Incredible ocean vistas, a glittering skyline, and sailboats fluttering by offshore -- it's the classic backdrop for a memorable meal. So where can you find the best views?
Downtown, the Fish Market and its pricier cousin Top of the Market overlook San Diego Bay, and the management even provides binoculars for getting a good look at aircraft carriers and other vessels. With its over-the-water setting on Harbor Island, near the airport, Island Prime is another visual overachiever (with plenty of outdoor seating). Across the harbor in Coronado, the Bay Beach Cafe, Il Fornaio, 1333 First St. (tel. 619/437-4911), and Peohe's, 1201 First St. (tel. 619/437-4474), offer gorgeous views of the San Diego skyline, and the tony Azzura Point, at Loews Coronado Bay Resort, provides a unique north-facing look across the bay.
In Pacific Beach, the Green Flash is just 5 feet from the sand (although the year-round parade of bodies may prove a distraction from the ocean). In La Jolla, the Sky Room and Georges California Modern are near the water and offer sweeping, elevated views, but Brockton Villa actually offers the La Jolla Cove perspective as advertised on every postcard stand in town. If you want to get up close and personal with the oceanic scene, head to The Marine Room. Located right on La Jolla Shores beach, the restaurant's windows utilize SeaWorld technology to withstand the seasonal tides that crash into the glass. Somewhat inland, but 11 stories up atop the Hotel La Jolla, is Clay's La Jolla, 7955 La Jolla Shores Dr. (tel. 858/551-3620).
Uptown, Bertrand at Mister A's sits on the 12th floor at Fifth and Laurel, and the panorama here encompasses Balboa Park (as well as the living rooms of some ritzy condo towers) to the east, downtown to the south, and San Diego Harbor and Point Loma to the west. The vistas here are unsurpassed.
Picnic Fare -- San Diego's benign climate lends itself to dining alfresco. An excellent spot to pick up sandwiches is The Cheese Shop, a gourmet deli with locations downtown at 627 4th Ave. (tel. 619/232-2303) and in La Jolla Shores at 2165 Avenida de la Playa (tel. 858/459-3921). Other places to buy picnic fare include Girard Gourmet, 7837 Girard Ave., La Jolla (tel. 858/454-3321); Bread on Market (tel. 619/795-2730), an excellent bakery and small cafe with a menu of overstuffed sandwiches; and Old Town Liquor and Deli, 2304 San Diego Ave. (tel. 619/291-4888).
Another spot that's very popular is Point Loma Seafoods, on the water's edge in front of the Municipal Sportfishing Pier, at 2805 Emerson near Scott Street, south of Rosecrans and west of Harbor Drive (tel. 619/223-1109). There's a fish market here, and you can pick up seafood sandwiches, fresh sushi, and salads to go. If you decide to make your own sandwiches, the best bread in the county comes from Bread & Cie., 350 University Ave., Hillcrest (tel. 619/683-9322). Villa Nueva Bakery Café, 956 Orange Ave., Coronado (tel. 619/435-4191), is a close runner-up.
