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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Carlsbad's best

Seafood salad spots

A seafood-forward salad that highlights the catch rather than burying it under a mountain of iceberg lettuce.

Based on 579 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Surf Up Chicken image 1
Surf Up Chicken image 2
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Restaurant

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.

Salads come with a homemade strawberry dressing that tastes refreshingly bright. Options include salads paired with chicken, offering a solid mix of flavors.

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."

"I loved the salad with its refreshing strawberry dressing."

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.

02
The Red Chickz image 1
Chicken restaurant

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.

Southwestern salad features tender ingredients and suits non-meat eaters well. Caesar salad comes with blaze tender chicken strips, and coleslaw salad tastes fresh and well-made.

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

"I thought the food here was great and delicious."

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

"The chicken on this salad is so juicy and evenly breaded."

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
FISH DISTRICT image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant with a casual, inviting atmosphere and a mix of fast-food and sit-down vibes. The space includes a small outdoor dog-friendly area and offers free cold water. Orders are handled with excellent attention to detail, and beer on tap is notably good.

Salads feature fresh ingredients like baby spinach and kale. Options include a kale Caesar salad and salads paired with salmon or fried shrimp. Sauce often comes on the side for customization.

Fish comes fresh and cooked perfectly with a light, non-greasy batter on the fish and chips. Clam chowder balances potatoes, clams, and celery without being too thick or watery.

People are saying

"The fish and chips here have a light, not greasy batter."

"The seafood's batter is so good, you'll want every bit."

"The kale Caesar salad was a pleasant surprise and delicious."

Good to know

1

You can scan the code to order directly.

2

Parking can get difficult during lunchtime.

3

The tacos cost about $6-$7 each.

04
Canyons Restaurant at The Crossings at Carlsbad image 1

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.

A Greek salad stands out as excellent here. The chef also makes a green salad spinach wrap off menu. The Traditional Caesar Salad comes with options like anchovy fillets and steak but is just okay.

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 views from the restaurant are gorgeous and great."

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

"The views from the restaurant are spectacular."

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.

05
Karl Strauss Brewing Company image 1

Brewpub with large tables and multiple patios, including dog-friendly outdoor areas with plants. Atmosphere ranges from family-oriented to loud and industrial, with many TVs showing various sports games. Seating includes bar and open dining, creating a hub for beer and food enthusiasts.

Salads feature a variety of greens and fresh toppings. The Seared Ahi Salad stands out as a flavorful option.

Maui tacos offer great flavors that highlight the fish well. The panko shrimp and fish and chips come with solid taste, though the fish could be more tender and presentation sharper.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the good beer here."

"The fish and chips here are crispy with good breading."

"I found the selection of beers and food to be great."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 5 PM all week with $6 drafts and $10 appetizers.

2

Ordering is done online with a virtual tab before receiving food.

3

The brewery is family-friendly and suitable for all ages.

06
Spirito's Italian Diner image 1
Italian restaurant

Small Italian diner with cozy layout and generous portions creates a laid-back, dive-like atmosphere. Authentic dishes like eggplant Parmesan and thin-crust pizza stand out despite simple surroundings. Seating includes tables and chairs, with some outdoor options.

Salads come in fresh and generous portions here. The house salad tastes like it was picked straight from the garden, and the Caprese salad is fresh and solid.

Spaghetti with clams stands out with its classic Italian flavor and fresh taste. Shrimp scampi varies, sometimes hitting a perfect 10 and other times needing more sauce.

People are saying

"The lasagna is divine, just like Nona made it."

"I thought the food was fresh and delicious."

"The spaghetti with clams is the best I've had."

Good to know

1

You need to stand in line to order and pay.

2

I placed my order by telephone and was told it would be ready in 20-25 minutes.

3

There is plenty of free parking in the lot in front.

07
Tasty Noodle House image 1
Chinese restaurant

Spacious dining area offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with a relaxing vibe. The place draws those seeking authentic Shanghai cuisine and highly regarded noodles. Background noise can vary, sometimes including loud anime or sudden silence, affecting the overall mood.

Cucumber salad features fresh, crunchy cucumbers with a refreshing, spicy flavor. It pairs well with other dishes like vegetable fried rice.

Spicy fish and salt and pepper shrimp stand out with crispy textures and bold flavors. Crab dishes like Braised Snake Gourd and seafood tofu add variety alongside pan-fried string beans with pork and dried shrimp.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and authentic, just like in Hong Kong."

"I plan to visit again and highly recommend this seafood."

"The cucumber salad is so refreshing and crunchy."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay around $50 for a main dish, rice, and tip.

2

Parking is plentiful and easy to find at this location.

3

The restaurant closes early right after lunch time.

08
Casero Taqueria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Concrete floors and walls create a loud, echoing space where conversation requires raised voices. Outdoor patio offers open-air dining with booth seating and a view that adds a relaxed vibe. Live music on Wednesdays and friendly staff contribute to a lively atmosphere despite the noise.

Salads here stand out for their freshness and quality, often considered better than the tacos. Options include a classic Cesar salad and salads with added proteins like steak, all served with care for dietary needs.

Tacos feature beer-battered fish and shrimp with flaky, rich textures. Options include Baja fish and Baja shrimp tacos, alongside other seafood varieties.

People are saying

"You have to try the Mexican food; the handmade tortillas are so fresh."

"The seafood tacos here are fresh and delicious, especially the shrimp."

"I thought the salad was very fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesdays offer great specials every week.

2

All Day Happy Hour is available on Mondays.

3

Happy Hour starts at 5 pm on Sundays and lasts all night.

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