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Local picks

Seafood spots in Costa Mesa

You expect your seafood to be fresh and handled with the expertise it deserves.

Based on 801 Opinions
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01
Kappo Sui / Sazu Sushi image 1
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Cozy spot with authentic Japanese atmosphere offers fresh, high-quality sushi. Nigiri features best fish around with warm, oily texture in chirashi bowl. Soft music creates a calm, relaxed energy perfect for quiet conversation.

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."

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.

02
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Seafood shines with fresh grilled fish and Cajun shrimp tacos that burst with flavor. Casual, friendly atmosphere invites families and friends to enjoy quick, affordable meals. Metal seating adds to the relaxed, welcoming vibe.

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."

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.

03
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Cozy, authentic decor sets a relaxed tone with fresh sushi as the star. Small group seating and an open kitchen add charm, while the outdoor patio offers a sunny spot with heaters. Seafood shines in rolls like the Fire Island roll with spicy tuna and jalapeรฑo, plus crunchy fried shrimp heads.

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."

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.

04
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Small Mexican spot shines with handmade tortillas and fish tacos featuring big fish pieces and fresh salsa. Vibrant decor includes a Frida Kahlo mural and lively Spanish music. Atmosphere stays family-friendly and chill, perfect for casual dining.

Fish tacos feature big pieces of fish with not too much breading. They come with a nice crema and great salsa that complement the flavors well.

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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Small sushi bar offers an intimate setting with fresh wasabi grated on site. Incredible fresh fish shines in inventive seafood dishes. Chef explains each course, creating a serene atmosphere perfect for enjoying thoughtful alternatives for allergies.

Incredible fresh fish stands out in every dish. The menu shows inventive seafood preparations and adapts well for allergies with thoughtful alternatives like clam and halibut chawan mushi.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh, it's amazing."

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.

06
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Lively Mexican spot with fresh seafood shines with shrimp cocktails and fish tacos. Juicy, large tacos offer great value. Clean space keeps an energetic vibe with loud conga music, but it's not family-friendly and often quiet.

Fresh, flavorful seafood stands out here with shrimp cocktails that are consistently delicious. Fish and shrimp tacos also offer tasty options for seafood lovers.

People are saying

"The seafood here, especially the shrimp cocktails, is so good."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is very clean, including the bathroom.

2

Prices are reasonable and portions are big.

3

The restaurant is usually not very busy, making it a good option for a quiet meal.

07
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Small Japanese spot shines with fresh sushi and cozy authentic decor. Sweet shrimp with crispy roe heads offers a unique seafood twist. Outdoor seating with heaters and nearby ice cream shop create a relaxed vibe perfect for couples and groups.

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."

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.

08
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Spacious Japanese grocery store offers fresh fish perfect for sushi and sashimi alongside a large sake selection. Bright seating areas with microwaves let shoppers enjoy hot deli meals from a self-serve bar. Authentic products and hand-drawn signs create a Tokyo market feel.

Fresh fish stands out with an extensive selection suitable for sashimi and sushi. Pre-packed seafood and hot deli options offer quick meals, all kept fresh with ice cubes at the entrance.

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.

09
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Small Mexican spot shines with fresh margaritas and a lively vibe. Fish tacos impress with crispy beer batter and large portions. Bar seating and outdoor tables create an upbeat, comfortable space for enjoying quality seafood and tacos.

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 grilled shrimp tacos 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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Enjoy authentic family-like atmosphere with homemade-style banchan and generous tofu soups. Seafood pancake offers perfect crispiness and rich flavors. Clean, welcoming interior makes it feel like home for genuine Korean tastes.

Seafood pancake stands out with its perfect crispiness and a good mix of seafood. The seafood jun also offers a crispy texture and rich flavor.

People are saying

"The seafood pancake is perfectly crispy and yummy."

Good to know

1

Parking might be difficult during busy hours due to shared lot with other restaurants.

2

The restaurant can accommodate large parties, making it suitable for group lunches.

3

The price at Myung Dong Tofu House & BBQ is reasonable for the amount of food.

11
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Retro style creates a casual vibe with a clean space. Fish and chips shine with perfect frying and fresh, crispy fish. Quick service and standout chicken complement classic sides like rice and beans, making it great for seafood lovers and casual diners alike.

