15 Best & Fun Restaurants in Imperial Beach (CA)

Imperial Beach is a residential beachfront city and a popular tourist hub in San Diego County, California. It is blessed with a booming economy and sufficient human resources to keep it growing.

Imperial Beach had a population of 26,324 as of the 2010 census, with hundreds of thousands of tourists and visitors trooping in yearly to enjoy the beautiful offerings of the city.

Beach volleyball, Wave Surfing, and Body Boarding are popular sports activities in Imperial Beach. The summer tourist season in San Diego County brings thousands of visitors to the city’s beaches annually.

The famous Imperial Beach restaurants have made it their lifelong passion to serve customers a variety of delicious meals for their enjoyment, ensuring they always have a reason to return to the city.

To help you make informed choices, check out the best restaurants in Imperial Beach, CA.

Best Restaurants in Imperial Beach, CA

1. Katy’s Café

Katy’s Café

If you are looking for a place to grab a quick bite or enjoy some fine dining in Imperial Beach, Katy’s Café is the ideal place to pick.

Katy’s Café is an American restaurant that caters to the food needs of Imperial Beach residents and guests looking to enjoy well-cooked homemade meals in a beautiful environment.

Locals have come to love Katy’s Café over the years for its dedication to meeting the food needs of the locals and guests and its consistency in providing tasty, nutritious meals that keep customers coming back for more.

This restaurant’s features include Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts Credit Cards, Free Wi-fi, etc.

The menu includes Hammerhead Mike’s Deluxe Bedhead, Zac’s, Bedhead, Sunshine Bagel, Croissant Beginnings, Al’s Cali-king, Melinda Can Jump, Rich’s Healthy Breakfast, Acai Wonder Bowl, Fruit and Granola, Acai Yogurt Combo, “kimmy Fox” B & G biscuits and Gravy, Kelp Patty Extraordinaire, Melted Hearts, Suntanned Tuna, Bill, Davo, Winna bagel, etc.

Katy’s Café opens from 6:30 am to 7:00 pm daily.

Address: 704 Seacoast Dr, Imperial Beach, CA 91932-1842. Phone: +1 619-863-5524.

2. Sea180° Coastal Tavern

Sea180° Coastal Tavern

Located in the Pier South Resort, SEA180° Coastal Tavern offers innovative American Seafood Cuisine and Oceanfront Dining in Imperial Beach to locals and tourists.

Sea180° Coastal Tavern is a famous tourist hub and among the reputable Imperial Beach restaurants. The restaurant offers a beautiful and memorable dining experience in a lush dining hall serenaded by the most calming atmosphere.

The food served at the restaurant warms the soul and makes the taste buds of diners rejoice for its tastiness and savory flavors that the restaurant is known for. The restaurant prides itself on the meals it offers to its customers. The meals are made using fresh ingredients sourced from around Imperial Beach and the environs, to ensure that the meals served at the restaurant retain their deliciousness and flavor-filled profile when they hit the table of customers.

Features of this restaurant include Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Valet Parking, Free off-street parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine, and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wi-fi, Accepts Discover, Takeout, Reservations, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Waterfront, etc.

The menu includes options like All American Breakfast, Breakfast Burger, Avocado Toast, Seafood Omelet, Denver Omelet, Egg White Omelet, Burrito Desayuno, Chilaquiles Rojo, Yogurt Parfait, Breakfast Buddha Bowl, Mccann’s Steel Cut Oatmeal, Classic French Toast, Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes, Applewood Smoked Bacon, Pork Sausage Patties, Fresh Fruit, Borracho Beans, Herb House Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, etc.

Sea180° Coastal Tavern opens from 11:30 am to 9:00 pm on Mondays to Thursdays and 7:00 am to 9:00 pm on Fridays to Sundays.

Address: 800 Seacoast Drive, Imperial Beach, CA 91932. Phone: +1 619-631-4949.

3. Coronado Brewing Company

Coronado Brewing Company

Suppose you want to enjoy a taste of authentic, award-winning Southern California beers in a lively environment that helps you relax and unwind. In that case, Coronado Brewing Company is your best bet.

Coronado Brewing Company is where patrons can enjoy delicious meals with seasonal or specialty beers with a coastal twist that gives you the feel of the much-spoken-about Southern hospitality.

Coronado Brewing Company promises to wow customers with tasty meals and a fine selection of drinks they will love. The restaurant and bar offer diners a wholesome dining experience that is enjoyable and satisfying.

In addition, customers have praised the customer service offered by the restaurant staff and their ever-warm hospitality and welcoming demeanor.

