Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Loved by locals

Seafood and fish in Balboa Peninsula

The salt air makes a plate of fresh fish feel like the only logical choice.

Based on 641 Opinions
+638
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Great Mex Grill image 1
Great Mex Grill image 2
Great Mex Grill image 3
View all
Mexican restaurant

Small dining room creates a crowded, lively atmosphere with decorative, chill vibes. Authentic Sonoran style cuisine draws a casual crowd seeking wide variety of Mexican dishes and house-made margaritas.

Shrimp tacos come with flour tortillas and offer a delicious, satisfying taste. Fish tacos are affordable and both shrimp and fish options stand out for their flavor and quality.

Fish tacos stand out with bold flavors and come in both grilled and other varieties. The ceviche tostada with shrimp and fish adds a fresh, tasty option, all at an affordable price.

People are saying

"The Mexican food, especially the tacos, is outstanding and tasty."

"You have to try the shrimp tacos; they're the best I've ever had."

"I found the fish tacos to be yummy and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesdays and Fridays offer $2 street tacos.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

Online ordering is recommended to avoid long lines.

02
Tacos Cancun image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small beachfront taco joint offers a warm, artistic atmosphere with pleasant background music and sunset views from outdoor tables. The place draws a diverse crowd enjoying quick, authentic Mexican food with many plant-based options. Limited indoor seating contrasts with busy sidewalk tables near the beach.

Shrimp tacos stand out with fresh shrimp and balanced chipotle sauce. Fish tacos and shrimp enchiladas also come fresh and cooked just right, making seafood a solid choice here.

Fish tacos come out fresh and cooked just right, often paired with shrimp tacos. Ceviche also stands out as a delicious option alongside fish and chips.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is so fresh and delicious."

"You can get great vegan chicken and ground beef tacos here."

"The fish tacos here are fresh and cooked just right."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has a separate vegan menu with tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and torta.

2

Vegan meats available are beef, chicken, and soyrizo.

3

Expect a casual beachside dining experience with outdoor seating.

03
Baja Sharkeez image 1
Restaurant

Sports bar with numerous TVs and an open seating layout creates a lively party atmosphere that fills up later in the night. Unlimited self-serve chips and salsa complement strong drinks like margaritas and Bloody Marys. The decor features a beach theme with impressive art and views toward the ocean.

Fish tacos stand out with options like lightly fried, blackened mahi mahi, and shrimp tacos. Oysters during happy hour offer a fresh seafood choice alongside an extensive Mexican menu featuring bold flavors.

Fish tacos come in several styles like Baja, lightly fried, and blackened mahi mahi, all tasting fresh and flavorful. Prices stay reasonable while the tacos deliver solid quality and great taste.

People are saying

"It's a fun bar with a lively, casual beach vibe."

"I found the fish tacos to be great."

"The fish tacos here are really good."

Good to know

1

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

2

Monday Night Football features happy hour pricing for drinks.

3

Minors are not allowed after a certain time.

04
Dory Fishing Fleet & Market image 1

Seaside fish market buzzes with early morning crowds including local chefs and restaurant owners. Fresh Pacific seafood varies daily, with stone crabs and seasonal shrimp often available. Atmosphere blends authentic local charm with a lively, bustling pace before dawn.

Fresh fish arrives daily from the Pacific Ocean except Mondays and Tuesdays, offering a wide variety of seafood. Staff clean and cut the fish to your liking, ensuring super fresh selections like crab, shrimp, and other fish.

Fresh fish caught daily from the Pacific Ocean fills the market with a lovely selection of seafood. Staff clean and cut the fish to your liking, offering decent prices on fish, crab, and shrimp.

People are saying

"I found the fresh seafood selection here to be great."

"I found the fish here to be incredibly fresh."

"The seafood here is so fresh, it's like it was just caught."

Good to know

1

The market opens between 5:30 and 6:00 AM; arrive at least an hour early.

2

The market is cash-only, but an ATM is available at the entrance.

