Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Downtown San Jose

Seafood spots

Made for those who prioritize fresh catches and shellfish as the centerpiece of their dining choices.

Based on 690 Opinions
+687
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Angkor Chef image 1
Angkor Chef image 2
Angkor Chef image 3
View all
Cambodian restaurant

Small, modern Cambodian restaurant offers a cozy, intimate atmosphere with clean lines and stylish decor. The space feels relaxed and inviting, allowing easy conversation without crowding. It stands out for its unique Cambodian flavors presented in a fresh, contemporary setting.

Food here is authentic Cambodian with a balanced flavor profile that comes out quickly. Dishes are consistently delicious and creative, offering a fun and comforting experience.

Fish amok stands out with its rich flavor and is more flavorful than similar dishes elsewhere. Fish noodles and fermented fish soup add variety with distinctive tastes.

People are saying

"The Cambodian food here is delicious and authentic."

"The vegetarian curry with tofu was excellent."

"The fish amok here is divine and really flavorful."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger parties, especially on weekends.

2

A major public parking garage is right across the street for easy access.

3

The metro system runs down First Street, making it convenient to reach.

02
Meimei Dumpling image 1
Dumpling restaurant

Small space mainly for takeout with some tables for dining in creates a cozy atmosphere with soft background music. Affordable prices and large portions make it suitable for quick meals and family-style sharing. Dumplings stand out as handmade and flavorful, drawing a crowd looking for quality and value.

Food arrives quickly, fresh, and hot with excellent flavor and authentic taste. Prices offer strong value for money while portions fill the stomach without heaviness.

Shrimp Siumai stands out with large, flavorful shrimp and mushroom pieces mixed with pork. Dim sum includes shrimp shu mai and shrimp, pork, and chive dumplings, all delivering solid seafood flavors.

People are saying

"I found the dumplings to be juicy and flavorful."

"The beef noodle soup food here has a flavorful broth and tender meat."

"The shrimp siu mai here is incredible and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers affordable dishes with large portion sizes.

2

Parking can be tricky, so plan accordingly.

3

The menu is easy to understand and quick to order from.

03
The City Fish image 1
Seafood restaurant

Small seafood restaurant with nautical decor and soft lighting creates a cozy atmosphere. Seating is limited, offering an unpretentious local vibe where watching downtown activity adds to the experience. The place feels inviting and relaxed without loud noises or fancy features.

Food arrives piping hot with large portions and quick service even for big groups. The prawns and fish combo stands out as crunchy and perfectly cooked, impressing even those not usually into fish.

Fish and chips come out hot, crunchy, and perfectly cooked. The menu features prawns, scallops, clams, mussels, and oysters that deliver fresh, delicious seafood flavors.

People are saying

"I found the fish and chips here to be fresh and full of flavor."

"The fish and chips here are perfectly cooked with a light, crispy batter."

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

Good to know

1

There is a hidden surcharge or service fee not disclosed on menus.

2

Parking can be challenging, but free parking is available for the first 90 minutes.

3

Happy hour runs Monday to Friday from 3 PM to 6 PM.

04
Island Taste Caribbean Grill image 1
Caribbean restaurant

Small, intimate space with Caribbean-themed decor and island-inspired music creates a vibrant, lively atmosphere. Outdoor tables accommodate pets, and the open floor plan offers wheelchair accessibility. Clean, cozy environment invites guests to enjoy authentic flavors in a welcoming setting.

Jamaican and Haitian cuisine shines with fresh, tasty, and hot dishes. Food delivers authentic Caribbean flavors with consistently great quality and service.

Stewed fish with rice and peas and steamed veggies brings strong island vibes. The Red Snapper and Shrimp Curry stand out for their rich flavors. Ackee and salt fish appear on the brunch menu.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic, packed with flavor, and tastes homemade."

"I found the food here to be delicious and wonderfully flavored."

"The shrimp curry and fish dishes were immaculate."

Good to know

1

Ordering is at a counter at the front.

2

Expect to pay around $30 for a plate.

3

They host a great comedy show every 4th Friday of the month.

05
Sumi Sushi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small dining area with bright anime-themed decor creates a cozy and hip atmosphere near a college campus. Music plays lively tracks, adding to the fun and comfortable vibe. The space fills with families and students, making it casual and energetic.

