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Situated on the scenic Harbor Island Drive in San Diego, Island Prime is a standout destination for lovers of classic American fare with a fine dining twist. This upscale steakhouse and bar masterfully blends the richness of premium meats with fresh, coastal influences, creating an elegant yet inviting atmosphere perfect for celebrations, intimate dinners, or a sophisticated night out. From the moment you enter, you’re greeted by sweeping water views that frame your meal beautifully — a backdrop that elevates every bite.
The menu is a celebration of comfort and luxury, featuring an array of dishes that deliver bold, memorable flavors. Seafood aficionados will delight in the Seared Ahi Stack and Ahi Crab & Avocado Stack, combining tender cuts with vibrant textures and bright accents. Not to be missed are the dozen oysters on the half shell, fresh and briny, setting the perfect tone for the meal. For those craving something heartier, the Australian Rack of Lamb and expertly cooked Tomahawk steak, tender and robust, are exquisite choices that showcase Island Prime’s commitment to quality and precision. The classics are given a refined polish here, from Crispy Brussels Sprouts bursting with caramelized goodness to the indulgent Mac N Cheese that comforts with every creamy bite.
Dessert at Island Prime is a decadent affair. The Retro Island Prime Mud Pie, smothered in coffee ice cream, rich chocolate ganache, and crunchy almond brittle, is a delightful end to your meal that engages every sense. Alternatively, the Vanilla Creme Brulee with mission figs offers a silky smooth finish, perfectly balancing sweetness and subtle tartness. Pair these sweets with carefully curated dessert wines or enjoy one of their innovative after-dinner cocktails such as the chocolaty martini or the zesty Key Lime Pie martini — ideal companions to a sumptuous finale.
Patrons consistently praise the impeccable service and atmosphere. Whether seated at the bar enjoying an inventive old fashioned — intriguingly made with wagyu ribeye fat bourbon, creating a unique symphony of smoky and savory notes — or nestled in a cozy private booth, the attentive staff ensures your visit is memorable and personalized. Some guests suggest requesting a seat by the windows to fully appreciate the stunning panoramic harbor views, which add an enviable ambiance to the already refined dining experience.
Celebrations and special occasions come alive here, with guests lauding the staff’s thoughtful touches that make every event feel personal and extraordinary. From perfectly cooked seafood and steaks to decadent sides like loaded mashed potatoes, each plate is a testament to Island Prime’s dedication to culinary excellence and lasting impressions.
In essence, Island Prime offers more than just a meal — it delivers a sensory journey where every element, from the meticulously crafted dishes to the breathtaking vistas, invites you to savor the moment. For those seeking a fine dining experience rich in flavor, atmosphere, and heartfelt service, Island Prime is an unbeatable choice in the heart of San Diego.
We started at the bar, try the old fashioned made with wagyu ribeye fat bourbon - sounds strange but it's almost like having a steak with your whiskey! Incredible views from the bar. Our table was a private booth towards the back which I didn't mind but if coming for the views you may require being next to the windows. The food and service I thought were outstanding. Try the prime trio 3oz cuts with Blue cheese/crab/mushrooms, it was cooked perfectly and not rushed out. They waited until we were done with our appetizer, and the crusted brie with honey garlic did not disappoint. I'd probably skip the scampi next time. The jumbo shrimp were good but the sauce was a bit bland compared to the other courses I tried here. Go steak! 2 of us could have easily shared the trio. We couldn't eat it all and ordered 2 much. The bill with drinks was about $150 per person.
I’ve eaten at countless restaurants over my 31 years, but nothing and I mean nothing compares to the calamari here. It was hands-down the best calamari I’ve ever had in my life: perfectly crisp, tender, and seasoned to absolute perfection. If I could give it 100stars, I would! The coconut shrimp was also out of this world lightly breaded, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. And the fish and chips (with hush puppies!) were equally fantastic. Every dish was clearly made with care, love, and skill. If you’re looking for a place that knows how to do seafood right, this is it. I’ll be dreaming about that calamari until my next visit! Shout out to Chef Deborah!!!
Celebrating 23 years of marriage tonight, we chose Island Prime; a great decision! The food was absolutely amazing, the views were breathtaking, and the service overall was very good. Our waiter was friendly, professional, and attentive, which made the evening enjoyable. We enjoyed the filet mignon and scallops! However, the experience started on a slightly off note — the hostesses didn’t greet us, so we ended up greeting them first. A warm welcome would set the tone for the exceptional experience that follows. Additionally, while our waiter was excellent, we did feel a bit rushed to place our dinner order, which took away from the otherwise relaxed ambiance we enjoying our drinks to. All in all, Island Prime delivers on its reputation for fantastic food and views. With just a bit more attention at the host stand and a touch more breathing room when ordering, it could be a flawless experience. Oh, watch out for the phantom 5% extra fee they add to the bill. We do recommend the Island Prime experience!
Great Food, great service. Two people, two main entres, one side, salads, drinks, + tip $300. Good atmosphere, but we were sat away from the water.
Had an amazing experience at Island Prime! The Tomahawk was perfectly cooked — tender, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The loaded mashed potatoes were absolutely delicious and the perfect side to complement the meal. The staff went above and beyond to make our anniversary extra special with a sweet little celebration that made the night even more memorable. The view was absolutely stunning, with the perfect backdrop for a romantic evening. Our servers were kind, attentive, and prompt throughout the entire night. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience — can’t wait to come back!
Beautiful atmosphere great view of SD , The food amazing and the wine exquisite. The hostess can be more attentive that’s the truth. Our server was great
My experience at Sea Level on Harbor Island today was absolutely outstanding! Our server, Nick, provided excellent service—attentive, friendly, and professional. The food was delicious and perfectly prepared, with a presentation that was spot on. The portions were huge, which is a great value. Everything was also reasonably priced, a welcome bonus these days. We thoroughly enjoyed the delicious drinks and the most beautiful atmosphere. Dining here offers an incredible view of the ships in the Bay. We can't wait to go back!
Let me start off by saying that SETH and company were absolutely amazing tonight! Seth was very attentive and explained the menu VERY well and very knowledgeable of everything in house! He made us feel welcomed and right at home! Every recommendation he made, it delivered! The cooks are amazing. My only complaint would have to be THINNER asparagus needed!! The food came out in a very timely manner! We will most definitely be visiting this location again