Road trip to So Cal

Of all the fine dining in Seaport Village, this one is probably my favorite. Then again, it's not that hard to become my favorite, the restaurant must simply have the best fish and chips over and extremely long time (i.e., they must taste the same after my 4-year hiatus from the village). That said this restaurant does indeed have the best fish and chips. The best I’ve ever eaten? No, not quite, that honor goes to the Yorkshire Fish Shop in EPCOT, but the Edgewater grill is much less expensive all things considered.

One of my other favorite things is the view. While it lacks the over the water views of the San Diego Pier Café, it offers a nice view of the water and an even nicer view of the boardwalk and all the people passing by. If you can wait for patio or at the very least near patio seating, do so, it’s worth the wait.

However, this restaurant isn’t without its problems. Service is lack luster; we were offered another table’s diner all evening, then given their much pricier bill. And the Mahi Mahi with the mango salsa was dry and flavorless, a disappointment for an expensive item especially for a restaurant near the ocean that specializes in seafood. I expect that quality in Tucson, but not in San Diego.

Overall though, this is the best fine dining with a view in Seaport Village. Just stick to the fish and chips, or possibly the pizza (though I couldn’t have any, my little brothers cheese pizza looked amazing!), and you’ll be fine. Don’t forget to walk in with slightly lowered standards—this is a tourist destination, this is not the place to get a taste of local San Diego cuisine. With that in mind, try it out. This restaurant and the village is within walking distance of many hotels, save the money you would have spent on parking and use it in the shops.

The food at the Pacific Fish Co. was absolutely amazing. For example, I had the Chinese chicken salad, which came with juicy chicken, incredibly fresh salad, and dressed ever so delicately in this Asian vinaigrette (it’s the first time in at least 5 years I’ve been to a restaurant where they didn’t smothered the poor salad in dressing). The crunchy Asian noodles weren’t greasy and they still managed to taste fresh. The mandarin oranges busted with flavor, not the rubbish ones from a can most restaurants try to get away with. It was a hefty portion too, easily splittable if you haven’t worked up too much of an appetite.

my parents split the salmon, Asian style (I know this isn’t exactly what they called it but it was something like that) and it looked positively amazing, and this is coming from someone who hates any fish that isn’t fried. My brother had the kids mac-and-cheese which again is enough for two to three small children and is fresh not just the Kraft style most places serve

I cannot speak highly enough about this restaurant. For what it lacks in view, it makes up for with food quality and service. This is an absolute must eat for San Diego.

Here’s the website for directions, complete menu and pictures Tutu’s

Hot Licks is always worth a quick wander through (and I mean quick; the store is tiny!). It’s a store that specializes in hot sauces and essentially anything that would make your face turn beet red. I can’t say I’ve ever bought anything, but I always get a kick out of the spicy Mexican candies.

Another favorite of mine is the Whitt/Krauss - Objects of Fine Art. Everything may be expensive and overpriced, but it’s fun just to walk through a gallery right by the bay. The only way they could make it any better would be to put it in the bay. Then again, there is a risk of seasickness, so maybe it should stay where it is.

If you’re in a bit of a goofy mood, stop by the village hat shop. Here you can find anything from dainty Sunday hats to hats shaped like birthday cakes. Ample mirrors allow for plenty of laughs. There’s also Crazy Shirts right next door. Family-friendly surfer wear with a twist. Look for shirts dyed with chocolate, wine, and even money.

No vacation is complete without a visit, so don’t forget to put Sea Port Village on your list.