Firefly Eatery & Bar sits right at The Dana on Mission Bay, which means you’re getting waterfront dining without the stuffiness. The outdoor tables face the bay directly, so you’ll have actual views while you eat—not just a glimpse of water between buildings. Your dog can settle onto the patio beside you while you work through their menu of regional cuisine that leans contemporary without being overly fussy.

The setup works well for dogs. The patio has enough space that your dog won’t be jammed between tables, and there’s usually a breeze coming off the water, which dogs seem to appreciate. You can do lunch here, dinner, or weekend brunch, and the staff treats dogs as regular guests rather than making them feel like an afterthought. They understand that people want to bring their dogs to nice places, not just casual spots.

The location matters too. You’re on Mission Bay itself, so if your dog has been cooped up in a car or hotel room, you could walk around the bay before or after eating. The Dana has a whole resort feel to it, with pathways and open areas, though the immediate restaurant area is what matters for dining. The menu changes seasonally, which keeps things interesting if you’re in San Diego for a few days and want to return.

One thing to know: this is a proper restaurant, not a casual taco stand or brewpub. The prices reflect that, and the service has some polish to it. Your dog doesn’t need to be anxious about crowds or chaos—the patio environment tends to be relatively calm, especially earlier in the day. It’s the kind of place where you can actually relax instead of feeling like you need to keep your dog on high alert.