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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of San Diego

Family-owned seafood

You want your seafood served by people who have been doing it for generations, not a chain that treats fish like a commodity.

Based on 628 Opinions
+625
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Updated May 2026
01
Sai Japanese Bistro image 1
Sai Japanese Bistro image 2
Sai Japanese Bistro image 3
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Sushi restaurant

Cozy sushi restaurant with a peaceful atmosphere and authentic Japanese family ownership. The space feels warm and relaxing, often quiet and calm. Fresh sushi and traditional dishes attract diners who appreciate high-quality ingredients and a genuine Japanese experience.

Japanese family-owned and operated, this spot keeps a strong focus on small business values and personal touch.

Every bite features fresh fish that is meticulously selected and prepared. Dishes like shrimp yakisoba showcase the fresh and tasty seafood quality throughout.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so fresh and tasty."

"The lunch bentos are a great deal and really good."

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are advisable as the restaurant fills up quickly after 6:15 PM.

2

Expect prices around $15-20 per roll, which is typical for sushi.

3

The lunch specials offer high quality at reasonable prices.

02
Meet Dumpling image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small, family-owned Chinese restaurant with cozy atmosphere and simple decor. Guests can watch dumplings being handmade in an open kitchen while enjoying Studio Ghibli instrumental music. Seating is limited and intimate, creating a warm and inviting vibe.

Authentic recipes and a warm atmosphere highlight this family owned spot. Food reflects genuine care and tradition.

Shrimp, pork, and scallop dumplings stand out for their fresh, sweet, and delicate flavors. The combination of these ingredients creates very flavorful and satisfying seafood options.

People are saying

"The cucumber salad is amazingly fresh, crunchy, and flavorful."

"It's a cozy, family-owned spot with fantastic, fresh dumplings."

"The shrimp and pork dumplings were so good and fresh."

Good to know

1

Make sure to come early because there are limited seats in the restaurant.

2

Be prepared to look for parking.

3

The restaurant was small and parking could be difficult.

03
Mama Gโ€™s Kitchen & Sauces image 1

Small space with colorful Peruvian decor and a friendly, homey atmosphere. Patio seating and a bar with TVs playing Latin music create a relaxed vibe. Authentic flavors and signature sauces complement a menu that feels like traditional home cooking.

Family-owned and operated with a focus on serious business. The atmosphere feels like eating at someone's home, creating a warm and welcoming environment.

Ceviche features fresh, tender fish marinated in lime juice with red onions and cilantro, delivering a zesty, balanced flavor. Shrimp appears in dishes and ceviche, adding a fresh, vibrant touch that stands out.

People are saying

"The ceviche here is outstanding and perfectly balanced."

"I loved eating on the cute patio with great ambiance."

"The seafood ceviche is bursting with fresh, zesty flavor."

Good to know

1

The restaurant currently doesnโ€™t take reservations, so arrive early to secure a spot.

2

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers, making it a great time to visit.

3

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

04
African Spices image 1
African restaurant

Small, quirky space offers authentic Somali cuisine with freshly cooked dishes and diverse menu options. Atmosphere feels welcoming and homey, filled with lively conversations and warm energy. Customers often test food before buying, and limited seating encourages takeout.

Family ownership shapes the business with warm and welcoming customer service. The operation runs as a family-owned business throughout.

Fish dishes stand out with unique flavor and exceptional seasoning. The fish curry and sambusas pair well with chapati for a tasty meal.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the crispy sambusas."

"I found the Fish Curry here to be authentic and unique."

"The Family Owned sambusas are packed with flavor and perfectly seasoned."

Good to know

1

Everything is cooked to order, which guarantees freshness.

2

Expect a wait time if there are many people because most food is made on the spot.

3

It might be better to order the food to go because there are only three small tables inside.

05
Domo Kitchen image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small interior with dim lighting creates a warm and welcoming but sometimes crowded atmosphere during lunch. Easy-going vibe suits families despite cluttered seating and limited space. Ordering food first and then finding a seat is typical due to high demand.

Small family-owned restaurant with a close-knit staff that treats guests like family. It operates as a Chinese American family business.

Shrimp dishes feature perfectly cooked shrimp with options like shrimp lo mein and shrimp with peapods and veggies. The shrimp lo mein dinner offers good value, costing only a few dollars more than the lunch portion.

People are saying

"The sushi here is fresh, delicious, and super-sized."

