The Fishery
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The Fishery

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A beloved Pacific Beach spot offering market-fresh sushi and entrees with a casual neighborhood charm and top-tier quality.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
The Fishery

The Fishery

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A beloved Pacific Beach spot offering market-fresh sushi and entrees with a casual neighborhood charm and top-tier quality.

"This place never misses; it's the perfect mix of casual neighborhood charm and top-tier food."

TIP

Reservations Highly Recommended

Seats fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Make reservations in advance to secure your spot.

Late Night Dining

Visit during late-night hours for a more relaxed dining experience without the crowds.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Closed·Opens Wednesday 11AM

Cuisine

Seafood

Price

$$$

Phone

(858) 272-9985

Address

5040 Cass St, San Diego, CA 92109, USA

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Artfully Crafted Cocktails

Artfully Crafted Cocktails

Expertly crafted cocktails that are works of art, beautifully garnished and thoughtfully delicious.

Google Review
Crave-Worthy Tuna Sandwich

Crave-Worthy Tuna Sandwich

A surprising standout even for non-tuna lovers, this sandwich is fresh, perfectly seasoned, and utterly addictive.

Google Review
Memorable Clam Chowder & Fish Dishes

Memorable Clam Chowder & Fish Dishes

Experience some of the best clam chowder and whole fish dishes, served with incredibly crispy potatoes.

The 25 Best Restaurants In San Diego - San DiegoGoogle Review
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

I said what I said! I just want y’all eatin good and El Pescador is a summer staple #sandiegolife #burritotok #summer
@whatschelseating
121 likes • 10.6K views

Reservations Highly Recommended

Seats fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Make reservations in advance to secure your spot.

Late Night Dining

Visit during late-night hours for a more relaxed dining experience without the crowds.

El Pescador Fish Market in La Jolla, San Diego 🦪😋#sandiego #california #ROMWEGetGraphic
@fatdaygo
16 likes • 2.3K views
Does it get any better than this? #elpescador #lajolla #lajollacalifornia #lajollasandiego #wheretoeatlajolla #fishtacos
@waywardblog
43 likes • 2K views

Explore the Seafood Market

Check out the attached seafood market for fresh catches to take home and enjoy.

Outdoor Seating Comfort

If sitting outside, utilize the available heaters and blankets provided by the restaurant.

The Fishery on Cass street #pacificbeach #sandiego
@fitforlife013
26 likes • 543 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Reservations Highly Recommended

Seats fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Make reservations in advance to secure your spot.

Late Night Dining

Visit during late-night hours for a more relaxed dining experience without the crowds.

Explore the Seafood Market

Check out the attached seafood market for fresh catches to take home and enjoy.

Outdoor Seating Comfort

If sitting outside, utilize the available heaters and blankets provided by the restaurant.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Fishery is highly praised for its exceptionally fresh seafood, expertly crafted cocktails, and warm atmosphere. Diners rave about signature dishes like the macadamia nut halibut and memorable clam chowder. While most reviews are glowing, some mention that portions can be on the smaller side for the price, and one review noted an issue with an overly salty fettuccine dish.

"Had an amazing meal at The Fishery! If you go, you have to try the macadamia nut halibut—it’s crispy, flavorful, and just perfect. The cocktails were just as good—super well-made and a great complement to the meal. The whole vibe of the place is warm and inviting, and our server was just lovely, making it a great spot for a nice dinner. Definitely recommend!"

Jeanhee Lee

"Great drinks/food/service/atmosphere and very baby/dog friendly. We had the Spring Salad, Calamari and Scallop Crudo and they were all delicious. Reservations are highly recommended. Can’t wait to be back here again."

Oana Gusatu

"Late night dinner but glad we came! The staff was amazing including our waiter. Comfortable inviting environment that wasn’t too crowded!

I usually don’t list things but it feels appropriate here! The clam chowder, and rockfish main course were both memorable dishes. I can’t think of a better chowder or whole fish I’ve had anywhere in my life . The portions were fantastic as well! The fish also came
With crispy potatoes that I could literally eat everyday. It really doesn’t get much better than this.

The sashimi, calamari and desert were good! But it notably lacked compared to the fish and soup but It’s hard to compare to a culinary triumph such as those. Overall a great dinner. I would definitely come back and try more times. I would come back just for those potatoes."

