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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks

Cool seafood spots in Santa Monica

You want your seafood served in an environment that actually matches your vibe.

Based on 715 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Mikomi Sushi Santa Monica image 1
Mikomi Sushi Santa Monica image 2
Mikomi Sushi Santa Monica image 3
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Japanese restaurant

Spacious interior features modern design and beautiful chandeliers with a calm, clean atmosphere ideal for relaxed dining. A robot waitress named Bella delivers food, adding a unique touch to the experience. The place attracts those seeking high-quality sushi in a cozy, inviting setting.

Fish comes in incredibly fresh and high-quality cuts, with sushi featuring generous slices of fish. Shrimp tempura offers a delicious mix alongside spicy tuna rolls packed mostly with fish.

Robot waitress Bella adds a unique touch to the vibe. A robot cat delivery brings a cool, futuristic feel to the experience.

People are saying

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

"The seafood here is so fresh and tastes really good."

"The robot waitress, Bella, was super cool!"

Good to know

1

Happy hour features items priced around $5 to $7, with good-sized portions.

2

The lunch special costs $24 for a full plate, including a nice roll and sashimi.

3

The restaurant and bathrooms are clean and well-maintained.

02
Chez Jay image 1
Steak house

Small dining room with romantic booths and a bar in the same space creates a lively, sometimes loud atmosphere. Outdoor patio called The Backyard offers live music and a chill vibe. Interior blends old school dive bar charm with a unique, cozy mood.

Fresh seafood stands out with perfectly cooked shrimp and a notable shrimp curry. Steaks are heavy and pair well with the first-class fish options.

The atmosphere offers a very cool, unique, and fun experience with incredibly friendly staff. The patio and the Backyard provide cool spots for dinner and after-dinner drinks.

People are saying

"This bar feels like it hasn't aged a day since the sixties."

"The seafood here is fresh and expertly prepared."

"The vibe here is so cool and retro."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to the small size of the restaurant.

2

Parking is limited, but there is free parking next to the building.

3

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers.

03
Library Alehouse image 1
American restaurant

Gastropub offers a library of craft beers with options like Pliny the Elder on tap and Russian River brews. Back patio features green plants and a quiet, comfortable space with dog-friendly seating. Interior feels warm and inviting but can be loud and crowded due to dense seating arrangements.

Fish and chips come in generous portions with a perfectly crispy texture. Fish tacos are crispy and highly praised, while shrimp tacos include a big serving of beans and rice.

Cozy, relaxed vibe creates a laid back and classy atmosphere. Friendly setting adds to the overall cool feel.

People are saying

"They have an awesome, wide selection of craft beers."

"They have a solid selection of craft beers on tap."

"I really enjoyed the perfectly crispy and tasty seafood."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm Monday to Friday with great deals.

2

Trivia night is held every Wednesday evening in the back area.

3

Parking can be challenging, but there are usually spots available nearby.

04
Shirubē image 1
Izakaya restaurant

Long, narrow space with open kitchen and intimate bar seating offers a cozy, authentic vibe. Lighting creates a romantic atmosphere that highlights the antique sake cups and skilled chefs at work. The setting feels distinct from typical izakayas, blending minimal decor with thoughtful design.

Fish and raw dishes feature incredible freshness and high quality ingredients. The Aburi Shime Saba offers a unique cured flavor, while happy hour includes garlic shrimp with a crunchy chili sauce.

Flaming the mackerel right in front of you adds a cool visual touch. The sharing menu features some unique items. The window display and the staff vibe also stand out as cool.

People are saying

"The sashimi here is incredibly fresh and delicious."

"The seafood here is unbelievably fresh."

"I thought the window display was pretty cool."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs all day on Sunday with food and drink specials.

2

Most happy hour menu items are about $5 cheaper than regular prices.

3

They offer both early and late-night happy hour specials.

05
Edgemar Restaurant + Lounge image 1

Frank Gehry-designed space offers a gorgeous architectural setting with chic decor and warm, comfortable vibes. Music from a DJ energizes the atmosphere, creating a lively and busy environment. Outdoor patio features vintage Los Angeles clips, adding a unique touch to the experience.

Shrimp toast stands out as a crave-worthy dish. Fish tacos come in impressive portions and the crab garlic noodles add a solid seafood touch.

A relaxed, cool vibe fills the beautiful space with classic films like Dorothy Dandridge and Harry Belafonte playing on the screen above during meals.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

"The seafood here, especially the shrimp toast, is rich, savory, and addictive."

