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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Kearny Mesa's best

Seafood spots

Nothing satisfies like a plate of fresh seafood.

Based on 813 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Chacho's Tacos image 1
Chacho's Tacos image 2
Chacho's Tacos image 3
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Restaurant

Fresh Mexican tacos shine with homemade salsas and shrimp dishes that are plump and clean-tasting. Vegetarian options add variety in a homey atmosphere next to a lively brewery. Self-service kiosks speed ordering but can slow down at times.

Shrimp dishes come with a good amount of shrimp and no fishy taste. Tacos feature pollo asado, carne asada, and shrimp, all cooked well and not oily.

People are saying

"The Carne Asada tacos here are really good and flavorful."

"The shrimp tacos here are flavorful and not fishy at all."

"The burritos here are huge, messy, and delicious."

Good to know

1

Most tacos cost about $3.99, making it an affordable option.

2

The food truck has shaded outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying your meal.

3

Catering services are available for events, providing a convenient option for large groups.

02
DalBam Moon Night image 1
Korean restaurant

Small indoor space with adorable decor and fun K-pop videos sets a cozy yet lively mood. Crispy seafood pancakes and fresh-tasting conches highlight the menu. Perfect for authentic Korean drinks and bar food, it draws a lively crowd late at night.

Seafood pancakes come out crispy and stand out among the dishes. The conches smell slightly oceany but taste like fresh clams. Other notable dishes include a spicy stew and cheese corn.

People are saying

"I found the Korean food here to be amazing, especially the bulgogi."

"It felt so homey and cozy here."

"The seafood pancakes were a favorite dish."

Good to know

1

Parking in this plaza can be tough, so arrive early.

2

Make a reservation to secure a table, especially on busy nights.

3

The restaurant is open until 1am, ideal for late-night dining.

03
Adrian's Surf n' Turf Grill image 1
Seafood restaurant

Small, family-owned seafood grill offers fresh fish dishes like fish tacos and rock fish and chips with sauces on the side. Hand-crafted furnishings create a relaxing atmosphere with fun music and a quiet pace. Fast casual setup keeps service quick and friendly.

Fish dishes come fresh with sauces on the side to highlight their quality. Options like fish tacos and rock fish and chips stand out for their balanced seasoning and tasty ingredients.

People are saying

"The fish and chips here are awesome and the chips are crispy."

"I ordered the steak and it was perfectly cooked."

"The coconut shrimp with mango salsa was delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant does not have a bathroom, so plan accordingly before visiting.

2

Expect higher prices on the menu, with items averaging at least $4 more than expected.

3

Parking is ample and available near the restaurant.

04
Harmony Cuisine 2B1 image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small sushi spot offers an intimate vibe with dark cozy lighting and a central sushi bar. Fresh, buttery fish shines in every bite, showcasing curated seafood. A notable sake selection rounds out the elevated casual experience.

Fish arrives fresh and buttery, melting in your mouth with every bite. The selection feels curated and unique, with sushi and seared fish both executed with care and balance.

People are saying

"The fish here is so fresh and melts in your mouth."

"The Panna Cotta here is so fresh and wonderful."

"The seafood here is so fresh, it just melts in your mouth."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended due to the busy location with a parking lot that fills up quickly.

2

The restaurant has limited table seating but plenty of counter seating available.

3

Parking can be challenging due to multiple restaurants in the plaza.

05
The Curry Club image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japandi design and Japanese paintings create a calm, home-style vibe with quiet traditional music. Fried oysters shine as a top appetizer, while fried shrimp can be hit or miss. Casual indoor seating suits a special date, and a serve-your-own spice station adds fun customization.

Fried shrimp comes with a crispy coating but sometimes has a slightly mushy texture between the shell and shrimp. Fried oysters stand out as a preferred appetizer over the shrimp.

People are saying

"This Japanese food is the best I've had, so delicious and savory."

"The curry here is fruity and delicious."

"The Japanese curry here is the best I've had, with great flavor."

Good to know

1

The restaurant can get crowded, so consider a to-go order during peak hours.

2

The Curry Club offers a $14 deal on curry rice topped with different meats on weekdays.

3

Expect wait times of 40 to 60 minutes for sit-down meals during busy hours.

06
Monsta Ramen Curry image 1
Asian restaurant

Bright, clean space with a Studio Ghibli-like ambiance offers a cozy, quiet vibe. Fresh shrimp spring rolls shine on the menu alongside spicy ramen and skewers. Relaxing music adds to the warm, casual feel.

