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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Hillcrest

Seafood and salad spots

You prefer a meal that feels light and fresh without sacrificing the substance of a proper lunch or dinner.

Based on 641 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Cluck N' Sip image 1
Cluck N' Sip image 2
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Fast food restaurant

Fast food spot with a hole-in-the-wall vibe and about eight tables inside, plus limited outdoor seating. Atmosphere feels friendly and inviting with Mandarin music playing softly. Known for juicy, well-seasoned chicken and affordable prices, it offers a clean, casual place to enjoy simple meals.

Salads here include a glazed salad and a szechuan salad that feels refreshing. The house salad comes with a vinaigrette that cleanses the palate well.

Fish sandwiches feature southern-style seasoning and come with pickles for around $6. Fried fish and chicken are cooked to perfection without being overly seasoned. Sides like mashed potatoes with gravy and glazed salad complement the house sauces well.

People are saying

"This chicken sandwich is so juicy and crispy."

"The glazed salad here is amazing with the fried chicken."

"I loved their fish sandwiches, seasoned just right."

Good to know

1

They offer a lunch deal every day for $7.99, including two chicken tenders, a side, and a drink.

2

Happy hour specials are available at Cluck N' Sip.

3

The restaurant is halal certified, making it a good option for halal diners.

02
White Elephant Asian Kitchen image 1

Quaint restaurant with decor that resembles a wine shop offers a serene and tranquil atmosphere with soft background music. The vibe stays relaxed and quiet, making it suitable for casual meals. It stands out for its inviting ambiance and chilled setting.

Crispy rice salad stands out with its full flavor and crunch. Crying Tiger rib eye salad features a sauce to die for. Vegetables and other salads are consistently delicious.

Massive shrimp appear in the shrimp appetizer and fire cracker shrimp. Spicy fried rice and seafood pad talay stand out with strong flavors. Tom yum with shrimp lacks flavor and has soggy shrimp.

People are saying

"The salads here are so fresh and full of flavor."

"This Thai food's noodle soup has a super chewy noodle and flavorful broth."

"I found the seafood pad talay to be amazing."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult, so consider arriving early.

2

Seating is limited, especially during peak hours.

3

The patio is dog-friendly, making it a great spot for pet owners.

03
Parma Cucina Italiana image 1
Italian restaurant

Cozy Italian restaurant with intimate seating and a warm, family-friendly vibe. Small indoor space complements a dog-friendly outdoor patio. Staff create a welcoming atmosphere with authentic Italian charm.

Salads feature fresh, ripe tomatoes and tender burrata with balanced seasoning. The octopus salad offers bright, fresh flavors and tender texture.

Linguine with clams and shrimp fettuccine with vodka sauce stand out on the menu. Specials like squid-ink pasta and seafood risotto add variety and flavor.

People are saying

"The pasta here is amazing, truly the best I've ever had."

"The seafood pasta here is amazing, especially the walnut pesto with shrimp."

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

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended during busy dinner hours to secure a table.

2

On Wednesdays, enjoy 30% off a bottle of wine with dinner.

3

The Tuesday date night menu offers great value for couples.

04
RK Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small sushi restaurant offers an intimate space with about 10 tables and a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere. Loud music and conversations create a vibrant, nightclub-like energy that carries easily through the space. Known for fresh, authentic sushi and a reliable quick lunch experience.

Fresh salad comes with meals like the chicken katsu bento box without rice. Small cucumber salad and edible flowers add colorful greens and a delicate touch to the board.

Fish comes incredibly fresh with a perfect balance of fresh fish flavor and sauce. Oysters stand out as unbelievable, and cooked seafood options offer tender dishes with spicy sauce and sesame oil.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the sushi, is fresh and tastes great."

"I thought the spicy ramen was legit and pretty good."

"The seafood here is unbelievably fresh and tasty."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great prices on select items.

2

The all-you-can-eat menu is $40 but has limited options.

3

Parking is available in a small lot with about 10 spaces.

