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Top picks in Costa Mesa

Fish spots

The simple, clean taste of fresh fish is exactly what the palate needs right now.

Based on 678 Opinions
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01
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Seafood shines with tender Swai and crispy fish sandwiches. Casual vibe and quick service make it great for families. Affordable prices and fresh flavors keep guests coming back.

Fish comes out tender and bursting with taste, especially the Swai with sweet chili glaze and crispy fish sandwich. Options like fish and chips, shrimp tacos, and clam chowder offer fresh grilled fish with great value.

People are saying

"The fish here is so fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features special deals on tacos every Tuesday.

2

California Fish Grill does not accept cash payments; only cards and mobile payments.

3

There are plenty of free parking spaces available nearby.

02
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Cozy spot with authentic Japanese atmosphere offers fresh, buttery fish that melts in your mouth. Skilled chefs prepare high-quality nigiri and a flavorful chirashi bowl. Soft music creates a calm, relaxed energy perfect for quiet conversation.

Fish comes with a fresh, buttery texture that melts in your mouth. You can specify the type you want, and the selection includes high-quality nigiri and a chirashi bowl with warm, oily bites.

People are saying

"I thought the sushi here was the best quality I've had."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is family-owned and operated, enhancing its authentic atmosphere.

2

Lunch specials offer great value and are a must-try.

3

Weekly specials feature traditional Japanese dishes.

03
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Small sushi bar offers an intimate setting with fresh wasabi grated on site. Fish is incredibly fresh and handled with care, featuring top quality fish in inventive dishes. Minimalist and serene atmosphere enhances the omakase experience.

Fish arrives incredibly fresh and is handled with great care. Dishes showcase top quality fish with inventive preparations that highlight freshness.

People are saying

"The fish here is so fresh."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required at least two weeks in advance due to limited seating.

2

Parking can be difficult to find during weekends, so plan accordingly.

3

The omakase experience costs around $250 per person, excluding tips.

04
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Small Mexican spot shines with authentic decor and handmade tortillas. Fish tacos are sublime and rival top places. Vibrant, family-friendly vibe with lively Spanish music makes it a casual local favorite.

Fish tacos stand out as sublime and outstanding with flavors that rival well-known spots. The fish and Gobernador tacos deliver a memorable taste experience.

People are saying

"I found the fish tacos to be amazing and tasty."

Good to know

1

Parking at the restaurant is very limited, so arrive early.

2

Expect wait times of up to 30 minutes during peak hours.

3

Taco Tuesdays offer great deals on tacos.

05
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Cozy Japanese spot offers fresh sushi with exceptional portions like the bikini roll. Enjoy a quiet atmosphere and watch chefs in the open kitchen. Outdoor patio seating is sunny and comfortable with heaters for cool evenings.

Fish comes in super fresh and high quality. Portions on sushi are exceptional, with options like the bikini roll featuring salmon, tuna, and tempura shrimp.

People are saying

"The fish here is so fresh, it just melts in your mouth."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 8-9:30 pm with $3 large sake.

2

Reservations are accepted, but it's best to arrive early to avoid the dinner rush.

3

The restaurant is small and fills up quickly during busy hours.

06
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Retro style creates a casual vibe with a clean, welcoming space. Fish and chips shine with perfect frying and flavorful quality fish. Quick service pairs well with standout chicken and classic sides.

Fish comes out fresh and crispy with quality fish fried perfectly every time. The fish and chips stand out as flavorful and fantastic, complemented by good fries and quick service.

People are saying

"I found the fish and chips to be fantastic and crispy."

Good to know

1

Expect your food to arrive within about 10 minutes after ordering.

2

The restaurant maintains a clean environment for diners.

3

Prices are reasonable, making it a good spot for a meal.

07
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Cozy sushi spot offers handcrafted yubu with fresh, high-quality fish and sweet tofu. Intimate space fits 8 to 10, perfect for quiet dining or takeout. Calm atmosphere and flavorful toppings create a homey vibe.

Freshness stands out with high quality fish served alongside sweet tender tofu and flavorful toppings. Each roll features delightful fish that complements the rice and seasoning perfectly.

People are saying

"The fish here is so fresh and high quality."

Good to know

1

The lunch combo includes a free cup of miso with orders of three yubus or more.

2

YUBUYA offers a variety of yubu fillings, including vegan options.

3

Parking is easy to find near the restaurant.

