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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Clairemont

Authentic seafood

Made for those who refuse to compromise on the authenticity of their seafood and prioritize traditional preparation methods.

Based on 653 Opinions
+650
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Updated May 2026
01
Ichifuji Sushi image 1
Ichifuji Sushi image 2
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Sushi restaurant

Small sushi bar offers an intimate omakase experience with personal interaction between diners and chefs. Atmosphere feels authentic and transportational, evoking a sense of being in Japan. Outdoor patio accommodates well-behaved dogs, adding a relaxed and inclusive vibe.

Omakase here delivers a very fresh and authentic Japanese sushi experience. The atmosphere feels welcoming and closely mirrors what you'd find in Tokyo.

Fish comes fresh and bright with excellent quality. Chef uses a 30-day fermented ponzu sauce that balances richness and cleanses the palate between courses.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the omakase, is amazing and a highlight."

"The seafood here is so fresh, it's unbelievable."

"I experienced the most authentic omakase sushi here."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for dining.

2

Ichifuji Sushi has outdoor seating where pets are allowed.

3

There is a small parking lot on site.

02
Tasty house 味来 image 1
Wok restaurant

Wok restaurant offers a bright and open space with green decor and comfortable booths. The atmosphere stays quiet and clean, creating a pleasant dining environment. An efficient barcode ordering system lets diners manage their tabs easily at the table.

Food tastes like home with authentic northern Chinese dishes. The potato eggplant and pepper dish stands out as a true representation of northeastern Chinese cuisine.

Salt and pepper fish arrives piping hot and flavorful. Walnut shrimp offers a crunchy, sweet option. Scallion pancakes complement the seafood with a crispy, savory touch.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here is piping hot and delicious."

"I found the food here to be the most authentic tasting outside of China."

"The salt and pepper fish was piping hot and delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is plentiful and available on-site.

2

The restaurant is dog friendly, allowing pets in outdoor seating areas.

3

Prices are reasonable, with three dishes and a drink costing around $50.

03
Yakitori Taisho image 1
Yakitori restaurant

Small space fills with charcoal smoke and lively noise, creating a high-energy and cozy atmosphere. Seating is close with wooden dividers offering some privacy, while outdoor tables feature propane heaters for comfort. The vibe suits casual gatherings with friends rather than intimate conversations.

Classic Japanese home-style yakitori features on the menu with items like chicken heart, quail eggs, and wings. The yakitori is prepared in an authentic, traditional style.

Shrimp appears in several dishes like shrimp spring roll and fried shrimp, both offering distinct flavors. Soy butter scallops add a rich, buttery seafood option alongside calamari salad.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and seasoned to perfection."

"The fried shrimp and soy butter scallops were delicious."

"I loved the authentic yakitori, made in a classic Japanese style."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required, especially since the restaurant is very small.

2

Making same-day reservations is difficult; call a few days in advance.

3

Walking in might not get you a seat; you may end up sitting outside.

04
MOM Kitchen image 1
Cha chaan teng (Hong Kong-style cafe)

Hong Kong-style café with a spacious, modern layout and cozy, homey atmosphere. The place suits family gatherings and small parties with mellow music and good lighting. It offers a fresh, updated take on traditional Hong Kong cuisine in a welcoming environment.

Dishes deliver authentic Cantonese flavors with rich, super flavorful profiles. The drink menu offers a wide range of authentic options to explore alongside the food.

Shrimp dishes stand out with the shrimp and eggs offering a healthy, protein-packed option and the shrimp fried rice delivering a smoky wok flavor. The chili boiled fish comes mild but rich in taste.

People are saying

"The roast duck here is so authentic and delicious."

"The food here is so classy, always hot and fresh."

"I love the mango pomelo sago; its sweetness is perfect."

Good to know

1

The new location offers a larger dining space for groups and gatherings.

2

Expect some difficulty finding parking during peak hours due to nearby restaurants.

3

The restaurant provides a 20% discount on the total price for first-time visitors.

05
Di-Chan Thai Restaurant image 1

Small, family-owned Thai restaurant with a quiet, charming atmosphere and unique interior decor. Offers authentic, flavorful dishes with adjustable spice levels and moderate portions. Known for a comfortable, homey vibe and a focus on takeout rather than dine-in.