This restaurant’s features include Highchairs Available, Takeout, Seating, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Free Wi-fi, etc.

The menu includes California Style, Kids Pizza, Butcher Shop, The Cellarman, Chicken Pesto, Pepperoni, Chicken Nuggets, Roasted Veggie, Brewer’s Choice, Chips & Dips, etc.

Coronado Brewing Company opens from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm on Mondays to Thursdays, 11:00 am to 12:00 am on Fridays, 12:00 am to 10:00 pm on Saturdays, and 8:00 am to 9:00 pm on Sundays.

Address: 875 Seacoast Dr, Imperial Beach, CA 91932-1828. Phone: +1 619-437-4452.

4. IB Street Tacos

IB Street Tacos

If you want to enjoy some street dining and the best Mexican cuisine, then you should know that IB Street Tacos is one of the best places to eat in Imperial Beach, CA.

IB Street Tacos restaurant offers tasty and nutritious tacos that locals and regular Imperial Beach visitors have grown to love and enjoy.

Thanks to the native Mexican recipes used at this restaurant, natives of Imperial Beach love the restaurant and its delicious meals for its originality.

The restaurant offers customers a fun and casual place to enjoy delicious meals worth every penny spent and a beautiful dining experience.

This restaurant’s features include Highchairs Available, Takeout, Seating, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Free Wi-fi, etc.

The menu includes Adobada, Pollo Asado, Carnitas, Asada, Portobello Taco, Pescado, Camaron Enchilado, Battered Shrimp, Pulpo al Pesto, Make it a Mulita, Grilled Cebollitas, Chiles Toreados, Corn on a Cob, Mexican Soda, Canned Soda, Ayua Fresca, etc.

IB Street Tacos opens from 11:00 am to 12:00 am on Sundays to Thursdays and 11:00 am to 2:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Address: 805 Seacoast Dr, Imperial Beach, CA 91932-1802. Phone: +1 619-621-5814.

5. Aroma Thai

Aroma Thai

Aroma Thai is an Asian restaurant dedicated to sharing indigenous Asian cuisine with the rest of the world through delicious meals at a budget price.

Aroma Thai restaurant offers tasty meals that are loved by customers who have praised the restaurant for the originality and the tastiness of the meals.

The restaurant boasts a refined Thai and Asian menu that embodies all the tasty, juicy meals customers love to feast on. The menu is rich in meals fully rooted in Asian cuisine and made with recipes passed down from generation to generation.

Aroma Thai also has a well-structured dining room that is comfortable and conducive enough for group dining or dining alone.

This restaurant’s features include Takeout, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Reservations, Serves Alcohol, Table Service, etc.

The menu includes Combination Seafood, Salmon Sam Rod, Spicy Basil Mussels, Pla Sam Rod, Aroma Basket, Tiger Cry Steak, Ped Sam Rod, Aroma Bbq Chicken, Peanut Steak, Baked Duck, etc.

Aroma Thai opens from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm daily.

Address: 757 Seacoast Dr, Imperial Beach, CA 91932-1826. Phone: +1 619-429-6565.

6. El Tapatio Restaurant

El Tapatio Restaurant

This is another Mexican restaurant that knows its onions and knows how to win the hearts of diners with delicious homemade meals that leave taste buds excited.

This restaurant has grown from just a tiny Mexican kitchen that opened in 2001 to a full-grown Mexican restaurant. It is regarded as one of the top restaurants in Imperial Beach, CA.

In addition to offering delicious food, El Tapatio restaurant is also known for having kind and hospitable staff who go out of their way to ensure a memorable dining experience.

This restaurant’s features include Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Table Service, etc.

The menu includes options like Breakfast Burritos, Beef Omelets, Chilaquiles, Shrimp Omelet, Machaca Con Huevos, Taco Board, Queso Fundido, Sopes, Carnitas, Molcajete, Enchilada, Quesadilla, Burrito, etc.

El Tapatio restaurant opens from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm daily.

Address: 260 Palm Ave, Imperial Beach, CA 91932-1040. Phone: +1 619-423-2440.

7. Babycakes Bake Shop

Babycakes Bake Shop

Babycakes Bake Shop is ideal for people who love sweet treats and those looking to indulge in some delicious baked goods.

Babycakes Bake Shop is known to have delicious cupcakes, cakes, and other baked goods that are best described as a masterpiece. The bakery has become a staple of the local community and has become known as the go-to place for sweets, cakes, and other baked goods that make taste buds flutter in excitement.

