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Local picks in San Diego

Cheap seafood spots

You want to eat seafood without the premium price tag. You know that fresh fish does not have to be an expensive luxury.

Based on 628 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Johnny Mañanas Ocean Beach image 1
Johnny Mañanas Ocean Beach image 2
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Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers colorful storefront and outdoor seating with views of the pier. Atmosphere shifts from quiet early afternoons to a lively vibe later, enhanced by Mexican music and a self-serve salsa bar. Affordable drinks include $5 margaritas and draft beers, complementing well-regarded tacos and burritos.

Beers come at cheap prices, especially during happy hour. The Street Taco special on Tuesdays offers a really affordable option.

Crispy fish tacos stand out for their flavor and freshness, often priced at $3.50. Other seafood options include ceviche and shrimp tacos, all consistently delicious and affordable.

People are saying

"The staff here are super friendly and attentive."

"These fish tacos are massive, tasty, and a great deal."

"The fish tacos are amazing and incredibly cheap."

Good to know

1

On Tuesdays, enjoy $2.50 street tacos and two for $5 specials.

2

Happy hour features $3 pints and $6 margaritas from 2 to 6 PM and all day on weekends.

3

Outdoor seating is available for dogs.

02
Monsta Ramen Curry image 1
Asian restaurant

Small space with bright, clean interior and relaxing music creates a warm, casual atmosphere. The vibe is quiet and pleasant, making it feel cozy and inviting. The setting stands out for its Studio Ghibli-like ambiance and neat decor.

Prices range from $10 to $15, making meals very cheap compared to other spots. The place offers extra broth to go at no extra cost, adding value to takeout orders.

Shrimp spring rolls stand out with fresh flavors. The menu also features shrimp egg rolls and potato shrimp alongside other dishes like spicy ramen and skewers.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the ramen, is delicious and affordable."

"The curry rice dishes were outstanding and rich."

"They're so cheap with the broth, I always order extra."

Good to know

1

They had specials for the opening, including $10 tonkotsu ramen.

2

During happy hour, Monsta Ramen Curry offered $3 beers.

3

The restaurant offers the option to order with the server or scan a QR code to order online for a discounted price on certain items.

03
Zion Market image 1
Korean grocery store

Large, modern Korean grocery store with spacious aisles and bright lighting creates a pleasant shopping environment. Frequent bursts of K-pop music add lively energy, while food court and bakery options offer diverse Korean cuisine experiences.

Fresh produce comes at cheap prices, especially fruits and vegetables. Small quantities are available, and items like shrimps, Korean snacks, and kimchi are also affordable.

Fresh fish and seafood stand out with a marvelous selection including both fresh and frozen options. The seafood department offers affordable prices and encourages trying new varieties.

People are saying

"This market has a great variety of fresh produce and Asian snacks."

"The seafood here is always incredibly fresh."

"I found the fruits and vegetables to be cheap."

Good to know

1

There are special offers every week.

2

Zion Market has a great selection of seafood, both fresh and frozen.

3

Expect to find the best deals on produce in California.

04
Roberto's Taco Shop Bay Park image 1

Mexican restaurant with authentic imported tile floors and retro neon signs creates a space that feels like an 80s cantina. The atmosphere is dark and casual, offering ample seating for sit-down meals. It operates 24/7, attracting a steady flow of people looking for late-night Mexican food.

Prices stay cheap and affordable, ranging from 3 to 12 dollars. This keeps meals easy on the wallet.

Shrimp dishes feature big shrimp and generous portions, like the burrito with about 15 shrimps. Options include shrimp tacos, quesadillas, and burritos, with shrimp mixed throughout nachos rather than just on top.

People are saying

"This is the best hole-in-the-wall Mexican food taco shop."

"I found the food here to be yummy and affordable."

"I'd come back just for the seafood nachos; they don't skimp on ingredients."

Good to know

1

Roberto's Taco Shop Bay Park is open 24 hours and on holidays.

2

The prices at Roberto's Taco Shop Bay Park are very good, especially for Southern California.

3

The prices range from 3 to 12 dollars, making it affordable.

05
H Mart Balboa image 1
Korean grocery store

Huge Korean grocery store with spacious food court featuring about eight vendors and a small French bakery. Crowded aisles make maneuvering carts difficult, but the place offers an outstanding selection of authentic Asian foods and fresh seafood. Walls display maker-inspired graphics, adding a unique visual touch.

Offers cheap Korean food with few cheap filler products available.

Fresh seafood includes a wide variety of fish and shellfish, both fresh and frozen. The selection pairs well with premium Japanese beef and other meats, offering options for Korean BBQ and hot pot.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be very fresh and plentiful."

"You'll find a wide selection of fresh seafood here."

"I found the produce and Korean food to be cheap and good quality."

Good to know

1

H Mart Balboa offers a large selection of Korean food and snacks.

2

Parking can be challenging at times.

3

The store is clean and well-organized.

06
Pho Cow Cali image 1
Pho restaurant

Steampunk-themed interior with large seats and murals creates a lively, bustling atmosphere. Dim lighting and soft music add to the authentic Vietnamese vibe. The place suits groups and families more than quiet dinners due to its hectic and noisy environment.

