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    Anthony's Fish Grotto

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

    Anthony's Fish Grotto Photos

    Business Info

    ANTHONY'S FISH GROTTO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Touristy
    Happy hour specials
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Anthony's Fish Grotto

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    Tracy M.

    Definitely great food here at Anthony's restaurant in La mesa. We have been coming here for many many many many years and having family parties here too. The Service is exquisite and the ambience is romantic and Wild.

    Sheltiemomm S.

    Food- Anthony's is one of the few restaurants that I would order 99% of the menu & be happily satisfied. Favs include Halibut, Cod must have Red Chowder & Shrimp Cocktail- Lunch Specials are filling & gentler on pocketbooks- Love the sides: coleslaw & plain fries consistently tasty & crisp. The Happy Hour Cod Slider was tender, cute & the 'pinch' of mildly seasoned fries added umami. Service- GABE has smooth energy, gladly offers suggestions/answers questions readily. He was the necessary accompaniment to our enjoyment. Never felt rushed, kept the water flowing & ensured our adult beverages & food orders were timely & accurate. Ambience- Ample seating inside & on a the plentiful patio overlooking a paradise lake with live critters including ducks, herons & swans (yes, swans)! Anthony's excells in this arena, day or night provides scenic nautical comfort. The cocktail lounge/bar is cozy; feels like a cruise. Highly recommend Anthony's & ask for GABE

    Shirley F.

    Food has been better. But the view is fantastic. On a rainy day to watch the birds and ducks to so special. Calming and relaxing. Se

    Fish tacos, chewy fish. Fries undercooked.
    San Diego F.

    The elder lady who is assisting the hostess, is going to ruin your business. Mines is her name. The one with the light brown bronze slicked back hair, Looks crunchy cuz there's a lot of gel in it. And she wears her glasses on her head. She is turning down business because she's saving tables not for reservations but for parties of people who haven't materialized yet. If you have the capacity to take the business, an empty table, then you need to take the business. Your business depends on it. Be grateful you have the business. Annette the Server is not much better. Didn't even say hi. Didn't even greet me just said, you ready to order? I followed up with "hi, how are you?" And she quickly adjusted her face. I'm sorry is this a diner? Dicks last resort?!! I can see why your clientele is of the boomer generation, they're used to this level of treatment. Just know that this is a dying breed and future generations will not tolerate rudeness. You guys have been around for 80 years and I would like for you to see the 81st. But not with this level of service. Service should never be the issue because that's the one thing you can control.

    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.

    Crab and Shrimp Cocktail
    Katie W.

    Anthony's is a delicious and nostalgic restaurant! It feels like what San Diego felt like in the 90s-2000s. They're celebrating 80 years in service too! The food is so good and the wait staff is very attentive. I'd recommend the fish and chips, shrimp and crab cocktails, the chowders, oysters, coconut shrimp, and more. Tip: sit outside in the patio/ lake 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

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    24 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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    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… 

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

    Yes. Always

    View All 12 Questions

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    Dining area
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    Banana foster
    Restaurant exterior view

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    Helix Brewing

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    Inside
    Inside
    Expanded view
    Expanded view
    Helix Brewing

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    Charcoal House
    Mixed Beef Plate
    Mixed Beef Plate
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    Iced Tea

    Anthony's Fish Grotto - seafood - Updated July 2026

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