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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of El Cajon

Date and seafood spots

Seafood is a classic choice when the evening calls for something a bit more intentional.

Based on 653 Opinions
+650
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Updated May 2026
01
Rodizio Grill Brazilian Steakhouse San Diego image 1
Rodizio Grill Brazilian Steakhouse San Diego image 2
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Rotating meats sliced tableside create a unique dining experience in a spacious, modern setting with a full bar offering standout piรฑa coladas served in pineapples. The atmosphere stays relaxed and family friendly, with a clean and inviting environment that accommodates large groups comfortably.

Ambiance suits couples and families with a welcoming vibe. Dinner features a variety of meats enjoyed by many.

Shrimp dishes stand out with spicy shrimp and garlic shrimp served hot and flavorful. Pan-baked fish and various meats, including chicken, are cooked to perfection and served with care.

People are saying

"The salad bar had a wide variety of options."

"The food here is top-notch, truly some of the best I've ever had."

"The seafood here is amazing, with staff explaining every pairing."

Good to know

1

Expect no wait time during weekday dinner hours.

2

Parking is easy and plentiful near the restaurant.

3

The restaurant offers over 18 different meats, including beef, chicken, seafood, lamb, and pork.

02
Grandpa Tao Kitchen image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Small Vietnamese restaurant offers cozy indoor and outdoor seating with a beautiful garden patio featuring lights, fans, and plants. Atmosphere stays calm and inviting with soft lighting and elegant dรฉcor, enhanced by piano music. Patio space suits large groups and is dog-friendly, creating a relaxed dining experience.

Pho broth stays consistent and flavorful, making it a reliable choice for couples. Plenty of vegetarian options and dishes like P5 offer variety for different tastes.

Seafood dishes include shrimp spring rolls, crispy fried shrimp, and a seafood tofu stir fry with egg noodles and vegetables. Pho options feature spicy shrimp and steak, and shrimp appears in various appetizers and noodle dishes.

People are saying

"The food here is flavorful and fresh."

"The seafood here is incredibly tasty and delicious."

"The pho broth here is rich, hearty, and complex."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has a parking lot in the back for easy access.

2

Vegetarian options are available on the menu for those with dietary restrictions.

3

The total for a meal is typically around $42 for two people.

03
Chins Gourmet image 1
Chinese restaurant

Chinese restaurant with high-end decor and table linens creates a clean, classy atmosphere that feels relaxing and intimate. Spacious dining area features giant mirrors that enhance the sense of roominess. Soothing music plays softly, adding to the calm vibe.

Offers a nice atmosphere that suits a date night. Prices stay affordable, making it a budget-friendly option for couples.

Seafood dishes feature shrimp and scallops with quality ingredients. The imperial soup blends shrimp, chicken, crabmeat, water chestnuts, and mushrooms in a light egg flower broth. Honey walnut shrimp offers a sweet, nutty flavor.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and flavorful."

"The steamed fish here is silk-like and packed with fabulous flavors."

"It's a great spot for a memorable date night."

Good to know

1

Chins Gourmet offers a $10 gift certificate for mothers on Mother's Day.

2

Dinner times are usually busy, but no wait for a table is common.

3

Lunch specials provide good value, but portion sizes may be smaller than expected.

04
Yi Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere with chill music and a quaint, mellow setting. The place draws diners seeking fresh, high-quality sushi and standout rolls like baked dynamite and spicy tuna. It balances affordable prices with generous portions and a calm vibe ideal for quiet meals.

Frequent orders highlight the Godzilla roll and salmon roll as standout choices. Consistent takeout makes it a reliable date night option.

Oysters on the halfshell come with fresh wasabi that adds a sharp kick. Fish stays at a temperature that melts in your mouth, unlike many places where it feels tougher. Shrimp Consomรฉ soup and Salmon Kama specials offer unique seafood options.

People are saying

"The seafood here is fresh, rich, and melts in your mouth."

"The Japanese food here, especially the rolls, is beautiful and delicious."

"The sushi here is so tasty, it's perfect for Date Spots."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 3 to 7 pm with items starting at $3.

2

Parking is plentiful and convenient for visitors.

3

The bento box provides excellent value for the price.

05
Taco Azul, INC image 1
Taco restaurant

Small taco shop with a clean, minimal seating area and an organized kitchen. Offers authentic Mexican food with blue corn and fish tacos that many find exceptional. Known for affordable prices and street tacos that attract a loyal local following.

Couples often enjoy the casual vibe while sharing street tacos. The spot suits quick, relaxed dates with simple, flavorful food.

Fish tacos come with blue corn tortillas and offer great taste at a value price of 2 for $3. Street tacos and shrimp tacos also deliver consistent flavor and satisfying portions.

People are saying

"The tacos and burritos here are delicious and made with fresh ingredients."

"The fish tacos here are amazing and delicious."

"The street tacos here are amazing, packed with meat."

Good to know

1

Street tacos cost $1.25 each.

2

Fish tacos are priced at $3.00 each.

3

Taco deals include 2 fish tacos for $3.00.

06
Hooleys Public House image 1

Pub offers a huge interior with a rustic, casual atmosphere that sometimes features live music creating lively energy. The vibe ranges from quiet and intimate to fun and bustling depending on the crowd. Regulars enjoy classic beers on tap and a patio area for outdoor seating.