Dishes feature authentic flavors and fresh ingredients. Pad thai and other offerings taste flavorful and genuine with reasonable prices.

Seafood dishes include spicy seafood basil with tender vegetables and a rich sauce, seafood pad Thai, and drunken noodles with shrimp. Fried fish stands out as a favorite dish.

People are saying

"The green curry here is delicious and flavorful."

"The seafood Pad Thai was the best I'd ever had."

"The Thai food here is flavorful and authentic."

Good to know

1

Di-Chan Thai Restaurant only offers takeout; no dine-in available.

2

They charge you upfront for takeout orders.

3

Lunch menu items cost between $10 to $12.

06
EE NAMI Tonkatsu Izakaya image 1
Authentic Japanese restaurant

Small space with cozy, warm atmosphere and authentic Osaka-style izakaya vibe. Indoor seating is intimate and sometimes cramped, while outdoor patio offers spaced tables with heaters and fire pits. Frequented by those seeking genuine Japanese tonkatsu and excellent sake selection.

Tonkatsu stands out with its authentic Japanese flavor and quality. Miso with scallops also delivers a genuine taste, making the food consistently well done and true to tradition.

Large shrimp and Hokkaido scallops feature prominently in the seafood offerings. Dishes like shrimp katsu come with fresh shredded cabbage and a rich, tangy sauce that enhances the flavors.

People are saying

"The Tonkatsu here is crispy, light, and juicy."

"I found the tonkatsu here to be unbelievably authentic and perfectly crispy."

"The fried shrimp here is perfectly crispy and juicy."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended, especially on Friday and Saturday nights.

2

Expect a 45-minute wait if you arrive without a reservation.

3

The restaurant fills up quickly after opening, so arrive early.

07
La Palapa Authentic Mexican Food image 1

Small space with counter dining and stacked chairs creates a simple setting. Atmosphere feels cold and outdated, lacking warmth or charm. Offers authentic Baja-style Mexican food with generous portions and fresh tortillas at reasonable prices.

Offers authentic Mexican food with flavors true to tradition. Prices stay reasonable while keeping the dishes genuine.

Shrimp tacos and fish tacos stand out, with the shrimp tacos offering a spicy kick. The carnitas tacos also get a nod, while the fish tacos sometimes come with a dry tortilla.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and cooked just right."

"I thought the California burrito was the best I ever had."

"I found the Mexican food here to be the most authentic I've had."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesdays offer 5 mini tacos for $10.

2

Parking is available in the strip mall lot, but can fill up quickly.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but cash is preferred for smaller orders.

08
Palmitos Mexican Eatery image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small indoor space with a covered patio offers a quiet, chill atmosphere where locals and workers come and go throughout the day. A fully stocked salsa bar adds freshness to the experience. The vibe stays relaxed with a steady flow of people and a friendly, welcoming energy.

Food offers excellent and authentic Mexican flavors with very authentic tacos and aguachiles. Dishes taste genuine and stand out compared to other Mexican spots.

Seafood offerings include fresh shrimp in burritos and a wide selection like seafood soup and fried whole fish. Fish and shrimp tacos have a crunchy texture and good flavor, though the batter can be heavy.

People are saying

"I thought this place had some of the best Mexican food in San Diego."

"I found the food here to be delicious and authentic."

"The fish tacos here are pretty good and on point."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features $1.99 tacos, making it a popular choice.

2

The restaurant serves breakfast all day, catering to various schedules.

3

Expect large portion sizes, ideal for sharing or a hearty meal.

09
Californias Taco Shop image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers authentic street tacos and custom burritos with generous portions wrapped in foil to stay warm. Atmosphere is casual with a salsa bar inside and friendly staff. Food prices remain steady, providing good value for fresh, flavorful meals.

Street tacos feature authentic flavors with quality ingredients. Birria stands out as a great tasting example of authentic Mexican food.

Diablo Shrimp Burrito stands out for its spicy kick and strong flavor. Fish tacos come with a salsa bar that adds variety and freshness.

People are saying

"This burrito's flavor and temperature are always spot-on."

"I loved the authentic street taco flavors."

"I found the shrimp burrito combo excellent."

Good to know

1

Cash payments are preferred to avoid a 5% card fee.

2

Expect a $1.25 temporary beef adjustment on your bill.

