Nico's Fish Market Sets Sail In San Diego's Pacific Beach

After months of anticipation, Nico's Fish Market has officially begun welcoming guests at its new brick and mortar location just a block from the ocean in San Diego's Pacific Beach.

Replacing the former La Perla Cocina Mexicana on Emerald Street, this seafood-focused spot brings the best of fresh, local catch to San Diego. Curated by native San Diegan and lifelong fisherman Nico Gibbons, whose background includes experience at La Jolla’s renowned El Pescador Fish Market and the celebrated Contramar in Mexico City, the concept has spent the last two years cultivating a dedicated following with Nico's Fish Market pop-ups. Now, he's bringing his passion for seafood to a permanent location, transforming the Pacific Beach space into both a fish market and a restaurant.

In the market section, Nico’s will offer fresh fish cut to order, while the restaurant will feature a rotating menu inspired by the day's local catch. Expect options like poke bowls, ceviche, salads, poke n' chips, fish burritos, oysters, and seafood sandwiches, all made with quality, seasonal seafood brought in by Gibbons' fishing team.

"We’ve been doing pop-ups all over San Diego," explained Gibbons. "My three fishermen friends and I fish during the week, then serve what we catch on the weekends. I have the best rod ‘n reel guys here in San Diego."

Nico's will officially operate soft opening hours from November 14 through 17, from 11:30am to 8pm, offering a new go-to spot for seafood lovers looking for the freshest catch just steps from the Pacific Beach shoreline. The restaurant will also serve a line up of non-alcoholic beverages. 

Nico's Fish Market is located at 745 Emerald Street in San Diego's Pacific Beach. For more information, visit nicosfishmarket.com and check out the launch menu below. 

Originally published on November 14, 2024.