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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Costa Mesa

Seafood and salmon spots

Made for those who prioritize a menu centered on high-quality seafood and specifically seek out the best salmon available.

Based on 739 Opinions
+736
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Updated May 2026
01
Eat's Sushi image 1
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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.

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.

Salmon appears in several forms, including thick-cut sashimi and sushi with perfectly balanced rice vinegar. Rolls feature deep-fried salmon and avocado, topped with a refreshing sauce that complements the tender, plump fish.

People are saying

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

"The seafood here is incredibly fresh and delicious."

"The salmon sashimi had an amazing truffle flavor."

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
Pokeworks image 1
Poke bar

Poke bar offers an open layout with comfortable seating and a small outdoor area. The atmosphere stays peaceful and cool with fun music and warm energy. Fresh ingredients and a wide variety define the food experience here.

Fresh fish stands out with chunks of spicy tuna and a variety of endless toppings. Signature bowls feature dynamic shrimp and generous portions of quality seafood.

Flame-cooked salmon comes with a charred exterior and a rich teriyaki glaze. The fish tastes fresh and natural, with charring that adds depth without overpowering.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and fresh."

"The seafood here is so fresh and thoughtfully assembled."

"The charred salmon teriyaki was a standout dish, flame-cooked and perfectly glazed."

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.

03
YUBUYA image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small, cozy sushi spot with a calming atmosphere and homey vibe. Chef handcrafts each yubu carefully, offering seasoned tofu pockets filled with various options. Space fits about 8 to 10 people, making it ideal for takeout and intimate dining.

Fresh fish stands out with high quality and excellent presentation. Rolls feature flavorful toppings that complement the seafood well.

Salmon dishes show freshness with visible fat streaks indicating quality. Options include soy marinated, spicy salmon, and seared varieties, each offering distinct flavors and textures.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the yubus, is so flavorful and filling."

"The seafood here is so flavorful and fresh, I can't wait to try it all."

"The seared salmon and soy marinated salmon are favorites."

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.

04
Takumi Sushi image 1
Japanese restaurant

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.

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.

Salmon dishes feature fresh nigiri, thick-cut tempura, and a tender collar with balanced fattiness. Rolls combine salmon with other seafood like tuna and shrimp, maintaining solid quality and flavor.

People are saying

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

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

"The teriyaki salmon plate is a better idea."

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.

05
VOX Kitchen & Bar - South Coast Plaza image 1

Indoor dining features loud, lively energy, while seating near the bar or outside offers a calm, relaxed vibe with abundant natural light and wooden furniture. The space blends modern, stylish design with a laid-back atmosphere that suits casual socializing or elegant dining.

Seafood dishes feature perfectly cooked shrimp and squid alongside a flavorful seafood scampi served with bread. Options include seafood ceviche, crispy calamari, and sweet & sour salmon, all fresh and protein-rich.

Sweet & Sour Salmon stands out with a 4.5 rating and a balanced flavor. Salmon also appears in the Peruvian chopped salad, adding a fresh touch.

People are saying

"I thought the lemonade was pretty good."

"The seafood ceviche and scampi were fresh and flavorful."

"The salmon here is extremely good and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available from 2-5 PM, Monday to Friday.

2

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times.

3

The restaurant can get very busy, especially during dinner service.

06
Kappo Sui / Sazu Sushi image 1
Japanese restaurant

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.

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.

Salmon dishes include a crispy, smoky salmon skin hand roll packed with umami and fresh salmon nigiri. Rolls like the salmon roll and negi toro offer delicious, well-balanced flavors.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and truly authentic."

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

"The salmon nigiri here is so fresh, it brought me back to Japan."

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.

07
Verde Restaurant image 1
American restaurant

Space blends modern elegance with nostalgic charm, featuring an elegant speakeasy and golf course views. Atmosphere stays refined yet comfortable, lively without overwhelming noise. Creative cocktails and inventive dishes draw a crowd seeking both cozy dinners and lively gatherings.

Smoked trout dip and seafood stew stand out with rich flavors. Ceviche features tender shrimp in a citrusy blend with balanced heat.

Salmon comes out flaky and flavorful with a spicy sauce that adds a nice kick.

People are saying

"I found the desserts here to be scrumptious and a home run."

"The seafood stew and smoked trout dip were amazing."

"The salmon here is cooked to perfection, flaky and flavorful."

Good to know

1

They offer a multi-course Valentine's menu on Valentine's Day.

2

Verde Restaurant has a focus on fresh, sustainable, and locally sourced ingredients.

3

The menu includes many vegetarian and pescatarian options, along with meat dishes.

08
Sushi K's Bistro Costa Mesa image 1

Small sushi bar creates an authentic Japanese vibe with calm, tranquil atmosphere and peaceful jazz music. Fresh, exceptional sushi pairs with a diverse sake selection for a standout omakase experience. Interior feels brand new and clean, offering a cozy, elevated dining environment.

