it’s just down the street. You should, of course, order a flight of beers.

The place is a tasting room, after all. I enjoyed their Palm Sway (their award-winning IPA) and Salty Crew (an award-winning Blonde Ale). They have some seasonal beer options that I might have to go back for.

You should check what’s available before you go. This location has some savory food too. I only got a pretzel, but everything looked and smelled great.


Stake Chophouse & Bar

1309 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
Phone: 619-522-0077
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Stake Chophouse & Bar is just seconds away from the famed Hotel del Coronado. If you’re staying at the hotel or just taking photos of the landmark resort, you should stop by Stake for dinner.

This upscale eatery has the feel of an old-school steakhouse with a splash of contemporary flare. Food and drinks are served with a beautiful presentation.

Everything looks too pretty to eat. Stake is a bit pricy, but this is a fine example of getting what you pay for.

If my meal, a perfectly cooked Petite Filet Mignon, is anything to go by, then whatever you pick off the menu will be a treat.

Chef Sergio Jimenez creates a personalized five-course tasting menu, and I highly recommend giving this a try.


Peohe’s

1201 1st St, Coronado, CA 92118
Phone: 619-437-4474
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Peohe’s is the perfect waterfront tropical dining experience. They have a Pacific-inspired seafood menu and a mouthwatering sushi bar.

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They’re located directly on the water at Coronado Ferry Landing- you can even arrive by boat as they have a private dock.

The views of downtown San Diego and the bay would be worth the trip to Peohe’s on their own. Those views plus the spectacular menu mean you have a can’t-miss restaurant.

I’ll admit I got this recommendation from The Food Network, as Peohe’s was on Rachel Ray’s show. I had to try Peohe’s signature Halibut Mai’a since it was featured.

And I have to say I was not disappointed. I had a fantastic evening at Peohe’s, and I plan on coming back to try out their brunch menu.


The Henry

1031 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
Phone: 619-762-1022
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Moments away from the Coronado Municipal Golf Course, you’ll find The Henry. This bright, modern restaurant is home to simple dishes prepared well.

Dining at The Henry feels like going to a relaxed neighborhood joint with all the service and amenities of a high-class place.

The Henry is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I glanced at all the menus, and they looked amazing.

I happened to be there for dinner, so I can recommend the famous house-made pretzels & provolone fondue- honestly, they’re to die for. I regret sharing. The seared ahi tuna was fresh and flavorful.

For dessert, we split the peanut butter molten cake. The Henry has an impressively long wine list, so ask your server for a recommendation. 


Little Frenchie

1166 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
Phone: 619-675-0041
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As the name may have told you, Little Frenchie is known for its French menu. This chic little bistro would look right at home on the streets of Paris.

It’s conveniently located across from Coronado beach. Little Frenchie is a pleasant brunch spot. The traditional French dishes are all sumptuously prepared, and there is something for everyone.

You can get an order of their pastry basket to share, and their croissants are must-haves. For something more filling order a full traditional breakfast like fluffy omelets or crêpes.

They have classic brunch drinks like mimosas and bloody marys, but they’re most known for their wine selection, so give that a try.

If you can’t get that coveted brunch reservation, they’re also open for lunch and dinner. This is a small space, so be sure to book a reservation if you would like to eat here.  


Clayton’s Coffee Shop

979 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
Phone: 619-435-5425
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Clayton’s is centrally located on Orange Avenue, in the heart of Coronado. Clayton’s is perfect if you want a no-fuss but delicious bite.

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It’s an old-school American diner that looks like a holdover from a different era. It’s the perfect place to start your day.

I had a fantastic breakfast here. I wanted a second order of my strawberry shortcake waffles. I washed these down with a “bottomless cup of great diner coffee,” as it says on the menu.

They also have large and very well-priced house specialty dishes like huevos rancheros, fish & chips, and a breakfast burrito, just to name a few of the diverse items.