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 pork cutlet curry rice was delicious, with a savory and sweet gravy."

"The curry rice dishes were outstanding and rich."

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.

07
Fish With You |Spicy & Sour Fish Soup 鱼你在一起酸菜鱼 image 1

Small, crowded space buzzes with loud Chinese karaoke music, creating a lively vibe. Fish is sliced thin, tender, and fresh, with spicy sour pickled fillets shining. Clean decor and QR code menus add a modern touch to this authentic Sichuan spot.

Fish comes sliced very thin and stays tender and fresh. The spicy sour pickled fish fillets and tomato soup stand out as authentic and perfectly cooked dishes.

People are saying

"The fish here is so tender and flavorful."

"The food here is delicious, flavorful, and fresh."

"The pickled fish here is so authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

The portions are large; two main dishes can feed a family of five.

2

Prices range from $15 to $20 for most menu items, including free steamed rice.

3

Parking is plentiful, especially at 3 pm on Saturdays.

08
Matoi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small omakase bar offers wildly fresh fish flown from Japan and seasonal sashimi like scallops and toro. Chef TJ blends traditional edomae style with 90's rap music for a laid-back vibe. Thoughtful sake and beer pairings complete the experience.

Fish arrives wildly fresh with ingredients flown in from Japan. Sashimi platters feature seasonal fresh slices like scallops, bigeye tuna, Spanish toro, and raw sweet shrimp. Chef TJ shows exceptional care and deep knowledge about sushi fish.

People are saying

"The fish here is so fresh, it's unlike anything I've had."

"Chef TJ made the Omakase fun and interactive with great conversation."

"The seafood here is so fresh, it's ruined shrimp everywhere else for me."

Good to know

1

They have only 2 seatings per night at 5:30 PM and 7:30 PM.

2

Reservations are necessary due to limited seating availability.

3

The omakase experience lasts about three hours.

09
Mikiya Wagyu Shabu House image 1
Self service restaurant

Enjoy all-you-can-eat wagyu hot pot with fresh, upscale seafood like clams and octopus. Modern, Instagrammable interior creates a calm vibe despite tight space. Efficient service cuts wait times, making it a top spot for quality and convenience.

Seafood here stands out for its freshness across a wide range of options. The seafood platter comes with plentiful sides, including some upscale choices like clams and octopus.

People are saying

"The Wagyu here melts like butter, it's the best."

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and a great value."

"The seafood here is super fresh, especially the sashimi."

Good to know

1

The place is open until 10 pm.

2

You can order three items at a time with refills every eight minutes.

3

They offer all-you-can-eat wagyu hot pot with three tiers of pricing.

10
Nijiya Market San Diego Store image 1
Japanese grocery store

Japanese supermarket offers fresh sushi and sashimi in small portions perfect for sampling. Neatly organized aisles showcase authentic snacks and a wide variety of frozen foods and bakery items. Parking is limited but quality and selection make it worth the visit.

Fresh fish comes in small portions ideal for sampling without buying large amounts. Sushi grade fish and sashimi options stay extremely fresh, rivaling specialty markets. The selection includes packaged sushi, sashimi, and bentos alongside fresh seafood and produce.

People are saying

"This Japanese grocery store is the finest I've visited."

"I found the seafood selection here to be really fresh."

"I found so many organic and vegan items here."

Good to know

1

Parking can be scarce during busy hours.

2

Get there before 11:30 for the best selection of products.

3

Expect limited sushi and bento options after 6pm.

11
El Viejon Seafood image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood here bursts with authentic Baja flavor in dishes like fish tacos and shrimp ceviche. The space feels modern and artistic with lively tropical music that keeps energy high yet allows easy conversation. Cozy seating adds to the Mexican coastal vibe, making it a fresh and inviting spot.

Fresh and flavorful seafood stands out with authentic Baja flavor and complex, sophisticated preparations. Fish tacos and shrimp ceviche shine with generous portions and excellent sauces.

People are saying

"The seafood here is incredibly fresh and flavorful."

"The seafood tacos here are the best I've ever had."

"Their guacamole is super fresh and citrusy."

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.

12
Domo Kitchen image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small space with dim lighting feels cozy but crowded at lunch. Shrimp dishes shine, especially the shrimp lo mein with great value. Family-friendly vibe suits casual meals despite cluttered seating and ordering first.

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."

"The lunch spot food is delicious, with amazing quality and taste."

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

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.

