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Top picks in South Coast Metro

Date spots with seafood

Sharing a plate of seafood creates a natural rhythm for a night out.

Based on 739 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Tacos Madre Kitchen & Cantina image 1
Tacos Madre Kitchen & Cantina image 2
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Mexican restaurant with intricate artwork and lush plants creates a vibrant setting. Live DJ and saxophone performances bring a lively, sometimes nightclub-level energy. Spacious layout includes an outdoor patio and a well-appointed bar, attracting a crowd that enjoys music and socializing.

Birria pizza and fish tacos stand out as flavorful choices. Chicken mole arrives with pickled onion adding a tasty touch, while aguachile offers a fresh, vibrant option.

Fish tacos stand out with perfectly crispy, fresh fish and pair well with a margarita. Other notable dishes include birria pizza, mole, molcajete, carne asada, shrimp, and cheese.

People are saying

"I ate all the enchiladas before I could post a picture."

"I found the fish tacos to be delicious and perfectly crispy."

"The food here is delicious, perfect for Date Spots."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers great deals on tacos and margaritas.

2

Live DJ plays during Taco Tuesday on Fridays and Saturdays.

3

Expect a $5 charge for extra toppings like lettuce and sour cream.

02
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.

Several date nights focus on sharing ramen dishes like black truffle and Yuzu Shio. The spot suits couples who prefer non-spicy options and enjoy trying different flavors together.

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."

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

"The Date Spots here have amazing ramen and sushi quality."

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.

03
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.

Food features easily peeled eggs with a mouth-watering aroma. Service includes attentive touches like offering ice water.

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 seafood here is fresh, delicious, and flavorful."

"The food here is amazing, truly satisfying."

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.

04
Antonello Ristorante image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant with intimate, romantic ambiance and mid-century modern decor offers private dining rooms and tableside pasta preparation. Atmosphere feels rustic yet elegant, with old time rock & roll music adding to the vibe. Space includes upstairs and downstairs seating, creating a roomy but cozy setting.

Ideal for special occasions, this spot suits dates and birthday celebrations well.

Big chunks of shellfish stand out in the seafood pasta. Chilean Sea Bass comes with two large shrimp. Calamari and a seafood salad add variety to the menu.

People are saying

"The fresh pasta here is made daily and melts in your mouth."

"The food here is spectacular, truly a culinary masterpiece."

"The seafood pasta was delicious with big chunks of shellfish."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on busy nights like Saturday.

2

The restaurant has private dining rooms available for larger groups.

3

Expect to pay a $35 corkage fee if you bring your own wine.

05
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.

Food choices include Kabob and other dishes that satisfy both people. Multiple visits show it works well for casual date meals.

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 fantastic and delicious."

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.

06
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.

Mediterranean food offers a flavorful backdrop for dates. The atmosphere stays casual, fitting for lunch or dinner with a relaxed vibe.

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 service at these Date Spots is so friendly and courteous."

"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.

07
The Boiling Crab image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant with open doors creates a loud, chilly atmosphere filled with a friendly, chill vibe. Families enjoy the life-size shark decor and casual setting while watching sports on TV. The place stays busy without feeling chaotic, offering bibs for messy meals and a simple, clean design.

Ordering a pound of spicy whole shabang shrimp and lemon pepper wings stands out as a popular choice. The spot offers a casual seafood experience that some find memorable for shared meals.

Bold, delicious Cajun seafood flavors stand out with perfectly seasoned shrimp, crab, and shellfish. Generous portions come in individual bags with spices, including favorites like fried shrimp basket and fried oysters with hot/mild sauce.

People are saying

"I found the seafood boil here to be the best I've tried."

"The wait times here are so long, I check Yelp before I go."

"The food here is amazing, especially the flavorful shellfish."

Good to know

1

During celebrations like Father’s Day, the waiting time can be up to 2 hours and 30 minutes.

2

On weekends, you have to make a reservation to dine there.

3

The restaurant opens at 3 PM on weekdays.

08
MasalaCraft - Santa Ana image 1
Indian restaurant

Bollywood movie posters and videos create a themed atmosphere with a friendly, homey vibe. Seating includes plentiful outdoor patio space alongside basic indoor arrangements. Free toppings like fried onions and chutney add a unique touch to the dining experience.

Service stands out with attentive staff who offer extras like additional rice when sharing meals. Allergy considerations are present, but occasional issues like foreign objects in food have occurred.

Fish pakora stands out as a popular starter with rich flavor. The fish curry options, including Goan and Malabar styles, offer bold, savory tastes. Shrimp biryani does not meet expectations.

People are saying

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

"The service here for Date Spots is really good and helpful."

"Edward's kind service made the Seafood suggestions perfect for my taste."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available on Saturdays from 11 am to 5 pm.

2

The lunch special with garlic naan and an order of samosas costs around $16.

3

Parking is generally easy on Sundays.

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