Top 17 shrimp in Downtown San Diego
Discover the world of delicious crustaceans at the heart of Downtown San Diego. From succulent garlic shrimp at cozy trattorias to spicy cocktail variations in urban lounges, "shrimp in Downtown San Diego" offers a wide range of culinary experiences for seafood lovers. Indulge in this delectable treat and explore the vibrant city life at the same time.
- 1. The Fish Market - San Diego
- 2. Ironside Fish & Oyster
- 3. Joe's Crab Shack
- 4. Eddie V's Prime Seafood
- 5. Crab Hut
- 6. Water Grill San Diego
- 7. Saltwater Seafood & Steak in Downtown San Diego
- 8. Sally's Fish House & Bar
- 9. Rockin' Baja Lobster - Gaslamp in Downtown San Diego
- 10. EL Puerto Seafood By the Park
- 11. Roy's Restaurant
- 12. Louisiana Charlie's
- 13. Ocean Pacific Grille
- 14. Lionfish Modern Coastal Cuisine- San Diego in Downtown San Diego
- 15. Crudo Ceviche & Oyster Bar
- 16. Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill at Petco Park
- 17. Bayou Kitchen
1. The Fish Market - San Diego
Sustainable sourcing, Local catch, Customizable dishes

The seafood dishes at this establishment are truly exceptional. The grilled shrimp is a standout, cooked to perfection with a nice char on the outside and a juicy, flavorful interior. It's a must-try for any seafood lover.
In addition to the grilled shrimp, the Peruvian Shrimp Ceviche is another excellent choice. The lime and leche de tigre dressing gives the dish a tangy, bright flavor that really makes the freshness of the shrimp shine. This is a dish that is sure to impress with its unique and delicious combination of flavors.
TOPICS
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Waterfront
- Dinner
- Mid-Range
2. Ironside Fish & Oyster
Located in the heart of Little Italy, Cozy and rustic atmosphere, Knowledgeable and friendly staff

The shrimp ceviche and shrimp cocktail were two outstanding dishes we had the chance to try. Both were made with fresh shrimp, which was a delightful start to our meal. The ceviche was particularly noteworthy, with its bright and tangy flavors that left a lasting impression.
In both dishes, the shrimp was the star of the show. The cocktail featured plump and succulent shrimp that were expertly cooked, while the ceviche showcased the shrimp in a different way. By marinating the shrimp in lime juice, onions, and cilantro, the ceviche provided a unique and delicious twist on traditional shrimp dishes. Overall, these two shrimp dishes were definite highlights of our dining experience.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Kosher Options
- High-End
- Dinner
3. Joe's Crab Shack
Family-friendly atmosphere with outdoor seating and live music

I recently had the opportunity to try the crab and shrimp dip at a restaurant, and I was thoroughly impressed. The shrimp were fresh and of high quality, and the dip itself was creamy and full of flavor. It was a truly delightful experience.
During my trip to San Diego earlier this week, I had the pleasure of dining at Joe's Crab Shack. I ordered the Classic Boil for two, which came with a variety of delicious seafood options including crab, shrimp, sausage, potatoes, and corn on the cob. The dish was delivered to the table with all the necessary tools and an ample supply of napkins. The meal was truly exceptional, with the freshest seafood and a delectable blend of flavors. It was one of the best meals I have ever had.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Dinner
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4. Eddie V's Prime Seafood
Live music and sophisticated atmosphere

We enjoyed a variety of seafood options during our meal, including a lobster tail and crrimply, succulent crab-stuffed shrimp. The shrimp stood out as a particular highlight, showcasing expert preparation and seasoning that brought out its natural flavors perfectly.
Moving on to the main course, we indulged in a succulent lobster tail that was cooked to perfection. The crab-stuffed shrimp, meanwhile, offered a delightful combination of textures and flavors, with the juicy shrimp and rich, creamy crab stuffing working together in harmony.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget
- High-End
- Downtown Spots
5. Crab Hut
Family-owned business since 1998, Specializes in Cajun-style seafood boils

Cajun style seafood boil is a popular dish, featuring options of Cajun, lemon pepper, and garlic butter sauces. The shrimp utilized in this dish are of good quality, but the sauce can cause the shrimp to become mealy over time, which can negatively impact the dining experience.
Despite the high-quality shrimp, there is an issue with the sauce affecting the texture of the shrimp, causing it to become mealy. This is problematic as the sauce is a key component of the dish and can impact the overall taste and enjoyment of the meal. However, the shrimp itself is of good quality, which suggests that the issue lies with the sauce and its effect on the shrimp.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Gluten-Free
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
6. Water Grill San Diego
Upscale waterfront dining, Sustainable seafood selection

The shrimp scampi stood out as a delicious dish, with its expertly cooked and seasoned shrimp being the star. Each shrimp was cooked to perfection, resulting in a tender and juicy bite. The seasoning was well-balanced and elevated the flavor of the shrimp without overpowering it.
On the other hand, while the tuna was fresh, there was a noticeable difference in the quality of the shrimp and the fish. Both the shrimp and the fish tasted as though they had been frozen, which detracted from the overall dining experience. The fish and chips were also impacted by this, as the fries were the only part of the meal that tasted fresh. Overall, the shrimp scampi was a highlight, but the rest of the meal left something to be desired due to the taste of frozen seafood.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- High-End
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7. Saltwater Seafood & Steak in Downtown San Diego
Seafood and steak specialties, Waterfront dining, Full bar with signature cocktails

