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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in San Diego

Fresh seafood spots

Made for those who prioritize the catch of the day and will only eat seafood that tastes like it just left the water.

Based on 690 Opinions
+687
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Updated May 2026
01
Surfside Fish House image 1
Surfside Fish House image 2
Surfside Fish House image 3
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Casual restaurant with clean, bright decor and a cool San Diego mural creates a welcoming, chill atmosphere. Seating includes outdoor patio and bar options, with a lively vibe that can get noisy when busy. Offers affordable, fresh seafood with a serious focus on quality and variety.

Food arrives quickly with house-made chips and plenty of oysters. Dishes offer original flavors and high quality at reasonable prices.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the happy hour with $2 tacos and $6 wine."

"The food here is really great and delicious."

"The fresh seafood here, especially the oysters, was amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 4 to 6 pm with $2 fish tacos and $1.5 oysters.

2

Expect generous portion sizes for the price, especially the kids' shrimp basket.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of seafood dishes at very reasonable prices.

02
Fish Guts image 1
Seafood restaurant

Small seafood spot with tight seating and a mix of indoor and outdoor counters creates a casual, lively vibe. Music plays well, adding to the fun atmosphere where people gather for unique fish tacos and creative margaritas with agave wine.

Food here is consistently incredible and top tier. Every dish delivers phenomenal flavors and quality.

Fresh seafood arrives with a masterpiece quality that justifies the drive and wait. The extra wait highlights the commitment to delivering freshness every time.

People are saying

"I had the best beer battered fish tacos I ever had."

"The fish tacos here are flavorful and fresh."

"The fresh seafood here is a masterpiece, totally worth the wait."

Good to know

1

Expect a 30-45 minute wait for your tacos after ordering.

2

Seating at Fish Guts is limited, so arrive early.

3

They may run out of menu items, especially during peak hours.

03
Tunaville Market and Grocery image 1

Seafood market along the water offers a cozy atmosphere with a quiet vibe. It features a fresh, locally sourced selection of fish and shellfish, including dry aged tuna and excellent ceviche. Prices are reasonable, and the market maintains high cleanliness standards without dining options.

Food comes with forks and crackers, making it a convenient and healthier fast lunch. The menu includes an interesting selection of fun items, and the food and wine pair well despite no dining areas.

Fresh shrimp, fish, and crab cakes stand out in the selection. The spot offers a variety of seafood salads and poke. Walking by the water and picking up a fresh seafood dish is common.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh and affordable."

"I found the fresh seafood here to be amazingly fresh, right out of the ocean."

"You've got to try the fresh seafood salads and poke here."

Good to know

1

Tunaville Market and Grocery offers a great assortment of fresh fish and shellfish.

2

All seafood is clearly labeled with freshness dates for quality assurance.

3

Prices for Mahi Mahi are around $17 a pound, considered affordable.

04
El Pescador Fish Market image 1

Fish market and restaurant combine with fresh seafood display behind a glass counter. Outdoor patio lined with cacti offers a relaxed coastal vibe and spacious seating options. The atmosphere feels buzzy and inviting, drawing people who appreciate fresh fish and casual dining.

Fresh fish and other seafood dishes stand out with their freshness and delicious flavors. Seating and catering options make it convenient for dining in or ordering out.

An amazing selection of fresh seafood fills a beautiful glass case. Plates like snapper, sea bass sandwiches, and tuna fish tacos showcase fine flavors from very fresh fish.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious."

"The food here is unbelievably fresh and delicious."

"I found the fresh seafood here to be terrific and tasty."

Good to know

1

El Pescador Fish Market operates on a first come, first serve basis; no reservations accepted.

2

Expect long lines on Saturday afternoons, especially during peak hours.

3

Parking can be challenging; consider arriving early to secure a spot.

05
Crudo Ceviche & Oyster Bar image 1
Oyster bar restaurant

Open concept design with outdoor seating creates an intimate, European-style bistro vibe. Loud Latin music energizes the space, while chic decor blends white, gold, and off-white tones for a stylish, inviting atmosphere. The outdoor window bar and street patio offer spots for people-watching and casual drinks.

Food looks and tastes excellent with fantastic flavors. Service staff provide amazing recommendations that complement the dishes well.

People are saying

"The oysters here are so fresh and nicely presented."

"The food here, especially the oysters, is something I really miss when I'm elsewhere."

"The fresh seafood here is delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers $1 oysters from 4-6pm on weekdays.

2

Expect small portion sizes; consider ordering multiple dishes.

