San Diego Restaurant Week​: Tom Ham's Lighthouse​​ To Shine With Coastal Cuisine, Sweeping Views

SAN DIEGO, CA — San Diego Restaurant Week, one of San Diego's biggest foodie events, returns this month.

The bi-annual event, scheduled Jan. 25 through Feb. 1, will showcase more than 100 restaurants across the county offering specially curated two-course lunches and three-course dinners starting at $30.

• Also see: San Diego Restaurant Week Returning In January

With San Diego Restaurant Week just 10 days away, Patch is shining a light on some of the participating restaurants, including Tom Ham's Lighthouse, a well-known San Diego landmark on Harbor Island.

Patch spoke with Andy Baumann, general manager of Tom Ham's Lighthouse, one of the founding participants in San Diego Restaurant Week.

Patch: What's the story behind your restaurant? How and when did it all start?

Andy Baumann: In 1968, Tom Ham and his daughter — current owner Susie — walked Harbor Island when it was still nothing more than newly dredged land. Tom had a clear vision: to build a restaurant of his own that reflected his deep love for California and San Diego's rich maritime history. He chose the far end of Harbor Island, believing the city would continue to grow and that the views would only become more beautiful with time.

That vision became reality in 1971 when Tom Ham's Lighthouse opened to the public. Tragically, Tom Ham passed away just three years later in 1974. His daughter, Susie, took the reins of her father’' two iconic restaurants — Tom Ham’s Lighthouse and the Bali Hai — continuing his legacy.

Today, both restaurants remain family-owned and operated, with third and fourth generations proudly working alongside one another to carry on Tom Ham's original vision.

Patch: What makes your spot stand out in San Diego's restaurant scene?

Baumann: For 55 years, Tom Ham's Lighthouse has been part of San Diego's waterfront story. Perched on the bay with sweeping views of the downtown skyline, Coronado and the San Diego Bay, the setting is truly one of a kind, but it's the experience that keeps guests coming back.

We're known for a seafood-driven menu that highlights fresh, locally sourced and sustainably caught ingredients, paired with warm hospitality and a sense of place that feels unmistakably San Diego.

Whether you're joining us for a special occasion or a sunset dinner, Tom Ham's offers a timeless coastal experience that continues to evolve while honoring its roots.

Patch: How long has your restaurant been participating in San Diego Restaurant Week?

Baumann: Tom Ham's Lighthouse participated in restaurant week from the start. We were one of the founding participants.

Patch: What's on your menu for Restaurant Week?

Baumann: For San Diego Restaurant Week, we're showcasing some of our most-loved dishes from our daily lunch and dinner menus. Lunch highlights include guest favorites like our classic fish and chips and blackened salmon sandwich, while dinner features signature entrées such as braised short ribs and pan-seared scallops. It's an opportunity to enjoy Tom Ham's Lighthouse favorites at a special Restaurant Week value, all while taking in the iconic views of the bay and downtown skyline.

Patch: What's next for your restaurant? Any news or something you'd like to highlight for 2026?

Baumann: As we celebrate our 55th anniversary, 2026 is about honoring what has made Tom Ham's Lighthouse a San Diego icon while continuing to evolve with the city. Guests can expect upcoming bayside dinner pairing events, throwback menu items, along with additions to the dining experience that enhance our connection to the bay and skyline we're known for. We're focused on creating more moments for guests to gather, celebrate, and enjoy the waterfront, staying true to our roots while looking ahead to the next chapter.

Tom Ham's Lighthouse is located at 2150 Harbor Island Drive in San Diego.

Reservations are not required but are recommended for San Diego Restaurant Week. See a full list of participating restaurants at sandiegorestaurantweek.com.