At Babycakes Bake Shop, there is always something special for everyone to eat and enjoy. The bakery has an extensive selection of products waiting for lucky customers to pick them up for their enjoyment.

Features of Babycakes Bake Shop include Takeout, Wheelchair Accessible, etc.

The menu includes flavors like Babycake, Black Bottom, Blood Orange, Carrot, Chocoholic, Chocolate Fudge, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Chocolate Raspberry, Classic Vanilla, Lemon Bavarian, Oreo, Pistachio, Red Velvet, Salted Caramel, etc.

The Bake Shop opens from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm daily.

Address: 874 Seacoast Dr, Imperial Beach, CA 91932-1829. Phone: +1 619-575-2253.

8. Seacoast Pizza

Seacoast Pizza

Happy times call for delicious hot Pizza with tasty toppings of your choice, which is what this Pizza house offers to its customers on a platter of gold.

Seacoast Pizza is that pizza spot that customers love to patronize for their delicious pizza that comes out hot and sizzling with flavors that melt in the mouth like butter.

Seacoast Pizza offers a unique dining experience where customers can enjoy their favorite Pizza at the beachfront while enjoying the beautiful view of the beach and the elements of nature around them. It’s undoubtedly one of the best places to eat in Imperial Beach, CA.

This restaurant’s features include Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Delivery, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, etc.

The menu includes Giant Slice & Soda, Medium Pizza, Large Pizza with Toppings, Margarita, BBQ Chicken, Calzone, etc.

Seacoast Pizza opens from 10:30 am to 9:00 pm daily.

Address: 807 Seacoast Dr, Imperial Beach, CA 91932-1802. Phone: +1 619-423-1111.

Want more places to visit in California? Here is a guide on things to do in Mantecathings to do in Concord and things to do in San Rafael for an amazing time.

9. Cow-A-Bunga Ice Cream & Coffee

Cow-A-Bunga Ice Cream & Coffee

Cow-A-Bunga Ice Cream & Coffee is an ideal relaxation spot where customers can grab a delicious bowl of ice cream or a hot cup to help put their day on the right course, making it brighter and more tolerable.

Cow-A- Bunga Ice Cream & Coffee restaurant is an American restaurant that takes care of the dessert needs of its customers with so much enthusiasm.

Cow-A-Bunga offers customers a chance to experience a wonderful time while enjoying a hot cup of coffee from its skilled barrister or a nice bowl of ice cream, among other options.

The restaurant is an ideal place to go to if you are in the mood to enjoy desserts made with some of the finest dessert recipes in Imperial Beach.

This restaurant’s features include Wheelchair Accessible, Takeout, Outdoor Seating, etc.

The menu includes ice cream flavors like Praline Pecan, Rainbow Sherbet, Vanilla, Rocky Road, Cookies n’ Cream, Birthday Cake, Espresso (Explosion), Cotton Candy, Pistachio, Mint Chip, Sea Salt Caramel, Chocolate Peanut Buttercup, Chocolate, Strawberry, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, etc.

Cow-A-Bunga Ice Cream & Coffee opens from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm daily.

Address: 10 Evergreen Ave Suite E, Imperial Beach, CA 91932-2471. Phone: +1 619-628-0508.

10. Filippi’s Pizza Grotto

Filippi’s Pizza Grotto

Suppose you are looking for the best place to enjoy great Pizza, good home-cooked meals, and a quality dining experience. In that case, this restaurant should be your destination.

Filippi’s Pizza Grotto is a good pizza house that has been around since 1950, tending to Imperial Beach residents’ food needs and guests’ needs. The restaurant is one of the few that has continued to serve customers with so much enthusiasm year after year, which has endeared the customers to this business.

This restaurant’s features include Takeout, Seating, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Table Service, Outdoor Seating, etc.

The menu includes Super Torpedo, Fit For A King, Antipasto Salad, Spaghetti & & Ravioli, Spaghetti & Lasagna, Pinot Grigio, etc.

The restaurant opens from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm daily.

Address: 285 Palm Ave, Imperial Beach, CA 91932. Phone: +1 619-754-6650.

11. The Tin Fish

The Tin Fish

The Tin Fish is a well-known American Seafood restaurant loved by locals and tourists for its deliciously packed seafood options.

It is located at the end of the Imperial Beach pier. The location makes it an ideal restaurant for people looking to eat in a relaxed and comfortable environment while surrounded by natural elements that add a soothing effect to the atmosphere. It is one of the best restaurants in Imperial Beach, CA.