The shrimp dish I ordered was expertly cooked, boasting a perfect balance of garlicky and buttery flavors. My dining experience was further elevated by the shrimp tacos, which were bursting with taste and well-seasoned.
Impressive shrimp preparations were the highlight of our meal. The scampi was cooked to perfection and generously seasoned with garlic and butter. Another exceptional choice was the shrimp tacos, which were extremely flavorful and well-seasoned.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- High-End
- Downtown Spots
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8. Sally's Fish House & Bar
Seafood-focused restaurant with stunning bay views

The Baja Seafood Cobb Salad, with its fresh and delicious shrimp and scallops, is a highly recommended dish. The salad, which features the baja seafood, offers a unique and satisfying taste that will leave you craving for more.
Meanwhile, the Shrimp and Grits dish is another must-try at the restaurant. With its perfectly cooked shrimp and spot-on flavors, the dish is a delightful culinary experience. The shrimp's texture and taste, combined with the grits, offer a satisfying and delicious meal.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Social Gatherings
9. Rockin' Baja Lobster - Gaslamp in Downtown San Diego
Lively atmosphere with live music on weekends, specializing in Mexican seafood

The Baja Style Shrimp Bucket offered a delicious dining experience, with the shrimp being a standout dish. The shrimp were expertly cooked and well-seasoned, providing a burst of flavor with each bite. It was a true delight for the taste buds.
In the seafood bucket, the shrimp were slightly overcooked, resulting in a less desirable texture. However, the seasoning used in the dish helped to redeem it, providing a savory and satisfying taste. Despite the overcooked shrimp, the overall experience was still enjoyable and worth trying.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mexican Cuisine
- Corporate Events
- Budget-Friendly Eats
10. EL Puerto Seafood By the Park
Seafood brought in daily from local fisheries, scenic view of the park, and cozy atmosphere

Fish tacos and shrimp tacos are offered, providing a fresh seafood flavor at an affordable price. The customer service is friendly and will make your food to order.
The Shrimp Ceviche Tostada is a standout menu item - it's fresh, packed with flavor, and highly recommended.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
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11. Roy's Restaurant
Oceanfront dining with a fusion of Hawaiian, Asian, and seafood cuisine

The crispy shrimp tempura stood out as a delicious part of the meal, earning a strong recommendation. The shrimp were wok-fried, resulting in a delightful crispy texture. The cooking process ensured that the shrimp were perfectly cooked, with a tender and juicy interior.
The seasoning of the tempura added to its overall flavor, making it absolutely delicious. This dish showcases the quality of the ingredients and the skill of the chef, resulting in a memorable dining experience. The crispy shrimp tempura is a dish that any seafood lover must try.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Waterfront
- High-End
12. Louisiana Charlie's
Family-owned Cajun restaurant, Large portions, Cozy and welcoming atmosphere

The fried shrimp served is a must-try dish, with its outer crispy texture and inner tenderness making it absolutely delicious. Another recommended option is the shrimp boil, which features fresh shrimp and expertly applied seasoning that elevate the dish to amazing levels.
Both the fried shrimp and shrimp boil showcase the quality of the shrimp, with the fried version being crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, while the shrimp boil uses fresh shrimp that are enhanced by the perfectly seasoned broth. These dishes offer a delicious way to enjoy shrimp and are not to be missed by seafood lovers.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Waterfront
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
13. Ocean Pacific Grille

TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
14. Lionfish Modern Coastal Cuisine- San Diego in Downtown San Diego
Sustainable seafood options, creative cocktails, cozy atmosphere

The crispy rock shrimp dish is a must-try option, known for its perfectly cooked and well-seasoned shrimp. The dish has earned high praise and recommendations, showcasing the restaurant's expertise in preparing seafood.
In addition to the crispy shrimp, the happy hour menu at this establishment is commendable. Among the standout items are the duck tostadas, crispy shrimp, and oysters, all of which have delighted patrons. The service during these hours is attentive, making for an overall enjoyable dining experience.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Vegetarian Options
- High-End
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15. Crudo Ceviche & Oyster Bar
Fresh seafood, Sustainable sourcing, Cozy atmosphere

The shrimp tostadas were a delight, boasting a perfect blend of seasonings that made them truly delectable. The shrimp's freshness was apparent in every bite, elevating the dish to a whole new level.
Meanwhile, the shrimp cocktail also proved to be a hit. Its delicious flavors were perfectly balanced, making for a satisfying and enjoyable culinary experience. The shrimp's quality was evident, contributing to the cocktail's overall taste.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Waterfront
16. Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill at Petco Park

TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Waterfront
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17. Bayou Kitchen
Cozy atmosphere with live jazz music on weekends

The shrimp and grits dish was exceptional, featuring shrimp that were cooked to perfection and served over grits that were creamy and full of flavor. The combination left a lasting impression and was a clear highlight of the meal.
The fried shrimp po boy was another standout dish. It was overflowing with freshly fried shrimp and topped with a remoulade sauce that was delightful. The sandwich was completed with a mix of tomatoes and lettuce on top of fluffy French bread. This dish was not only delicious, but it also showcased the restaurant's technical skill in Cajun cooking.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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