05
Dumplings N More image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small, cozy space with wooden tables and chairs and a quiet, warm atmosphere. Guests watch dumplings being handmade through a window, adding a hands-on feel to the experience. The place offers vegetarian-friendly options and feels like home cooking.

Crunchy, fresh smashed cucumber salad comes with a drinkable sauce. It pairs well with spicy dishes and is a popular starter.

Honey walnut shrimp stands out with a crunchy texture and rich flavor. Shrimp dishes like Dim Sum Crystal Shrimp and shrimp dumplings offer authentic tastes reminiscent of China. The shrimp with preserved cabbage blends seafood with a comforting broth vibe.

People are saying

"I found the dumplings here to be authentically delicious."

"The shrimp dumplings here reminded me of China."

"The smashed cucumber salad was so crunchy and fresh."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tough around the restaurant, so plan accordingly.

2

Lunch specials offer great deals for budget-conscious diners.

3

The restaurant is family-run and known for handmade dumplings.

06
Lazy Acres Market - Mission Hills image 1

Market combines natural foods, fresh produce, and premade meals with a smoothie and juice bar. Atmosphere feels clean and local, with a small outdoor seating area and EV charger. Offers high-quality products and specialty items like poke and bakery treats, though prices are on the higher side.

A rotating salad bar offers organic produce and stays impressively well-kept and colorful. Options include salmon and meat patties behind glass, plus a make-your-own salad setup.

A whole pokรฉ bar offers multiple seafood options prepared with Hawaiian flavors. The seafood department stays fresh with well-cut fish and helpful staff at the meat and fish counter.

People are saying

"I found a great selection of fresh, organic healthy foods here."

"The salad bar here is beautiful and offers organic produce."

"I found the seafood here to be really fresh and well-prepared."

Good to know

1

The market offers a great selection of fresh produce and healthy snacks.

2

There is plenty of parking available for customers.

3

They provide samples of their cosmetics section.

07
NOLA on 5th image 1
American restaurant

Older building with New Orleans vibe and tiny interior creates a cozy, lively atmosphere. Loud music and bar energy fill the space, especially near the bar area. Outdoor dog-friendly patio offers a relaxed spot for lunch or watching games on multiple TVs.

Salads feature beet and Caesar options with solid flavors. Blackened shrimp adds protein to one salad, and vegetarian choices are limited to two salads priced at $14 each.

Seafood dishes feature Gulf shrimp flown in three times a week and fresh oysters. Signature items include shrimp and grits with bold spice, shrimp etouffee, and a beef and shrimp po'boy known from Triple D.

People are saying

"The jambalaya and poboy here are top notch."

"This seafood poboy was dry without the gravy."

"The Caesar salad with added shrimp was delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour at NOLA on 5th is from 3 to 6 pm.

2

The food price range is from $8 to $26.

3

NOLA on 5th offers limited vegetarian options, mainly two salads at $14 each.

08
Whole Foods Market image 1
Grocery store

Grocery store combines tight aisles with a warm, cozy atmosphere and soothing music. It features a rooftop parking and seating area, plus an Amazon pick-up station for convenience. Crowds gather here regularly, drawn by fresh produce and ready-made meals.

A large selection of freshly-prepared salads and a salad bar make it easy to grab healthy food quickly. An area lets customers prepare their own salads or ready-made meals.

Fresh seafood includes a huge selection of fish and oysters. Oysters come shucked and plated on ice, with staff checking they are alive before picking. Unique options like tin fish are available, and special deals on oysters happen on Fridays.

People are saying

"I found so many fresh, organic, and healthy food options here."

"I found the market's prepared food and desserts to be high quality."

"I loved their fresh salad bar and hot food options."

Good to know

1

Parking is extremely difficult, especially during peak hours.

2

Whole Foods Market offers special deals on Tuesdays and Fridays.

3

The hot food bar may not be ready by 11 AM.

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Hillcrest, San Diego

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