Fish arrives mostly air shipped from Japan, ensuring freshness in every bite. Dishes show delicate cuts and a balanced fish-to-rice ratio.

Unbelievably fresh salmon appears in several dishes like the creamy salmon roll and grilled salmon collar. The salmon roll stands out alongside other items like steamed clams and exotic sides.

People are saying

"I had some of the best Japanese food I've ever tasted."

"The seafood here is incredibly fresh and flavorful."

"The salmon roll and the salmon itself were amazing."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers rotating specials and a selection of sake.

2

Expect a unique menu crafted with authentic Japanese ingredients.

3

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak dining hours.

09
California Fish Grill image 1
Seafood restaurant

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.

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.

Grilled salmon comes with Cajun and garlic herb butter and is cooked to perfection. Meals include generous portions served with rice and kale salad.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and fresh."

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

"The grilled salmon here is cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor."

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.

10
Wafu of Japan image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small space with cozy seating and soft lighting creates an intimate, welcoming vibe. Atmosphere stays relaxing and authentic, though it gets loud and crowded during busy times. Decor and presentation reflect thoughtful Japanese style, focusing on food quality over luxury.

Fish comes wild caught and fresh from Japan with generous portions. Some dishes include bold elements like shrimp heads in miso soup for a full seafood experience.

Salmon dishes feature great quality and perfect cooking that melts like butter. Options include a Salmon quintet, charred salmon, seared salmon sushi, carpaccio, and king salmon sushi.

People are saying

"The sushi here is so fresh and perfectly prepared."

"The seafood here is incredibly fresh, like nothing I've had before."

"The salmon here melts in your mouth like butter."

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.

11
Shunka Sushi & Japanese Cuisine image 1

Sushi restaurant offers traditional Japanese interior and a fun, inviting atmosphere. Skilled chefs prepare authentic, fresh sushi with phenomenal omakase experiences. Small portions and reasonable prices attract both sushi connoisseurs and newcomers.

Fish comes in a wide variety, including some rare types. Quality stays unbeatable with fish served fresh, never frozen, and prepared to highlight each flavor. Shrimp nigiri and fried heads stand out as delightful options.

Salmon appears in several forms here, including salmon belly sashimi and salmon teriyaki. The teriyaki portion is quite small, around 2 ounces, while the sashimi options include both salmon and tuna.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is exceptional, practically melting in your mouth."

"The seafood here is incredibly fresh and delicious."

"The salmon sashimi here is beyond good."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tricky, so plan to arrive early.

2

Omakase is available and offers a great value for the quality.

3

Expect to pay around $40 for a combo meal with green tea.

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.

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.

Salmon Belly stands out with its rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The aburi salmon belly appetizer offers a torched flavor that pairs well with the fresh salmon bowls available here.

People are saying

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

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

"The salmon belly appetizer melted in my mouth."

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.

13
Koyi Sushi AYCE - Premium All You Can Eat Sushi image 1

Small, cozy sushi restaurant offers affordable all-you-can-eat options with fresh, high-quality fish. Atmosphere stays relaxed and casual with no loud music, creating a comfortable dining experience. Seating includes a traditional sushi bar and small tables, often crowded but intimate.

Fish comes fresh and buttery soft with a smooth texture. The rice portion stays small, letting the quality of the fish stand out.

Salmon shines in rolls like the Mango Salmon special with a balanced sweet sauce and the baked salmon roll that avoids overpowering sweetness. Dishes use very little rice, making them close to sashimi, and the Lemon Pepper Salmon stands out as a popular choice.

People are saying

"The Bottomless sushi options had a wide variety of fresh fish."

"The sushi here is a great value for all-you-can-eat."

"The Mango Salmon roll is a top favorite here."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs Monday through Thursday from 12 PM to 4 PM at $24.95 per person.

2

The happy hour special includes all-you-can-eat rolls only, not the entire menu.

3

This month, buy 1 get 1 free sake or beer is available during happy hour.

14
Catalina Fish Kitchen & Seafood Deli image 1

Casual seafood spot with Hawaiian surfer theme and old surf movies playing on large screens creates a laid-back beach vibe. Atmosphere stays quiet and chill, complemented by a salsa and dressing bar. Fish dishes attract locals with fair prices and a focus on fresh, tasty options.

Fresh fish stands out with a great selection and quick preparation. Fish tacos feature tender, not hard, chunks, and seafood combos offer variety at excellent prices.

Salmon plates feature a fermented flavor that stands out. They appear regularly on the menu outside of happy hour.

People are saying

"I loved the fish tacos, especially the Mahi Mahi."

"I thought the fish tacos were great and tasty."

"I considered the salmon plate a must-have."

Good to know

1

The seafood selection is good with reasonable prices for quality.

2

Happy hour offers great deals on food and drinks.

3

Parking is available nearby, especially during off-peak hours.

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Costa Mesa, California

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