"The ambiance here is so cool, with a relaxed, elegant vibe."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers food and drinks for $10.

2

Parking is available, but not validated.

3

The restaurant has a family-style dining option for sharing.

06
The Albright image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seaside restaurant on a pier offers huge outdoor deck with scenic views and patio seating where dogs are welcome. Atmosphere stays chill and cozy with Bob Marley music and heaters keeping the space warm. Counter service uses buzzers for orders, creating a casual, relaxed vibe.

Freshness stands out with super fresh oysters and perfectly cooked fish. The seafood boil and shrimp tacos come with seasoned to perfection flavors.

The atmosphere feels relaxed and cool, with a vibe that suits drinks well. The ambience resembles a sea shack with lots of wooden furniture, creating a laid-back setting.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious."

"The oysters here are super fresh and delicious."

"The vibe and atmosphere here are really cool."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is wheelchair accessible.

2

Expect long lines around noon; arrive early to secure a table.

3

Prices are effectively 10% higher due to a hidden fee.

07
The Cloverfield image 1
American restaurant

Large outdoor patio offers an airy, dog-friendly space with heaters and warm fires for chilly nights. Smooth jazz music plays, creating a peaceful and warm vibe that suits groups and families. A special bar room in the back hosts celebrations, adding to the cozy atmosphere.

White shrimp ceviche and ahi tuna wontons stand out for their freshness and flavor, with the tuna being especially notable. Fish tacos also feature as a solid choice among the seafood options.

High quality food pairs with a laidback vibe and a cool back bar. Outdoor seating shines on a cool night.

People are saying

"The outdoor seating has a great vibe and atmosphere."

"The ahi tuna tacos and white shrimp ceviche were amazingly delicious."

"The food here is amazing, especially the chicken sandwich."

Good to know

1

Free parking is available on the premises.

2

Reservations are required for outdoor seating.

3

Happy hour, called social hour, offers special deals.

08
1212 Santa Monica image 1
New American restaurant

Large space with dog-friendly patio and live DJ music creates a loud, fun atmosphere that energizes the evening. Outdoor seating features fire pits enhancing the vibe. Music volume often challenges conversation but adds to the lively environment.

Oysters come pre-dressed with jalapeños and grapefruit, blending spice and citrus. Popcorn shrimp and crostini add variety, while toasts feature vegetables and fish for a fresh mix.

Atmosphere feels very cool with a nice ambiance. Music adds to the cool vibe during brunch and dinner.

People are saying

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

"The seafood here is amazing, especially by the warm fire."

"The atmosphere here is really cool and nice."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

2

All-night happy hour is available on Mondays, offering great deals.

3

Reservations are recommended for special events like the Super Bowl.

09
Jameson’s Pub image 1

Irish pub with authentic decor and many TVs creates a lively sports bar atmosphere. Live music and karaoke add to the energetic vibe, while indoor and outdoor spaces offer a beachside feel without sand. The crowd varies from chill on weekdays to busy and spirited on weekend nights.

Fish tacos stand out as exceptional and highly praised. The fish and chips feature a great batter and come with a large helping of plank fries.

Vibe feels laid-back and friendly, making it a cool spot to hang out. Food and atmosphere combine for a chill weekend hangout with friends.

People are saying

"It's a lively bar with a fun, energetic atmosphere."

"I found the fish tacos to be amazing seafood."

"It's a cool place to hang out and have a good time."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3pm to 7pm with 2-for-1 drink specials.

2

A cover charge applies after 10 PM on Saturday nights.

3

The pub can get very crowded during football season.

10
LouLou Santa Monica image 1
French restaurant

Rooftop restaurant offers cool views of water and Ferris wheel with a club-like vibe created by a live DJ and percussionist. Atmosphere suits large groups and blends beachy elegance with lively energy.

Seafood noodles and fresh oysters stand out here. Salmon and grilled fish come cooked perfectly, often paired with flavorful vegetables like asparagus and broccolini.

A rooftop bar offers cool views and a creative drinks menu. The atmosphere feels really cool and inviting.

People are saying

"The food here was delicious and high quality."

"The seafood here is outstanding, especially the grilled fish."

"The atmosphere here is so cool and relaxed."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great deals on food and drinks, making it worthwhile.

2

Expect long wait times during busy events, like Valentine's Day.

3

The restaurant turns into a lively party after 9 pm with dancing.

