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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Loved by locals

Seafood spots in Lemon Grove

Fresh seafood that respects the source rather than masking it in heavy, generic sauces.

Based on 567 Opinions
+564
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Updated May 2026
01
CALI MEX COCINA & CATERING image 1
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Outdoor seating defines the space with a clean, inviting setup. Energy feels fresh and lively, drawing many soon after opening. Food stands out for fresh homemade tortillas, large portions, and distinctive house-made salsas.

Food comes fresh with great quality and generous portions. Every bite tastes delicious, backed by attentive service and unique recipes from a passionate cook.

Shrimp features heavily with options like a shrimp burrito and a taco bowl with extra shrimp. A salad with extra vegetables often accompanies the shrimp burrito for a balanced meal.

People are saying

"The carne asada fries here are perfectly charred and flavorful."

"I found the food to be amazing and delicious."

"I tried four types of seafood salsas, and they were all delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers only covered outside seating.

2

Three huge tacos with guacamole cost $12.

3

They accept credit cards.

02
Lemon Grove Cafe image 1

Old school diner with Route 66 themed booths and a large covered patio creates a nostalgic, down-home vibe. 80s hits play softly, setting a mellow, family-friendly atmosphere. Busy spot known for traditional American breakfast and a varied menu.

Food comes out hot and well prepared with great portions at a chill neighborhood spot. Dishes are tasty, well seasoned, and fresh, served quickly and at a good price.

Seafood omelets stand out here, including a shrimp omelet and a special one not on the menu. Fish tacos also feature as a solid choice.

People are saying

"The food here is really good and the portions are generous."

"The food and service at this cafe were fantastic."

"I found the seafood omelet to be fantastic."

Good to know

1

The cafe is small, so expect to wait for a table during peak hours.

2

There is ample parking available right next to the cafe.

3

The menu features a variety of Greek, Mexican, and American dishes.

03
Chef John's Fish & Chips image 1
Fish & chips restaurant

Small, clean fish and chips spot with an outdated interior that adds charming, retro vibes. Atmosphere is quiet with nostalgic soft rock music playing. Food is freshly prepared with consistent quality, though wait times can be long.

Food arrives fresh and hot, served on a tray with orderly presentation. Fries come out freshly made, and the quality justifies the wait.

Fish comes with a beautiful breading and fries have the perfect crispiness. Portions are large, with fried fish nearly as long as a forearm, and the fish is fried perfectly every time.

People are saying

"I thought the fish and chips were the best I've ever had."

"I thought the fish and chips were the best I've ever had."

"I had the best fish and chips I've ever experienced."

Good to know

1

The wait times can be long because the food is prepared fresh.

2

I advise to order ahead if I was in a hurry.

3

The prices are close to double compared to other places.

04
El Pollo Grill - Lemon Grove image 1

Mexican restaurant with large indoor and outdoor seating and an open dining room layout. Atmosphere feels casual and lively, enhanced by sports TVs and a modern drink machine offering customizable flavors. Known for tasty grilled chicken and an awesome salsa bar, it draws crowds despite a simple, truck stop-like exterior.

Mexican food here is consistently flavorful and fresh with a homestyle ambiance that feels like dining in a kitchen. The dishes are delicious and satisfying, often chosen for family gatherings.

Fish tacos come with freshness and consistent flavor, often highlighted on Tuesdays. Shrimp dishes vary, with fajitas tasting very tasty but shrimp tacos sometimes lacking flavor and needing improvement.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food burritos here to be huge and delicious."

"The food here is so tasty and flavorful."

"The seafood burritos here are loaded with flavor."

Good to know

1

Kids eat free on Wednesdays.

2

El Pollo Grill no longer accepts cash payments.

3

On busy weekend days, expect a 30-45 minute wait.

05
El Cata Mariscos Sushi & Cortes image 1

Seafood restaurant with live music and a full bar featuring TVs for games creates a lively and inviting atmosphere. Spacious interior includes indoor and patio seating with a clean, modern bar area. The vibe is family oriented and vibrant, blending fun and relaxation.

Food stands out for its great quality and quantity with a focus on Mexican dishes. Meals come at an affordable price and pair well with drinks, all served with attentive service.

Offers fresh fish with a clean taste and large rolls. Fish tacos come abundant and delicious, blending sashimi-style proteins with a Mexican twist.

People are saying

"I thought the food was terrific, especially the ceviche."

"I found the seafood tacos to be succulent and juicy."

"The live music here creates an awesome, vibrant atmosphere."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 2-6 PM Monday through Friday and during Padres' games.

2

Enjoy 2-for-1 16 oz beers during happy hour, including IPAs.

