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Local picks

Seafood lunch spots in Central San Jose

A midday seafood meal that feels fresh and light rather than heavy and over-processed.

Based on 678 Opinions
+675
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Updated May 2026
01
Cambodian restaurant

Small to medium-sized space with funky decor featuring Cambodian deities creates a warm, communal atmosphere reminiscent of Southeast Asia. Casual vibe with a hole-in-the-wall charm and a short, busy lunch service that fills up quickly. Air tends to be still and warm, making seating somewhat uncomfortable.

Generous portions and very tasty dishes define the lunch menu here. A long-standing customer base reflects its consistent appeal for midday meals.

Shrimp or chicken soup, fried catfish with tomato sauce, and shish kabobs stand out as favorites. The fish amok features a lemongrass flavor that pairs well, while the ginger fish is crispy yet soft and flavorful.

People are saying

"The fish amok is flavorful and deeply satisfying."

"The cabbage salad's dressing was so tasty, I thought about it days later."

"The seafood amok here is light, flavorful, and deeply satisfying."

Good to know

1

Chez Sovan is only open from 11 AM to 2 PM.

2

The restaurant fills up quickly for lunch, so arrive early.

3

Parking is free and available in the residential area nearby.

02
Mariscos Costa Alegre image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor dining under a large tent creates a Mexico-by-the-sea vibe with vibrant colors and festive decor. Live mariachi music fills the space, often loud enough to dominate conversations. The atmosphere buzzes with energetic, lively spirit centered on authentic Mexican seafood.

Casual atmosphere fits a relaxed lunch with friendly staff managing the lunch rush well. Dishes like campechana come with thoughtful touches, such as a tequila shot to finish the meal.

Shrimp soups and brazier tacos stand out with bold flavors. Fish soup, tacos, and micheladas complement a menu focused on authentic Mexican seafood.

People are saying

"The seafood here is delicious and incredibly flavorful."

"The staff here makes this Lunch Spot so friendly and attentive."

"The vibe here is so lively with intermittent live music."

Good to know

1

Arrive before noon on sunny days to avoid long wait times.

2

Expect over 30 minutes wait to be seated on weekends.

3

Parking can be difficult to find in the area.

03
Sushi Maru image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small space with conveyor belt sushi and seating around a sushi bar creates a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Dim lighting and soft music support a homey, casual vibe despite the place often feeling crowded and lively. Fresh seafood and attentive sushi chefs add to the comfortable dining experience.

Friendly and quick service keeps lunch moving even when busy. Lunch boxes let you pick three or four items for good value, and the chirashi offers a solid, tasty option for a quick meal.

Fresh fish cuts stand out with a wide variety of options beyond sushi. The seafood consistently tastes like it melts in your mouth.

People are saying

"I found the sushi here to be the best and most affordable I tried."

"The seafood here is so fresh, I loved it."

"The sushi here is so fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking in the area is somewhat limited.

2

You might have to wait in line during busy hours.

3

Plates start at $5 for 3 pieces, making it about $2 per piece.

04
Lopez Taqueria 2 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor seating on a sunny patio creates a casual, breezy atmosphere with a welcoming, family-like vibe. Indoor space feels small and sparse, while the quiet street adds to the calm setting. The place offers a wide variety of authentic Mexican food in a clean environment.

Outdoor patio offers a pleasant spot to enjoy lunch and sunshine. Service can be slow during busy times, but the food is solid for a quick midday meal.

Fish tacos come with crispy battered fish and fresh, flavorful slices of avocado. Shrimp tacos have no fishy smell and taste great. The Michelada rimmed with shrimp combines a shrimp cocktail and Michelada in one.

People are saying

"The lengua tacos here are tender and flavorful."

"The fish tacos are fresh, flavorful, and delicious."

"The food at this lunch spot is so tasty."

Good to know

1

Ordering and paying happens before sitting down; no reservations needed.

2

The restaurant offers all-day breakfast options.

3

There is plenty of seating available both inside and outside.

05
Hukilau image 1
Hawaiian restaurant

Tiki-themed decor fills a spacious interior with a small bar area and a large banquet room. Bright lighting and Hawaiian music create a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. Crowds bring lively energy, making it suitable for group celebrations or casual dinners.

Generous portions come with lunch dishes like chicken and beef fried katsu style or in sesame batter. Meals include two scoops of rice and a scoop of macaroni salad, with awesome service throughout.

Fish tacos stand out with fresh flavors and generous portions. The fried rice complements well, and the fried shrimp is large and tasty.

People are saying

"The salmon poke here is incredibly fresh and flavorful."

"The fish tacos and fried rice here are amazing."

"I'd return for the garlic chicken; it's fried well and tasty."

Good to know

1

Parking is only street parking and can be hard to find depending on the day and time.

2

On a Saturday at 1 pm, there was a 30-minute wait due to a soccer team.

3

Hukilau automatically charged an 18% gratuity fee without prior notice.

06
Gombei image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small, simple space with cozy, homestyle ambiance and outdated decor creates an authentic Japanese feel. Atmosphere stays quiet and casual, often crowded inside with additional outdoor seating. Food serves as comfort Japanese cuisine with generous portions at reasonable prices.

Generous portions and lunch specials offer a good sampler of well-done Japanese dishes. Options like Poki Sashimi and Fried Chicken with Vinegar Sauce make it a solid choice for quick weekday lunches or small parties.

Seafood options include fried shrimp, fried oysters, and a seafood platter. Fish dishes feature grilled and braised preparations with crispy skin and a light smoky flavor.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's food is quick, affordable, and delicious."

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

"The fried shrimp here is tasty."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, so arrive early to avoid long waits.

2

Expect a 20-minute wait starting at 12:45pm on weekends.

3

Credit cards are accepted, making payment convenient.

07
Kaita image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small mom-and-pop Japanese restaurant with a rustic Japanese setting and an open kitchen visible from the front. Atmosphere feels family-friendly, local, and welcoming, with a warm and comfortable vibe. Menu focuses on authentic home-style dishes with generous portions and quality sushi.

Lunch offers a more limited menu with select items like chicken teriyaki don and a lunch bento box. Different menus exist for lunch and dinner, providing distinct options.

Fish shows up fresh with great variety and texture. Special dishes like the negitoro don highlight the quality and taste.

People are saying

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

"The seafood here, especially the sushi and sashimi, is incredibly fresh."

"This Lunch Spot has really great authentic Japanese food."

Good to know

1

Kaita offers daily specials that change frequently.

2

Kaita does not accept NFC payments; cash only.

3

Expect wait times if you arrive after opening, as it fills up fast.

08
Santo Market Inc image 1
Asian grocery store

Take-out window serves fresh poke bowls with authentic Hawaiian flavors that attract long lines. The market area is closed, so eating happens in cars or on nearby benches. The vibe carries a strong aloha spirit despite the lack of seating and a somewhat unpleasant atmosphere.

Offers quick lunch options with poke as a staple. Meals cost around 13 dollars, making it an affordable choice for regular visits.

Fresh fish cubes stand out with great quality and generous portions. The poke features fish that melts in your mouth, paired well with spicy mayo for added flavor.

People are saying

"I found the poke here to be the best in the Bay Area."

"The seafood here is incredibly fresh and flavorful."

"This lunch spot's poke is simple, fresh, and perfectly seasoned."

Good to know

1

Santo Market Inc offers take-out only.

2

They open at 9am.

3

Expect long lines due to the popularity of fresh poke.

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Central San Jose, San Jose

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