Coronado Island is more than just a pretty place to visit. Nestled between San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean, the Crown City offers a wealth of things to see, do, and eat. This is part of why it is my most requested and booked area for those planning San Diego vacations.
Several places to dine are in the historic Hotel del Coronado, but why limit yourself to one area? From BBQ and burgers to seafood and steaks, grab a bite at these fantastic Coronado restaurants whether you’re a local or a tourist.
1. Serẽa Coastal Cuisine
Price Range: $$$
Address: 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
Reservations: Yes (highly recommended)
Open For: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Ocean View: Yes
Online Menu
The signature Hotel del Coronado restaurant specializes in sustainably sourced seafood and offers an inventive menu by Chef JoJo Ruiz rooted in Mediterranean traditions. The ambiance is elegant yet relaxed, perfect for a special occasion or a casual evening out.
Popular menu items include Greek Salad, House Focaccia, Big Eye Tuna Crudo, and Patatas Bravas. The restaurant also offers seafood options like Grilled Octopus, Tuna Tartare, and fresh oysters. For those looking for heartier options, there’s the Garlic Harissa Chicken Kabob and a variety of wood-grilled and flash-fried fish.
Right now, Serẽa is also serving a la carte breakfast. Sheerwater Restaurant next door used to be the main breakfast buffet place, but it’s closed for renovation. Though much of the Victorian Building is under renovation, it should not impact your dining experience.
Insider tip: If you want to stay the night, read my Hotel del Coronado review first to learn everything you need to know before booking in (including how to secure my benefits there).
2. Little Frenchie
Price Range: $$
Address: 1166 Orange Ave., Coronado, CA 92118
Reservations: Yes
Open For: Daily Brunch and Dinner
Water View: No
Online Menu
There is no need to cross the Atlantic when you can stop into this casual Parisian-style cafe on Orange Avenue. They’re known for a wide selection of delectable cheese and classic dishes like escargots, steak frites, quiche, and croque monsieur. The menu features suggested pairings with French and California wines from their approachable wine list.
And, don’t forget about Champagne Happy Hour, normally Monday–Thursday. Little Frenchie and Serẽa are the Coronado restaurants mentioned in the Michelin Guide!
Insider tip: The restaurant features table and bar seating inside, but grab a seat outside for prime people-watching. And don’t skip the cheese menu! Also, Banana Nutella Croissant, anyone?
3. Peohe’s
Price Range: $$$
Address: 1201 1st St., Coronado, CA 92118
Reservations: Yes
Open For: Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner
Bay View: Yes
Online Menu
Nestled at the water’s edge in Coronado, in the Ferry Landing Marketplace, Peohe’s offers a unique fusion of panoramic downtown skyline views and a menu rich in fresh, tropical-influenced seafood dishes. The setting provides a dramatic backdrop, perfect for special occasions or a romantic evening out. It’s popular for families and friends but also known for being a date-night spot. If you’re arriving from downtown San Diego, consider taking the Coronado Ferry to the restaurant for an added romantic touch.
Popular dishes include signature Coconut Shrimp, the Sea Bass with Pinot Noir reduction, and the Lava Cake for dessert. Seriously, don’t skip the Lava Cake!
4. Bluewater Boathouse Seafood Grill
Price Range: $$$
Address: 1701 Strand Way, Coronado, CA 92118
Reservations: Yes (highly recommended)
Open For: Lunch and Dinner
Ocean View: Yes
Online Menu
In San Diego, you can’t go far without spotting a place specializing in seafood like this spot, a short walk away from Hotel del Coronado. This waterfront restaurant serves regional seafood delicacies like Maryland-style crab cakes, seafood ceviche, and ahi tuna poke for lunch and dinner.
This historic Queen Anne-style building, finished in 1887, was a test structure for techniques later to be used in Hotel del Coronado. It later became an actual boathouse inhabited by a sea captain’s family and went through a couple of reincarnations until becoming a seafood restaurant in 2014.
Insider tip: Diners in your group who don’t eat seafood will appreciate their selection of meat and poultry dishes.
5. Saiko Sushi
Price Range: $$
Address: 116 Orange Avenue, Coronado, CA 92118
Reservations: Yes
Open For: Lunch and Dinner
Bay View: Yes
Locals know this sushi spot for its sustainable seafood, but you should head in because it’s all delicious. Traditionalists will enjoy nigiri and sashimi while diving into the restaurant’s new-style rolls incorporating ingredients like black garlic aioli and blood orange kosho. Entree sections feature dishes like Grilled Chicken Teriyaki and Japanese Pasta with Seafood if you want a fuller meal.
Insider tip: Sake plays a big part in the menu with the option to order flights paired with your meal.
6. Stake Chophouse & Bar
Price Range: $$$
Address: 1309 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
Reservations: Yes
Open For: Dinner
Water View: No, but a nice village view
Online Menu
It’ll be hard to miss this two-story Coronado restaurant nestled in the heart of Orange Avenue, but keep it in mind when you’re in the mood for steak. Specializing in hand-cut steaks like American Waygu, bone-in ribeyes, NY strip, and tenderloins, the restaurant fills out the rest of the menu with various traditional steakhouse sides. This is where you go on Coronado Island for a really nice steak dinner and a Wine Spectator award-winning wine list. It’s a short walk from Hotel del Coronado.
Insider tip: Enjoy the restaurant’s daily happy hour for specially priced drinks and half-off appetizers.