3

Live music is available on weekends, enhancing the atmosphere.

06
Lemon Grove Thai Food image 1
Thai restaurant

Simple, modern space offers a quiet, unpretentious atmosphere with take-out only service. Food arrives quickly, featuring authentic Thai dishes with notable spice profiles like black pepper. Prices remain consistently low, attracting regulars who appreciate the reliable quality.

Flavorful Thai dishes come out quickly with great prices. The beef pad see ew and customizable glass noodle dish stand out, paired with outstanding service.

Seafood dishes feature full sized shrimp notably in the papaya salad. The seafood pho offers a colorful mix of protein, vegetables, and noodles rather than just broth.

People are saying

"The Panang, red, yellow, and green curries were all amazing."

"I found the drunken noodles to be perfectly cooked and flavorful."

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

Good to know

1

They only serve take-out trays.

2

The food is made to order and ready in 5 minutes.

3

If paying by card, expect an extra charge of up to a dollar per item.

07
Cotijas Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers a lively atmosphere with outdoor patio seating and nice music. It draws a crowd looking for affordable, flavorful burritos and well-prepared rolled tacos. Cash-only policy and limited seating shape the experience.

Food here is consistently hot and delicious, with a focus on authentic Mexican flavors. Prices stay reasonable, offering generous portions like Carne Asada Burritos and refreshing horchata.

Ala diabla shrimp burrito and fish tacos stand out for their size and flavor. Rolled tacos and shrimp tacos come in grande sizes and often taste delicious, though some shrimp and fish burritos can be salty or dry.

People are saying

"The food here is consistently great and always hot."

"The carne asada here is tender and well-seasoned."

"I thought the shrimp taco was delicious."

Good to know

1

There is easy parking available in the lot next door.

2

They only accept cash or card payments, with a fee for card use.

3

There isn't a lot of seating available, so plan accordingly.

08
Elite Buffet image 1
Buffet restaurant

Buffet restaurant offers a spacious seating area with a peaceful, low-key atmosphere and a self-serve setup. It features a wide variety of Chinese and Japanese dishes, including unique fried fish and whole blue crabs. The place maintains a quiet yet lively vibe during visits.

Offers a great variety and awesome selection of food that is always fresh and well cooked. Prices include a beverage, making it a tasty and inexpensive option.

Seafood options expand on weekends with salmon and seafood specials. Unique items like fried fish and seafood soup stand out alongside fresh sushi and creamy shrimp.

People are saying

"The buffet food was amazing and fresh."

"You'll find so many seafood choices, like creamy shrimp and whole blue crabs."

"I found the food here to be amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

The buffet costs $17 on weekdays and $22 at other times.

2

Weekends feature special seafood additions like salmon.

3

Parking is shared with other businesses, making it sometimes hard to find a spot.

09
First Chinese Express image 1
Chinese restaurant

Ordering happens outside with no dine-in option, creating a quick takeout atmosphere. Food offers generous portions and reasonably priced specials, with standout dishes like shrimp fried rice and spicy chicken wings. Cooking avoids traditional woks, focusing on consistent, straightforward preparation.

Food comes out fresh and hot with authentic Chinese flavors that avoid Americanized versions. Staff check for food allergies, and prices stay fair for the quality served.

Shrimp fried rice stands out with perfectly cooked rice and generous shrimp portions. Shrimp Egg Fo Yung offers a rich egg and shrimp mix that pairs well with other dishes like the Bo Bo Platter.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and tastes authentic."

"The Shrimp Fried Rice is perfect, packed with lots of egg and shrimp."

"The shrimp fried rice is my favorite seafood dish here."

Good to know

1

Customers have to order their food outside in the cold.

2

There is a long wait for food after ordering.

3

The lunch special costs $8.49 and includes a free side of rice.

10
Hinata Sushi image 1
Authentic Japanese restaurant

Cozy interior blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with a modern twist under warm, calm lighting. Atmosphere feels casual and low key but can become crowded and loud during busy times, making movement and conversation challenging.

Fresh made food consistently impresses with phenomenal quality across the menu. Staff remain extremely attentive to requests during dining.

Sushi rolls feature high-quality fish with tender crab and succulent shrimp in the Crunch Roll. The seafood salad offers a solid option. Some shrimp dishes may have quality issues, including spoilage.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and absolutely delicious."

"I consider their Japanese food to be some of the best."

"The seafood here has tender crab and succulent shrimp with a sweet, spicy sauce."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm with sushi rolls for $2 each.

2

The restaurant reopens at 4:30 PM after closing for lunch.

3

Expect minimal wait times during weekday evenings.

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Lemon Grove, California

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