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Anthony's Fish Grotto

3.3 (1.8k reviews)
PriceySeafood, Lounges
Open • 11:30 am - 8:00 pm

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ANTHONY'S FISH GROTTO ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Touristy
Moderate noise
Good for groups
Good for kids

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Recommended Reviews - Anthony's Fish Grotto

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Halibut
alexis h.

I've been coming here for years, atmosphere hasn't changed, its still fun to visit. Service is typically great, quick, friendly, depending on time of day. Food is really hit or miss. Last time we had a subpar food experience. Clam Chowder- looked like drywall paste, tasted good! 4/5 Grilled Octopus Street Tacos - Zarandeado slow cooked decent flavor 3/5 Wedge salad- nice crispy bacon and lettuce and fresh avocado 5/5 Fish + shrimp taco plate - way too fishy tasting and hard, terrible small pieces of frozen (I assume mahi) with too much tortilla, the shrimp tasted like eggs?! 0/5 Halibut - this was lightly breaded, flaky, came with rice pilaf which was buttery, I would order this again 4/5 Overall we'll be back since its so nostalgic, but would pass on best in class seafood.

Jody K.

On the last evening of our visit to San Diego, we decied to go somewhere a little special. My dad suggested Anthony's Fish Grotto. I may have been here before, many, many years ago, as it seemed slightly familiar. In any case, I absolutely loved the ambiance. There's an outdoor area with heat lamps. Inside, the booths are kind of separated by boulders. There is a pool with fountains and lights outside. My dad got the New England Clam chowder. I had a taste of it. It was really good. He also had the fish and chips, which he enjoyed. My sister liked her tortellini with salmon & broccoli. My first choice, the Hawaiian Ono, was not available, so I got the coconut crusted tilapia with pineapple salsa on top. Unfortunately, the server apparently dropped it, so I had to wait a bit for it. But it was absolutely worth the wait! I really enjoyed it. And, as an apology, they gave us a free dessert. I chose a mud pie, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The service was a little slow, but very friendly. I would definitely come back here again the next time I'm in the area.

My buddy don and me
Armando D.

Food is always consistently good! My wife had the red chowder and didn't like it much. She said it tasted like potatoes...I had the white chowder, as always and it was delicious! We are waiting for our fish tacos and I'm sure they will be delicious also. The lake always soothes my soul! The service continues to be excellent. Happy service makes for a happy meal...most times! Tacos were delicious...black beans ok...would recommend to the chef Cole slaw instead of beans!

Sarah C.

The restaurant itself has super cute decor and the water and views are amazing! I really loved the open space and seating. The service is wonderful too! The staff is attentive and on it! The food however is meh. We got a few things. The lunch special shrimp sandwich was good for the price and we enjoyed it! However, the filet mignon that was $45.00 was overcooked and did not taste like a mignon, it tasted like a sirloin if that.

Menu cover
Henri V.

Anthony's Fish Grotto restaurant established in 1946, was harborside until it closed in 2017 and opened the La Mesa location which is where I've dined a few times. Free parking in their lot. The restaurant is situated by a man made lake with surrounded by lush greenery, a fountain centered in the lake with swans, ducks and other creatures. Indoor and outdoor seating, I always prefer outdoor beneath a shady umbrella during rain or shine. Service by the hostess, waitress and servers had always been professional, accommodating and nice. The menu focuses on seafood, but also offers some favorites: steaks, burgers, pasta and brunch on weekends. Also available is a special menu for the pups, made with natural ingredients; cooked rice, salmon, and diced veggies. I ordered this for my furbaby Fendi, but she's so picky, she didn't eat it. Most of the dishes 'Ive had here were good, especially the grilled salmon with baby bok choy, carrots and mashed potatoes. The fish and chips, were subpar as Ive had better elsewhere. The clam chowder was too salty and too thick, simply inedible, I had to reject it and sent back. I was left with the coleslaw salad which saved the day along with the glass of vino. Sipping a glass of wine, with views of the lake and fun loving amusing wildlife was probably the highlight every time my pup and I dine here and that's worthy of a visit. Recommend

QC (Quick Catches) Fish and Shrimp Combo. Gand-battered fish and shrimp with coleslaw as side. Very delish !
Angie R.

