May 12, 2021 — The Port of San Diego continues its successful revitalization of Seaport Village with two new leases approved by the Board of Port Commissioners. Zytoun Gourmet Mediterranean and Old Harbor Distilling Company are the latest locally owned-and-operated businesses to soon join the popular San Diego Bay waterfront shopping, dining and entertainment center.
Zytoun, the owner of Aladdin Mediterranean Restaurant in San Diego, will operate a full-service Greek and Mediterranean restaurant along the boardwalk in the Carousel District of Seaport Village on the west side of the shopping center. Zytoun will feature an outdoor, wrap-around patio with views of San Diego Bay, and healthy and fresh premium-quality Mediterranean cuisine including scrumptious salads, vegetarian meals, melt-in-your-mouth shish kabobs, and delicious appetizers like hummus, tabouli, and falafels.
Old Harbor Distilling Company will open its second San Diego location in Seaport Village’s Lighthouse District on the east side of the shopping center. Old Harbor will include a craft tasting room combined with a fast-casual seafood restaurant concept offering chowders, lobster rolls, and fish plates. Old Harbor has operated its first location in San Diego’s East Village since 2013. Port staff believes Old Harbor will complement and create strong synergies with San Pasqual Winery, Spill the Beans Coffee, and Samburgers, a “Sam the Cooking Guy” concept by Grain & Grit Collective and Seaport Entertainment.
“Our more than $2 million investment in enhancing and elevating the Seaport Village experience continues to pay off with the addition of Zytoun Gourmet Mediterranean and Old Harbor Distilling Company,” said Chairman Michael Zucchet, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners. “Seaport Village is a San Diego hotspot. We hope everyone gets a chance to visit soon – and keeps coming back!”
Renovations for both Zytoun and Old Harbor are anticipated to begin in the fall, with opening targeted for spring/summer 2022.
“We are really excited to be bringing Old Harbor Distilling Co. to Seaport Village,” said Michael Skubic of Old Harbor Distilling Co. “Opening a distillery restaurant on the shores of our namesake seems fitting. Our goal is to create a special place that will be enjoyed by both locals and everyone that visits this amazing city.”
Seaport Village, owned by the Port of San Diego and operated in partnership with Protea Property Management, has recently undergone a series of site enhancements including a brand refresh with new signage and exterior painting on the property’s iconic buildings; upgraded amenities like the Urban Beach, a picturesque seating area with Adirondack chairs facing the bayfront vista; flexible furniture throughout; and new, flourishing native plants and flora.
With Zytoun and Old Harbor, 63 of the approximately 71 spaces at Seaport Village are currently filled. A buzz-worthy lineup of new tenants is now open or coming soon, including:
- XEWT Channel 12 Studio – owned and operated by Televisa, the largest producer of Spanish language programming and content in the world, XEWT recently opened a bayside studio in Seaport Village, its first studio across the border in California.
- Mike Hess Brewing – one of San Diego’s first craft breweries, with Quiero Tacos.
- Mr. Moto Pizza – one of San Diego’s favorite pizza restaurants, serving up New York-style pizza either by the slice or an entire pie.
- Spill the Beans – a specialty coffee and bagel shop.
- Influencer Boutique – a unique specialty women’s clothing and accessories boutique
- Samburgers – a “Sam the Cooking Guy” temporary concept from Grain & Grit Collective, the group behind Carnitas Snack Shack, Little Italy Food Hall, and the Broken Yolk Café (a full-service “Sam the Cooking Guy” restaurant concept to come).
- Chris Harvey Studio – a pop-up art gallery and studio with workshops, classes, lectures and performances.
- Tuk Tuk Eatery – Asian themed fast-casual eating and drinking establishment featuring BBQ bowls and Bao bar (anticipated opening summer 2021).
- Louisiana Charlie’s – a southern-style restaurant offering barbeque and Cajun-style food with a unique Mardi Gras-themed atmosphere (anticipated opening fall 2021).
- Malibu Farm – simple, farm-to-table California-inspired cuisine that is fresh, organic and locally sourced whenever possible (anticipated opening summer 2022).