Where to Eat Local Fish Now
Posted on August 24, 2026 by Local Fish
Six San Diego Restaurants Where You Can Eat Local Fish Right Now
People are constantly asking us how they can support local fish when they don’t feel like cooking. The answer is easy, pick a restaurant that prioritizes putting local catch on the plate. We are delighted that so many restaurants support local and you can find many of them on our FISH FINDER page. We wanted to highlight a few here in case you’re hungry and need something now.
Remember when you are buying local what’s available changes from day to day. Always ask what’s local, what’s fresh – you can even ask who caught it! Here’s six spots we’re loving right now.
1. Nico’s Fish Market | Pacific Beach
Nico’s is run by local fishermen and proudly buys direct from small-boat fishermen in the area. They even have pictures of who’s catching the fish up on the walls. You’ll find lots of local fare inside such as Yellowtail, Halibut, Swordfish or Tuna.
Why we like it: Straight off the boat, with an emphasis on knowing where your fish came from and who caught it.
2. Mabel’s Gone Fishing | North Park
Mabel’s does not mess around when it comes to sourcing local. They pride themselves on the relationships they’ve built with San Diego small-boat fishers and that pride and quality shows up on the plate. The kitchen works with what’s fresh and available, so the menu changes often.
Why we like it: Local seafood in the hands of a creative kitchen.
3. The Fishery | Pacific Beach
The Fishery features so much of what’s coming out of our local waters. You can find local Rock Crab, Seabass, Sardines and Bluefin Tuna when in season. The menu is always guided by the fish and produce coming through the door.
Why we like it: Eat at the restaurant, then stop at the market counter and bring some fish home.
4. El Pescador Fish Market | La Jolla
El Pescador has been serving San Diego, fishermen-direct seafood for decades. In fact, you’ll often see fishermen dropping their catch directly through the back door. The seafood case lets you see what’s available and what’s local before deciding what to order.
Why we like it: Simple preparations let fresh fish speak for itself.
5. Herb & Sea | Encinitas
Herb & Sea has been a huge supporter of fishermen in the Local Fish network. In fact they never ever turn down fishermen with fresh catch, and that’s what we love to see. The menu is always changing based on what’s fresh and seasonal and they make a point to highlight lesser-known species like Rockfish and Mackerel.
Why we like it: A great example of local catch in an elevated, chef-driven setting.
6. Wrench & Rodent Seabasstropub | Oceanside
Wrench & Rodent is all about LOCAL. They feature lesser-known species and make a point to utilize the whole fish. Not only is their food creative and thought-provoking, it’s some of the most delicious you will ever taste. It’s a real showcase of what San Diego waters have to offer.
Why we like it: It shows what can happen when a chef embraces the diversity of our local catch and makes the most of every fish.
