Shell, yeah–August 5 is National Oyster Day! Slurp and celebrate at these five chic restaurants for oysters in San Diego.
Fort Oak
Fort Oak (pictured at top of page) in Mission Hills is known for its wood-fired flavors–and its fresh seafood is no exception. Its selection of oysters switches up weekly, in honor of the San Diego restaurant’s Oyster Monday. Fort Oak’s spread of oysters include Kumai oysters from Baja as well as a rotating selection of Chef Brad Wise’s select oysters offered by the dozen and half dozen. Pair your picks with a classic martini, of course. For more information, visit www.fortoaksd.com.
Ironside Fish & Oyster Bar
Consortium Holding’s Ironside Fish & Oyster Bar not only looks the part of a fab seafood eatery–with vintage nautical decor with port holes lining the walls, anchor hooks and an enormous hanging octopus sculpture–it acts the part, too. Diners are invited to platters from its famous Raw Bar with up to eight oyster varieties, alongside shrimp, rockfish, clams and lobster. Though National Oyster Day falls on a Saturday, Ironside dishes up $1 oysters during its happy hour, every Monday to Friday from 3 to 5 p.m. For more information, visit ironsidefishandoyster.com.
Rare Society University Heights
For a decadent setting for savoring oysters in San Diego, Rare Society University Heights is just the spot. The retro, Las Vegas-inspired steakhouse is home of an epic seafood tower, brimming with 18 oysters, six clams, six shrimp, ahi tartare, Dungeness crab, half Maine lobster, and salmon tartare served with mignonette, horseradish, hot sauce and lemon. Once you lift your jaw off the floor, round out your meal with dry-aged rib eye or Australian wagyu for a little turf with your surf. Come Wednesday, Rare Society has a bar-only special: $1 oysters from 5 to 6 p.m. For more information, visit raresociety.com.
Herb & Sea
It’s hard not to feel good indulging in oysters. At Herb & Sea, you can feel even better. Herb & Sea has just begun an ongoing partnership with Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation, each day collecting and donating oyster shells to create an oyster-shell barrier that protects against erosion within Agua Hedionda Lagoon. To ring in National Oyster Day–and beyond–in the most decadent way possible, dig into roasted oysters and bone marrow with Pernod, kale, lemon, gruyere and breadcrumb. For more information, visit www.herbandsea.com.
Valentina
Valentina, a European-style bistro and wine bar in Leucadia, dishes up fresh oysters daily, including varieties from British Columbia, Washington and Baja. Served simply with olive oil, salt and lemon, diners are invited to pair the sumptuous shells with a cold glass of Champagne and limited-production sparkling wines. As National Oyster Day falls on a Saturday, slurp up Valentina’s oyster selection alongside brunch favorites like anchovy toast and tomato tartare. For more information, visit www.restaurantvalentina.com.