The food and gorgeous boardwalk views will definitely bring me back! Steak & Lobster Benedict -- $25, 8/10: Pretty presentation, a decent amount of lobster claw meat, and surprisingly tender steak. The egg was a little overcooked for my liking, I love a runny yolk, but still a really good dish! Carnitas Chilaquiles -- $18, 10/10: These stole the whole show! So much flavor, with chips perfectly tossed in sauce, cream, black beans, and avocado. A very generous portion, too. I'll be dreaming about this breakfast for a while! We sat on the patio right along the boardwalk, and the view couldn't have been better. It was hot af and while they have umbrellas, the sun still sneaks through. Some sun sails would make the patio much more comfortable. Despite being busy, they seated our party of 10 pretty quickly. Service was so-so. I asked for a drink refill a few times and waited through most of my meal before getting it. Still, the food was a hit, the view was beautiful, and the prices were extremely reasonable for the location and portions. Definitely coming back! read more

World Famous - Lobster & steak Benedict - Seafood Near Me - San Diego, California

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AWARENESS: While in the San Diego area, friends suggested we meet up and have lunch here, on the beach, at World Famous. NARRATIVE: Arriving, the wife and I saw our group seated inside, in the back and next to open windows which overlooked the beach / boardwalk. Since our group arrived between the lunch and dinner hours, we decided to have a few cocktails and wait until the dinner menu kicked in. When our orders for dinner were being taken, I decided not to go with their seafood items, which they our known for and decided to order their Cajan Pasta. When the order arrived, I snapped a quick picture and dug into my meal. I found the flavor and the texture of the pasta odd, so I did what I could to try to finish my meal but, I left most of the pasta and enjoyed the sausages and peppers instead. I probably should have order their seafood items because, I just didn't enjoy my meal. SCENE: World Famous is located in the Mission Beach area of San Diego. Parking in the area is a nightmare and with the windows open inside the restaurant, dirt and sand is a constant issue. RECOMMENDATION(S): No the best nor the worst I've had but, now I can say; been there, done that. read more

World Famous - Cajun Pasta. - Seafood Near Me - San Diego, California

I've been going to World Famous since I was a kid growing up in San Diego. Even though I live out of state now, I make it a point to dine at World Famous every time I return home. We always request to sit on the patio by the boardwalk to people watch and enjoy the views. The service is always great and food and drinks come out quickly. Food is always fresh and tastes delicious. I have never had a bad meal or cocktail here. On this visit, I ordered a Spicy Mermaid cocktail which is no longer on the menu but luckily they were still able to craft it for me. I also ordered their lobster tacos off the bar menu which are my favorite tacos on the menu. Whether you're a San Diego local or visiting San Diego, World Famous should be on your list of places to dine. read more

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I had the nicest dinner here with my daughter. At the start, the place was very busy. We were attended to well by our waitstaff and wound up staying until the crowd died down. The salmon here was incredible, the drinks were strong and the service great. It's dim and sits along the beach in a way where you can see the sun set on the water. A gorgeous view added a lot. read more

Hostess is awful. Zero personality and kinda rude. and by kinda I mean really rude. Once you get past her, the place has amazing servers and awesome food. The view is unbeatable. Bloody Maria's' are world class wi th shrimp and all the things. Go here! Just ignore the hostess with a personality of a brick. You will love it here. read more

World Famous - Opted for no bacon . Scored with shrimp. - Seafood Near Me - San Diego, California

Amazing views! If you want a great view of the ocean, world famous sits right on the boardwalk in pacific beach so you can dine while walking the crowds on the walking/bike path and waves. We made a reservation on the way over for lunch and we were seated right on the front windows, they had the windows open so you have the lovely ocean breeze. The service was friendly and we only had to wait about 5 minutes for our table to be cleaned (we were early for our reservation). I opted for the seafood taco sampler and thought it was great! I liked the calamari taco most. The shrimp taco wasn't my favorite because there was a sweetness to it. Everyone in my group was happy with their food! Overall a great spot for views and a nice lunch! read more

