Coronado is more than just a pretty place to visit. Located on San Diego’s peninsula nestled between the San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean, Crown City offers a wealth of things to see and do, as well as eat.

Several restaurants are located in the historic Hotel del Coronado, but why limit yourself to one area? From BBQ and burgers to seafood and steaks, here are ten places to grab a bite to eat.

Note: In these ever-changing times, check hours and menu offerings before you go.

Bluewater Boathouse Seafood Grill

Bluewater Boathouse Seafood Grill is one of the best Coronado restaurants.

In San Diego, you can’t go far without spotting a place specializing in seafood like this spot a 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.

Insider tip: Diners in your group who don’t eat seafood will appreciate their selection of meat and poultry dishes.

Leroy’s Kitchen and Lounge

Leroy's is one of the best Coronado restaurants.

If eating fresh produce from San Diego’s farms is at the top of your list, hit up this restaurant that offers a taste of the region’s best seasonal ingredients. Open for lunch, dinner, and brunch on the weekends, the restaurant’s popular menu items include deviled eggs topped with mango chutney, a signature burger and truffled fries.

Insider tip: Beer and craft cocktails are also big here so don’t miss out the restaurant’s daily social hour from 3-6 PM for discounts on drinks and half-priced appetizers.

Lobster West Coronado

Lobster West is one of the best Coronado restaurants

This casual mini-chain with a location in Encinitas 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: Indulge in a bit of everything by ordering the shop’s Maine Feast for Two Combo. It includes lobster, crab and shrimp rolls with your choice of four sides.

Lil’ Piggy’s Bar-B-Que

Lil Piggy's BBQ is one of the best Coronado restaurants.

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.

Saiko Sushi

Saiko Sushi is one of the best Coronado restaurants.

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.

Insider tip: Sake plays a big part in the menu with the option to order flights paired with your meal.

Stake Chophouse & Bar

Stake Chophouse & Bar is one of the best Coronado restaurants

It’ll be hard to miss this two-story 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 a variety of traditional steakhouse sides.

Insider tip: Enjoy the restaurant’s daily happy hour available 4-6 PM for specially priced drinks and half-off appetizers.

Burger Lounge

Burger Lounge is a beloved San Diego institution that is also in Coronado.

Don’t fall prey to the fast-food establishments around the island, instead head over to this San Diego chain known for its grass-fed hamburgers.

Other menu items worth checking out include their cage-free turkey and chicken sandwiches, quinoa veggie burgers, sustainable fish sandwiches and selection of salads.

Insider tip: Visit their Facebook page for food offers like BOGO and special menu items.

Clayton’s Coffee Shop

Clayton's Coffee Shop is one of the best Coronado restaurants

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.

Insider tip: In a rush? Grab coffee and pastries from the shop’s takeout window. They also offer some awesome Mexican take-out.

Coronado Brewing Company

Coronado Brewing Co. offers beer and great food.

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 20 craft beers to choose from (plus three guest taps), this hot spot also offers a diverse menu of appetizers, salads, pizzas, and sandwiches.

Insider tip: The brewpub offers an extended happy hour menu Tuesday-Friday from 2-6 PM featuring $2 off all pints, food specials, and discounted growler refills.

Little Frenchie

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 from their approachable list of French and California wines. And, don’t forget about Champagne Happy Hour, normally Thursday-Sunday

Insider tip: The restaurant features table and bar seating inside but grab a seat outside for prime people-watching.

Darlene Horn is a San Diego-based freelance writer and designer who has contributed to Zagat San Diego, BizBash, Mission Publishing Group, Nescafe and Active.com. You can find her documenting her favorite food spots on Instagram as @DarleneEats.

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