Daniel Maros

What People Like

Exceptional fresh seafood
Artfully crafted cocktails
Memorable clam chowder

What People Dislike

Portions can be small
Occasional salty dishes

Frequently Asked Questions

Diners highly recommend the macadamia nut halibut, clam chowder, tuna sandwich, and the expertly crafted cocktails. The seafood market is also a unique draw.

Google Review+3

Yes, reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend dining, as the restaurant fills up quickly.

Google Review+1

Yes, The Fishery has an attached seafood market where you can purchase fresh catches to take home.

The Fishery offers a mix of casual neighborhood charm with high-quality food, creating a warm and inviting environment.

Google Review+1

Yes, outdoor seating is available and often recommended for a quieter experience, with heaters provided.

Google Review

While known for seafood, The Fishery also offers excellent beef options like ribeye, filet mignon, and New York strip.

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The Fishery is one of the most highly rated and recommended seafood restaurants in the San Diego area, boasting an incredible list of locally sourced fresh fish and other ingredients, a friendly and courteous staff, and calming atmosphere to put you at ease while you feast on the amazing cuisine. You’ll find no lack of options here; from sushi to Pacific Swordfish and everything in between, The Fishery stocks all manner of ocean-sourced dishes. Expertly prepared and seasoned to perfection, you’ll soon learn why this restaurant has such a dedicated following.

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Annemarie Brown-Lorenz, daughter of The Fishery’s original owner—who has been working in restaurants herself since she was 15—took over the nearly 30-year-old seafood business’ operations during Covid. She and her husband also run Pacific Shellfish, and in 2022, food critic Troy Johnson said that after “15 years of studying food and eating at San Diego restaurants…the two meals at The Fishery were the single most excellent seafood experience I’ve had in the city.”. 5040 Cass St, Pacific Beach

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Located in Pacific Beach, The Fishery is primarily known for their seafood offerings — but sleeping on the beef would be a big “missed steak.” Excellent ribeye, filet mignon, and New York strip are all fantastic choices here, and the full-service bar offers a deep selection of spirits, wines, and local craft beers to accompany every delicious dish. Insider tip: looking for a fun night out?. Check out the lively nightlife scene in this area for after-dinner drinks.

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The Fishery is one of the most unique seafood stops in the city. In addition to the renowned open-kitchen restaurant, The Fishery also maintains a well-stocked seafood market right at the center of the action — so you can take home the same just-caught items you’ll find on the menu. And speaking of the menu, Chef Mike Reidy allows it to evolve with the seasons, ensuring that nothing you’ll order is ever out of its prime peak of flavor and freshness.

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With stints at San Diego darling Third Corner (with tables set in the middle of a wine shop, it’s no secret the food is secondary to the grapes), The Fishery in Pacific Beach, and the prestigious La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla, she’s been the go-to somm for top chefs across the city. Today she is the go-to regional wine expert for everyone from Orfila Vineyards to the San Diego Beverage Times, and also does high-profile local tastings and events.

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The family of fishermen behind The Fishery also own Pacific Shellfish, the warehouse next door which distributes freshly caught seafood among San Diego’s top restaurants. With that in mind, it’s little wonder The Fishery is considered the best seafood spot in town. The menu changes by the season but you must get the salt spring mussels in green curry broth and the bay scallop and Mexican shrimp fettuccine when they’re available.

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With a motto like “Behind every great seafood restaurant is a warehouse stocked with fresh fish,” you know you’re in store for an epic seafood-fest. The Fishery restaurant and market lives up to its promise to serve up the best tasting, fresh, local seafood. San Diego seafood in Gaslamp district celebrates market-driven courses at The Fishery with delicious and memorable seasonal dishes prepared to perfection.

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But you can also splash out on specials like caviar-topped scallops in a silky butter sauce and be smug in the knowledge that you’re scoring the most prized catch at any given moment, since The Fishery is attached to its own seafood distributor. Look out for local spot prawns or delicate sand dabs.

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Widely considered one of the best seafood restaurants in San Diego, The Fishery is known for a menu that highlights sustainably caught and fresh seafood. Reserve an outdoor table to enjoy your entrees with a view. Not sure what to order?

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What’s cool about The Fishery is they also have a seafood market attached to the restaurant. Plus, the menu is inspired by what’s local and what’s in season. So each time you visit, you’ll get to experience something new.

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5040 Cass St., San Diego Telephone (858) 272-9985 Websitethefishery.com Award of Excellence. The Fishery puts Pacific seafood front and center.

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5040 Cass St, San Diego, CA 92109Phone: 858-272-9985 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by The Fishery (@sdthefishery)

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