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New Yorkers 1st Choice
East Side Costa Mesa's best

Seafood food spots

You are craving seafood and want to be certain the place you choose specializes in it.

Based on 751 Opinions
+748
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Updated May 2026
01
Baja Fish Tacos image 1
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Mexican restaurant

Wide-open layout creates a casual, friendly atmosphere with a relaxed beach-town vibe. Busy and noisy during lunchtime, it offers a big salsa bar and self-service soda machine. Known for fresh fish tacos and generous portions, it blends fast food convenience with quality Mexican flavors.

Food features fresh ingredients and authentic flavors with consistently excellent quality. Mexican dishes come out quickly and maintain a high standard every time.

Blackened fish tacos stand out with flaky, flavorful fish and crisp cabbage. Shrimp tacos come juicy and well-seasoned. Beans, sauces, and salsas add authentic, fresh flavors throughout.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and consistently excellent."

"These fish tacos are the best I've ever eaten."

"The fish tacos here are flaky, flavorful, and perfectly spiced."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during peak hours.

2

The portions are generous and satisfying.

3

The menu includes burritos, bowls, enchiladas, and vegetarian options.

02
Kakurega image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi restaurant offers an intimate, stylish setting with dim lighting and a quiet, peaceful atmosphere despite occasional buzz. The space feels cozy with an open, relaxing floor plan. It attracts those seeking authentic, high-quality sushi with expert chefs and imported fish.

Food features delicious rolls with appropriate portions and low prices. The menu offers thoughtful dishes paired with exceptional service in a cozy, relaxed setting.

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."

"I found the Japanese food here to be the best I've ever had."

"The food here is delicious and great for the price."

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.

03
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.

Food features a fusion of contemporary cuisine with Latin inspiration using fresh, crisp vegetables and chef-driven, flavorful dishes.

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

People are saying

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

"The food here is delicious and flavorful."

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

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.

04
Tres Muchachos Wine Bar & Kitchen image 1

Small Mexican restaurant offers an intimate setting with a chill vibe and live DJs spinning records. Outdoor patio seating adds a relaxing atmosphere complemented by heaters when needed. The space feels modern and artful, creating a welcoming and lighthearted environment.

Comfort food menu offers a satisfying variety with generous portions. Owners act as chef and server, ensuring excellent service and a focus on the customer experience.

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 thought the food was phenomenal and awesome."

"The staff's wine knowledge and passion really impressed me."

"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.

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.

Food here stands out for its freshness and delicious flavors. Quality remains consistently top notch across dishes.

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."

"The food here is super delicious and very fresh."

"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.

06
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.

Fresh, high-quality fish defines the menu with dishes crafted through true craftsmanship. The food pairs with exceptional service in a fine dining setting where quality justifies the price.

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.

People are saying

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

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

"The seafood here is incredibly fresh and delicious."

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.

07
'Ai Pono Cafe image 1
Hawaiian restaurant

Small Hawaiian restaurant offers a surf vibe atmosphere with loud music that fills the space. The place has Ohana vibes and a chill, friendly energy that recalls family vacations. Seating is limited and cozy, with some outdoor patio options.

Food here is handmade to order and always fresh. The Hawaiian dishes are creative and delicious, capturing authentic flavors that make the meal feel like a trip back to Hawaii.

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

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

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

"I loved the super chill vibes and atmosphere here."

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.

08
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.

Freshness stands out with every dish served. The Hot Night roll pairs artful presentation with delicious flavors that highlight the quality of the ingredients.

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.

09
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.

Food here features large portions that are consistently delicious and visually appealing. The menu offers an outstanding variety that satisfies both casual lunches and special dinners.

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."

"I found the Chinese food here to be absolutely delicious."

"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.

10
Acapulco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious Mexican restaurant with a tropical outdoor patio featuring a fireplace and live music. Upbeat cantina atmosphere blends casual, beachy interior with a family-friendly vibe. Generous margaritas and colorful patio make it a lively spot for relaxing and socializing.

Authentic Mexican food features Mexican meats, side dishes, and desserts served with excellent service. The atmosphere complements the food, creating a satisfying dining experience.

Prawn cocktail features six fresh king prawns on the glass rim with shrimp inside. Baja fish tacos and shrimp enchiladas with crab in green sauce stand out. Steak and shrimp fajitas arrive sizzling.

People are saying

"I found the handmade tortillas and authentic Mexican food to be great."

"The food here tasted authentic and was made from scratch."

"The seafood tacos here are unbelievable."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 3pm to 8pm with drinks starting at $4.

2

Taco Tuesday features special pricing on tacos and drinks.

3

The lunch buffet costs $14 for all-you-can-eat options.

11
Irvine Ranch Market image 1
Gourmet grocery store

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.

Foods and snacks include items not found at typical markets. Prepared foods feature a hot bar, salad bar, and sandwiches. Freshness and good quality stand out, though prices are higher. Staff in food and bakery sections smile often.

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

People are saying

"The staff at this grocery store are so friendly and helpful."

"The food here is so fresh and high-quality."

"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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East Side Costa Mesa, Costa Mesa

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