08
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Classic sports bar offers crispy fish and chips alongside multiple billiard tables and darts for fun. Chill vibe suits both younger and older crowds watching NFL games. Outdoor patio welcomes vaping, adding to the relaxed atmosphere.

Fish and chips come with crispy fries and coleslaw. The fish is well-cooked and pairs well with sides like fries and coleslaw.

People are saying

"I tried the fish and chips and it was really good."

Good to know

1

The kitchen is closed late at night, so check food availability before visiting.

2

Billiard tables cost $1.50 per game, and they are available in the back.

3

Garf's Sports Lounge does not have an ATM; plan to bring cash.

09
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Small Mexican spot shines with fresh margaritas and an upbeat vibe. Fish lovers enjoy crispy beer battered fish in Baja Fish Tacos. Clean, open space with comfy seats makes it perfect for casual dining.

Large fish tacos feature crispy beer battered fish, cabbage, and crema. Baja Fish Tacos stand out as delicious and perfect with a strong focus on fish in the menu.

People are saying

"I loved the fish tacos; they were very good."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers three tacos for the price of two.

2

The Taco Tuesday deal costs $11.50 for three tacos.

3

Happy hour features discounted drinks and appetizers.

10
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Small Japanese spot offers fresh fish with sweet, melt-in-mouth sashimi and seared sushi. Cozy, authentic decor and warm yellow lighting create a relaxing vibe. Outdoor seating with heaters and nearby ice cream shop make it perfect for couples and groups.

Fresh fish shines with sweetness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture in sashimi and seared sushi. The yellowtail collar offers a firm yet fatty bite, simply seasoned and packed with protein.

People are saying

"The fish here is super fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

The wait can be up to 2 hours long for 2 people, so I recommend RSVPing or arriving early.

2

There was a large parking lot available for guests.

3

Expect an hour wait on the weekend.

11
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Small sushi bar offers a warm, inviting atmosphere with limited indoor seating. Enjoy fresh fish paired with premium sashimi at affordable prices. The sushi blends excellent quality with a flavorful fusion of seasonings.

Fish here is consistently very fresh and of excellent quality. The flavor blends well with the fusion of seasonings, making the sushi delicious.

People are saying

"The fish here is so fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

SkyBay Sushi is closed from 3 to 5 PM daily.

2

There is plenty of parking available in the lot.

3

Lunch prices are lower than dinner prices.

12
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Sushi restaurant offers an intimate, stylish setting with dim lighting and a quiet atmosphere. Fish from Japan is fresh and expertly prepared, delivering world-class skill in every bite. Cozy space attracts those seeking authentic, high-quality sushi.

Fish comes from Japan and shows world-class skill in preparation. Slices for sushi and sashimi are high quality and fresh, making each bite melt in your mouth.

People are saying

"The fish here is of the highest quality, truly outstanding."

Good to know

1

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

2

Lunch sets offer great value, typically priced around $15.

3

Expect a busy atmosphere during dinner hours, particularly on Fridays and Saturdays.

13
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Spacious Japanese grocery store offers fresh sashimi-grade fish and a large sake selection. Bright seating areas with microwaves let you enjoy hot food from a self-serve bar. Authentic products and hand-drawn signs create a Tokyo market feel.

Fresh fish comes already filleted and packaged for convenience. The selection includes sashimi-grade fish and options suitable for making sushi and poke bowls.

People are saying

"I loved the fresh fish selection here."

Good to know

1

Prepared bento is marked down 20% after 7 PM daily.

2

Tokyo Central Costa Mesa closes at 10 PM every day.

3

Parking can be limited, especially during peak hours.

14
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Mexican restaurant serves huge portions of fresh fish in fish tacos with tasty sauce. Atmosphere is themed and clean with indoor and outdoor seating. Food is quick, affordable, and perfect for a casual meal.

Fish tacos come with huge portions of fresh fish and a tasty sauce. They serve as a classic quick taco treat with enough fish on one taco to fill three.

People are saying

"I thought the fish tacos were the best."

Good to know

1

The restaurant maintains cleanliness and has clean bathrooms.

2

There is plenty of parking available at the restaurant.

3

Dining options include inside, outside, or to go.

15
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Poke bar features an open layout with comfortable seating and a small outdoor area. Fish is served in fresh chunks with generous portions, including spicy tuna. Atmosphere stays peaceful with fun music and warm energy.

Fish comes in fresh chunks with good quality and generous portions. Bowls include about nine scoops of fish and feature spicy tuna among other options.

People are saying

"The fish here is always so fresh."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of parking available at the door.

2

The store is always very clean.

