Craving authentic New England seafood in sunny San Diego? Look no further than Pete’s Seafood and Sandwich. Three times a week, the dedication to freshness is clear as the owner himself makes the trip to the Southwest terminal of the airport. Forget the Vegas-bound crowds; he’s there for boxes brimming with pristine Atlantic cod and oysters, the heart of Pete’s menu. This isn’t just any seafood; it’s a taste of home, transported straight to North Park.
While Pete DeCoste—the man behind “Pete’s”—proudly uses local catches, his heart and culinary roots are firmly planted in the East Coast. Thirty years in New England seafood restaurants, following in his father’s footsteps, instilled in him a deep appreciation for the distinct flavors of Atlantic seafood. Pete’s Seafood and Sandwich, located on 30th Street, is his love letter to that heritage, a genuine New England-style fish joint in Southern California. That’s why fresh Atlantic cod makes the cross-country journey multiple times a week, destined to become the star of their renowned fish and chips.
“I’ve been in the restaurant business my whole life, never done anything else,” Pete explains, his passion evident. His journey started young. “Since I was a kid, seven or eight, I’d sneak into my dad’s kitchen. The owner would always find me and kick me out eventually.” This early immersion sparked a lifelong dedication to the culinary world, specifically seafood.
Eleven years ago, San Diego became Pete’s new home. While family brought him to the city, it was the city itself that captured his heart. But beyond the beautiful weather and laid-back vibe, a deeper reason drew him West. “I lost both my parents and two younger siblings,” Pete shares, revealing a personal motivation behind the move. “My brother and I were the only ones left, and we were 3,000 miles apart. That just wasn’t going to work.” Family and connection are clearly as important to Pete as fresh seafood.
He settled in North Park, right next door to his brother, and spent eight years absorbing the San Diego culinary scene before opening Pete’s Seafood and Sandwich in 2015. He quickly realized San Diego wasn’t Boston. “In Boston, you open near the ballpark, you’re set. Here, it’s different.” The location he chose, a spot previously occupied by Sea Rocket Bistro, was even considered “cursed” by some, a bit off the main street.
But Pete persevered, banking on the quality of his seafood and the strong sense of community in North Park. “The neighborhood is so loyal to the mom-and-pop places,” he says with gratitude. This loyalty isn’t just talk. Pete describes an annual fundraiser for McKinley Elementary School, where they donate 20% of a day’s profits. During COVID, the community turned the tables. “The kids, parents, teachers all showed up, but they wouldn’t take the 20%. They said, ‘We’re doing this for you.’ That’s North Park.”
Pete’s dedication to quality ingredients extends beyond the seafood. His po’boys, particularly the deep-fried, wild-caught Mexican shrimp version, are local favorites, frequently mentioned in “best of” lists around the city. The secret? Perhaps it’s the flour flown in from Massachusetts. “It’s a finely ground corn flour, lighter but still crispy. Couldn’t find anything like it out West.” This commitment to authentic ingredients makes all the difference at Pete’s Seafood and Sandwich.
But for many, the real magic of Pete’s po’boy lies in the remoulade sauce. Pete admits it was a labor of love, a six-month quest for perfection. He even held off serving sandwiches until it was just right. Inspired by the cherry pepper relish common on East Coast sandwiches, Pete experimented with spices until he achieved the perfect balance. The result is a signature sauce that elevates every bite.
Pete’s personal touch extends to his customer service. During the interview, he paused to take a call, arranging a “real big seafood feast” for a customer’s 89th birthday, ensuring the seafood would be cooked “soft, no problem.” This genuine care and commitment to both quality and community are what make Pete’s Seafood and Sandwich a true gem in North Park and a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic taste of New England seafood in San Diego.
Pete’s Seafood and Sandwich
3382 30th Street, North Park
