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Local picks

Seafood salad spots in Costa Mesa

A crisp salad paired with fresh seafood.

Based on 616 Opinions
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01
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Japanese restaurant offers cozy, authentic decor with a relaxed, quiet atmosphere and fresh, excellent sushi. Seating mostly suits small groups, with an open, clean kitchen visible. Outdoor patio seating provides a sunny, comfortable option with heaters available.

Salads come in huge portions and often appear as mixed greens alongside meals like the Beef Teriyaki Bento box. The poke salad stands out as a fresh option paired with various sushi and sashimi dishes.

Seafood here is very fresh and used in sushi like the bikini roll with salmon, tuna, and tempura shrimp. The Fire Island roll combines shrimp tempura, spicy tuna, and jalapeรฑo for a balanced heat and flavor. Fried shrimp heads add a crunchy touch.

People are saying

"The seafood here is incredibly fresh, especially the sashimi."

"The poke salad was so fresh and delicious."

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.

02
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Unassuming exterior leads to a cozy, authentic Japanese atmosphere with calm, relaxed energy inside. Space offers both bar and table seating with fresh, high-quality sushi prepared by skilled chefs. Music plays softly, supporting quiet conversation and a welcoming vibe.

Simple Spinach Salad packs a huge umami flavor with dressing and bacon bits. Local tastes shine through with dishes like stewed Kiki fish and mountain yam salad.

Fish in the chirashi bowl has a warm, oily texture and tastes very fresh. Nigiri offers a high-quality selection with some of the best fish around.

People are saying

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

"I loved the fresh, delicious salad here; it tasted homemade."

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 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.

Freshness stands out with every salad served. Crisp cucumber salad and other dishes show consistent high quality and fresh ingredients.

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 seafood here is incredibly fresh and delicious."

"The salads here are so fresh, with amazing truffle flavors."

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.

04
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Underground steakhouse with a speakeasy vibe and 1950s-style bar creates a retro atmosphere. Live music and low lighting set a cool, old-school mood. The space feels like stepping back to a classic era with vintage art and a lively crowd.

Salads come with perfect seasoning and fresh ingredients. The Caesar salad stands out as excellent and well-prepared.

Shrimp dishes stand out here with shrimp scampi cooked to perfection and a shrimp cocktail featuring four large pieces. Appetizers like garlic bread and sautรฉed mushrooms complement the seafood well.

People are saying

"The Caesar salad was seasoned and cooked perfectly."

"The shrimp cocktail here is great and consists of four large pieces."

Good to know

1

Reservations can be delayed during busy hours, so plan accordingly.

2

The menu does not list prices, which can lead to surprises on the bill.

3

Expect high prices comparable to fine dining, but portions are large.

05
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Seafood restaurant offers a casual, friendly atmosphere with quick service and mostly metal seating. The space feels comfortable and welcoming, often crowded but relaxed enough for family and friends. Known for affordable, fresh seafood, it stands out for quality dishes like crispy fish sandwiches and flavorful tacos.

Salads feature generous salmon paired with rice and kale. The avocado grilled shrimp salad stands out. Berry salad has only a few berries.

Seafood here features fresh grilled fish cooked to perfection, tender and full of flavor. Dishes like the Cajun shrimp tacos and crispy fish sandwich stand out for their quality and taste.

People are saying

"The seafood here is delicious and cooked to perfection."

"I'd return for the avocado grilled shrimp salad."

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.

06
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Western-style seating fills a space with a traditional Japanese vibe and a nearly closed-off kitchen view. Noise levels run loud to very noisy, often making conversation difficult amid lively gatherings. The atmosphere suits casual dining with authentic Japanese touches and a busy, energetic crowd.

Octopus salad stands out as a light and refreshing side. Tangy potato salad and octopus with radish salad also appear as notable options.

Freshness stands out with raw oysters and premium sashimi requiring a minimum order of two pieces each. The menu includes homemade fish cake, tuna sashimi combo, red snapper carpaccio, and freshly fried oysters.

People are saying

"The thick cut beef tongue here is 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.

07
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Cozy restaurant blends Tuscan atmosphere with modern decor and bold graffiti art. Warm, inviting vibe suits romantic dinners and casual brunches, with dog-friendly patios featuring heaters and blankets. Guests enjoy authentic Italian dining paired with attentive service.

Salads feature fresh, flavorful ingredients like in the Burrata Prosciutto Salad and Crudo. The Caesar salad stands out with a unique crouton topped with gelatin-like cream and egg and perfectly grilled chicken.

Tagliatelle nero uses squid ink and fresh seafood in a rich yet light sauce. Pasta dishes include shrimp, mussels, clams, and calamari, paired well with a crisp French rosรฉ.

People are saying

"The owner and staff here are amazing and make you feel so welcome."

"The Seafood here is served by attentive and friendly staff."

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.

08
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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.

Cucumber salad stands out with its consistent quality and refreshing taste. Vermicelli salad also appears as a notable option among the salad choices.

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 crab XLB was okay, but needed more texture."

"The service here is amazing, with attentive staff."

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.

09
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Small gourmet grocery store offers a clean, well-laid-out space with a local vibe and wide variety of high-quality products. Atmosphere feels friendly and convenient, attracting those seeking unique snacks and ingredients for special meals. Prices run higher than typical chain stores, reflecting the focus on top-quality goods.

Fresh salads come from a great salad bar with a good variety. Prepared deli salads vary in freshness and taste week to week.

The seafood selection includes jumbo shrimp and various fish, mostly high quality. Shrimp quality varies, sometimes spoiled.

People are saying

"I loved their delicious and fresh salads for my children."

"The seafood here is unbelievable, with jumbo shrimp and different fish."

Good to know

1

Marbella Market closes at 7:30 PM.

2

If you are in the store after 7:30 PM, they will start turning lights off on you.

3

The prices at this market were about 20% higher than Ralph's.

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Costa Mesa, California

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