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

Seafood spots

When you crave seafood, you need to know the kitchen treats the ingredients with the respect they deserve.

Based on 665 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Verde Restaurant image 1
Verde Restaurant image 2
Verde Restaurant image 3
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American restaurant

Space blends modern elegance with nostalgic charm, offering an elegant speakeasy and golf course views. Creative cocktails and inventive dishes, like smoked trout dip and citrusy shrimp ceviche, attract guests seeking 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.

People are saying

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

"The cocktails are creative, crafted with care and perfectly balanced."

"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.

02
Kakurega image 1
Sushi restaurant

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."

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

"The sake flights here are a highlight and really fun to try."

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
Baja Fish Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Wide-open layout creates a casual, friendly vibe with a relaxed beach-town feel. Blackened fish tacos shine with flaky, flavorful seafood, while a big salsa bar offers fresh, authentic sauces. Busy lunchtime and self-service soda machine add fast food convenience to quality Mexican flavors.

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.

04
'Ai Pono Cafe image 1
Hawaiian restaurant

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

"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.

05
Shunka Sushi & Japanese Cuisine image 1

Sushi spot shines with authentic omakase and a traditional Japanese interior. Fresh, rare fish like shrimp nigiri impress seafood lovers. Small portions and fair prices make it inviting for all.

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."

"I found the sushi here to be super authentic, prepared by real Japanese chefs."

"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.

06
Tres Muchachos Wine Bar & Kitchen image 1

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 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.

07
Que Vida Tacos Costa Mesa image 1
Mexican restaurant

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

"I found the breakfast burrito to be muy bueno."

"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.

08
Sushi Town image 1
Japanese restaurant

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 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
Acapulco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious Mexican spot offers a tropical patio with a fireplace and live music, creating a lively vibe. Enjoy fresh king prawns in prawn cocktail or Baja fish tacos. Generous margaritas and a family-friendly atmosphere make it perfect for socializing.

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 brunch staff, especially Jesus and Ale, made my daughter feel so special."

"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.

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East Side Costa Mesa, Costa Mesa

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