Mabel's Gone Fishing

The 8 Most Fun Dinner Spots In San Diego - San Diego - The Infatuation

"Start out during Oyster Hour, sitting elbow-to-elbow with strangers at the bar who are also going to town on half-priced bivalves and goblet-sized gin and tonics. You might just make some new pals who’ll want to move with you to a table to graze on tapas at this buzzing, just-loud-enough restaurant that feels like a party. And whether you’re with old friends or new, it’s worth convincing the whole group to throw in for the chef’s menu, a four-course shareable feast that could include a caviar-topped spanish tortilla or grilled octopus dressed with salsa macha." - candice woo

"Charm is in abundant supply at this popular gathering place, from the name and décor (both of which honor an owner's beloved dog) to the easygoing, friendly staff. But it's more than just window dressing that draws in the crowds. A focused menu highlights excellent local seafood with a simple-yet-satisfying approach that blends Californian and Iberian cuisine, and the results are undeniably delicious. Case in point is the crispy, meaty swordfish schnitzel, served with salsa verde and creamy tonnato sauce alongside a salad of caper berries and shaved fennel, for a winningly bright, briny combination. Raw items like oysters and simple crudos are a great way to start, and an assortment of natural wines and gin-based cocktails provide top-notch accompaniments." - Michelin Inspector

Best Seafood in San Diego | Eater San Diego

"Located in North Park, Mabel’s Gone Fishing is an award-winning seafood restaurant that has been named a Michelin Bib Gourmand. Co-owners Chelsea Coleman and Rae Gurne have taken seafood to a new level, leveraging Southern California’s bounty and adding an Iberian riff. To sample all the best dishes, order the sharing-style chef’s menu, paired with wine selections from their South Park wine bar, the Rose. Go early for oyster hour, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., where oysters are half off and the restaurant is serving drink specials. Don’t skip on the smoked mackerel and Basque cheesecake." - Helen I. Hwang

The 12 Best Restaurants & Bars In North Park - San Diego - The Infatuation

"Mabel’s Gone Fishing might be the best restaurant ever named after a dog—look out for paw prints embedded in the entryway floor and don’t miss the shrine in the bathroom. Diners happily sit elbow-to-elbow at snug tables flanked by a long, curved bar and a busy open kitchen. Part gintoneria, part wine bar, the servers at Mabel’s pour gin and tonics and glasses of pet-nat to pair with small plates that feel like they made the journey to your table by way of Spain and Portugal. That means house-smoked mackerel accompanied by pickled guindilla peppers, local wild shrimp nestled in a crisp-bottomed paella of Spanish bomba rice, or clams sauteed with tomato and basil cascading over a thick slice of sourdough from sibling bakery Secret Sister." - ligaya malones, candice woo, cora lee

The 38 Best Restaurants in San Diego | Eater San Diego

"This bustling, friendly restaurant, which serves up seasonal seafood and mixes stellar gin and tonics, has racked up accolades that include being named to Eater’s list of the best new restaurants in America and earning Michelin Bib Gourmand status. Building on the goodwill garnered by the Rose, their South Park wine bar, the team has set up firm footing in North Park with the seafood-forward restaurant. Hit up the happy hour from 4 to 5 p.m. for a dozen oysters at half-price and drink specials. Also make sure to try the smoked mackerel and Basque cheesecake. Must-try dishes: To sample the all the best dishes, it’s worth ordering the sharing-style chef’s menu at $85 per person." - Candice Woo