World Famous - Seafood Taco Sampler - Seafood Near Me - San Diego, California

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Went to world famous for lunch with a view. You can't beat this ocean view and people watching. The service was fast and friendly. I got the killer vegan tofu bowl and it was better than I expected. 100/10. read more

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I love eating here when I visit San Diego!! The service is always great. The indoor and outdoor seating is very beachy and fun, love the decor and furniture. I order the steamers (mussels and clams) and the Maine lobster blt and they never disappoint. read more

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Coming back to San Diego was part of the excitement but having brunch on the beach was fabulous. The service was attentive and friendly the food was awesome. Memories made again! Thanks read more

The food is always great, the staff is always amazing, and the service is impeccable! You can't have a better ambiance than next to the beach! read more

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Came for Monday happy hour in the bar. Got a table right away but waited for menu for a bit but they were busy. Ruby red cocktail was nice not sweet. Then went to the Oyster Bay SB an old go to. Kona big wave for my other half. We tried the nut crusted brie and the lobster taco and the crab stuffed mushrooms. For me the mushrooms were the best in a garlic butter sauce and bread to dip Yum! Amazing view. Friendly staff and bartender. I'll be back and try the short rib tacos on Thursday and the prime rib bites and ravioli. read more

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This restaurant was cute I wish I went in the day the food was good. The service was good I would have liked there to be a little more selection on the menu. read more

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We came in on a Monday with a group of 11. Although reservations were only available for up to 9, they were happy to accommodate us with a patio table featuring great ocean and boardwalk views. Service, however, was very slow. We had an 11:00 AM reservation and didn't leave until 1:30 PM. While we did wait a bit for our full group to arrive, it still took quite a while for drink and food orders to be taken. Once everything was ordered, the food came out fairly quickly, but our server checked in only occasionally. On a positive note, all of the dishes were well prepared, and everyone in our group really enjoyed their meal. read more

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We have been patrons of this restaurant for more than 20 years, and unfortunately, we have watched it slowly wither into a shadow of what it once was. What used to be a place we genuinely enjoyed has become run-down, dirty, and disappointing, with noticeably diminished food quality and increasingly terrible service. Tonight's experience was the final straw. We were seated in the bar area for open seating. We waited 12 minutes before my husband finally went to the bar to ask for a server. The bartender said he would send someone over. Another 10 minutes passed, and still no one acknowledged us. We eventually went back to the bar and placed our drink and food order ourselves. It took another 12 minutes for the server to bring our drinks. In the meantime, I had to go to the bar myself to get water and napkins for our table. Our server walked past us at least 10 times without acknowledging us. From the time we were seated until we received our drinks was approximately 47 minutes. It then took 1 hour and 5 minutes to receive our very simple food orders. And unfortunately, the food was mediocre at best. What made the experience even worse was the complete lack of attentiveness or apology from our server. There was no acknowledgment of the excessive wait, no effort to make things right, and no sense that our experience mattered. We felt essentially invisible. After more than 20 years of supporting this restaurant, it is incredibly disappointing to see how far it has fallen. The condition of the restaurant, the decline in food quality, and especially the service are simply not what they should be. Save your time and your hard-earned money. If you're in the area, go across the street to the Catamaran instead. You'll be treated like valued customers and, in our experience, receive much better-quality food and far more timely service. We really wanted to love this place again, but sadly, tonight made it clear that those days are gone. read more