Irish stew and fish and chips stand out as solid meal choices. Seating is casual, allowing couples to settle in comfortably for a relaxed date.

Fish and chips come with hand battered cod and a golden brown texture. Shrimp and fish tacos are fresh and served hot with generous portions.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and always great."

"The fish and chips here are hand-battered with a perfect golden-brown texture."

"These Date Spots have the best hand-battered cod fish and chips."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with great food deals.

2

Wednesday is half-price bottle wine night, perfect for wine lovers.

3

Brunch is served on weekends until 2:00 PM with a limited menu.

07
Hacienda Casa Blanca Mexican Restaurant & Cantina image 1

Stonework, stucco, and hanging tin lanterns create an authentic hacienda atmosphere with quirky, unique dรฉcor. Live music fills the space on certain days, adding lively energy that can be quite loud. The crowd enjoys excellent Mexican food and a variety of margaritas in a friendly, inviting setting.

Warm ambiance and decor create a cozy mood for a date night or night out with friends. It suits casual dinners but may not fit all date preferences.

Shrimp Diablo offers a spicy kick that stands out. The fish tacos come in both battered and grilled styles, each delivering top-notch quality and strong flavor.

People are saying

"The Mexican Food here is great, and the service is excellent."

"The food here is so delicious, it's perfect for Date Spots."

"The seafood here, especially the fish tacos, is fresh and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The brunch costs $36 per person for all-you-can-eat.

2

Happy hour specials are available, making it a great time to visit.

3

Reservations are recommended for large parties, especially on weekends.

08
Pho Tam image 1
Restaurant

Simple, spacious interior with comfortable booths and authentic decor like square tiles and pictures of gods creates a calm, cozy atmosphere. Quiet and relaxed environment suits those who prefer privacy. The place stands out for its peaceful vibe and affordable value.

Couples often choose this spot for its casual vibe and frequent visits. It suits spontaneous plans and regular date nights with a familiar feel.

Seafood shines in the Seafood Pho noodle soup and the grilled shrimp in the Vermicelli Combo. Both dishes offer tasty, well-prepared flavors.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here, especially the pho, has a really good flavor."

"This is a great spot for a date, with excellent food and service."

"The grilled shrimp in the Vermicelli Combo were very tasty."

Good to know

1

The bowl size offers great value for the price.

2

Food is served quickly, usually within minutes.

3

Take-out orders are prepared in about 15 minutes on weekends.

09
Applebee's Grill + Bar image 1

Open bar seating and a lively bar area create a social, friendly atmosphere with laughter and game viewing. The space feels welcoming and comfortable, with a mix of busy and calm moments depending on the time. Recent remodeling updates the look, especially outside, enhancing the overall vibe.

Frequent visits highlight the spot as a steady choice for weekly date nights. Food arrives hot and fresh, and the bar staff, especially Jilly and Rachel, offer friendly, attentive service.

Shrimp dishes stand out with perfectly cooked shrimp and a crispy texture on the plate. The Mexican Fiesta Shrimp bowl offers a tasty option that differs from other seafood choices.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"The servers here are so friendly and make you feel special."

"I found the shrimp perfectly cooked and the portion was perfect."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with great drink deals.

2

Trivia game participation costs $1.99 per player.

3

Expect minimal wait times, even on busy nights like Veterans Day.

10
Tabu Sushi Bar & Grill image 1
Sushi restaurant

Modern, relaxed sushi restaurant with clean, pretty interior and expansive menu featuring many rolls with tempura. Noise level rises when crowded due to reflective walls. Known for excellent sushi quality and balanced portions, attracting diners seeking fresh fish and variety.

Modern, relaxed atmosphere suits dates well. It works for sushi dinners or casual nights with friends.

Fresh fish arrives daily, ensuring top notch quality in every dish. Portions balance well with the rice, and the crunchy shrimp starter stands out for its flavor.

People are saying

"Tony's fish creations were always surprising and the freshest."

"The seafood here is so fresh, I always ask the chef for suggestions."

"The sushi here is some of the best, perfect for a date."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a wide variety of sushi rolls, many with tempura elements.

2

Expect to pay around $22 for an entrรฉe, which may be considered overpriced by some.

3

The menu includes plenty of cooked options for non-sushi eaters, like rice and teriyaki.

11
The Pancake House image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Classic 50s diner with retro decor and original dishware creates a laid-back old school vibe. Spacious dining area offers a family-friendly atmosphere with hearty portions served throughout the day. Music and design evoke a nostalgic, hometown feel.

Meals come in generous portions, enough for sharing. Waitstaff sometimes mix up orders, like confusing a super melt with a super club sandwich, which can affect the meal's temperature and ingredients.

All-you-can-eat fish and chips come on Monday, Thursday, and Friday with crispy fried fish cooked nicely. The fish fry option appears twice a week and offers double delicious servings.

People are saying

"The breakfast staff here are amazing and super helpful."

"You have to try their all-you-can-eat fish fry; it's double delicious."

"The service here is so nice and attentive, they even remember you."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers all-you-can-eat fish and chips on Monday, Thursday, and Friday.

2

Big portions are served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

3

Prices are reasonable, with breakfast costing around $13.99 plus drinks.

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El Cajon, California

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