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The Fishery: A Fresh Seafood Experience in San Diego

At The Fishery, we celebrate the ocean’s bounty with a commitment to fresh, sustainable seafood. Founded by passionate women in San Diego, we blend classy and casual dining, offering both an inviting atmosphere and outstanding culinary experiences. Our menu boasts a variety of seafood delights, from the famous clam chowder to exquisite seafood towers, all made with locally sourced ingredients. Guests can enjoy delicious flavors while seated on our outdoor patio or inside amidst fish-inspired decor. With options for both takeout and dining in, The Fishery is a go-to destination for seafood lovers, families, and friends. Join us for a memorable meal that embodies the vibrant spirit of Pacific Beach.

The Fishery at a glance

  • Address 5040 Cass St, San Diego, CA 92109
  • Phone (858) 272-9985
  • Restaurant type Seafood restaurant , Seafood market .
  • Popular for Popular for lunch , Popular for dinner , Good for solo dining .

Photos & Gallery

The Fishery: Reviews & Ratings

Joshua Cho
5

The Fishery absolutely nailed every dish we ordered. The Pacific Bluefin steak was flawless - seared to a perfect medium rare with a crisp, flavorful crust and a soft, buttery center that practically melted on the fork. It’s rich but balanced, and you can tell the fish is top quality. The aguachile was just as impressive — bright, clean, and beautifully layered. The mix of pico de gallo, cilantro, radish, and lime gave it a perfect kick of acidity and freshness. It’s the kind of dish that feels both refreshing and deeply satisfying. And the New England clam chowder (off-menu special) was comfort in a bowl — creamy but not heavy, with tender clams and perfectly cooked potatoes. Every plate showed real care and respect for the ingredients. Easily one of the best seafood spots in San Diego. The Fishery’s cocktail program is easily one of the best in San Diego. The Fishery Milk Punch is silky, bright, and perfectly balanced — blanco tequila, yogurt, and clarified milk come together in this smooth, almost weightless texture. The lemongrass note lingers softly, adding a clean citrus finish that keeps it refreshing rather than heavy. Her Name Was Lola is tropical but refined — blanco tequila with coconut, cucumber, and lime. It’s light, crisp, and just sweet enough. The cucumber and lime keep it refreshing while the coconut rounds it out with a soft creaminess. It is a perfect match with aquachile. The lime and cucumber echo the dish’s acidity and crunch, while the coconut smooths out the spice. The City of Music is a mix of gin, spruce tip, aquavit, and spirulina unlike anything else I’ve had. It’s earthy yet bright, with a clean finish that feels both coastal and foresty at once. It pairs nicely with the Pacific Bluefin Steak - the drink’s herbal, slightly resinous notes complement the seared crust and rich, buttery tuna interior.

Drea LaRox
5

We had dinner last night and our server Ian was amazing to us! The aquachile ceviche, sashimi, desserts were delicious! Will definitely come back when visiting again

Sara G
5

Such lovely, friendly service and the food is fantastic. I had oysters - loved the ones from NY - and the swordfish with ricotta gnocchi which was excellent. Can’t wait to come back next time I’m in San Diego :)

Danielle
4

Quaint restaurant perfect for couples or family gatherings. It’s a little upscale for children so I wouldn’t bring young kids to this spot. The atmosphere is cozy and quiet, lots of seating. The menu has variety without being huge. The portions are perfect for one. My only “negative” is that the calamari app was a tad too salty and I didn’t feel that the price ($20) matched the quality of what we got. Outside of the saltiness the calamari was good though so I wouldn’t say this was a make or break aspect. Our server was friendly and attentive. I’d give this restaurant another shot

Dylan G
5

The Fishery delivered an excellent experience overall. Food and ambience were top notch. The swordchop was outstanding and definitely a generous portion for 2 people. Our server was friendly, though a bit slow to check in on us throughout the meal. Seemed to give more attention to other tables.

