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Loved by locals

Lunch and seafood spots in Carlsbad

A fresh plate of seafood in the middle of the day feels like a small vacation.

Based on 653 Opinions
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01
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Small space with about seven tables and some outdoor seating offers a clean, bright, and relaxed atmosphere. A sauce bar with various dips adds to the casual dining experience. The vibe is cozy and inviting, suited for quick, tasty lunches with a friendly feel.

Lunch combos come with generous portions and cost under $12. Staff handle busy lunch rushes with efficient, quick service, making it a solid spot for a work lunch.

Shrimp tacos stand out with crispy, fresh shrimp and bold flavor. Fried shrimp dishes and crispy chicken options also feature prominently, offering a satisfying crunch and taste.

People are saying

"The shrimp here is perfectly cooked and delicious."

"The staff here makes this Lunch Spot feel so welcoming and hospitable."

Good to know

1

The prices at Surf Up Chicken are very affordable.

2

The dining area and restroom are nice and clean.

3

It gets busy during lunch hour, especially on weekdays.

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Chicken restaurant offers a bright, lively space with clean, well-organized seating and a narrow layout. DJs play coastal tunes on weekends, creating a fun and welcoming atmosphere suitable for families. Crowds gather especially during special deals, making it noisy and energetic.

Lunch specials come with large servings and include $3 beers. Staff greet you with a friendly vibe that invites you in.

Fish and shrimp tacos stand out with perfect seasoning and well-cooked seafood. Fried shrimp offer a great crisp and large size, matching the quality of the tenders.

People are saying

"The chicken here is so crispy, juicy, and flavorful."

"The fried shrimp here are expensive but have a great crisp and large size."

Good to know

1

Tenders cost $2 every Thursday, making it a popular day to visit.

2

The restaurant offers a brunch menu with bottomless mimosas on weekends.

3

Expect a car meet every Monday at 7pm, attracting local car enthusiasts.

03
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Bright, spacious setting with dog-friendly patio and ample outdoor seating creates a relaxed vibe. Fresh, high-quality fish and customizable poke bowls with unique toppings like soft boiled eggs define the menu. Quick service and consistent freshness attract those seeking healthy, premium poke options.

Lunch hours stay calm and not too busy, making it easy to grab a seat. The menu offers healthy options that fit well into a weekday break.

Fresh, sashimi grade fish comes in generous portions with a variety of toppings and sauces. The fish quality stays consistent and the prep stations remain clean.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh and of great quality."

"The poke options at this Lunch Spot are so fresh and varied."

Good to know

1

You have to order ahead at Grubbyโ€™s Poke & Fish Market.

2

Parking can be difficult, so plan accordingly.

3

Prices have increased, with $15 for the mini bowl and $18 for the regular.

04
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Mexican restaurant with covered outdoor patio and chill atmosphere featuring good music and a salsa bar. The place often fills up, creating a lively but relaxed vibe. Known for affordable, highly praised fish tacos and tasty burritos.

Four fish tacos stand out as a popular lunch choice. The menu offers a variety of options suitable for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Fish tacos come fresh and full size with amazing flavor and very tasty fillings. Prices stay low around $1.19 to $1.39 making them a frequent choice.

People are saying

"I thought the fish tacos were the best I've had."

"I always get the fish tacos here; they're the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

The fish tacos cost $1.39 each.

2

El Pueblo is open till 12AM on weekends.

3

They offer a five dollar happy hour beer all day long.

05
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Large open room with floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor patio offers beautiful ocean and golf course views. Atmosphere varies from peaceful patio seating to lively with live music on weekends. Setting combines casual dining with scenic surroundings and occasional fire pit warmth.

Energetic servers like Reagan add a lively touch to lunch here. The spot works well for casual lunches and group gatherings, making it a reliable choice for client or staff meals.

Fish and chips feature light, crispy batter and perfectly cooked fish. Shrimp wraps and fish tacos offer delicious, flavorful seafood options with fresh ingredients.

People are saying

"The food at this Lunch Spot is great, especially the shrimp wrap."

"The fish and chips here have a light, crispy batter."

