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Local picks

Fried food spots in California

Made for those who have no interest in health trends and prioritize the specific satisfaction of a perfectly fried meal.

Based on 579 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
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Tonkatsu restaurant

Small spot with an industrial look and warm lighting offers a cozy yet lively vibe. Katsu chicken is tender and light, perfect for those who want fried food without heaviness. Comfortable seating supports a casual, buzzing atmosphere ideal for quick, self-serve dining.

Katsu chicken stays tender and avoids greasiness, which is rare for fried dishes. Eating it feels lighter, so mixing with some non-fried food helps balance the meal.

People are saying

"The curry katsu here is insanely good."

"The fish katsu is crispy, tender, and a must-try."

"The fried foods here are so crispy and juicy."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times, especially on weekends.

2

Expect a 15 to 40-minute wait during peak hours, particularly on Fridays.

3

Be cautious of peanuts in the sauce; call ahead for allergy accommodations.

02
Amazing Katsu (Santa Clara) image 1
Japanese restaurant

Order online and pick up only with no dine-in space. Known for crispy katsu with thin, crunchy breading and juicy pork. Deep fried items keep a crisp crunch best enjoyed quickly after pickup.

Deep fried items feature a crisp crunch that holds up well for delivery. Only to-go orders are accepted, so eating quickly preserves the texture. The katsu stands out as a notably good fried dish.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the katsu, is so crispy and juicy."

"The chicken katsu's breading is perfectly crisp and tender inside."

"This fried katsu is the best I've had in the Bay Area."

Good to know

1

Amazing Katsu is an order online and pick-up only place.

2

The restaurant operated for takeout and catering only.

3

There are no tables to sit at, so I had to bring my own chair, eat outside, in my car, or rush back home.

03
Tendon Tempura Carlos Jr image 1
Japanese restaurant

Cozy Japanese spot offers authentic tempura with a light, crisp texture. Fried dishes can be a bit greasy, but braised celery balances the richness. Quiet atmosphere and staff speaking Japanese add to the traditional vibe.

Fried food here can be a bit greasy and heavy, especially in the first serving of tempura. Pairing it with braised celery balances the richness well.

People are saying

"I found the tempura to be delicious and crisp."

"I thought the tempura bowl food was fried so well with great options."

"I found the tempura here to be the perfect spot."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the back and on the street.

2

Expect longer wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

The restaurant has a tip machine that only offers 18%, 20%, and 25% options.

04
JAWS TOPOKKI image 1
Korean restaurant

Spacious Korean spot offers a modern design and vibrant vibe with authentic K-pop music. Fried foods stay crispy and come with a spicy dipping sauce, though portions feel small for groups. Seating includes booths and tables for a relaxed meal.

Fried food stays crispy and comes with a spicy, slightly sweet dipping sauce. Medium size portions feel small for groups, and quantity can be less than expected.

People are saying

"I loved the perfectly spicy tteokbokki with chewy rice cakes."

"The Korean food, especially the kimbap, was generously filled and tasted fresh."

"The fried foods here are delicious and generously filled."

Good to know

1

Parking is usually valet-only, costing around $5, but free for to-go orders.

2

Street parking is extremely limited, making parking competitive.

3

Expect to wait up to 50 minutes for your order during busy times.

05
Captain Sam's Fish & Chicken image 1

Generous portions of fresh fried fish shine with classic soul food flavors. Casual, no seating spot inside a market lets you shop while waiting. Delivery boxes keep food moist but lose crispiness.

Fried food comes in a mix that tastes delicious. Delivery boxes trap moisture, causing the food to lose its crispiness.

People are saying

"The seafood here is fresh, well made, and served in large portions."

"The fish and chicken here are cooked so nicely."

"I loved their fried food mix; it's a favorite."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are offered at a great price.

2

The restaurant is takeout only, with no indoor seating available.

3

It's located inside a market and liquor store, making it easy to shop while waiting.

06
Hangari Kalgooksu image 1
Korean restaurant

Korean spot serves authentic kalguksu in a warm, homey setting with quick service. Fried dishes come with generous vegetables but are pricey and lack smaller portions. Menu is mostly Korean and limited, focusing on traditional noodle soups and sides like kimchi and barley rice.

Fried food comes with a generous portion of vegetables when ordered as assorted. It tastes delicious but does not come in half-size options and leans toward the pricey side.

People are saying

"I loved the authentic Korean kalguksu and comforting, flavorful broth."

"I experienced authentic Korean kalguksu with rich, deeply flavorful broth."

"The fried food here is really delicious."

Good to know

1

This store does not accept Apple Pay.

2

Expect a long line during peak hours.

3

Portions are large and served very quickly.

07
Seoul Market Eatery 서울분식 image 1

Small space with retro Korean street market graphics offers a cozy, nostalgic vibe. Fried foods shine with varied tempura like squid and shrimp, plus sweet and sour chicken. Walls invite writing, adding interactive charm to the lively snack bar feel.

Fried foods include a variety of tempura like seaweed roll, squid, and shrimp with a plentiful medium portion. The selection also features sweet and sour chicken, skewered fish cakes, and other Korean snack bar-style items.

People are saying

"I loved the tteokbokki with noodles and less sauce."

"I found the Korean street food here to be classic and affordable."

"The fried foods here remind me of old-school Korean snack bars."

Good to know

1

There is free parking behind the store, but spaces are limited.

2

The prices range from $6 to $12, providing great value.

3

The small portion costs $5 and is perfect for lunch.

08
Secoya Market image 1
Grocery store

Grocery store offers Asian and Hispanic groceries at low prices with a large parking lot. Neat layout hides a dark, dated atmosphere. Quick bites section serves freshly fried Taiwanese foods with many options.

Freshly fried foods come from a quick bites area featuring Taiwanese fried food. The fried food area has changed after a redesign but still offers a variety of options.

People are saying

"I found this market to have a great variety of Asian and Hispanic groceries."

"You can get freshly fried Taiwanese food like popcorn chicken here."

"I enjoyed the Taiwanese fried food here."

Good to know

1

Produce prices are often better than those at chain supermarkets.

2

The market has a large parking lot, making parking convenient.

3

Spending $25 earns a free milk tea drink.

09
Twozone Chicken - 8th image 1

Modern interior creates a cozy vibe with ample seating. Fried foods shine with crispy texture, while a toppings bar offers fresh vegetables for customization. Korean-style dishes bring authentic flavors and adjustable spice levels for a casual, filling meal.

Crispy texture defines the fried food here, highlighting its deliciousness. Squid and fried items come separately, which affects how they pair.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and incredibly delicious."

"I thought their Korean fried chicken was phenomenal."

"The fried food here is so crispy and delicious."

Good to know

1

The ordering process involves paying at the cashier before seating.

2

Prices for meals are reasonable, with combo deals starting at $13.

3

Parking can be challenging, so consider public transport if possible.

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