13
Mic Drop Comedy image 1
Comedy club

Small venue with an Alice in Wonderland theme offers an intimate setting for professional improv shows. Creative cocktails and distinctive food complement the strong comedy acts. Seafood lovers enjoy blackened shrimp and flavorful shrimp tacos.

Shrimp dishes stand out with blackened shrimp that are well charred and shrimp tacos that deliver solid flavor. The shrimp and grits also offer a tasty option among the seafood choices.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and the staff is friendly."

"The nightlife here is amazing with hilarious comedians."

"The blackened shrimp were exquisitely charred and delicious."

Good to know

1

There is free parking available on site.

2

Mic Drop Comedy does not require a food or drink minimum.

3

Doors open at 9 PM, but seating may be delayed.

14
Ju-ichi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small, intimate spot with upscale sushi and a weekly changing menu keeps things fresh. Fish is flown in from Japan, offering special fish selections that melt in your mouth. Cozy, lively vibe fits romantic evenings or special occasions perfectly.

Fish arrives fresh and seasonal, often flown in from Japan. Dishes feature special fish selections not commonly found elsewhere, with perfectly crafted portions that melt in your mouth.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is outstanding, especially the fresh sushi and creative rolls."

"The seafood here is so fresh, it just melts in your mouth."

"You can watch the chefs work their magic from the bar seating."

Good to know

1

Reservations for the omakase should be made two weeks in advance.

2

The tasting menu is available on Sundays with only 11 seats per session.

3

Sessions for the tasting menu start at 5 pm and 7:30 pm.

15
spicy city image 1
Sichuan restaurant

Small space with red accents and tight seating creates a lively vibe. Seafood shines with salt and pepper fish and spicy, numbing flavors. Authentic Sichuan dishes bring intense spice and bold tastes to a packed, high-energy room.

Salt and pepper fish stands out with its bold seasoning and crispy texture. Spicy dishes like the Szechuan spicy fish and fish marinated with numbing spice offer a hot and flavorful experience.

People are saying

"The food here is legendary; Hua always made my experience perfect."

"I found the Szechuan food here to be authentic and intensely flavorful."

"The fish with spicy sauce here is amazing and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging at busier times.

2

Making a reservation a couple of hours before should ensure a table.

3

The portions are large and reasonably priced.

16
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill - San Diego, CA image 1

Greek restaurant shines with perfectly cooked shrimp in dishes like shrimp souvlaki. Spacious interior features large TV menu displays and cute furniture. Lively vibe blends loud Greek music with a casual strip mall feel, great for groups.

Shrimp dishes stand out with perfectly cooked shrimp featured in the shrimp souvlaki and the Greek salad with shrimp. Spanakopita and other seafood plates also complement the menu well.

People are saying

"The Greek food here is amazing, especially the flavorful lamb."

"The gyro meat was on point and wonderful."

"The seafood here is delicious and fresh."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a buy one get one free Gyro sandwich promotion on Tuesdays.

2

There is plenty of free parking available for customers.

3

The restaurant maintains a high standard of cleanliness throughout.

17
The Fire Spot image 1
Restaurant

Charcoal grills create a smoky atmosphere in a cozy space with close tables. Shrimp dishes and seafood tofu stew offer a relaxing taste. The seafood soup is a top soondubu choice, making the place lively and bustling.

Seafood options include shrimp dishes and a seafood tofu stew that offers a relaxing taste. The seafood soup stands out as a better soondubu than many nearby spots.

People are saying

"The Korean food's quality meat just melts in your mouth."

"I thought it was the best Korean Barbecue in town."

"I thought the brisket was the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Expect wait times of 1-2 hours during peak hours on weekends.

2

Parking can be difficult to find, especially during busy times.

3

Reservations are not accepted; arrive early to avoid long lines.

18
Paik's Noodle - Hong Kong Banjum SD image 1

Large, bright space with spaced tables offers a comfortable, open environment. Chili shrimp delivers crispy jumbo shrimp with sweet chili heat, while seafood dishes like jajangmyeon and jjampong bring a spicy, flavorful punch. Ordering via tablets ensures efficient service in a quiet, sterile setting.

Chili shrimp stands out with its crispy jumbo shrimp and sweet chili sauce that packs a noticeable heat. The seafood jajangmyeon and jjampong come loaded with seafood and offer a spicy, flavorful experience.

People are saying

"The jjajangmyeon here is the best Korean food I've had."

"The chili shrimp had a nice heat that made my lips tingle."

"The seafood jjamppong here is packed with flavor and quite spicy."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging during peak hours due to limited spaces.

2

Free parking is available in the lot for diners.

