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Top picks in El Cajon

Dinner and seafood spots

Made for those who view dinner as a dedicated time for seafood and refuse to dine anywhere that cannot execute their preferred catch.

Based on 665 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Rodizio Grill Brazilian Steakhouse San Diego image 1
Rodizio Grill Brazilian Steakhouse San Diego image 2
Rodizio Grill Brazilian Steakhouse San Diego image 3
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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.

Dinner features Brazilian steakhouse style with a variety of grilled meats served continuously. The setting suits group celebrations like birthdays and Thanksgiving dinners.

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 service at these dinner spots was amazing and friendly."

"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
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.

Dinner offers great value with specials and a menu upgrade for 2 dollars more. The noodle soup comes large and packed with pork ribs and noodles. Dinner times get busy but tables are available without wait.

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."

"The noodle soups here are delicious and full of pork ribs."

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.

03
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.

Dinner features Bratwurst and a solid menu for meals. The spot suits dinner and happy hour with drinks available. It's convenient for grabbing food before a movie next door.

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."

"I had an excellent dinner here."

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.

04
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.

Dinner here feels like visiting family, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Meals cost less than fast food, making it a budget-friendly and cozy spot for a regular evening out.

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 dinner spots here are delicious and freshly made."

"The seafood here is incredibly tasty and delicious."

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.

05
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.

Dinners stand out with significantly better quality than breakfast. The space is large with ample parking, yet it fills up quickly on weekends.

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 dinner here is delicious and well-prepared."

"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.

06
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.

Evening dinners feature fantastic service from staff like Melissa, Daniel, and Cynthia. The meals consistently deliver an incredible dinner experience suitable for special occasions.

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 service at these dinner spots made me want to come back."

"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.

07
Greek Chicken image 1
Greek restaurant

Greek restaurant combines fast food style with fresh, well-prepared Greek dishes like gyro and chicken salad. The space feels clean and remodeled, with some booths offering privacy and TVs showing sports. It attracts a busy lunch crowd, creating a lively, noisy atmosphere.

Dinner offers generous portions that can serve as two meals. Options like the Chicken Skewers Dinner and whole chicken dinner are both delicious and nutritious.

Fish and chips stand out with fried fish served alongside a huge salad with dressing. Quality varies, sometimes the fish is mushy or poorly handled, but the dish is often recommended.

People are saying

"The food here is great and consistently good."

"The chicken and gyro plates at these dinner spots were delicious and crispy."

"I found the fish and chips to be yummy and excellent."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is currently undergoing renovations, which may limit menu options.

2

Expect cleanliness issues as some areas may not be well-maintained.

3

Prices are higher than average for similar restaurants in the area.

08
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.

Dinner here can be hit or miss. Some meals are enjoyable, but the overall experience can disappoint and even ruin special occasions.

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 BTS and Spanish rolls at these dinner spots were bomb."

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.

09
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.

Classic 50s dinner atmosphere offers big portions and exceptional customer service. Fried chicken dinner features deep-fried Buffalo wings with sizable leg and wing pieces.

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."

"It's like stepping back into a classic 50s dinner spot."

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.

10
New Century Buffet image 1
Buffet restaurant

Buffet restaurant offers a spacious dining area with varied American and Chinese dishes including chocolate fountain for dessert. Atmosphere is quiet and comfortable with a fast-paced energy during busy times. Seating accommodates large groups, making it suitable for casual, diverse meals.

Dinner offers a wide selection of seafood, sushi, and Chinese food with hot, fresh dishes like baked Salmon and Salt and Pepper shrimp appearing as the evening progresses.

Dinner features a wide variety of shrimp dishes like honey shrimp, coconut shrimp, and salt and pepper shrimp. Baked salmon and fried fish also stand out alongside other seafood and Chinese entrees.

People are saying

"The buffet has great variety and the Chinese dishes are super tasty."

"The dinner spots here have the best seafood, sushi, and Chinese food."

"I thought the honey shrimp and orange chicken seafood were extremely good."

Good to know

1

Lunch costs $14.50, while dinner is more expensive.

2

Ample parking is available at the restaurant.

3

There is a discount for seniors at New Century Buffet.

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El Cajon, California

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