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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Costa Mesa

Kid-friendly seafood

Seafood that is approachable for kids without being reduced to the same tired, processed options.

Based on 665 Opinions
+662
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Updated May 2026
01
Eat's Sushi image 1
Eat's Sushi image 2
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Japanese restaurant

Small Japanese restaurant with authentic decor and warm yellow lighting creates a cozy, immersive atmosphere. Busy and popular spot, often filled with couples and groups enjoying fresh, high-quality sushi. Outdoor seating with heaters and a nearby ice cream shop add to the relaxed vibe.

Soft, flavorful caterpillar roll and kid-approved crab sticks and chicken bento box make meals easy for kids. Booth seating and a classic Japanese vibe create a comfortable atmosphere for families.

Fresh fish and sushi come with perfectly balanced vinegar in the rice. The sweet shrimp features crispy heads filled with roe, adding a unique texture. The mountain hand roll combines fresh fish, avocado, and crispy seaweed for a keto-friendly bite.

People are saying

"The sashimi here is thick, super fresh, tender, and delicious."

"The seafood here is incredibly fresh and delicious."

"The avocado roll for the kid was surprisingly fresh and creamy."

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.

02
SkyBay Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small sushi bar with limited indoor seating offers a warm and inviting atmosphere that balances elegance and comfort. Fresh fish and premium sashimi stand out alongside affordable prices, attracting those seeking quality sushi without fuss.

Staff quickly replace dropped utensils, making visits smooth with kids. Udon noodles appeal to children, offering a simple and familiar option.

Fresh fish stands out with a clean taste and firm texture. Creative sushi rolls and fresh oysters add variety, while a special fried shrimp with sauce offers a flavorful twist.

People are saying

"The sushi here is super fresh and delicious."

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious."

"I found the food here to be very 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.

03
Brazuca Café image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers authentic Brazilian flavors with live music and indoor and outdoor seating including heaters. Atmosphere feels like a cozy, modern Brazilian café with a spacious and inviting setup. Brazilian beers and refreshing cocktails complement the experience.

Children enjoy empanadas, cheese balls, and the picaña plate. Sweet treats like brigadeiros and churros appeal to toddlers. Sandwiches are also available for kids.

Shrimp pastel stands out as a notable dish. Grilled Mahi Mahi comes with rice and French fries. Shrimp and chicken wraps exist but lack excitement.

People are saying

"The Brazilian food here is authentic and delicious."

"The shrimp pastel was the best seafood I had."

"It's so Kid Friendly; the kids loved the brigadeiros and churros."

Good to know

1

Visiting on weekends is recommended for Feijoada, a national specialty dish.

2

The café is self-serve, so customers get their own silverware and condiments.

3

Parking can be a hassle due to the location in a strip mall.

04
Memphis Cafe image 1
Restaurant

Covered patio with dog-friendly seating creates a relaxed outdoor vibe. Inside space is cozy and bustling without overwhelming noise. Atmosphere blends southern charm with a slightly worn, inviting feel.

Covered picnic tables in the back provide a great spot for families with little kids. Kids can run around freely on the back patio while enjoying dishes like the potato cakes.

Shrimp & grits stand out with a creative take and green chilis that add a pop of flavor and spice. Barbecue shrimp offers an interesting spin that works well, and bacon wrapped shrimp appear as a tasty appetizer option.

People are saying

"The patio is a cute, airy, and pleasant outdoor space."

"The food here is delicious and portions are large."

"The Seafood here is so delicious, it could be your last supper."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Weekly dinner specials are available on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

3

Parking is limited and can get crowded quickly, especially on weekends.

05
Que Vida Tacos Costa Mesa image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with bar seating and outdoor tables offers an upbeat atmosphere and fresh margaritas. The space feels clean and open with comfortable seats. Regulars enjoy quality tacos and a lively vibe.

Staff handles large groups with children aged 1-15 well. Regular visits include families with kids, though some may not enjoy Hawaiian street food.

Fish tacos stand out with large portions and crispy beer battered fish topped with cabbage and crema. Grilled shrimp, birria, and cochinita pibil tacos also offer solid seafood options.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos were some of the best I've ever had."

"I thought the grilled shrimp tacos were very good."

"The tacos here are delicious; my son prefers the Birria."

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.

06
Sushi Town image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers fresh sushi with large fish cuts and perfectly cooked rice in a quiet, cozy atmosphere. The space feels welcoming and calm, allowing easy conversation without loud music. A patio area adds to the relaxed vibe.

Dinner includes a sushi combination plate that appeals to kids. Meals offer great flavors and presentation that engage children. Shared dining experiences work well for families.

Big cuts of fish with little rice stand out in their sushi. The fish is consistently fresh and high quality, with options like buttery cooked eel and a Shrimp boat with Masago and Quail egg.

People are saying

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

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

"The seafood here is so fresh, with good-sized cuts of fish."

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.

07
Mercado González Northgate Market image 1

Mexican grocery store combines vibrant decor with live mariachi music and a full bar inside. Atmosphere feels lively and festive, often with a DJ and food stations creating a chaotic yet welcoming vibe. Outdoor seating adds a quaint touch, making it a unique blend of shopping and entertainment.

Servers provide an ice bag to keep ceviche cold for kids. The market offers a safe and clean environment where families and kids can hang out. Sharing pork and chicken tamales is common and popular with children.