Fish and chips come out fresh and crispy with quality fish fried perfectly every time. The fish pairs well with spicy salsa and sides like rice, beans, and tortillas for tacos.

People are saying

"The seafood here is fantastic, especially the fish and chips."

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.

12
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Small sushi bar offers a warm, inviting atmosphere with limited indoor seating. Fresh fish shines with clean taste and firm texture, paired with creative sushi rolls and fresh oysters. Affordable prices make it a great spot for quality sushi without fuss.

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 seafood 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.

13
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Small Hawaiian spot buzzes with surf vibe and loud music. Shrimp dishes shine with fresh shrimp and bold sauces. Cozy seating and Ohana vibes make it feel like a family getaway.

Shrimp dishes stand out with fresh shrimp and good acidity. Options like tiger shrimp plates and shrimp lollipops come with generous portions and tasty sauces.

People are saying

"The shrimp here is delicious and perfectly seasoned and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Parking is available on-site, but can fill up quickly during busy times.

2

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

3

Expect larger portion sizes, often enough for two meals.

14
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Small Thai spot offers authentic dishes with a quiet vibe and friendly service. Shrimp shines in Pad Thai and coconut shrimp, making seafood a highlight. Expect reasonable prices and average portions, perfect for takeout with a 30-50 minute wait.

Shrimp shines in the Pad Thai and coconut shrimp dishes. The Pad Thai with shrimp stands out more than the Tom Yum soup.

People are saying

"I loved the shrimp pad thai; it was perfectly seasoned."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but ordering ahead is recommended for quicker service.

2

Expect food preparation to take 30-50 minutes, especially during busy hours.

3

The restaurant has a straightforward ordering process at the counter.

15
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Small Mexican spot offers fresh seafood like shrimp tacos and ceviche. Enjoy a chill vibe with live DJs and modern art. Outdoor patio with heaters creates a relaxing atmosphere perfect for casual dining.

Fresh seafood shines in dishes like pesto pasta, paella, and shrimp tacos. Options include ceviche, fish and chips, and seafood paired with homemade chorizo pasta.

People are saying

"I loved the seafood paella; it tasted so fresh."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for special events like wine pairings.

2

Brunch is served all day, making it a flexible dining option.

3

The restaurant hosts food and wine pairing events regularly.

16
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Small, cozy sushi spot offers fresh fish with excellent presentation and flavorful toppings. Chef handcrafts seasoned tofu pockets filled with various options. Intimate space fits 8 to 10 people, perfect for takeout or quiet dining.

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

People are saying

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

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.

17
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Sushi spot shines with fresh fish from Japan and expert chefs crafting each bite. Cozy, stylish space offers a quiet, peaceful atmosphere perfect for savoring authentic flavors. Open floor plan invites relaxation while enjoying high-quality seafood and crisp vegetables.

Fish arrives fresh from Japan and shows world-class skill in preparation. Every bite features high-quality fish and crisp vegetables that melt in your mouth.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh, it practically melts in your mouth."

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.

18
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Underground steakhouse with a speakeasy vibe offers shrimp scampi cooked to perfection and a lively crowd. Retro 1950s bar and live music create a cool, old-school mood. Garlic bread and sautรฉed mushrooms complement the seafood well.

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 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.

19
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Classic sports bar buzzes with billiard tables and darts, perfect for game lovers. Fish and chips shine with crispy batter, paired with fries and coleslaw. Outdoor patio welcomes vaping, adding to the relaxed vibe enjoyed by all ages.

Fish and chips stand out with crispy batter and tender fish. Meals often come with fries and coleslaw for a classic combo.

People are saying

"I found their fish and chips 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.

20
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Enjoy fresh fish tacos with huge portions and flavorful sauce in a clean, themed setting. Options include shrimp tacos and a shrimp trio, all at affordable prices. Choose to dine inside, outside, or grab food to go with quick service.

Fish tacos come with huge portions and fresh, delicious fish topped with a flavorful sauce. Shrimp tacos and a shrimp trio offer great value and tasty options alongside the classic fish taco.

People are saying

"The seafood tacos here are delicious and fresh."

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.

21
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Enjoy fresh oysters with pure ocean flavor and a cozy atmosphere that welcomes dogs outdoors. Fried oysters are crunchy and creamy, while clam dishes boast a rich sauce. Bar area feels crowded and music can distract from the laid-back vibe.