3

Expect a variety of options for customizing your poke bowl.

16
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Small space offers cozy seating and soft lighting for a welcoming vibe. Fish is wild caught from Japan and very fresh, though sushi prep is average. Atmosphere stays relaxing and authentic despite crowds.

Fish comes from Japan and is wild caught and freshest. Portions are generous, though preparation can feel average compared to traditional sushi.

People are saying

"The fish here is incredibly fresh."

Good to know

1

Parking is very limited in this area, so carpooling is best.

2

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

3

The omakase price is $39, which is lower than typical prices.

17
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Enjoy fresh sushi with large fish cuts and perfectly cooked rice in a quiet, cozy atmosphere. The space feels welcoming and calm, ideal for easy conversation. A patio area adds to the relaxed vibe, making it great for both food and ambiance.

Fish comes in super fresh and big cuts that often outweigh the rice portion. Raw fish shows high quality, while cooked eel tastes buttery and rich.

People are saying

"The fish here is so fresh and buttery."

Good to know

1

Saturday is busy, expect a wait to be seated.

2

The average bill is about $60 per person.

3

Parking can be inconsistent, plan accordingly.

18
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Western-style seating blends with a traditional Japanese vibe in a lively, noisy space. High-quality fish like tuna sashimi and red snapper carpaccio stand out, paired with unique homemade fish cake. Casual dining thrives amid energetic, authentic touches.

High-quality fish shines in the tuna sashimi combo and red snapper carpaccio. The homemade fish cake adds a unique touch, while sashimi orders require at least two pieces per fish or seafood.

People are saying

"You have to try the thick cut beef tongue; it's cooked to perfection."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times, especially during peak hours.

2

Expect a 30-minute wait during busy times, even with available tables.

3

Parking can be challenging due to valet restrictions; arrive early for a spot.

19
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Indoor space mimics an authentic Japanese market with a large food court and lively atmosphere. Fresh fish offers sushi-grade options at good prices. Crowds enjoy standout dishes like beef tongue and ramen, making it a bustling spot with specialty shops.

Fresh fish comes in a wide variety with many sushi-grade options at reasonable prices. The fish and meat department offers good quality selections that are consistently fresh.

People are saying

"You'll find lots of beautiful, fresh fish here."

Good to know

1

Parking can be chaotic, especially during peak hours.

2

The food court opens at 11am, offering a variety of dining options.

3

Unique Japanese products are available that are hard to find elsewhere.

20
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Small spot offers exceptionally fresh sushi with creative rolls like smoky and crispy rice. Fish quality varies, with some cuts melting in your mouth and others less enjoyable. Calm vibe pairs well with a good sake list for a balanced experience.

Fish quality varies greatly. Some cuts are soft and melt in your mouth with high quality, while others are tough and poorly prepared with bad taste.

People are saying

"The fish here is so soft and melts in your mouth."

Good to know

1

The restaurant specializes in sushi with a variety of fresh options.

2

Prices are generally high, reflecting the quality of ingredients used.

3

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak dining hours.

21
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Cozy spot offers fresh Crudo from Japan and a mix of hits and misses in fish dishes. Tuscan vibe blends with bold graffiti art for a unique feel. Dog-friendly patios with heaters make it great for casual or romantic meals.

Fish comes in both incredibly fresh Crudo flown from Japan and a course that falls flat.

People are saying

"The fish here is attentive without being intrusive."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant gets busy.

2

Happy hour is available daily with a casual lunch menu.

3

A $35 corkage fee applies if you bring your own wine.

22
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Bright, open space buzzes with a lively atmosphere. Fresh sushi features high-quality fish that looks extremely fresh. Creative omakase rivals Tokyo standards in a setting like a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Fish here shows excellent quality and looks extremely fresh every time.

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak dining hours.

2

Expect a wait time of 20-30 minutes during busy weekends.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

23
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Casual Mexican spot with skate and surf decor offers healthy fish tacos with citrus slaw, though they can be bland. Generous portions and tasty burritos make it a solid choice. Seating is comfy and ordering is easy at the counter.

Fish tacos come with citrus slaw and offer a healthy option, but they tend to be bland and slightly warm. The quality has been consistent over many years but leans toward mediocre overall.

People are saying

"The fish tacos are delicious and healthy."

Good to know

1

Wahoo's Fish Taco offers a good variety of menu options.

2

The portions at Wahoo's Fish Taco are generous.

3

Wahoo's Fish Taco is a casual, order-at-the-counter setup.

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