7. Clayton’s Coffee Shop
Price Range: $-$$
Address: 979 Orange Avenue, Coronado, CA 92118
Reservations: Yes
Open For: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Water View: No
Online Menu
You’ll feel like you’ve been blasted to the past at this iconic coffee shop. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Clayton’s stays true to its roots, serving popular diner classics such as biscuits ’n’ gravy, malted shakes, chili cheese fries, and tuna melts. You will not go hungry here! In a rush? Grab a coffee, pastries, acai bowls, and more from the shop’s takeout window.
Insider tip: They also offer some awesome Mexican takeout that you can order in advance online. So, if you’re staying at one of the Coronado Island hotels and want to try some of the San Diego food my city is famous for, come here for a carne asada or California burrito.
8. The Henry
Price Range: $$
Address: 1031 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
Reservations: Yes
Open For: Breakfast, Weekend Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner
Water View: No
Online Menu
The Henry in Coronado is a neighborhood gem known for its reliably good food. It’s a casual all-day dining spot for people staying in the smaller Coronado Island hotels that may not have restaurants to remember for breakfast, coffee, and a good meal out. There’s also a coffee bar inside where you can take away a cup, but if you want a craft cocktail, they have a full bar you can pull up a chair to.
People like the smashed avocado toast, cauliflower hummus, seared ai, and truffle fries, and you can get a seafood platter that’s chilled on the lunch menu that pairs well with champagne and Coronado sunshine.
Insider tip: This is a social place with an open indoor-outdoor dining area, so not somewhere for a quiet meal.
9. Garage Buona Forchetta
Price Range: $$
Address: 1000 C Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
Reservations: No
Open For: Weekend Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner
Water View: No
Online Menu
Garage Buona Forchetta in Coronado blends authentic Italian cuisine with a unique, automotive-themed atmosphere. The restaurant offers a range of family-style Italian classics, from delicious pasta to mouth-watering Neopolitan-style pizza, all served in a lively setting that car enthusiasts will particularly enjoy. People also love the meatballs and focaccia.
You can also take advantage of the walk-up window. There is a full Italian market and cafe from which you can bring home (or back to your hotel) some fantastic wine, freshly sliced deli meats, and cheese (how good does this sound right now).
10. Tartine
Price Range: $-$$
Address: 1106 1st St., Coronado, CA 92118
Reservations: Yes
Open For: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Bay View: Yes
Online Menu
Near the Coronado Ferry Landing, Tartine presents a European-style cafe experience blended with the laid-back vibe of a Southern California beach town. This café is renowned for its artisanal baked goods, gourmet sandwiches, and exceptional coffees. It’s walkable from Coronado Island Marriott, so it’s a good option for guests who want a casual meal offsite.
People rave about the Quiche (choose ham and gruyere or spinach and gruyere), Curried Chicken Salad, and Turkey Panino. It’s also pet-friendly on the patio.
11. Lil’ Piggy’s Bar-B-Que
Price Range: $
Address: 1201 1st St., Coronado, CA 92118
Reservations: No
Open For: Lunch and Dinner
Bay View: Yes
Online Menu
If the fresh ocean air has you ironically craving BBQ, head over to the Coronado Ferry Landing for pulled pork, brisket, sausage, ribs, and chicken. Served as a sandwich or plate with your choice of three housemade sauces ranging from sweet to spicy, this casual spot is a popular choice to get your BBQ fix.
Insider tip: Tables can be hard to come by during the lunch and dinner rush, so come early or order online.
12. Coronado Brewing Company
Price Range: $$
Address: 1170 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
Reservations: Yes for large groups
Open For: Lunch and Dinner
Bay View: No
Online Menu
No trip to San Diego is complete without a brewery visit, and this dog-friendly brewpub is within walking distance of the Ferry Landing. With multiple craft beers to choose from (plus three guest taps), this hot spot also offers a diverse American pub fare menu of appetizers, salads, flatbread pizzas, and sandwiches.
Insider tip: The brewpub offers an extended happy hour menu Monday-Friday from 2-5 p.m. featuring $2 off pints
13. Lobster West Coronado
Price Range: $
Address: 1033 B Ave. #102, Coronado, CA 92118
Reservations: No (counter order)
Open For: Lunch and Dinner
View: No
Online Menu
This casual mini-chain (there are locations in Encinitas and La Jolla as well) proves that you can find worthwhile lobster rolls on the West Coast. Along with made-to-order rolls filled with imported Maine lobster, the shop also serves versions filled with scallops, crab, or shrimp. Flights of soup, coleslaw, baked beans, and salads fill out the rest of the menu.
Insider tip: Save room for the decadent Maine Whoopie Pie.
14. Mootime Creamery
Price Range: $
Address: 1025 Orange Avenue, Coronado, CA 92118
Reservations: No
Open For: Dessert
View: No
Online Menu
So, I realize this isn’t a full-service Coronado restaurant, but we love MooTime Creamery’s housemade ice cream concoctions. It’s famous for choosing a flavor and then mix-ins to complete your treat. Stopping in here is one of my favorite things to do on Coronado Island. Picture yourself walking along Orange Avenue on a sunny day, maybe after eating at one of the places above, and satisfying a sweet tooth with a scoop of fresh ice cream made from scratch.
You could opt for a Mini Moo (that’s what I get) if you want a small taste or really go for it with MooTacos or one of the many gourmet sundaes.
To sum up, dining on Coronado, it’s a small place, but you won’t go hungry. In fact, the restaurants and cafes here are part of the reason why people can have a full San Diego experience without leaving the island.
Darlene Horn also contributed to this article.
Katie Dillon
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