Food comes out fast and is very fresh. Dishes taste delicious and maintain excellent quality.

Fish tastes incredibly fresh and melts in your mouth. Rolls have the perfect balance of sauce and fish. Rice is well-seasoned and served at the right temperature.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is amazing, especially the fresh sushi."

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

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

Good to know

1

The restaurant is located right across the street from San Jose State University.

2

The prices at Sumi Sushi are reasonable, especially for salmon sushi.

3

The restroom needs more frequent cleaning due to its small capacity.

06
Goodtime Bar image 1
Wine bar

Small wine bar offers cozy patio seating and a modern interior with rattan decor and communal tables. Warm, inviting atmosphere features chill vibes and live DJ sets playing Bay Area classics. Limited seating creates an intimate setting popular for casual evenings and dates.

Food stands out with imaginative, beautiful, and delicious dishes. The menu pairs well with wine and offers a light food selection that impresses consistently.

Tinned fish tapas stand out with a variety of flavors. Fresh oysters and clams come with delicious sauces that enhance their taste.

People are saying

"The wine selection here is outstanding and thoughtfully curated."

"The food here was top-notch, truly the best I've had in ages."

"The seafood here is so fresh, especially the oysters."

Good to know

1

Seating is limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

2

Prices are around $14 per glass of wine and over $25 for food.

3

It can get crowded during peak hours, especially on weekends.

07
Orchestria Palm Court Restaurant image 1

Space resembles a brick warehouse filled with vintage mechanical music machines like self-playing pianos and orchestrions. Atmosphere feels historical and nostalgic, with lively music that creates a magical ambiance. Patrons come mostly on weekends to enjoy the unique old-world charm alongside Italian dining.

Offers a unique dining experience with self-playing instruments and old-time charm. Serves European food that is organically sourced and delivers fantastic value.

Shrimp Puttanesca comes exactly as described with a good mix of vegetables and proteins. It suits lighter appetites, while those wanting more might pick a heartier option.

People are saying

"The atmosphere here is full of character and vintage details."

"The vintage music machines create a truly unique atmosphere."

"You have to check out the unique ambience with self-playing instruments and organically sourced food."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating on weekends.

2

The restaurant is only open for dinner from 5:30 to 9:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

3

Orders must be placed by 7:40 pm during operating hours.

08
Eos & Nyx image 1
Californian restaurant

Two-story space with lush greenery and a liquor carousel creates a luxurious, dramatic setting. Loud music and lively energy fill the room, especially during busy hours. Outdoor patio welcomes dogs, and unique features like an elevator bar add visual interest.

Exceptional food shines during brunch and other meals, paired with fantastic service and drinks. The overall dining experience includes outstanding ambience and decor.

Oysters stand out as very fresh and the main highlight. Wine pairs well with the seafood offerings.

People are saying

"The food here is creative and unique, with perfectly cooked dishes."

"The service here makes for an amazing date night."

"The Seafood here is amazing, with friendly and knowledgeable servers."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for larger groups.

2

A $5 cake fee applies for each person if you bring your own cake.

3

Brunch costs around $50 per person, including food and drinks.

09
The Pasta Market image 1
Italian restaurant

Large space with festive theming and Instagram-worthy decor creates a warm, quiet atmosphere for friends and family. Food serves in generous portions with affordable prices and a mix of authentic and fast-food style service. Locally owned vibe blends casual dining with unique presentation like sandwiches on cutting boards.

Food comes out hot and delicious with a focus on traditional Italian cuisine. Prices stay reasonable while delivering great quality for a counter order setting.

Seafood dishes feature shrimp, clams, and vegetables prominently. The chowder includes clams and the seafood pasta comes with a flavorful sauce.

People are saying

"The Italian food, especially the pasta, was really good."

"The food here is hot, delicious, and wonderful."

"The seafood pasta here is really good."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay around $22 for a sandwich with tip and tax.

2

Kids are welcome, making it a family-friendly dining spot.

3

The restaurant has been locally owned since the 1980s.

10
China Chen image 1
Chinese restaurant

Chinese restaurant offers quiet atmosphere with affordable prices and excellent noodle soups featuring large shrimp wontons and flavorful broths. Limited parking and a smaller menu distinguish the experience. Food quality remains consistent over time, making it a reliable spot for comfort food.