Miguel’s Cocina

1351 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
619-437-4237
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For Mexican food with a festive atmosphere, head to Miguel’s Cocina. Miguel’s is conveniently within walking distance from many of the area’s hotels, including the landmark Hotel del Coronado.

This is a great dinner spot, but they also offer takeout, which is useful if you’re staying nearby. This laid-back chain is ideal for sipping Margaritas with friends while digging into ceviche and guacamole.

They also have a sampler which is perfect for sharing and trying all the food. Miguel’s has an extensive menu, so it’s good to go with a mixed group.

There are also plenty of vegetarian options, and their menu will please even picky eaters. I enjoyed their Fajitas Supremo, which contains steak, chicken, shrimp, and more.


Saiko Sake and Sushi Bar

2884 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104
Phone: 619-677-3907
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If you want excellent Japanese food, head to San Diego’s North Park neighborhood for Saiko Sake and Sushi Bar.

It’s across from the San Diego Natural History Museum, so you can make it your dinner spot after a day out.

Saiko’s is a clean, bright, modern sushi bar. If you’re in the area, go there between 430-6 pm any day for their happy hour deals.

This includes money off drinks, select appetizers, and classic rolls. Take advantage of their fantastic sake bar by ordering a sake flight- you’ll find your favorite and possibly get a buzz.

When it comes to food, their specialty rolls are all fantastic; the Rey Roll and Saiko Roll were my favorites. They also have cooked dishes for any non-sushi lovers you may know.


Serẽa Coastal Cuisine

1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
Phone: 619-435-6611
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Serẽa Coastal Cuisine is a sea-to-table Mediterranean restaurant tucked inside the legendary Hotel del Coronado.

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This sophisticated place has ocean views and comfortable, breezy decor. It’s on the upscale side, so you may feel out of place in shorts and a t-shirt, but it never felt stuffy.

San Diego’s Chef Jojo Ruiz prepares a mouthwatering coastal menu. The emphasis is on locally sourced sustainable seafood.

As such, every dish is noticeably fresh and likely came from along the California coast. Start by ordering from their daily selection of oysters.

I suggest the grilled swordfish for your main course. It’s simply grilled, so you get all the fresh ocean flavor with basic sides to let it shine.

Keep in mind that the menu may change slightly based on the local catch. Seafood is the star of this menu, but there are locally sourced meat dishes for those that prefer turf over the surf.


Il Fornaio

1333 1st St, Coronado, CA 92118
619-437-4911
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Il Fornaio Coronado is where you go for waterfront Italian dining. It’s right at the tip of the Coronado Ferry Center, so you get unobstructed downtown and bay views.

They have indoor and outdoor dining options, so you can easily take advantage of the location. Come for the view and stay for the freshly baked bread from their in-house bakery.

The pasta is also handmade on-site. Even the most hardcore pasta critics will be pleased, as there are no bad choices here.

I’ll recommend my order of tortelloni di Zucca, but you can close your eyes and point. Whatever you get will be great. Save room for dessert as they have a very nice gelato and tiramisù.


Brigantine Seafood & Oyster Bar

1360 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619-719-4960
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Brigantine is next door to the Maritime Museum of San Diego. This means you get waterfront views with the bonus of antique ships floating outside.

They have a chill pier vibe with the seafood to match. They’re open all day, 11 am-10 pm, and you can stop in any time to treat yourself to great seafood and beer.

They have an “oyster bar” in the name, so you know you need to try an order of those. The oysters Rockefeller was well worth it.

We also shared the crab and shrimp fondue, which was rich and delicious. I almost couldn’t finish my golden ale-battered cod fish & chips, but it was so good I made it work.


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Written by Brian Nagele

Brian attended West Virginia University, then started his career in the IT industry before following his passion for marketing and hospitality. He has over 20 years experience in the restaurant and bar industry.

As a former restaurant owner, he knows about running a food business and loves to eat and enjoy cocktails on a regular basis. He constantly travels to new cities tasting and reviewing the most popular spots.

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