3

The restaurant has a dog-friendly outdoor patio for pet owners.

06
La Corriente La Jolla image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space blends French cafรฉ and beach bungalow styles with beautiful decor and terrace seating. Atmosphere stays laid back and soothing, ideal for conversation. Guests enjoy authentic Mexican flavors and warm hospitality.

Food features freshest, authentic flavors with a cozy, hidden gem vibe. Service includes excellent recommendations enhancing the dining experience.

Tostadas feature fresh seafood that stands out for its quality and flavor. This spot serves seafood that feels vibrant and just caught.

People are saying

"I've never had a fresher, crispier fish taco."

"This food is the best taco I've ever had."

"I highly recommend the fresh seafood; it was super tasty."

Good to know

1

Happy hour ends promptly at 6pm; order before then to get the discount.

2

The restaurant has limited seating, so expect a wait during peak hours.

3

Parking is not available; consider alternative transportation options.

07
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.

Many varieties of fresh and frozen Korean food fill the market. A food court offers different cuisines alongside a bakery. The market stocks a wide range of Asian food products and fresh produce.

A good selection of fresh seafood and meats stands out here. The seafood is consistently really fresh, making it a solid spot for quality catches.

People are saying

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

"This grocery store has authentic Asian ingredients I can't find elsewhere."

"I found the fresh seafood and vegetables here to be really good."

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.

08
Hawaiian Fresh Seafood At Centerpark Labs image 1

Outdoor seating features synthetic lawn, couches, and Cornhole games, creating a relaxed atmosphere. The vibe is chill and spacious, with room for dogs and kids to play. Indoor space feels limited and sterile, contrasting with the inviting outdoor area.

Food here is consistently amazing and extremely tasty. This location offers cooked dishes that other spots do not.

Authentic Hawaiian poke and fresh seafood stand out here. The seafood is consistently fresh and captures the true flavors of Hawaii.

People are saying

"The seafood here is insanely fresh and delicious."

"The food here is fresh and the portions are generous."

"The poke here is so fresh, it brought back memories of Hawaii."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3pm to 5pm with $2 off draft beers.

2

Taco Tuesday offers a dollar off each taco.

3

Expect long lines during peak lunch hours; arrive early.

09
Sportsmen's Seafoods image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant offers epic bay views with plenty of outdoor seating by the docks and boats. Atmosphere feels unpretentious and cozy, attracting those looking for a casual spot to enjoy fresh seafood and a beer. Indoor space is small, but the focus stays on the harbor setting and relaxed vibe.

Food arrives fresh and perfectly cooked with a clear focus on deliciousness and affordability. Chef Quetita's care shows in every dish, making the meals consistently very good and satisfying.

Fresh seafood comes straight from the counter, made to order with a wide variety of options. The spot feels down and dirty, a small hole-in-the-wall place focused on freshness.

People are saying

"The shrimp tacos here are the best, seriously bomb."

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

"I found the fresh seafood here to be very fresh."

Good to know

1

Parking is available, but can be challenging during busy times.

2

Prices are reasonable, with fish tacos costing around $15.

3

The seafood is fresh and often sushi-grade.

10
El Viejon Seafood image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant offers a casual, modern, artistic space with lively tropical music that balances energy and conversation. Seating is decent but limited, creating a cozy yet spacious feel without chaos. The vibe recalls a Mexican coastal atmosphere, enhanced by fresh seafood and authentic drinks.

Food stands out for its freshness and generous portions. Packaging is handled with care, and prices stay affordable while delivering great taste.

Seafood Tower features a mix of items claimed as fresh seafood but includes imitation crab. Ensenada tacos highlight fresh seafood offerings alongside other dishes.

People are saying

"The seafood here is incredibly fresh and flavorful."

"I found the food here to be excellent."

"I found the fresh seafood to be delicious and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Parking at the restaurant can be a challenge, especially on weekends.

2

Expect a 20-minute wait during peak hours due to limited seating.

3

Each taco costs around $6-8, with larger sizes available.

11
100's seafood grill buffet image 1

Buffet restaurant offers spacious layout with high ceilings and an indoor koi pond creating an airy atmosphere. Noise levels rise from both lively diners and active staff, contributing to a chaotic vibe during peak times. Self-serve stations and fresh cooking areas add interactive elements to the dining experience.

Food here stays consistently fresh and delicious. Most dishes impress with their amazing flavors and quality.

Offers a great variety of fresh seafood and grilled options. Features an all-you-can-eat seafood buffet with exquisite dishes.

People are saying

"The seafood here is amazing, especially the shrimp."