Fresh oysters arrive with pure ocean flavor and a variety that stays consistent. Fried oysters offer a perfectly crunchy exterior and creamy inside, while clam and chorizo dishes come with a rich, smooth sauce enhancing their taste.

People are saying

"The seafood here is always so fresh and tasty."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for comfortable seating; walk-ins are seated at the bar or outside.

2

Oyster prices are unmarked, so ask before ordering to avoid embarrassment.

3

Parking is easy and accessible near the restaurant.

22
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Poke bar shines with fresh fish and spicy tuna bowls loaded with toppings. Open layout and comfortable seating create a peaceful vibe. Enjoy the fun music and warm energy while savoring quality seafood.

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.

People are saying

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

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.

23
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Cozy space with soft lighting offers a welcoming vibe. Wild caught fish from Japan shines in generous portions, including bold shrimp heads in miso soup. Decor shows 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.

People are saying

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

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.

24
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Enjoy fresh sushi with big fish cuts and perfectly cooked rice in a quiet, cozy atmosphere. The space feels welcoming and calm, ideal for easy conversation. A patio adds to the relaxed vibe, making it great for seafood lovers and peaceful dining.

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 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.

25
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Old-school Chinese eatery offers a homey atmosphere with a family-friendly vibe and a private party room. Shrimp dishes shine, especially the Honey Glazed Walnut shrimp with its sweet crunch and Kung Pao Shrimp for rich flavor. A full-service bar adds to the warm, welcoming space.

Shrimp dishes stand out with Honey Glazed Walnut shrimp offering a sweet crunch and Kung Pao Shrimp delivering rich flavor without heat. Fried rice with shrimp and Aromatic Shrimp add variety with solid taste profiles.

People are saying

"The authentic Chinese seafood here is delicious and made with fresh ingredients."

Good to know

1

Golden Dragon has been family-owned since 1974, ensuring quality and tradition.

2

The restaurant offers large portion sizes, providing good value for money.

3

They have a full bar available for events and parties.

26
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Ocean-themed Mexican spot buzzes with a live DJ and karaoke, creating a lively vibe. Spacious seating fits groups well but lacks intimacy. Seafood shines with shrimp burrito and whole fried fish, while fresh oysters and shrimp cocktails add zest.

Specialties include shrimp and seafood cocktails, whole fried fish, and fresh oysters. Shrimp dishes like the grilled shrimp special and shrimp burrito stand out, with shrimp cocktails featuring tomato, onion, cilantro, avocado, and a touch of ketchup.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the shrimp cocktail; it was darn good."

Good to know

1

The price of a single taco el Gobernador is $9.99.

2

Parties of any size are always welcomed.

3

There is plenty of seating inside along with a few seats outside.

27
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Western-style seating blends with a traditional Japanese vibe in a lively, noisy space. Fresh seafood shines with premium sashimi and raw oysters served in pairs. Casual dining thrives amid an energetic crowd and authentic flavors.

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.

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Cozy spot with spacious seating and cool fish tanks creates a calm vibe. Family-run with friendly staff serves fresh shrimp dishes and spicy fish, showcasing authentic Vietnamese flavors. Known for fresh ingredients and fair prices.

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 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.

29
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Mexican spot buzzes with homey vibe and lively noise, perfect for families and sports fans. Seafood shines with Garlic Shrimp and shrimp fajitas, offering authentic flavors. Prices stay reasonable, making it a great choice for hearty, flavorful meals.

Garlic Shrimp stands out as a favorite, often ordered alongside shrimp fajitas and Diablo shrimp. Shrimp cocktails appear frequently, though the shrimp and octopus cocktail receives mixed reactions.

People are saying

"I thought the garlic shrimp seafood was the best I had ever tasted."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers great deals on tacos, making it a popular choice.

2

Lunch specials are available daily, providing good value for money.

3

The restaurant is family-owned, adding a personal touch to the dining experience.

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Indoor space mimics an authentic Japanese market with a large food court and lively atmosphere. Fresh seafood like bluefin tuna stands out alongside quality meats. Crowds enjoy beef tongue and ramen, creating a bustling vibe with unique Japanese products.

Fresh fish selection includes bluefin tuna and other sushi-grade fish at reasonable prices. The seafood section offers a wide variety of beautiful, fresh fish alongside quality meats.

People are saying

"The food court offers a great variety of Japanese eats."

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.

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Costa Mesa, California

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