World Series, World Famous!! Congrats to the World Series 2025 winners LA Dodgers! Have been watching the exciting game 7 of the World Series and thrilled the Dodgers won, and the perfect place for a nice brunch is in Pacific Beach at World Famous... Was lucky to get parking on their lot. This restaurant is next to Surfer Hotel and it's on the main pathway next to the beach. No curve appeal, run down exterior and dark interior. Not fancy, it's very casual and I wasn't sure if I would stay but glad I did. Salty air and spectacular Ocean beach views is fantastic. The owner of this restaurant is from Austria and settled here since 1970's. His created versions of surf, turf and other dishes were inspired from his travels most particularly: France, Mexico and Malibu. The menu features dishes with those travel areas in mind. The hostess, waitress and servers were cordial, helpful and nice. Was happy to get the better seating in their outdoor patio, with umbrellas for shade and the views of the main pathway and the beach. Dog friendly patio and my baby Fendi who was amused by the various people walking along with their dogs. Great vibe for people watching.There's a small brick wall and glass divider that surrounds the outdoor patio from the pathway and crowd so it was relatively safe. From the brunch menu the signature selections caught my attention: world famous Lobster Bisque and the world famous Lobster salad. Lobster Bisque was creamy, rich and had chunks of lobster. The Lobster salad was surprisingly quiet delish, topped with chunks of lobster including a couple lobster claw meats, small golden potatoes, small golden and purple beets, cherry tomatoes, red onion, hard boiled egg, avocado lemon aioli dressing and crispy bacon...the later for my baby :) I noticed many other diners ordering the same thing, very popular makes it a high turnover of items. The bisque and salad tasted fresh, surprisingly delish and satiating. I had zero tummy room for dessert but will return to try the world famous desserts and other delicious food here. Don't let the looks of this place scare you off. The great service, the delicious food and the location makes up for it. Whether or not you're celebrating a World Series win, a visit to World Famous is worthwhile. Recommend read more

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Wow. This place is truly magical. Delicious!!! Every single meal was amazing. The potatoes were so good. The only thing I would add is more hollandaise to the eggs Benedict. Then it would be a 10/10. We sat in the indoor outdoor section and it was so nice outside and we had a great view!! Our service was a bit slow and our server only came to the table a few times. But the meal and food made up for it! We would have ordered another drink if she came by again but oh well! We got the champagne special and it was such a great deal! read more

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Came here this past weekend with my family for my littles birthday! We had made reservations which was nice so we got to sit by the window and eat right on the boardwalk which was such a beautiful view. For apps we ordered the Brie which was good, the calamari which was okay and the crab cakes which was tasty! But when it came to my dinner I ordered the spicy Mario Gras pasta and it was not good at all I took a bite of the shrimp and it was extremely chewy and the pasta tasted like it needed to be cooked a dash longer unfortunately I took two bites of my food and that was it! By the time the server came back everyone else was done with their food so I was not going to order anything else! My brother ordered swordfish and said it was very dry but still ate it, however they said the clam chowder was tasty! My friend ordered fish and chips and didn't eat much of it she said it was extremely dry! We ordered my daughter Mac and cheese she took one bite and said it tasted weird! So overall not a very good food experience but it is a beautiful view! read more

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Best sunset dining spot. Couldn't get closer to the water if I tried! The Viewwwew!! And totally enjoyed the Monday night Happy Hour to the MAX! Half off, people!! Brie, Brussels, Beer and a Mermaid cocktail! Topped that off with the lobster ravioli. And dessert was the so good with the whiskey bread pudding! All of it was fabulous and can't wait for the next opportunity to go! read more

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We just had the worst dinner here. My husband got the blackened salmon spinach salad and I had their tofu dish. We have had both many times before. Something was amiss in the kitchen tonight!! The salmon salad was greasy and the tofu glaze tasted like wallpaper paste. It's now 3 hours later and my husband is watching tv with the pesto bismol bottle nearby. The salmon and salad are constantly repeating on him. I hope their other menu items are better read more

Finally I found a great place to eat in San Diego! We started with grilled oysters which were super tasty. They come with 6 of them and a chimichurrri sauce on top. Then we had the lobster and shrimp ravioli and they were seriously made with love. Homemade pasta and a lovely white sauce on top. We tried the lobster bisque and the clam chowder instead of a side salad with our entree. If you need to pick one, go with the lobster bisque! They were both great, but the bisque is the winner of the two. I had the Harpoon Combination which had this lovely champagne sauce. That sauce mixed with the scallops and shrimp was so flavorful. I only wish there was more for the salmon! Everything was also plated so beautifully. This place was just great overall. Our server had a huge section but she was great at checking on us. Everything came out promptly and correct! The view was great as well. They moved the umbrellas for us which was so nice. I can't wait to go back! read more

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This place was great! Such a cool spot to eat at. Everything was outstanding to eat, the location was phenomenal and a really cool vibe.