Food offers Chinese Vietnamese flavors with egg noodles and rice noodles standing out. Portions are good, prices are cheaper than hotel food, and the dishes are consistently flavorful and tasty.

Shrimp dishes feature huge, tender pieces and appear in various forms like wontons and sui cao. Noodle soups include chewy fried fish balls, beef balls, and pork kidney alongside seafood.

People are saying

"I loved their flavorful noodle soup with chewy fried fish balls."

"The wonton noodle soup here is a must-try food."

"The shrimp wonton noodles here are a must-try."

Good to know

1

Parking at China Chen can be a challenge, especially on weekdays.

2

Prices are reasonable, with a large bowl of noodle soup costing around $18.

3

Kids receive free Hi Chew candies after their meal.

11
Sprouts Farmers Market image 1

Bright, spotless grocery store offers a healthy vibe with organic and specialty products. Seasonal decorations create a welcoming atmosphere, while ample samples invite exploration. Shiny, well-organized interior supports easy shopping for fresh produce and affordable groceries.

Offers a wide selection of bulk foods and specialty products catering to food allergies. Focuses on organic and healthy options with great produce and varied food choices.

Excellent quality fish stands out in the seafood section. Staff like Anthony provide great service to help with selections. Wild Sockeye Salmon filets grill well and taste fresh.

People are saying

"This grocery store has the freshest, most vibrant produce I've ever seen."

"I found the freshest, most vibrant produce and great food varieties here."

"I cooked a wild Sockeye Salmon filet from the fish department."

Good to know

1

Opening day festivities include special promotions and free samples.

2

The store offers a wide selection of organic and healthy groceries.

3

Parking is available and easy to access near the store.

12
El Jalapeno Rojo image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant offers drive-thru service and outdoor shaded seating with no indoor dining. Atmosphere stays warm and respectful, creating a chill vibe for quick, affordable meals. Known for authentic, fresh ingredients and vegetarian options in every category.

Food here is authentic Mexican cuisine with a spicy kick that stands out. Meals come fast and taste consistently delicious and satisfying.

Fish tacos stand out with creamy spicy sauce and sharp flavors. Garlic shrimp plates offer a solid seafood option alongside quesadillas and veggie sopes.

People are saying

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

"The Drive Thru food here is amazing and delicious."

"You have to try the fish taco; the creamy spicy sauce is amazing."

Good to know

1

The burritos cost less than $12.

2

Parking is limited to 2 or 3 cars only.

3

They charge a fee for paying with a credit card.

13
Poor House Bistro image 1
Cajun restaurant

Old Victorian house hosts a cozy shaded outdoor patio with live blues music and a friendly, lively atmosphere. Small dance area and ample outdoor seating invite casual gatherings. Popular spot for quick pre-event dinners near SAP Center.

Food here is consistently delicious and satisfying with a quick, easy option before events. The dishes come across as excellent and full of flavor.

Shrimp and grits come out perfectly cooked and flavorful. The menu offers a large choice of seafood Cajun dishes, including a fantastic shrimp po' boy and fried shrimp.

People are saying

"The live music here is a great bonus with amazing players."

"I found the food here to be excellent and tasty."

"I loved the live jazz music and festive courtyard atmosphere."

Good to know

1

Expect a 45-minute wait during busy hours, especially on event nights.

2

Parking is limited, especially when events are happening nearby.

3

The venue hosts live music from Wednesday to the weekend.

14
The FAB image 1
Fusion restaurant

Tiny fusion restaurant with loud Latin pop music and a club-like atmosphere. Tables sit close together, and some outdoor seating is available. Drinks include bottomless mimosas and 2 for 1 margaritas during happy hour.

Huge portions of delicious Mexican food come at an affordable price, especially during happy hours. Nachos stand out as a notable dish, and the overall food quality matches the lively atmosphere.

Shrimp tacos come with crispy, tender shrimp in a flour tortilla and have a decent size. Micheladas include shrimp garnishes but the cup is not filled with shrimp.

People are saying

"I loved the breakfast burrito; it was amazing."

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

"The shrimp tacos here are so delicious and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3-6pm with daily drink specials.

2

Taco Tuesday offers buy one street taco, get one free.

3

Cocktails are 2 for 1 during happy hour.

Discover more

Downtown San Jose, San Jose

Area guide
Loading Map...