Bright lighting highlights the fresh seafood section, making fish and shellfish look incredibly fresh and affordable. Options include Seabass fish ceviche, Mango Shrimp ceviche, and fish tacos near the sushi spot.

People are saying

"This grocery store has amazing prepared Mexican food and fresh items."

"I loved their fresh fish ceviche and tacos."

"It's a great place to take the whole family."

Good to know

1

Live music happens every weekend, enhancing the shopping experience.

2

Menudo is served only on Fridays and Saturdays from 6 AM to noon.

3

Parking can be challenging, especially on weekends.

08
Wok-In image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Cozy space with calm atmosphere and spacious seating featuring cool fish tanks. Family-run with friendly staff serving authentic, flavorful Vietnamese dishes like pho and vermicelli. Popular spot known for fresh ingredients and reasonable prices.

Kids enjoy the chicken pho here and often crave it. One child traveled a long way just to try this food, showing its appeal to young eaters.

Shrimp dishes stand out with fresh taste, perfect breading, and flavorful sauces. The fish options include a spicy kick and the setting features spacious seating with cool fish tanks.

People are saying

"The owner, Bruce, is super friendly and knows our favorite dishes."

"The chicken pho is so delicious, my daughter became a pho addict."

"The seafood here is fresh and crisp."

Good to know

1

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

2

Takeout is popular, and orders can be placed online for convenience.

3

Parking is available on-site, but it can fill up quickly during weekends.

09
Paradise Dynasty image 1
Chinese restaurant

Large space with modern Chinese decor and plenty of seating creates an elegant atmosphere. Background music plays, sometimes loud, contributing to a lively but occasionally noisy environment. The setting suits date nights and casual dining with a mix of Northern and Southern Chinese cuisine.

Kids enjoy the Vegetable and Pork Dumplings with their soft wrappers and balanced filling. Families celebrate birthdays here, making it a spot that welcomes children warmly.

Sweet walnuts shrimp and honey walnut shrimp stand out with their rich flavors. Fried shrimp and crab xlb offer variety, though the crab xlb has a soft texture that lacks contrast.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and top quality."

"The panda chocolate lava bun was a hit with the tweens."

"The crab XLB was okay, but needed more texture."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 2:30 pm to 5 pm with 40% off select items.

2

During happy hour, many dishes are 40% off with few menu restrictions.

3

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to avoid long wait times.

10
NORMS Restaurant image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Classic American diner with mid-century modern design and retro decor creates a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Open 24/7 with oldies music playing, it offers a nostalgic vibe that feels like stepping back in time. Plenty of parking and a claw toy machine add to the casual, welcoming experience.

Kids get free dessert for any inconvenience and enjoy milkshakes rated highly by them. The spot offers kids machines at the entrance and a welcoming vibe for families with young children.

Fish and chips stand out with crispy batter and a generous portion. Fried shrimp comes alongside steak options, often paired with soup and salad under $30.

People are saying

"Rocky made my breakfast so positive and kept my coffee hot."

"The staff here are so friendly and attentive, making it feel Kid Friendly."

"I thought the fish and chips here were really good."

Good to know

1

Hot chocolate has free refills.

2

I needed to ask for a code to enter the bathroom.

3

The restaurant is clean and well-staffed.

11
Holé Smokes BBQ image 1

Smoke fills the air alongside the scent of barbecue, while old wood floors scattered with peanut shells create a Texas BBQ vibe. Neon beer signs and multiple TVs support a lively sports-friendly atmosphere. Seating accommodates both groups and families, with a comfortable patio adding to the space.

Stopping here after soccer games works well for families. Kids’ options and sides exist but feel overpriced and lack flavor.

Smoked shrimp stands out with a unique flavor. Shrimp tacos deliver a bold taste and rank above other taco options like fish and carnitas. Yellow chile also pairs well with the seafood choices.

People are saying

"The American Food here, especially the brisket, just melts in your mouth."

"I loved the smoked shrimp; it was like nothing I'd ever had."

"The mac n cheese and cream corn are really good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 7pm on weekdays and 3 to 6pm on weekends.

2

Taco Tuesday features special menu items and pricing.

3

Parking is generally easy to find near the restaurant.

12
chobop - Premium All You Can Eat Sushi image 1

Sushi restaurant offers all-you-can-eat menu with fresh, high-quality fish and perfect fish-to-rice ratio. Atmosphere stays chill and inviting with balanced background music. Kitchen is hidden from view, focusing attention on unique sushi presentation.

Staff accommodate allergies by modifying rolls and sauces. Kids face a high price point with some items not included in all-you-can-eat. Owner may offer free specials to children occasionally.

Fish comes super fresh with a perfect fish to rice ratio in the nigiri. Hot seafood options like karage and spicy tuna on crispy rice have perfect serving sizes and high quality.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so fresh, especially the nigiri."

"The sushi and sashimi here are so fresh and delicious."

"The seafood nigiri has a perfect fish to rice ratio."

Good to know

1

The restaurant charges $35 for regular dinner all-you-can-eat and $55 for sashimi all-you-can-eat.

2

A free parking lot is available for customers.

3

An 18% gratuity is automatically added for parties of five or more.

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Costa Mesa, California

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