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Bluewater Seafood Market and Grill: Two locations now in San Diego area, the new one on Ocean Beach and the original store front in the Mission Hills neighborhood next to the 5 Freeway, Bluewater Seafood Market and Grill is a no frills purveyor of fresh seafood. The market dominates the simple storefront, cases of tempting and beautiful fresh seafood greets the visitor immediately. Order at the counter in front of the kitchen pass after taking a look at their extensive menu. The menu is extensive due to the productive fishery that San Diego is located in. The rich assortment of fresh seafood is prepared in only a few ways: raw (chilled on the half shell for shell fish or skillfully sliced as sashimi), grilled and in a sandwich, grilled and on a salad, grilled and/or sauteed as a plated dish (with jasmine rice and a generous side salad with your choice of dressing), or grilled and served in a taco. That being said, they do have a lovely looking fish and chips as well as fried shrimp. The specials listed on the menu are delightful and a composed dishes. They also boast a very good clam chowder and seafood soup. No reservations, no dress code, the storefront is busy at meal times with folks shopping for dinner and folks ordering dinner but the line moves well and the staff is friendly and quick.
Cafe 222: Located a block away from the San Diego Convention Center, across the train tracks, Cafe 222 is a temple to breakfast and lunch deliciousness. Indoor and outdoor seats are typically well populated when a convention is in town so don’t be discouraged by a wait, the line moves quickly as the staff and kitchen of Cafe 222 is quite efficient with their work. The waffles are certainly well known and are presented in varied formats. Do not be deterred by the Chili + Cornbread Waffle as it does sound outlandish, however, it is a wonderful delicious savory (with a wee bit of sweetness from the cornbread waffle) breakfast treat! Personal favorites are the Green Eggs and Spam scramble (spinach and spam… ahhhh spam, the wonder meat!) and the Tamale and Eggs (pork tamale and 2 eggs of your personal choice). If you are a fan of Country Sausage Gravy, order a side to pour over your potatoes, corned beef hash, eggs, or simply for dipping of your bread. Cafe 222 makes a great country sausage gravy indeed! No reservations, no dress code but please do dress!
Sushi Ota: Located in the Mission Bay neighborhood, Sushi Ota is one of the first Japanese restaurants in the San Diego area, Sushi Ota is so old school as to barely have a website. Reservations can be made via Opentable however, which is convenient. The restaurant prides itself on top quality seafood and well prepared traditional Japanese fare (with some modern touches). The sushi and sashimi served at Sushi Ota is peerless, the clientele frequently features local Japanese residents and Japanese visitors, so much so that the Sushi Ota staff is staffed by fluent Japanese speakers. Limited sake and wine list but what they have is quite satisfying. Keep an eye out on the daily specials board and do be tempted by the Small Noodle, a half bowl of quite warming and satisfying udon in dashi broth that will sooth the weary soul. Reservation strongly recommended, no dress code. Tel: (858) 880-8778