3

Parking is free before 8 AM, so arrive early to avoid fees.

05
Chronic Tacos Newport Beach Balboa image 1

Small space with cozy seating and beach city music creates a relaxed vibe. Energy stays calm as many order to go, making it less crowded inside. Known for flavorful Baja-style tacos and fresh churros, it offers a casual, family-friendly atmosphere near the beach.

Fish tacos come fried to order with options like Mahi Mahi and shrimp. They taste fresh and flavorful, with a beer battered Baja style available.

Fish tacos come fried to order with a beer battered Baja style that stays fresh and flavorful. The mahi mahi version stands out as filling and delicious with a short wait time for preparation.

People are saying

"I highly recommend this place for Mexican food."

"The fish tacos here are spectacular and flavorful."

"The fish tacos are spectacular, flavorful, and fresh."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has limited seating, especially during peak hours.

2

Restrooms are frequently out of order, so plan accordingly.

3

You can customize your plate with various fillings.

06
Circle Hook Fish Company image 1

Outdoor seating overlooks a bustling marina with stunning water views and plentiful al fresco dining space. The atmosphere blends relaxed elegance with a magical, fun vibe enhanced by ocean breezes and sunshine. Locals frequent the spot, enjoying the lively harbor scene and people watching.

Fresh seafood dishes include lobster rolls, fish burgers, and Baja Style Fish Tacos with fried cod and spicy aioli. The shrimp and calamari come with excellent batter, and the seafood chowder stands out for its rich flavor.

Fried fish shines in the Baja Style Fish Taco with avocado relish and spicy aioli, and the fish and chips come out delicious. Grilled fish dishes and the halibut fish burger offer solid options with fresh flavors.

People are saying

"The fish tacos here have fantastic flavor and are perfectly complemented."

"The outdoor seating offers amazing views of the water and boats."

"I came for the beer battered calamari, but the menu was confusing."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $20, which may be considered expensive.

2

The seafood is wild caught, but sourcing details are unclear.

3

The restaurant has a nice view of the harbor.

07
Newport Beach Pier image 1
Fishing pier

Fishing pier offers amazing ocean views and a peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere with live music and fire pits on the beach. Amenities include bike rentals, volleyball courts, and nearby restaurants. The area attracts people for surfing, fishing, and relaxing while enjoying scenic sunsets.

Fresh seafood arrives early with live crab, shrimp, and lobster caught right on the beach before sunrise. The historic Dory Fishing Fleet and fish market offer fresh fish throughout the day, with good catches even at the pier by noon.

Fishing off the pier offers abundant fish like halibut, bass, and sardines. Fish bite even at noontime, and elders often teach fishing techniques nearby.

People are saying

"This beach is beautiful, peaceful, and relaxing."

"I caught some good fish right off the pier."

"The seafood here is phenomenal, with stunning ocean views."

Good to know

1

Parking payment machine requires cash; cards are not accepted.

2

Parking is very limited and fills up fast near the pier.

3

Public restrooms are available but may not be well maintained.

08
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with retractable roof and island-like giant table offers an open-air dining experience with Cabo vibes. Atmosphere is lively and loud, featuring perfect lighting and music with a DJ, creating a cozy yet energetic mood. Comfortable seating includes a communal bar table, attracting a crowd that enjoys socializing and people watching.

Shrimp dishes stand out with shrimp taquitos and Diablo shrimp offering unique and flavorful options. The shrimp and lobster chimichanga and halibut fish tacos also deliver rich seafood tastes.

Fish tacos come with halibut and a chichuri salad. They taste decent but stay on the simple side.

People are saying

"You have to try the crab enchiladas; they're amazing."

"You have to try the fresh seafood, especially the shrimp taquitos."

"The fish tacos were tasty, but nothing spectacular."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant is often crowded.

2

Valet parking is available for $8, making access easier.

3

The restaurant turns into a bar at night with house and electronic music.

Discover more

Balboa Peninsula, Newport Beach

Area guide
Loading Map...