"The food here has a great variety, especially the sushi and desserts."

"I found the fresh seafood here to be always clean and fresh."

Good to know

1

On Thursdays starting after 4 pm, the restaurant offers all-you-can-eat for $54.99 per person.

2

Lobster night on Thursdays costs $55 per person.

3

Expect a long line for lobsters on Thursday nights due to limited supply.

12
Tuna Harbor Dockside Market image 1

Pier offers harbor views with calming waves and distant city lights. Market buzzes with fresh seafood vendors and food stalls, drawing early crowds for best selection. Limited seating and parking challenges contrast with friendly atmosphere and varied seafood choices.

Offers locally caught fresh seafood with options that are sushi-grade. The market features a pop-up with a variety of fresh fish and seafood.

People are saying

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

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious."

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

Good to know

1

Get there early for the best selection of fresh seafood.

2

Parking can be a hassle, especially later in the day.

3

Fresh seafood is available, with a wide selection of fish.

13
Hawaiian Fresh Seafood Liberty Station image 1

Outdoor seating fills the space with plenty of room for kids to play and dogs to join. The atmosphere carries great vibes with a casual, open-air feel. Fresh poke stands out as a distinctive feature, often praised for quality and variety despite some mixed opinions on pricing.

Fresh tasting food offers a large amount for the price. The poke plate stands out with its great flavor and satisfying portions.

Super fresh fish stands out, especially in the Shoyu Ahi and fish poke. The seafood consistently elevates dishes with its quality and flavor.

People are saying

"The garlic salmon poke bowl is delicious and generous."

"The fresh seafood here is outstanding, especially the ahi."

"The food portions here are super generous for the price."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3-5pm with discounted items.

2

There is a large free parking lot available.

3

Prices for poke bowls range from $15 to $21.

14
Vien Dong image 1
Asian grocery store

Asian grocery store offers fresh and live seafood, including crabs and lobsters, with a wide variety of specialty Asian items and produce. The atmosphere is peaceful but marked by a strong fish odor common in fresh markets. Staff provide fish cleaning and cutting services to customer preferences.

Great variety of Vietnamese foods and spices stands out. Wide range of Asian herbs and vegetables, live and fresh seafood, and premade Vietnamese desserts fill the shelves.

A huge selection of live crabs and other fresh seafood fills the market. Prices on seafood and meat stay reasonable, with many Asian herbs and vegetables alongside.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh, I'd say it's the best I've had."

"I found a great selection of Asian food products here."

"You can pick your own live lobster and crab before they cook it."

Good to know

1

The market offers a wide selection of Asian grocery items.

2

Parking is large and easy to access.

3

Prices on produce and meats are lower than at other Asian markets.

15
Golosito image 1
Mexican restaurant

Hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant offers fresh, flavorful seafood with a focus on cold, raw mariscos. The atmosphere is cozy and lively, featuring live mariachi music and a small, welcoming patio. Patrons bring their own drinks, enhancing the casual, social vibe.

Food here is consistently fresh and delicious. The dishes maintain great quality and flavor every time.

Small hole-in-the-wall spot serves fresh seafood with authentic flavor. The seafood tastes very tasty and fresh.

People are saying

"The seafood here is always fresh and delicious."

"I found the food here to be delicious."

"I found the fresh seafood here to be delicious and authentic."

Good to know

1

Golosito only offers cold, raw seafood and does not serve hot food.

2

Golosito is BYOB with a liquor store next door.

3

Golosito gets really busy on weekends, so expect to wait or order ahead.

16
99 Ranch Market image 1
Asian grocery store

Asian grocery store offers wide selection of fresh seafood including live lobsters and crabs, alongside fresh vegetables and unique Asian ingredients. Food court features hot Korean dishes and bakery items with seating available. Store layout is clean and typical, with a small claw machine area adding a playful touch.

Offers a wide variety of Asian foods with a focus on cooked Chinese dishes like whole duck, BBQ pork, and dim sum. The food court stays clean and well-organized, and staff provide helpful service like offering special hot food bags.

Live lobsters stand out, including the Americanus variety known as the real lobster. The fresh seafood section offers a wide selection and provides fish cleaning service.

People are saying

"I found so many delicious prepared food options and combo meals."

"I found the fresh seafood here to be the freshest."

"I found the fresh seafood selection here to be super fresh and plentiful."

Good to know

1

Parking is available on the side of the market.

2

The store is clean and well-organized for easy shopping.

3

A wide selection of Asian groceries is available, including hard-to-find items.

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San Diego, California

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