SAN DIEGO — The Brigantine, Inc., operator of The Fish Market and Top of the Market on North Harbor Drive, is proposing a $25.5 million redevelopment that would replace the aging waterfront complex with a modern two-story destination called The Landing — while keeping the signature Fish Market brand at its heart. On Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025, the Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners advanced the proposal to environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act, a procedural step that allows detailed analysis to begin but does not constitute final approval.
“The Landing will transform this stretch of our waterfront into a premier destination,” said Danielle Moore, chair of the Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners. “San Diego’s waterfront belongs to everyone, and projects like this ensure it stays that way by expanding public access and creating dynamic spaces to gather, dine, and celebrate. The Morton family’s vision blends elevated dining, a celebration of the sea, and a deep commitment to community — strengthening our economy, driving tourism, and showcasing the very best of San Diego’s bayfront.”
The proposal would demolish the existing two-story structure and rebuild in roughly the same footprint, transitioning the property into a four-venue dining destination and adding amenities for the public. As envisioned, the first level would feature The Fish Market with approximately 293 seats and an outdoor patio oriented to bay views, The Little Market with about 58 seats for fast-casual seafood plus casual breakfast, coffee, and gelato, and two indoor banquet rooms with an outdoor banquet patio totaling roughly 56 seats for private events. To complement those offerings, the second level would introduce Salt & Sear Prime Steak House, an upscale venue with approximately 243 seats and panoramic views of San Diego Bay and the USS Midway Museum, alongside three indoor banquet rooms and an outdoor banquet patio with about 88 seats.
“My team and I are honored to have the Port Commission’s unanimous support to move forward with environmental review on the redevelopment of the Fish Market,” said Mike Morton Jr., president and CEO of Brigantine Restaurants. “The Landing will be a wonderful enhancement to what the Duckett and Wilson families created, and we’re excited for the opportunity to redevelop the site.”
Beyond the restaurants, the project places new emphasis on public access and design upgrades. A six-foot-wide waterfront walkway would wrap the perimeter of the first floor — public access that does not currently exist on the site — while refreshed landscaping, new lighting, patio furnishings, and public art are planned to improve the pedestrian experience. In practical terms, that means visitors could circulate along the water’s edge for the first time at this location, connecting dining spaces with open-air views and creating more flexibility for events and everyday foot traffic.
While momentum is building, several approvals remain. The Board’s action authorizes staff to begin the CEQA process; a Coastal Development Permit would also be required before any construction could start, and no lease amendment or financing has been approved at this stage. The path forward will include environmental analysis, public input, and design refinements, after which commissioners would consider whether to grant final approvals.
The Brigantine, a family-owned company operating since 1969, currently runs 21 restaurants across San Diego County and already manages several venues within Port jurisdiction, including The Fish Market, Portside Pier along the North Embarcadero, and Ketch Grill & Taps on Shelter Island. That experience — combined with the leasehold assignment the Board consented to in March from Fish Market Restaurants, Inc., to The Brigantine, Inc., positions the operator to modernize a high-profile Embarcadero landmark while preserving a beloved name.
If ultimately approved, The Landing would maintain The Fish Market brand, add a premium steakhouse and fast-casual concept, expand private-event capacity, and open new public waterfront access — changes that Port officials say are intended to strengthen the visitor economy and showcase San Diego Bay for residents and tourists alike.