Maribel Hernandez
5

i’ve driven past this place so many times and always heard good things, so i finally decided to stop in for lunch and i’m so glad i did! it definitely gives off a fancy vibe from the outside, but the moment you walk in, the energy is warm, welcoming, and totally casual. everything we ordered was great: the oysters were fresh, the sardines were packed with flavor, and the calamari was perfectly crispy. but the true standout was the fish collar, it was incredibly tender, with crispy edges and rich, buttery meat that just melted in your mouth.

Tina D
5

Wonderful service and super fresh seafood! We loved the striped prawn and the salmon collar — both were outstanding. The cocktail was refreshing and perfectly balanced. Can’t wait to come back!

Vita & Vox
4

The restaurant has a beautiful atmosphere, and you can feel the unique charm behind its concept — especially knowing the owner started out as a fisherman and built this place into something refined and stylish. The setting truly stands out. However, the service didn’t quite match the high-end pricing. One of the dishes arrived surprisingly bland, and even a simple request for seasoning turned into an unnecessary hassle. For a restaurant positioned at this level, that part was disappointing. I initially felt the visit deserved three stars, but the manager completely changed the tone. He handled the situation with professionalism and genuine warmth, and his approach reflected the kind of hospitality this place aims for. Because of his effort, I’m giving four stars and hoping the next visit reflects the same level of care throughout.

Location

  • The Fishery
    The Fishery
    5040 Cass St, San Diego, CA 92109 Hotline: (858) 272-9985

The Fishery is a renowned seafood haven nestled in the heart of Pacific Beach, San Diego. Located at 5040 Cass St, San Diego, CA 92109, this women-owned establishment combines a classy yet casual atmosphere that perfectly encapsulates the essence of coastal dining. Whether you're looking to unwind after a long day or celebrate a special occasion, The Fishery caters to all, making it an ideal spot for families, groups, and even pets.

Upon entering, diners are greeted with a vibrant ambiance filled with artful fish-inspired decor that evokes the feeling of seafaring adventures. The attentiveness of the staff adds to the warm experience, ensuring that every visit is memorable. Reservations are recommended, but you can also choose to enjoy their delectable offerings via takeout or outdoor seating.

The menu at The Fishery is a treasure trove of seafood delights. For starters, the SEAFOOD TOWER showcases fresh oysters, shrimp, and local aguachile, meeting the highest standards of freshness. Those craving comfort should not miss the clam chowder, described by patrons as a flavor-packed staple. Highlighted among the main dishes, the swordfish with gnocchi and scallops on risotto consistently impress diners with their presentation and taste.

  • Cold Starters: Options like the Aguachile are refreshing and vibrant, perfect for beginning your meal.
  • Hot Starters: Dishes such as the Grilled Oysters and California caught calamari are favorites that never disappoint.

Salad lovers will appreciate offerings like the Market Lettuce Salad, crafted with fresh, local organic vegetables. The flavors are encapsulated beautifully in a tahini-buttermilk dressing that is not to be missed. Meanwhile, children and families will find comfort in the wide range of kid-friendly options available.

Adding to the experience, The Fishery supports sustainable practices, utilizing compostable containers and plastic-free packaging, ensuring your meal not only satisfies your palate but is also kind to the planet.

As the sun sets, the outside patio becomes a delightful retreat, complete with heaters for those chillier evenings, making it a perfect choice for date nights or casual gatherings. Patrons rave about the romantic lighting and the relaxed vibe, contributing to a dining experience that feels like a warm embrace.

With consistent rave reviews highlighting great service, outstanding food, and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s clear why The Fishery has become a staple in the Pacific Beach community. Whether you are picking up a meal to share at home or dining in, The Fishery promises to be a cornerstone of memorable culinary moments.

For more information, feel free to call (858) 272-9985, or visit them for a dining experience that truly captures the flavors of the sea.

Business Information

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Has wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Service options
    • Has outdoor seating
    • On-site services available
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
  • Payments
    • Accepts credit cards
    • Accepts debit cards
    • Accepts NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards