Edgewater Grill has been a cornerstone of San Diego's dining scene since it opened in the early 1990s. Known for its diverse menu featuring everything from seafood to hearty American classics, Edgewater became a go-to destination for families, tourists, and anyone looking to enjoy a meal with unparalleled views of the San Diego Bay.
The decision to close Edgewater Grill marks the end of an era for Seaport Village, which has been undergoing significant redevelopment in recent years as part of efforts to rejuvenate the area. While the closure is bittersweet, the space will soon welcome a fresh concept with deep roots in Southern California seafood culture.
The decision to close Edgewater Grill marks the end of an era for Seaport Village, which has been undergoing significant redevelopment in recent years as part of efforts to rejuvenate the area. While the closure is bittersweet, the space will soon welcome a fresh concept with deep roots in Southern California seafood culture.
In a transition that highlights continuity and change, Gladstone's - a legendary seafood restaurant originally founded in 1972 in Santa Monica Canyon - will take over the 9,684 square-foot Edgewater Grill space as of February 1. Over its 50-year history, Gladstone's has earned a reputation for its fresh seafood dishes, including king crab, Maine lobster, and its signature clam chowder. It has been a landmark in Malibu, where it was slated to close in 2023 until a group of employees stepped in to save the iconic restaurant. The San Diego outpost represents an exciting new chapter for the brand.
John Sangmeister, the licensee of Gladstone’s Long Beach and San Diego locations, expressed enthusiasm about bringing the concept to the Bayfront. "San Diego is our second home," Sangmeister said in an earlier interview. "We are excited to bring Gladstone’s to San Diego and to be an active part of the community."
Scheduled to open in 2026, Gladstone's San Diego will offer a reimagined dining experience while staying true to its roots. The nearly 10,000 square-foot space will feature a nautical-themed interior, a full bar, and a wrap-around outdoor patio with expansive views of the San Diego Bay. Diners can expect classic seafood dishes complemented by the restaurant’s vibrant atmosphere.
"We are excited to get started," said Sangmeister in a recent comment. "The permitting process took much longer than anyone imagined (over two years.). We are grateful for the opportunity to become a vibrant thread in the tapestry of the San Diego waterfront."
In 2021, Seaport Village welcomed two renowned Southern California restaurant concepts as new tenants. Gladstone's was one of them, and the other was the Shorebird Cafe, which already has branches in Newport Beach and Palm Springs. The Shorebird Cafe took over the space previously occupied by the 2,272-square-foot Pier Cafe and started renovations in August, with plans to open its doors by late spring.
Edgewater Grill's closure is a poignant moment for San Diego, marking the end of a chapter in the city's dining history. But with Gladstone's set to carry forward the legacy of exceptional waterfront dining, the Bayfront’s future looks brighter than ever. For those who have cherished meals at Edgewater Grill, the coming week offer a final chance to dine at this iconic establishment before it becomes a part of San Diego's culinary past.
Edgewater Grill is set to shutter on January 13, 2025, prior to dinner service, at 861 West Harbor Drive within San Diego's Seaport Village. For more information, visit edgewatergrill.com.