Food: 5/5 Service:5/5 Ambiance: 5/5 It's been quite several months since we've been here. Lunch was great. Entrées selected were good. Definitely will return to try other entrées from menu.

Hollyann B.

The back patio is lovely, with a little lake, complete with ducks. Service is excellent, and the food is delicious. Go for happy hour for great deals. The poke stack isn't on special, but it's worth every penny.

Crab grilled cheese
Margaret A.

Each visit I always enjoy the view and the delicious food! This time I ordered a grilled crab and cheese sandwich with a side of coleslaw. My only caveat was I wish the coleslaw had more of the iconic pineapple sauce and the grilled cheese had more crab. The ducks were busy being cute and put on a show while we ate our lunch. Our server was courteous and prompt.

Just got the Halibut
Chris P.

This is East County's OG seafood spot. I don't think I've ever had anything bad from here. The seating is ample but go on the wrong night and you'll be fighting a senior citizen for a table. Nonetheless it's worth every black eye. You can bring a date for back up security.

Ribeye, mashed potatoes, asparagus
Becky L.

Walking into this restaurant made me realize how fun dining out used to be - this place is so well decorated, I thought I was at a theme park! Places these days are not as daring when it comes to decor and design. Dining over a beautiful natural spring lake, watching the ducks and egrets swim about, really takes me far away from the bustling city of La Mesa or the mayhem of the 8 freeway. The roasted Brussel sprouts were a perfect way to start the meal. Crispy, perfectly cooked, and delicately seasoned, with a perfect amount of Smokey bacon to compliment each bite. I ordered the 10oz Ribeye which was beautifully cooked with perfect sear marks. The tender meat was piled on top of thick and creamy red mashed potatoes and stunning asparagus. Gigi and Kathleen were incredibly kind, and really made our experience one to remember. While I don't eat seafood, I will say that everyone around me who had a seafood plate delivered to their table silently gasped and made 'mmmm' sounds when eating - I'll take their reactions as a sign of a good meal!

Mama's Platter

We have been coming to Anthony's for over 30 years starting with the original one by the docks but when we found the La Mesa location with more options we were so excited! We have tried so many things here and we have never been disappointed! The service is always stellar and getting to sit by their lake inside or outside is always a treat. Anthony's is the top must go to restarant in San Diego!!

The fish & chips are off the chart
Kevin L.

Treated my wife to a wonderful lunch date to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Dined in the beautiful patio area with a great view of the "lake" and ducks. Enjoyed some delicious Fish & Chips and scrumptious fish tacos. The Old Fashioned cocktail was prepared to perfection. Our server Rob was nothing short of spectacular! He was super busy however never skipped a beat. Great place, Great food and Great service, what more could you ask for? If you haven't been here yet you seriously need to give this place a try. I promise you'll be thanking me and my taste buds.

Northern Combo
Jeff S.

Our trip to Anthony's started with a very friendly greeting by the host Dylan. Dylan sat us quicker than first quoted. He even gave our Corgi a small treat after he sat us. We sat by the lake and were served by Dez. We enjoyed a relaxing lunch with our dog. We had Manhattan Chowder, QC Fish and Shrimp, and the Northern Combo of Cod and Sole. Our Corgi ate fish and rice. As usual, the food and service was outstanding!

Fish and shrimp sans shrimp

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10 days ago

Fresh seafood, good-sized portions, friendly and fast service. It is a lovely view out to the private lake. Very peaceful.

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3 months ago

Great seafood. I have been going here for years and going back again today to celebrate a special birthday

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Anthony's Fish Grotto Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Anthony's Fish Grotto

Are there mosquitoes in the outdoor area?

None! I have been eating here for 30 years and only an occasional fly...