Prices stay consistently cheap and fair without cutting corners on ingredients. The taste remains solid and reliable for the cost.

Shrimp dishes stand out with plump grilled shrimp in the bun and fresh shrimp spring rolls. Shrimp vermicelli and shrimp pho offer bright, fresh flavors that many prefer over chicken options.

People are saying

"The pho here is super delicious and flavorful."

"The pho here is quick and inexpensive."

"The seafood broth here is rich and delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times on weekends due to popularity.

2

Arrive early to avoid a long wait, especially on Fridays.

3

The waitlist moves quickly, often under 20 minutes.

07
JV's Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Colorful interior with bright decorations and big screens showing sports creates a lively yet laid-back vibe. The space feels authentic and welcoming, offering plenty of seating without any pretension. Regulars enjoy huge, flavorful burritos and house-made salsa in a clean, casual setting.

Food comes at cheap prices here. Meals are delicious, quick, and affordable.

Fish tacos stand out with freshness and bold flavors, often paired with carne asada. The shrimp cocktail comes in a large portion with avocado, cilantro, lime, and mild clamato, served with crackers.

People are saying

"I ordered a burrito that was pretty big, about the size of my forearm."

"I thought the fish tacos were some of the best I ever had."

"I thought the food was cheap and delicious."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers 3 tacos and a drink for $6.

2

Expect large portions, often enough for two or three meals.

3

Credit cards accepted, but there's a $0.30 fee for using them.

08
Fan-Fan image 1
Chinese restaurant

Bright space with tall glass windows and high ceilings creates a warm and lively atmosphere. Seating includes both booths and bar options, offering comfort and convenience. The environment feels modern and cozy, welcoming guests with an artsy mural reflecting campus life.

Cheap rice stands out as a budget option here. Meals can cost around 23, which is not very cheap but still reasonable compared to other places.

Multiple seafood options appear, including prawns and sweet and sour fish. The white fish stands out for its saltiness. Some seafood dishes feature in the fried rice as well.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here is so authentic, it satisfied my stomach."

"The food here is surprisingly cheap, especially compared to nearby options."

"I loved the saltiness of the white fish and the prawns."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers 30% off select drinks and specific food items, not the buffet.

2

Fan-Fan accepts only card payments; no cash or dining dollars are accepted.

3

Prices are based on weight, approximately $0.79 per pound for food.

09
Pizza and Pasta on 5th image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers loud, upbeat music that energizes the space late into the night. Outdoor seating provides a pleasant spot to enjoy meals with an authentic Italian vibe. The atmosphere combines delicious pizza with a lively, social energy.

Cheap drinks offer quick buzz and pair well with cheap-ish slices. Pizza and pasta provide a decent, affordable bite with a good beer selection.

Shrimp dishes stand out here with shrimp pasta and shrimp Alfredo offering rich flavors. The shrimp Caesar salad also delivers a fresh, tasty option.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is heavenly, especially the pasta."

"The Seafood here is amazing, and the staff is so kind."

"The drinks here are cheap and good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs until 9pm with affordable drink specials.

2

The restaurant is open until 3am, making it a late-night option.

3

Expect high prices; a pizza can cost around $44 after extras.

10
Great Plaza Buffet image 1
Buffet restaurant

Buffet restaurant offers an enormous dining area with live cooking stations including Mongolian and teppanyaki grills. Atmosphere varies from cozy and quiet to lively and crowded during peak hours. Tables are close together, creating a bustling environment with fresh sushi and stir fry options.

Offers cheap sushi and a variety of fried foods. Prices stay low, making it a spot for a budget-friendly meal.

An extensive seafood buffet features fish, shellfish, salmon, and Asian-style dishes like coconut shrimp and spicy fish. The selection includes a mix of Chinese, Mongolian, and teppanyaki grill options with a strong focus on Asian flair.

People are saying

"The buffet's fresh food, especially the stir fry, is always delicious."

"I loved the variety of seafood, especially the shrimp and salmon."

"I found the place to be cheap and tasty."

Good to know

1

The buffet is available every day, regardless of weather or season.

2

The restaurant has a birthday policy where you eat for free if it's your birthday, but you must show an ID.

3

Lunch costs around $20 for one person, including tip.

11
Taco Villa image 1
Mexican restaurant

Campus Mexican restaurant offers inexpensive prices and quick service with food that stands out as the best Mexican option on site. Atmosphere feels relaxed but can be unwelcoming due to staff demeanor and some cleanliness issues. Portions vary, with some items notably large and others smaller than typical.

Prices stay consistently cheap while the food remains tasty and satisfying.

Shrimp dishes often arrive undercooked, with raw or translucent shrimp inside. The fish burritos and quesadillas stand out as flavorful options despite portion sizes.

People are saying

"I found it to be quite cheap and tasty."

"The birria quesadilla food is super crispy, juicy, and flavorful."

"I found the seafood baritos amazing and cheap."

Good to know

1

Prices at Taco Villa are generally inexpensive and reasonable for students.

2

Burritos are prepared and served quickly, usually within 3 minutes.

3

Taco Villa is the only Mexican food option available on campus.

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San Diego, California

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