Where to Buy Local Seafood in San Diego
Posted on July 11, 2025 by Local Fish
San Diego boasts many markets, dockside sales, and restaurants dedicated to local catch. Below are just a few great spots to start your local seafood journey—there are many more! For a more complete and up-to-date list, check out the Local Fish Fishfinder page on our website.
1. Tuna Harbor Dockside Market
Downtown San Diego – Saturdays, 8am–1pm
San Diego’s only open-air dockside fish market. Buy directly from local fishermen—everything from live Rock Crab to whole White Seabass. Ask them how it was caught!
2. North County Fishermen’s Market
Oceanside Harbor – Sundays
A growing hub for small-boat fishermen selling directly to the public. You’ll find locally caught species like Mackerel, Rockfish, and Halibut—straight off the boat.
3. El Pescador Market
La Jolla
Part seafood market, part restaurant. El Pescador offers local fish and shellfish—often listed by species and source. The staff is knowledgeable and happy to talk about what’s local and sustainable.
4. Catalina Offshore Products
Morena District
A San Diego staple offering both local and regional seafood. Check their website or stop by their walk-in shop. Many offerings are flash-frozen to lock in peak freshness.
5. Mitch’s Seafood
Point Loma
More than just a restaurant—Mitch’s works directly with local fishermen and often sells whole fish or fillets to-go. They frequently feature local catch like sheephead, yellowtail, and rock crab.
6. Nico’s Fish Market
Point Loma
A newer fish market with deep relationships to small-boat fishermen. You’ll often find traceable species like California halibut, Pacific mackerel, and even harpoon-caught swordfish.
7. The Fishery
Pacific Beach
A restaurant/fish market hybrid that puts local seafood at the center of the plate. The Fishery sources directly from regional boats and offers a rotating selection based on seasonality.
8. Tunaville
A vibrant spot for fresh, local seafood with a focus on community and sustainable sourcing. Known for great selection and friendly staff.
9. Point Loma Seafoods
A long-standing San Diego institution offering a wide range of local fish and shellfish. Point Loma Seafoods is committed to working with local fishermen and providing fresh, traceable catch.
🛒 How to Ask for Local Seafood Anywhere
If you’re shopping outside San Diego—or even at a national chain—these simple questions can make a big difference:
✅ “Is this fish caught locally?”
✅ “Do you know what gear type was used?”
✅ “Is this species in season right now?”
✅ “Do you carry anything from small-boat fisheries?”
Even if the answer is no, the question itself helps shift the conversation—and the supply chain.
💡 Bonus: What to Look for on Labels or Menus
- “Wild-caught California”
- “Hook & line” or “trap-caught”
- Specific regional species: White sSeabass, Yellowtail, Rock Crab, California Halibut, Sheephead, Mackerel, Swordfish, Sanddab
- Avoid vague or greenwashed terms like “fresh fish,” “Pacific catch,” or “sustainable” without sourcing info
Final Thought
Buying local seafood isn’t just about taste—it’s about supporting the people who fish with care, respecting our ocean ecosystems, and helping build a transparent, resilient food system.
San Diego offers a rich bounty of local seafood, and while this list highlights some great places to start, there are many more communities and sellers committed to local and sustainable catch. For a full directory, visit our Fishfinder page.
All you have to do is ask.