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Local picks in Santa Ana

Chill seafood spots

Made for those who want to enjoy fresh seafood without the formality or pretension of a traditional dining room.

Based on 592 Opinions
+589
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Updated May 2026
01
Fat of the Land image 1
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Restaurant

Small restaurant with only seven tables creates an intimate, romantic atmosphere. Decor blends elegance and warmth featuring velvet drapes and detailed accents. Guests share tapas-style small plates paired with quality Spanish wine in a cozy, personable setting.

The bar display creates a casual experience like sitting in a wet bar in a dad's mahogany office. Decor balances elegance and warmth, fitting for both romantic and casual visits.

Shrimp cooked with garlic and parsley stands out, served fresh with bread. The seafood includes anchovies, octopus, and shrimp, all fresh and well prepared.

People are saying

"The wine here is served with such a welcoming and helpful attitude."

"I thought the seafood dishes were divine and well-seasoned."

"The ambiance feels intimate and dreamy, perfect for a casual date night."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required to guarantee a seat due to limited capacity.

2

Parking is available around the building, but metered parking may be necessary.

3

The menu features changing items, offering new dishes regularly.

02
An Noodles and Pho image 1

Small, modern space offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere with comfortable seating and spotless interiors. Guests enjoy unlimited noodle refills and complimentary drinks, creating a relaxed dining experience with a homey vibe.

Clean and welcoming atmosphere creates a casual dining vibe. Prices stay reasonable, making it a chill spot for lunch or dinner.

Shrimp dishes stand out with fresh, flavorful shrimp and generous portions. Garlic noodles with shrimp and shrimp spring rolls offer bold garlic flavor and a mix of textures from pickled carrots and shredded cabbage.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here has an amazing, flavorful broth."

"You have to try the shrimp spring rolls; they're so tasty."

"The atmosphere here is so chill and relaxing."

Good to know

1

They are currently running a buy one, get one for $1 deal on pho.

2

Expect unlimited noodles with your pho order during the promotion.

3

The buy-one-get-one for $1 deal excludes the House special pho.

03
Gokumi Ramen & Yakitori image 1
Izakaya restaurant

Small space with an open kitchen and bar seating facing the skewer grill creates an authentic Japanese izakaya vibe. Atmosphere is cozy and lively, often featuring DJs and groups enjoying themselves. Sake selection is notable, complementing the well-crafted yakitori and ramen offerings.

A laid-back spot with a classic izakaya vibe, perfect for chilling and sipping on good drinks. The atmosphere stays consistently chill and suits a relaxed dinner with friends.

Oysters stand out with options like fried oysters and those from the yakitori menu. Shrimp comes cooked just right, not overdone, and ramen includes a shrimp ramen variety alongside others.

People are saying

"The yakitori here is some of the best I've had outside of Japan."

"It's a laid-back spot to chill with your crew and lose track of time."

"The shrimp ramen broth was excellent, rated 10 out of 10."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to high demand, especially on weekends.

2

Parking is limited, so arrive early or consider alternative transport.

3

Expect to spend over $100 for two people on average.

04
Fresh Off the Boat Fish Grill South Coast image 1

Eclectic Mediterranean spot offers outdoor patio seating with warm candlelight and dark red cushions, creating a cozy vibe. Indoor space features a bar with large TV for sports viewing and a lively atmosphere with loud music. Dining resembles fast-casual style with varied seating options including tables, bar, and patio.

Fresh fish serves as the highlight in a casual atmosphere. Service stays great and the ambience fits well for a relaxed dinner.

Fish dishes stand out for their freshness and tasty flavors, especially the fish tacos and fish and chips. Calamari and kabobs also add variety with chicken, beef, and lamb options.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious."

"The food here is so fresh and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers a great variety of tacos at discounted prices.

2

Dine-in specials on Taco Tuesday are not available for takeout.

3

Happy hour starts after 3:00 pm with beer specials.

05
Taibat Noodle House 泰巴特清真面馆 image 1

Noodle shop offers a clean, cozy interior with Islamic calligraphy adding unique decor. Atmosphere stays family friendly and chill, attracting people who come specifically for the experience. QR code ordering adds a modern convenience uncommon in similar spots.

Casual and simple atmosphere creates a chill vibe. Suitable for takeout or a relaxed dine-in experience.

Shrimp dishes like Shrimp Tempura and Calamari feature perfectly cooked seafood with seasoned breading. The Shrimp Fried Rice uses light, flavorful rice that pairs well with the juicy, well-seasoned shrimp in the chow mein.

People are saying

"I found the Halal food here to be super flavorful and delicious."

"The noodles here are so fresh and chewy, it's amazing."

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

Good to know

1

All meals are halal and prepared with care for halal practices.

2

The kitchen is clean and well-maintained.

3

Prices are affordable, making it a budget-friendly option.

06
Little Pan Santa Ana image 1
Dumpling restaurant

Semi-open kitchen reveals handmade pan-fried buns with 24k gold black truffle option. Modern, casual space combines trendy Chinese decor with indoor and outdoor seating including dog-friendly tables. Atmosphere feels cozy and lively, with a clean and bright environment.

Modern and casual vibes create a chill atmosphere that feels both refined and classy. It suits casual meals with coworkers, family outings, or relaxed lunches.

Shrimp dishes vary, with some juicy and others tasting like microwave meals. Seafood pancakes have lots of dough and lack seasoning, while fried buns feature shrimp and pork but the shrimp in fried rice are very tiny.

People are saying

"The pan-fried buns here are amazing with crispy bottoms."

"The food here is so tasty and well-prepared."

"The shrimp and leek pan-fried buns are juicy and yummy."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in a lot, but it can get tight during peak hours.

2

The restaurant offers a special combo available Monday to Friday.

3

Prices are reasonable for the quality of food offered.

07
Dvine Mediterranean Experience image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant offers a clean and bright space with a quaint outdoor patio that feels cozy and inviting. The atmosphere stays laid back and lively, supported by a great music selection that encourages dancing. It suits casual lunches or dinner dates with friends and family.

The spot has a very casual vibe that fits well for a chill lunch or dinner date. The overall atmosphere feels relaxed and easygoing.

Shrimp features as a key seafood option alongside other dishes. It pairs well with lamb, showing some creative combinations in the menu.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food, especially the kebabs and hummus, was fantastic."

"The chicken shawarma here is so tender and tasty."

"They also have shrimp and falafel."

Good to know

1

Parking is ample, but it gets busy around lunchtime.

2

The best time to visit is before or after the lunch rush.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of grilled meat and side options.

08
Ponzu Japanese Sushi Bar image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small sushi bar with modern chic décor and an energetic vibe that suits lively crowds. Atmosphere ranges from cozy yet vibrant to loud and bustling, not ideal for quiet dates. Popular for high-quality sushi and creative dishes, attracting both casual diners and special occasion groups.

Classy yet casual vibe blends with a clean and friendly setting. Atmosphere suits both casual dining and special occasions.

Fresh fish stands out with a wide selection including fatty fish options like salmon belly and toro. The Sashimi lunch special offers superb presentation and flavor, and special rolls come with generous fish portions.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so fresh and flavorful."

"The seafood here is so fresh, it's my favorite spot."

"The food here is so fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends to avoid long wait times.

2

Expect a 20% automatic gratuity for parties of six or more.

3

Prices can be higher than nearby sushi spots, so budget accordingly.

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Santa Ana, California

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