3

Portions are generous, with burritos often feeding multiple people.

10
Las Panchitas Mexican Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with loud music competing with TV noise creates a high-energy atmosphere. Menu offers a huge selection including street-sized tacos filled with meat and guacamole, and a fruit bar addition. Food quality varies, with some dishes praised for flavor and others noted for excessive fat or dryness.

Authentic Mexican cuisine shines through dishes like Green Chilaquiles. The owners bring a genuine and welcoming touch to the experience.

Fish tacos stand out with amazing flavor and are featured on Taco Tuesday and Fish Taco Wednesday. Other dishes include Beans & Cheese and Carne Asada Fries, complementing the seafood options.

People are saying

"I loved the tacos, especially on Taco Tuesday."

"I tried the carne asada burrito and it was the best in town."

"You have to try the fish tacos; they're a number one hit."

Good to know

1

The regular price for the tacos is 3 for $10.99.

2

A 3.25% fee is added on credit card payments.

3

Taco Tuesday and Wednesday offer special deals on tacos.

11
Ma's House image 1
Chinese restaurant

Large venue with modern decor and ample seating offers a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere that feels warm and welcoming. Quiet environment often features the gentle sound of a water fountain, creating a serene dining experience. Presence of a prayer room caters thoughtfully to Muslim diners.

Dishes like orange chicken, beef chow mein, and salt & pepper fish deliver authentic flavors without excess oil. The menu offers a wide assortment of Halal Chinese food with tasty, well-cooked options.

Shrimp dishes stand out with honey walnut shrimp offering a fresh, al dente texture and a rich, aromatic sauce. Other highlights include spicy shrimp packed with flavor and orange shrimp glazed in a tangy, slightly sweet sauce.

People are saying

"I found the halal Chinese food here to be the most delicious."

"The Moo Shu Lamb was delicious and juicy."

"I loved the authentic Chinese food; it was delicious and fresh."

Good to know

1

Ma's House is the only Islamic Chinese food restaurant in San Diego.

2

The foods at Ma's House are halal as stated.

3

Expect long wait times if arriving after 2:30 pm.

12
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.

Decor features imported tile floors, vintage signage, and retro neon signs that reflect the local vibe. Mexican food includes homemade tortillas and dishes with an authentic taste and generous portions.

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."

"The Mexican food here is delicious and authentic, with homemade tortillas."

"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.

13
Village Kitchen家湘味 image 1
Chinese restaurant

Chinese restaurant offers authentic Hunan flavor with huge portions and affordable prices. Atmosphere is clean and inviting with comfortable seating and plenty of parking. Food features spicy dishes like frog and pork kidney stir-fry, delivering strong, salty tastes.

Dishes showcase authentic Hunan flavor with a strong sense of traditional Chinese taste. The food feels very genuine and reminds many of home in China.

Fish dishes feature excellent quality and freshness, especially the steamed fish head which is large and fresh. The grilled fish comes with bean sprouts, cauliflower, mushrooms, and peanuts and has a slight spicy kick.

People are saying

"I found the food to be authentic, just like I had in China."

"The steamed fish head dish was big and very fresh."

"The seafood here is so fresh, especially the steamed fish."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required but recommended for large parties.

2

The restaurant can get quite busy in the evenings and on weekends.

3

Portions are large, making it suitable for sharing.

14
The Noble Chef (豪記私房菜) image 1

Small space with simple decor creates an authentic Cantonese atmosphere. The vibe feels like an everyday neighborhood diner with a cozy, unassuming setting. Limited seating and a popular, lively crowd shape the experience.

Cantonese dishes here show authentic flavors with a mix of traditional and Americanized options. The spot feels like an unassuming hole in the wall with a solid neighborhood vibe and surprisingly good service for an authentic Asian place.

Seafood dishes feature scallops in oil, fish with black bean sauce, and sautéed shrimp with a flavorful bite. Pan fried noodles come with a crunchy texture and a good amount of seafood.

People are saying

"I found the Cantonese food here to be so good and reminded me of China."

"The roast duck's meat was tender and the skin was crispy."

"The roast duck here is a must-try, perfectly marinated."

Good to know

1

Expect a 30-40 minute wait for a table on busy nights.

2

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times during dinner hours.

3

Parking is easy and complimentary for diners.

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Clairemont, San Diego

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