Good to know

1

Date Night special for $85 a couple includes a bottle of wine.

2

Date Night runs on Wednesdays from 6pm to 8pm.

3

The restaurant is dog friendly.

06
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Casual dining space with spotless interior and peaceful classical music creates a calm atmosphere. Limited tables and simple booths suggest a takeout focus. Menu offers large portions and affordable prices, especially during lunch specials.

Lunch specials cost under $9 and include generous portions of fried rice and noodles served hot. The house chicken option offers good flavor and great value for the price.

Shrimp stands out as excellent here. Fish dishes come either fried or stir-fried in black bean sauce, both prepared well.

People are saying

"The lunch special here is a great value with big portions."

"The fish in black bean sauce was nicely fried and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The lunch special costs $8.95 and includes large portions and soup.

2

Delivery is available for those who prefer to eat at home.

3

The menu features nearly 30 items under $10 for lunch.

07
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Japanese restaurant combines relaxing atmosphere with a thin sports bar veneer and good music. Spacious interior offers tons of seating for various party sizes, including a great sushi bar. Outdoor seating and wheelchair accessible parking add convenience.

Lunch comes out quickly with friendly servers. The lunch combo bento is large and includes miso and salad, making it a solid deal.

Fish comes fresh and firm with no fishy taste. Sushi rolls and chirashi bowls offer succulent, smooth seafood in generous portions. Spicy seafood ramen features rich, flavorful seafood.

People are saying

"The seafood here is incredibly fresh and delicious."

"This lunch spot has really good food and fresh rolls."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 3:30 to 5:30 with 40% off the entire menu, excluding alcohol.

2

Parking is easy with a large lot that includes 2 EV chargers.

3

Lunch specials are available on weekends from 11am to 3pm.

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Quaint sushi restaurant with a dog-friendly outdoor patio and spacious shaded seating offers a lively, welcoming atmosphere filled with happy, warm energy. Sushi features fresh, delicious rolls with some unique options, while the environment stays casual and engaging.

Lunch combos offer good value and the service is quick, making it easy to stop by for a late lunch without a long wait.

Fish quality stands out with consistently fresh pieces and amazing flavor. Rolls like the Shrimp Caterpillar and dragon roll feature generous toppings, including an excessive amount of fish eggs on the latter.

People are saying

"The seafood rolls here are delicious and well prepared."

"The service at this lunch spot was quick and friendly."

Good to know

1

During Mother's Day, all moms receive a free sweet treat.

2

Special celebrations for birthdays can be arranged.

3

The shop sells out of sushi quickly, so arrive early.

09
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Large buffet restaurant offers a spacious layout with bright lighting and comfortable seating. Atmosphere feels busy and lively, with music that can be loud and some crowding at times. Seafood selection, including crab and sushi, stands out among offerings.

Seafood buffet offers a solid lunch option with a weekday price around $19. Discounts for seniors and military make it even more affordable.

Super high quality seafood includes sushi, oysters, clams, mussels, and sea snails. The buffet features tasty options like crab and offers good value for lunch.

People are saying

"They had so many seafood choices, like cold and warm crab legs."

"This lunch spot is a great bargain at $20."

Good to know

1

Dinner costs $32.99 per person on weekends.

2

Lunch is $19 per person with a 10% discount for seniors.

3

Crab legs are available for dinner on Saturdays.

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Simple interior in a strip center offers a brightly lit and laid back atmosphere with authentic Mexican music playing. The space stays very clean and comfortable for casual dining. Food portions tend to be generous, especially breakfast burritos known for their good seasoning and meat content.

Comfortable interior suits a quick lunch. Offers a lunch special that draws repeat visits.

Fish tacos feature fresh, breaded, and fried fish inside large corn tortillas. Sometimes, free fish tacos are offered, adding to the experience.

People are saying

"The fish tacos here are delicious and full."

"I get the Vegetarian Burrito delivered to my work for lunch."

Good to know

1

Breakfast burritos cost $7.99, offering great value.

2

Tacos range from $3.49 to $4.99, while burritos are $9.99 to $11.99.

3

They charge extra fees for using credit cards.

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Carlsbad, California

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