Beautiful restaurant right on the water with a great patio. We were looking for a place to have a bite and watch the sunset. World Famous was perfect! Our waitress was really nice and attentive. We ordered the clam chowder and lobster bisque to start. Both delicious but small portions. We then had a couple of appetizers: crab stuffed mushrooms and lobster ravioli. Both amazing and would reorder, especially the ravioli! We were too full for entrees but did order the Whiskey Praline Bread Pudding for dessert. I'm not a fan of bread pudding but did have a bite and it was good. My friend really enjoyed it! We would definitely return to World Famous and I'd love to try some of their fresh fish entrees. Everything coming out of the kitchen looked phenomenal. read more

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Everyone was super nice, and extra nice to my grandpa celebrating his 95th birthday The food was delicious, I'm not a huge Benedict guy but their's was so good. Also can't go wrong with the location, that patio is open and bright with the breeze from the ocean. read more

World Famous - South Beach Benedict - Seafood Near Me - San Diego, California

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A good experience at World Famous! Came on a Saturday morning and we were seating immediately. We ordered eggs, bacon, & potatoes, they were all your average breakfast food and good! I loved that the bacon was not too crispy, it was cooked perfectly for my liking :) Our server was so nice also! And of course the location being directly on the boardwalk along the ocean.. no complaints there, gorgeous. read more

World Famous - Mimosas - Seafood Near Me - San Diego, California

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Our first time here not a fancy Resturant it's beach City, a little run down but right in front of the sand to the beach Meeting our family who lives here in PB I ordered the Pozole small order 4/5 Not enough soup in the bowl But all the condiments and corn tortilla for me Kahlua Pork Hash 4/5 it was good South Beach Benedict The focaccia bread was wet and soggy 3/5 World famous breakfast 5/5 We had champagne too $15 dollars a bottle My cousin he like coming here parking lot but here they validate here so you get 2hrs free read more

World Famous - Pork Pozole help me 8/16/25 - Seafood Near Me - San Diego, California

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Haven't been here in a really long time and I don't know why but had breakfast here the other day and wow it was great!!! The service was fast and on point and the food was delicious! If you sit inside or outside won't make a difference you still get a beautiful ocean view!!! Definitely will be coming back here more often! read more

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Wow what a different in the Restaurant!! Shame shame !! They used to make the greatest Lobster Bisque and now they don't give a piece or crumb of lobster !! That's what made it !! They also charge if you order a cap cod they charge for the juice What ? I never been in a Resturant /Bar where they do that !! It's a drink Wow Take your money and go somewhere else I had been coming here for years and years and I'm totally disappointed!! The Resturant smelled musty also and staff was okay except Zoey She was polite and understood my concerns My waiter a guy could have cared less So sad bye bye forever It's not so World famous anymore !! read more

World Famous - Charge for juice no good - Seafood Near Me - San Diego, California

Everything was amazing... Tried so many different appetizers and dishes. At a table of 5 adults we all said we would definitely go back and wish we would have gone there instead of where we went last Night. As much as we ate, as full as we were we all exclaimed how it was all so so so good. Also the young lady who answered the phone and changed my reservation to a window seat Couldn't have been sweeter. I hate giving an awesome review because I'm afraid a well kept secret will get out... But do yourself a favor and try this place. Lobster bisque... One of the best I've had Calimari... The best Birria Tacos... Right up there with the best Ravioli... So so good, a buy again Pasta, so good Brie.. Sent back for more ooze but so good. You can't go wrong. read more

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I agree Hostess is awful! Haven't had a chance to try the food at the restaurant. There were clearly empty tables throughout the restaurant , however the hostess refused to seat me and my family. Great way to do business.! read more

