Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in National City

Date spots with seafood

A seafood dinner provides the right atmosphere for a focused, uninterrupted conversation.

Based on 715 Opinions
+712
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
PHOnomenal image 1
PHOnomenal image 2
PHOnomenal image 3
View all
Cambodian restaurant

Small space with floor-to-ceiling windows creates a bright, airy feel. Atmosphere blends modern minimalism with a family vibe and lively energy from hip-hop music and car videos. Crowds gather early, but conversation stays comfortable amid the friendly, welcoming setting.

Beef rib pho and shrimp spring rolls create a solid meal for couples. The soup impresses even those who don't usually like pho, making it a reliable choice for a date.

Shrimp appears in the spring rolls, paired with pork and fresh crunchy veggies. These rolls come alongside dishes like pho, including beef rib and house special with extra meatballs.

People are saying

"I experienced the best Cambodian style pho in San Diego."

"The shrimp spring rolls are fresh, tasty, and perfectly wrapped."

"The pho broth here is amazing, the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Arrive early to secure a seat as they sell out quickly.

2

The soup is only available between 10 am and 1 pm.

3

Expect a wait of 30 minutes to an hour during weekend lunch hours.

02
Chร o XO Kitchen image 1
Asian restaurant

Small, elegant Asian restaurant with modern design and Asian-influenced art creates a warm, family-friendly atmosphere filled with plants and vibrant decor. The space feels inviting and comfortable, suitable for casual dinners or celebrations. An open bar adds to the relaxed vibe.

Offers a vibey atmosphere suitable for date nights and chill lunches. Dinner specials include appetizer, entree, and dessert options with generous portions.

Shrimp in the pasta comes large, juicy, and well-cooked with linguine that's al dente in a rich, flavorful sauce. Garlic shrimp noodles and fries add extra seafood variety.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and yummy."

"The Kare Curry's pork belly was amazing, though some found it too big."

"The food at these Date Spots is so delicious and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The restaurant's grand opening is on March 21, 2024.

2

A special menu is available for Restaurant Week.

3

Parking is available in a shared lot, but can be limited.

03
Ichiban Sando image 1
Sandwich shop

Small sandwich shop with cozy vibes and cute murals creates a welcoming atmosphere despite cramped space. Friendly staff add to the hole-in-the-wall charm. Music plays softly, balancing quiet moments with lively lunch hours.

Offers a generous amount of food for around $40, making it easy to share. The spot has a cool vibe that suits a casual date night.

Shrimp sandos stand out here, especially the Coconut Curry Shrimp and Shrimp Katsu Sando. The coconut curry version bursts with rich spices and bold flavors.

People are saying

"The sandwiches here are fluffy, crispy, and perfectly moist."

"The seafood sandos here are delicious and bursting with flavor."

"I tried the spicy chicken katsu and it was good."

Good to know

1

You can order ahead using the website or via phone call.

2

They accept cash and card, but there is a charge for using a card, around 50 cents.

3

The place only offers inside seating.

04
Crab Pub image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood served in casual, finger-food style with fresh ingredients and shareable portions defines the setting. Atmosphere varies from cool and lively to occasionally loud and explicit, especially during events. Prices tend to be high, with a focus on Cajun-style dishes like crawfish and shrimp.

Choosing from the menu includes options like the combo 2 with butter and garlic. Service requires actively flagging down staff for drink refills and the check during a date night.

Seafood boil features crab clusters and shrimp with garlic noodles. Fried shrimp baskets add a crispy option in this down and dirty seafood spot.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really tasty and fresh."

"I enjoyed the good food and generous portions of seafood."

"The food here is really good and tasty."

Good to know

1

Crab Pub only offers takeout after 10 PM.

2

Bottled water is not offered at Crab Pub.

3

Expect high prices for food and drinks.

05
Hanamichi Japanese Restaurant image 1

Small Japanese restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere with a quietly lively vibe and wheelchair accessibility. Bar seating invites casual dining and drinking, featuring Sapporo beer on tap. Booths are tight but the space feels welcoming and comforting.

Couples often share about $100 worth of food, enjoying ramen, sushi, and soba noodles together. The menu suits lunch or cozy rainy day meals, making it a solid spot for two.

Seafood here features high quality fish that never causes sickness. Dishes include Nabeyaki Udon with thick noodles and Shrimp Ramen in Miso soup with thin noodles.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the sushi, is unbelievably fresh and flavorful."

"The seafood here is really high quality and delicious."

"The food here is so tasty, it's a great spot for Date Spots."

Good to know

1

They offer a happy hour drink special of sake and/or beer.

2

They have happy hour twice a day.