3

Ordering is done via tablets at the table, streamlining the process.

19
Facing East Noodle & Bar image 1
Asian restaurant

Asian spot boasts a cozy atmosphere with retro decor and lively music. Spicy shrimp wontons offer tender wrappers and rich broth, while ordering upfront keeps flow straightforward. Busy crowd enjoys fresh seafood and clean space.

Spicy shrimp wontons stand out with tender wrappers and a flavorful broth. The menu also features shrimp dumplings and black garlic ramen with seafood elements.

People are saying

"The ramen broth here is rich, savory, and truly the soul of the dish."

"The soup dumplings here are delicious and delicate."

"The ramen here was exceptional and a clear highlight."

Good to know

1

Customers order themselves through their phones using a QR code on each table.

2

Prepaying for food is common here, which is unusual for sit-down restaurants.

3

Parking is challenging around the area, so plan accordingly.

20
Flama Llama image 1
Peruvian restaurant

Peruvian spot shines with authentic flavors and a lively patio. Seafood lovers enjoy fresh shrimp in garlic noodles. Cozy vibe pairs well with unique cocktails and standout dishes like mojo fries.

Seafood dishes feature fresh shrimp and cleaned mussels cooked well. Garlic noodles with shrimp stand out for their strong garlic taste and generous portions.

People are saying

"The food here is incredible, full of flavor and fresh."

"You have to try the chili wontons; they're perfectly balanced."

"The seafood here, especially the garlic noodles with shrimp, is super garlicky and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great deals on drinks and appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

Reservations are not required but recommended during busy hours.

3

Expect a casual dress code; no formal attire needed.

21
H Mart Balboa image 1
Korean grocery store

Huge Korean grocery store offers authentic Asian foods and a fresh seafood variety perfect for Korean BBQ. Spacious food court features about eight vendors and a small French bakery. Crowded aisles challenge carts but walls with maker-inspired graphics add charm.

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."

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

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

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.

22
Champs Korean Bbq image 1
Korean restaurant

Stone flat grills offer even heat and low smoke, perfect for cooking fresh shrimp with garlic butter. Spacious, quiet dining with cool lighting and clean, early Formica-style decor creates a comfortable atmosphere.

Fresh, well-marinated shrimp cooks perfectly on The Slab, including skinless options for pescatarians. Garlic butter shrimp stands out alongside other highlights like wagyu bulgogi and brisket.

People are saying

"The Korean Bbq here is delicious and the meat is high quality."

"The stone slab grill for the Bulgogi retained heat well and was easy to clean."

"The garlic butter shrimp was so fresh and perfectly cooked."

Good to know

1

The all-you-can-eat menu has a 2-hour time limit.

2

Happy hour runs after 9 pm during the week.

3

Parking can be difficult; expect to circle for a spot.

23
Robataya Oton image 1
Authentic Japanese restaurant

Small, intimate space with traditional Japanese decor offers cozy, authentic izakaya vibes. Unbelievably fresh nigiri and rich monkfish liver shine in seafood dishes. Soft, soothing lighting creates a relaxing atmosphere perfect for private dining.

Fresh fish stands out with unbelievably fresh nigiri and rich monkfish liver during its season. Tempura seafood and grilled fish also deliver solid flavors.

People are saying

"The nabiyaki udon was amazing."

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

"The seafood here is unbelievably fresh and outstanding."

Good to know

1

Reservations are almost a must due to the restaurant's small size.

2

Expect a 90-minute dining limit, which may feel rushed.

3

Parking can be challenging; arrive early to secure a spot.

24
Olleh CONVOY Korean BBQ image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

Korean barbecue offers interactive grilling with fresh, tender meats and lively K-pop tunes. Black tiger shrimp shines as a seafood highlight amid ribeye and brisket. Atmosphere stays warm and inviting despite grill smoke and music.

Black tiger shrimp stands out as a seafood highlight here. Shrimp appears alongside other meats like ribeye and brisket, showing a mix of options but shrimp remains a distinctive seafood choice.

People are saying

"The Korean food here is served with incredible speed and attentiveness."

"The BBQ here is amazing, served with such speed and care."

"The seafood service was phenomenal; they kept our water full."

Good to know

1

The all-you-can-eat buffet costs around $34.99 per person.

2

Expect a 30-minute wait for parking and an additional hour to be seated.

3

A gratuity of $27 is automatically added to your check.

25
PT Eatery image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Spacious, clean interior welcomes groups with a friendly, airy design. Seafood pho offers rich flavors, while Garlic Butter Shrimp and tender sole fish shine on the menu. Atmosphere is relaxing but can feel slightly uncomfortable when busy.