I had a great experience as a solo dinner around 30 Minutes before they closed. Never felt rushed. Was attended to and the staff was patient helping me decide what to order. They were out of the lobster ravioli which was a bummer but there is always another day! I got: 1) the house salad with ranch - nice and fresh with a great portion and toasted bread 2) stuffed mushrooms - absolutely delicious!!! 3) scampi pasta -- TO GO! I was so full from the mushrooms, bread, and salad I didn't have room. 4) pina colada - get ready for a kick ! Very generous bartenders which is appreciated for a $15 cocktail All around great experience. read more

Haven't been to World Famous in years, went for dinner on a Friday night around 6:30. 20-30 min wait time, the lobby is a little small and gets crowded quickly so waiting outside watching the water is nice. I had the salmon entree while others at the table enjoyed the swordfish, lobster ravioli and the shrimp scampi. All dishes were superb, 3 of 4 plates empty! Service could be quicker as far as getting drinks but it was busy. Open/covered patio seating with heaters, bring a coat if you get cold easily. read more

World Famous - Char-grilled salmon - Seafood Near Me - San Diego, California

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I've loved World Famous for as long as I've lived in San Diego and have been coming here for years. We had the vegan tofu bowl, the jumbo crispy shrimp, and the kids meals with chicken fingers and a burger. Everything was delicious, and our server was really nice and very attentive. The outdoor patio where we ate was great, but the inside is nice too with big windows and amazing views. You can't beat the setting, and the prices are surprisingly reasonable for being right on the water. There's something for everyone, it's walkable to the beach and nearby spots, and parking is free with validation for two hours. read more

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Service was horrible and took about 25 minutes to get greeted. As we were finishing our drinks a rat scurried past and went under the high chair. The drinks were good and food was okay, it would be zero if I could, but there was a rat crawling everywhere. Overall felt super rushed as we were finishing considering it took us 25 minutes to get greeted. read more

World Famous - Rat in patio. - Seafood Near Me - San Diego, California

I've been going to World Famous for years but I had not been back for some time until recently and it did not disappoint. Love the food, location, and friendly staff. read more

The food is excellent right on the beach no reservations free parking - their Sunday brunch is a buffet - everything you could possible want

We had a fantastic meal at world famous! They had a great kids menu for our two kids. They went with the Mac and cheese and fish and chips. Both kids enjoyed their meals. We had several cocktails, the calamari appetizer and two fish dishes for our main course. The dishes were both so tasty, far exceeded what I expected. The ocean view and people watching made it such a delightful meal. Would definitely recommend especially for families with kids and for anyone looking for a memorable vacation dinner! read more

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Great location and beach views! The Beachside Cod Sandwich And Lobster Biscuits were delicious! The Famous Burger was awesome and the Kids Fish & Chips was great. Madison was super friendly and courteous. We did not feel like ordering breakfast, so she gladly served us drinks as we came 30 mins prior to their lunch menu. PARKING: $21 for parking next door at this shopping plaza near Amplified Ale Works. read more

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This review is for the bar area only. I've been coming to world famous for over 10 years and while they have consistent deals, the service and food quality varies. For Daily Deals, they have: Monday - 1/2 off apps Tuesday - $3 shrimp tacos Wednesday - $3 lobster tacos Thursday - $3 birria tacos For food, my go tos are the shrimp and lobster tacos. Sometimes they're large and crispy and other times they're overcooked and soggy. The prime rib bites and crab stuffed mushrooms are also delicious! Check your bill though because sometimes they've tried to sneak in an extra taco order. read more

Came back for brunch and loved it just as much as happy hour. Food was delicious and those potatoes were to die for. Great flavor and perfect crunch. Our server was great handling a big group of 8 people and all the birthday chaos. read more

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Was a little skeptical about eating here when we pulled up. The building is a bit worn down but inside was cozy and reminded me of other beach joints I've been to in NJ, OBX, FL, etc. The server was from VA which was cool and she was very nice and helpful. The food was awesome and far exceeded my expectations. read more