3

The restaurant is wheelchair accessible.

06
Market on 8th image 1
Food court

Food court with large tables and a bar area featuring TVs for sports creates a social setting. Atmosphere ranges from cozy and calm to lively with live music and games, suitable for families and groups. Outdoor seating includes fire pits and options for sun or shade, enhancing comfort.

Large tables and chairs fit couples and groups comfortably. Live music adds a lively touch. Food options include a Chicken Karage Rice Bowl and a favorite Mexican spot.

Seafood taco stands out as a notable dish, often missed and considered a highlight. Sushi and seafood spots offer delicious options, though some shrimp may lack freshness and proper preparation.

People are saying

"The Market has tons of delicious food options, like fresh sushi and juicy burgers."

"You'll find tasty food and great drink options here."

"The seafood here is delicious and super good."

Good to know

1

Parking is very limited at Market on 8th.

2

The cafe closes after 5 PM, limiting dessert options.

3

There are various food vendors offering Mexican, Asian, and more.

07
Kimball Bar & Eatery image 1

Oceanfront dining offers a relaxed charm with mesmerizing decor and a lively atmosphere. Evenings often feature live music that energizes the space while guests enjoy a warm fire pit on the patio. The setting balances family-friendly vibes with a vibrant nightlife feel.

Grilled fish tacos stand out as a delicious option here. The seafood leans traditional and pairs well with other dishes like the fried fish tacos and sweet potato fries.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be fresh and flavorful."

"Our server Wilbur went above and beyond for our Date Spots experience."

"You have to try the fish tacos; they're delicious."

Good to know

1

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

2

Taco Tuesday features special pricing on tacos and drinks.

3

Live music events happen every Saturday night, attracting large crowds.

08
Bistro City image 1
Chinese restaurant

Older building hosts lavish Chinese decor with glass lazy Susans on large tables for easy sharing. Atmosphere suits family and group dining with a traditional Mandarin and Cantonese focus. Menu features crispy chicken and flavorful dishes like spicy Szechuan beef and orange chicken.

A quiet spot with attentive service that suits a relaxed evening. Staff check in often, like offering another beer without waiting to be asked.

Fried shrimp comes with batter coating and the tail left on, not filleted. Honey walnut shrimp offers a sweet and crunchy flavor. Salted Fish Fried Rice tastes very salty, so it suits those who like strong flavors.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the Mandarin and Cantonese dishes."

"The food portions here are huge, you'll have plenty of leftovers."

"The salt and pepper chicken wings and honey walnut shrimp are so good."

Good to know

1

The lunch cost is $11.95 per person.

2

The portion sizes are generous, often enough for two adults.

3

Entrees and steamed rice are served within five minutes of ordering.

09
Royal Mandarin image 1
Mandarin restaurant

Salt and pepper chicken wings stand out as a signature dish with a loyal following. The setting is low-key and no frills, often noisy and crowded during busy times. The restaurant has an older, somewhat outdated interior but maintains a welcoming, family-friendly vibe.

Huge portions make sharing easy and extend the meal over several sittings. Orange chicken comes in a large serving that often requires teamwork to finish.

Salt and pepper shrimp stands out as consistently excellent and a go-to choice. The salt and pepper chicken wings and salt and pepper fish also receive frequent praise for their flavor.

People are saying

"I thought the salt and pepper chicken wings were the best."

"I loved the salt and pepper seafood; it's perfectly fried and flavored."

"You'll need to bring your appetite for these huge Date Spot portions."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

2

The restaurant is located inside a shopping plaza with ample parking.

3

Expect higher prices due to recent inflation and tariff increases.

10
Nigeria Breeze Restaurant image 1

Energetic space with lively Afrobeats music that encourages dancing and conversation. Casual, friendly atmosphere with authentic Nigerian flavors and generous portions. Seating is comfortable and the environment feels like a welcoming spot for relaxed meals or dates.

A relaxed atmosphere with plenty of seating and no overpowering music creates a comfortable space for conversation. Shared dishes like the fish and Jolof rice combo fit well for a casual date meal.

Fish pepper soup offers huge portions with perfect spice and flavor. The jollof rice with fish in stew pairs well, featuring excellent taste and texture.

People are saying

"The Nigerian food here is authentic and absolutely delicious."

"The fish here is amazing, with perfect flavor and texture."

"The fish and jollof rice combo at these Date Spots is excellent."

Good to know

1

Dishes cost $25 and up, so expect higher prices.

2

Portion sizes are large, often enough for sharing.

3

People with seafood allergies should avoid this restaurant.

Discover more

National City, California

Area guide
Loading Map...