Is this restaurant pet friendly?

Yes they allow pets in their outdoor dining area. There is also a designated area for pets to relieve themselves and they provide doggie clean up bags

Can I get the Trout Fillet blackened?

When you place the orders, the server will ask you of how you like it cooked and the way like it prepared just like a steak.

Does the restaurant take reservations?

I was told that by the hostess that they only take them for parties of 6+. This was just two days ago.

Whats your happy hour?

monday-thursday 3:00-5:30

I noticed that there is no dinner "menu". Are you no longer serving dinner? Why a photo of a menu, that is difficult to read instead of a REAL menu?

The Anthony's dinner menu is apart of our regular menu and is always available. Unfortunately, the only menu we have is the physical one that customers post pictures of.

Hi does anyone know if there is a kids menu and the age for this?

Yes, 12 and under

Do you deliver?

Yes on Uber Eats.

Do they serve any type of crab legs?

Unfortunately not.

Does the clam chowder have bacon/pork?

I never had their clam chowder. But their coleslaw and macaroni salad are awesome. Kim Volm DRE#02040644… Read more

Do they ever have Trout on the menu' or ever available?

Yes. Always

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The Riviera Supper Club & Turquoise Room

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4.0
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For two parents temporarily liberated from the chaos of domestic life, dinner was nothing short of…read morea revelation. We began with the deviled eggs--a classic reimagined with such precision they served as the perfect structural opening to the meal. The true showstopper, however, was the Filet Mignon. Topped with a vibrant, hand-cut chimichurri, the steak didn't just meet the knife; it surrendered. The sauce provided a brilliant counterpoint: fresh, crisp, and possessing a light, tingly spice that dances on the palate rather than overwhelming it. Even the greens were a celebration; the "weed salad" arrived as a kaleidoscopic "rainbow of happiness," proving that even the most virtuous courses can be indulgent. Pair this with a cocktail program defined by their house-made syrups, and you have a destination that understands the assignment: total sensory restoration. Salud.

Photos
Dining area
Dining area
Banana foster
Banana foster
Restaurant exterior view

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Restaurant exterior view
Helix Brewing

Helix Brewing

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The design of this place is really cool. It feels like you've walked into a back alley and are in a…read morecompletely different part of town. Everything is so clean but it has a very good rustic and real feel to it. The drinks here are my favorite because to be honest, I'm a sours beer kind of guy and they have a whole building dedicated to it. The amount of variety when it comes to sours is great a prices are fair. Flavors pop but theirs also a good enough selection if you want a more chill sour that won't punch you in the face. The other building (not sure which is considered the main ones) has a large selection of your typical IPAs, lagers, you name it. The flavors are good and they seems to have some deals going on from time to time for cans to take home which I can appreciate. They also have a few board games to keep you entertained and seem to consistently have some options fora food vendor as well as many times having live music. Definitely worth the visit on a day you see them having one of these vendors or live bands you may be interested in. The people here seem to be very friendly with their regulars and greet you as if you're a friend. I think this bodes well with breweries considering you're usually here to have a good time and chill. I wouldn't say it feels like the reason I'd come back at all but no complaints here. Just didn't feel like out of this world service by any means.

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Inside
Inside
Expanded view
Expanded view
Helix Brewing

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Charcoal House

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3.3
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0.1 mi
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We recently celebrated my husband's 50th birthday at Charcoal House, and we had such a wonderful…read moreexperience! From start to finish, Suha was incredibly helpful with everything from A-to-Z. She made the planning process so much easier and even recommended amazing dessert vendors that turned out great. Nabil was also so kind, welcoming, and always willing to help with anything we needed. We truly appreciated all of his help and hospitality. The food was delicious, the ambiance was fun and lively, and our guests had a great time. Thank you, Charcoal House, for helping make this celebration so special and memorable!

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Charcoal House
Mixed Beef Plate
Mixed Beef Plate
Iced Tea

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Iced Tea

Anthony's Fish Grotto - seafood - Updated July 2026

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