This restaurant’s features include Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, etc.

The menu includes Fried Shrimp Appetizer, Shrimp Cocktail, Cheese Quesadillas, Mixed Seafood Plate, Burger, Cheese Burger, Bacon Cheeseburger, Children’s Mini Cheeseburger, Children’s Mini Bacon Cheese Burger, Chicken Tenders, Chicken Taco, Chicken Taco Plate, etc.

The Tin Fish opens from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm on Sundays to Thursdays and 11:00 am to 8:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Address: 910 Seacoast Dr, Imperial Beach, CA 91932-2402. Phone: +1 619-628-8414.

12. Mike Hees Brewing

Mike Hees Brewing

Mike Hees Brewing is a place to wine and dine, offering good food and the best craft beers available in the area.

The brewery and restaurant business is a delight to customers looking for a lively dining place close to the beachfront to eat and share happy moments with others.

The restaurant offers delicious meals that regular customers can’t get enough of. Guests find delight in the menu offerings, which are worthy of recommendation.

This restaurant’s features include Outdoor Seating, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, etc.

The menu includes Chips & Salsa, Carne Asada, Chile Relleno, Hawaiian Chorizo, Elote Asado, Esquite, etc.

The restaurant opens from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm daily.

Address: 805 Ocean Ln, Imperial Beach, CA 91932-1819. Phone: +1 619-240-3394.

13. IB Forum

IB Forum

IB Forum is one of the most patronized Imperial Beach restaurants. It is perfect for patrons looking to sit in a comfortable dining place to enjoy well-cooked homemade meals at a fair price.

IB Forum is considered an iconic Imperial Beach landmark because it has grown over the years to become a local staple that the people of Imperial Beach are proud to recommend to guests looking to try out new meals.

Features of the restaurant include Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Table Service, etc.

The menu includes Modelo Especial, Red Trolley, Pinot Noir, Pacifico, Space Dust, etc.

IB Forum opens from 11:00 am to 12:00 am daily.

Address: 1079 Seacoast Dr, Imperial Beach, CA 91932-2526. Phone: +1 619-429-7507.

14. Red House Kitchen

Red House Kitchen

Red House Kitchen is a quick bites restaurant that offers customers a blend of American and continental cuisine to give customers a taste of meals from both worlds. It is one of the top restaurants in Imperial Beach, CA.

Customers have described Red House Kitchen as a charming restaurant that places great importance on customer satisfaction, ensuring that customers leave filled with delicious meals from the restaurant’s kitchen.

This restaurant’s features include Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts Credit Cards, Drive Thru, etc.

The menu includes options like The Sunburn, Avocado Smash, Baked Oatmeal, Protein Bowl, Kale & Sweet Potato, Hash Sunrise Bowl, Quinoa Pesto Bowl, Red Baked Eggs, Green Smoothie Bowl, Baja Salad, Chicken Chopped Salad, Herb roasted chicken, Spring Mix, Kalamata, etc.

This restaurant opens from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm daily.

Address: 775 13th St, Imperial Beach, CA 91932, United States. Phone: +1 619-934-3133.

15. El Cilantro

El Cilantro

El Cilantro is a popular restaurant located on 13th Street in Imperial Beach. The restaurant is known to serve customers the best Mexican and Latin meals.

El Cilantro is an ideal place to enjoy a wonderful dining experience at a fraction of the price other Imperial Beach restaurants usually charge for their meals. It is an excellent spot to hang out with family members and create beautiful memories.

This restaurant’s features include Takeout, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Live Music, etc.

The menu includes Bean Burritos, Potato Burrito, Beef Burrito, Conga Burrito, Quesadillas, Cheese Enchiladas, Seafood Options, etc.

El Cilantro opens from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm daily.

Address: 764 13th St, Imperial Beach, CA 91932-2308. Phone: +1 619-429-7492.

Map of the Best Restaurants in Imperial Beach, CA

To get around during your trip to Imperial Beach, here is a map of the best restaurants in Imperial Beach with markers of the top places to eat in Imperial Beach, CA.


Want to know more amazing places to visit? Here is a guide on things to do in in Alameda and things to do in Ojai for an amazing time.

Plan a Visit to Imperial Beach

Imperial Beach is a great place to spend your vacation or visit for fun. The city has always welcomed guests with open arms, ensuring they feel at home.

These suggested restaurants have won the hearts of the people. They stand tall among Imperial Beach attractions. Visit some of these restaurants to enjoy the goodies mentioned herein, and a lovely dining experience.