"Nancy's outstanding service made this seafood spot my new go-to."

"This family owned spot has delicious food with amazing taste."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult at lunch.

2

Customers must order their food first and then find a seat.

3

Dinner portions are standard 16oz takeout cartons with rice.

06
Pho Minh image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Small indoor space with a clean and sleek look creates a simple setting. The atmosphere feels like a family-owned business with great music playing quietly. Known for authentic Vietnamese pho, it draws steady diners despite limited parking and a modest vibe.

A strong family-owned vibe shapes the atmosphere here. The menu features appealing pictures that encourage trying new dishes, and the pho stands out as a solid choice.

Shrimp spring rolls and bun rieu offer fresh, flavorful seafood options. The mi quang stands out with giant red shrimp in a rich bone broth topped with fresh herbs and quail eggs.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here, especially the pho, is really amazing."

"This family-owned spot serves authentic, fresh, and delicious pho."

"The shrimp spring rolls here always tasted fresh and never fell apart."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, but the lot is well lit.

2

Prices are affordable, with meals averaging around $10-$15.

3

Expect a wait before your meal arrives, as this is not a fast food place.

07
Flor's Farm to Table image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with open market seating and plenty of outdoor patio space creates a chill, cozy atmosphere. Shared seating in a food hall setting offers a casual vibe with some quieter indoor tables. Energy stays relaxed, making it suitable for quick, quiet meals or casual gatherings.

Family-owned and run, this restaurant offers a kind and welcoming atmosphere. It feels like a place to relax after a long day with genuine care from the owners.

Shrimp flautas stand out with perfect cooking and bold flavor. Shrimp tacos and nachos also feature fresh hot sauce and homemade tortillas for a tasty seafood experience.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is delicious, especially the red snapper tacos."

"The shrimp tacos here are the best bite, so good."

"This family-owned place makes you feel like you're visiting a friend's house."

Good to know

1

Tacos cost $5 each, making them an affordable option.

2

The restaurant is located one block off Old Town Avenue.

3

Free public parking is available across the street.

08
Yoshino's Japanese Restaurant image 1

Small, family-run sushi spot offers a cozy, no-frills atmosphere with low-volume 80s music creating a calm vibe. Friendly staff serve authentic Japanese cuisine with reasonable prices that stand out in the area.

One of the last to keep its family-owned roots, this spot holds onto its quality and service through generations.

Fresh fish stands out in every dish. Sushi and seafood toppings show consistent quality, with well-done tempura and miso soup adding variety.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so fresh and satisfying."

"The seafood here is so fresh, especially the tuna roll."

"It's a family owned restaurant that maintained quality and service."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy and plentiful, with no fees.

2

Lunch specials are available and provide good value.

3

Expect quick service, especially during lunch hours.

09
Mimi's Tuk Tuk image 1
Thai restaurant

Small, cozy space with a subtle tropical vibe and bright lighting creates a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere. Friendly energy and clean, uncluttered design make it feel like eating in someone's home. The setting includes tuk tuk models and a few seats facing the front window.

Family ownership shines through with love in every dish and a very welcoming atmosphere. The operation stays true to its roots, making it a solid example of a family owned business.

Shrimp spring rolls look fresh and tasty. The coconut shrimp appears appetizing and pairs well with the chicken dumplings.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious with fresh, bold flavors."

"This family owned spot has delicious, homemade-tasting Thai food."

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

Good to know

1

The restaurant has a lunch menu available on weekends.

2

Expect a wait time of about 25 minutes for orders during peak hours.

3

Prices have increased by $3-4 per dish recently.

10
Volare Italian Restaurant image 1
Italian restaurant

Small, family-owned Italian restaurant with a cozy, authentic atmosphere and dated interior that feels like a time capsule. The place hosts an eclectic group of local regulars and offers a locals-only secret vibe. It serves excellent Italian food with standout dishes like lasagna and Oso Buco.

A family owned restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and a consistent team of welcoming employees.

Seafood dishes feature shrimp prominently, appearing in gnocchi, rotini with broccoli, and Fettucine alla Medditerano. The cioppino arrives piping hot with generous portions of mixed seafood.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is amazing, just like in Boston or NYC."

"It's a family-owned place that makes you feel like a regular."

"The cioppino here is piping hot with generous seafood."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for large parties to ensure seating.

2

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

3

A 20% service charge is automatically added to all dining bills.

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