Seafood pho soup stands out with rich flavors. The menu features Garlic Butter Shrimp and a tender sole fish dish. Shrimp and pork Banh Noi also appears as a popular choice.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here has a rich, flavorful broth."

"The egg rolls here are so fresh and crispy."

"I enjoyed the seafood pho soup; it was the best I had."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on busy nights to avoid long wait times.

2

Parking is ample, with an EV charging station available on-site.

3

The restaurant offers generous portions at reasonable prices.

26
Gualberto's 2 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot serves large portions with fresh tortillas and flavorful carne asada. Fish tacos now have crispy golden batter but fish is drier and less tasty. Lunch crowds make parking tough, but spicy red salsa adds a kick.

Fish tacos come in large portions with a crispy golden brown batter and tender, juicy fish. Recent changes made the fish smaller, drier, and less flavorful, resembling frozen battered fish, and the mild salsa is now less chunky and less tasty.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and a great value."

"I had the best breakfast burrito I've ever tasted here."

"The fish tacos here are huge and really good."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tight during dinner hours; consider street parking or back lot.

2

Prices are affordable, with large portions offered at a fair price.

3

They serve breakfast all day, making it a versatile dining option.

27
The Taco Stand image 1
Taco restaurant

Space is extremely narrow with limited seating, creating a lively atmosphere filled with Mexican music. Shrimp tacos offer grilled shrimp flavor, while fish tacos impress with freshness and seasoning. Guests enjoy watching homemade tortillas and a serve-yourself salsa bar.

Shrimp tacos stand out with a lovely flavor profile and grilled shrimp that tastes great. Fish tacos also impress with freshness and solid seasoning, making them a favorite choice here.

People are saying

"These tacos are worth the wait; they're the best in San Diego."

"You must try the California burrito; it's excellent."

"The seafood here is crispy and beer-battered."

Good to know

1

The Taco Stand operates as an order-and-go type place with no seating available.

2

Parking can be challenging at The Taco Stand.

3

I recommend ordering ahead because they get busy.

28
Bopomofo Cafe image 1

Cafe shines with creative drink flavors and a modern, clean design that invites relaxed, family-friendly hangouts. Seafood options like flawless shrimp sandwich and crispy nori fish tacos offer quality and unique tastes in small, satisfying portions.

Nori fish tacos feature crispy fried fish and crunchy slaw but come in small portions. The shrimp sandwich offers flawless flavor and quality, while the shrimp burger is light yet flavorful.

People are saying

"The blueberry matcha here is incredible and balanced."

"The nori fish sandwich and tacos are delicious seafood."

"The fried chicken sandwich bun is a sweet bolo bun."

Good to know

1

The food is available only during limited hours at the moment.

2

Weekends in the evening can get crowded, so arrive early to avoid the crowd.

3

There are few tables outside, and limited seating inside.

29
Wa Dining Okan image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small, cozy spot offers authentic Japanese flavors in a casual, izakaya-style setting. Seafood lovers enjoy salmon roe kettle rice and fresh fish bowls. Perfect for relaxed dinners with homey atmosphere and rich, well-cooked dishes.

Seafood shines in the salmon and salmon roe kettle rice, rich and perfectly cooked. Fresh fish rice bowls and seafood kamameshi with scallops, shrimps, and fish roe add variety, while butter udon noodles feature fish roe at the center.

People are saying

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

"The creamy mentai udon is delicious and packed with flavor."

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious, especially the kettle rice."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available and reasonably priced.

2

The restaurant is small, so seating is limited.

3

Parking is challenging due to a busy lot.

30
Spicy House image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small strip-mall spot serves authentic Szechuan cuisine with generous portions in a lively, chaotic setting. Fish dishes are fall-off-the-bone tender and cooked in spicy broths or black bean sauce. Menu boasts a huge variety of seafood and noodles with balanced spices.

Fish dishes come fall-off-the-bone tender and cook-to-order in a piping hot reddish broth or black bean sauce. The menu offers a huge variety of seafood and noodle options with well-balanced spices and sauces.

People are saying

"I found the Sichuan food here to be super authentic."

"The Szechuan spicy crispy fish is fragrant and packed a real punch."

"The spicy fish here is so flavorful and packed a real punch."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult during peak lunchtime hours.

2

The restaurant offers family-style dining with large portions.

3

Guests can bring their own beer after paying a corking fee.

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Kearny Mesa, San Diego

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