11
The Whaler Santa Monica image 1

Oceanfront setting offers unmatched beach views and a lively atmosphere with loud music and a DJ at night. The space includes a game room nook and TVs showing sports, attracting groups who enjoy social and energetic vibes. Outdoor seating on terraces enhances the experience with sunset views and a bar-focused environment.

Fish and chips stand out with a crispy texture and fresh taste. The menu features lobster rolls, crispy fish tacos, and coconut shrimp, all prepared with a seafood-forward approach.

Cool breeze from the Pacific flows through the spot at Ocean and Broadway. The place features a clean atmosphere and a very cool bar. Food matches the vibe with delicious flavors.

People are saying

"The live sports here are great, with friendly and attentive service."

"The outdoor seating has a great view of the Santa Monica Pier."

"The seafood, especially the fish and chips, was delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-5pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Karaoke night, called terry-oke, happens every Monday at 9pm.

3

Parking is available nearby through SpotHero for convenience.

12
Kappo Miyabi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Minimalist design blends traditional Japanese elements with modern charm in a serene, elegant space. Open kitchen adds interactive dining energy while booths provide privacy. Atmosphere suits both casual and intimate meals with a calm, authentic vibe.

Fish tastes really fresh and portions come generous. Seafood Udon features big shrimp, mussels, clams, and udon noodles in a pork broth.

Pork broth makes the Seafood Udon mouth-watering and soothing in cool evening weather. The place has a cool modern interior and an authentic atmosphere.

People are saying

"The sushi here is so fresh and delicious."

"The seafood here is so fresh and flavorful."

"The sushi here is top quality and incredibly fresh."

Good to know

1

The Omakase experience offers a curated selection of sushi and sashimi.

2

A 22% service charge is automatically added to the bill.

3

Expect to pay around $35-$50 for udon dishes.

13
FITOOR image 1
Modern Indian restaurant

Huge space with contemporary decor and a full bar anchors the atmosphere. Live belly dancers provide subtle entertainment without distraction. Outdoor patio welcomes pets and stays comfortable with effective heaters.

Shrimp stands out as a delicious choice here. The alleppey prawn and curry fish dishes show careful cooking, with fish cooked perfectly every time.

A cool ambience sets the tone here, with a young vibe that feels fresh and inviting. The staff add to the atmosphere with their laid-back, friendly style.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and beautifully presented."

"The seafood curry and curry leaf prawns were very delicious."

"The food here is amazing, with beautiful presentation and fun ingredients."

Good to know

1

Parking is available on the street and in a nearby lot, but it's limited.

2

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

3

Happy Hour offers limited menu items on Fridays from 4-6pm.

14
Vamos. Vamos. image 1
Restaurant

Small restaurant with a super relaxed atmosphere and fun musical background featuring 90s tunes. Vibe shifts from casual and welcoming to a more trendy, dimly lit setting in the evening. Friendly staff create a warm, inviting energy without feeling too busy.

Fish tacos stand out with their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. California and fish burritos also deliver strong, flavorful bites.

Super cozy vibe sets a relaxed tone. The spot feels genuinely cool without trying too hard.

People are saying

"The Mexican Food here is served by the friendliest, most welcoming staff."

"I thought the seafood tacos were very good."

"I found the vibe here to be really cool."

Good to know

1

Prices have increased since the management change, making it a bit pricey.

2

The menu has been pared down to a few items, losing some previous favorites.

3

Salsa is not included with tacos and must be purchased separately.

15
Britannia Pub image 1

Pub offers multiple seating areas including a backyard patio, balcony, and sidewalk patio, creating a spacious feel. Atmosphere mixes British and Philadelphia Eagles themes with loud music and a lively crowd during games. Features include pool tables, many TVs for sports, and a DJ energizing the space.

Fish and chips come in three small pieces that taste delicious and arrive quickly. Happy hour offers $7 specials on fish and chips alongside affordable beer options.

Atmosphere feels cool and relaxed with a friendly staff. The bartender adds to the English bar vibe.

People are saying

"This bar is the perfect find for watching the Eagles game."

"I had delicious fish and chips."

"It's a cool place with a friendly staff and a different vibe."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour runs from 4 to 7 pm, Monday to Friday.

2

Karaoke night happens on weekends with no cover charge.

3

The pub offers $7 fish and chips during Happy Hour.

16
Benihana - Santa Monica image 1
Japanese restaurant

Open hibachi-style setup offers an engaging dining experience with chefs performing theatrical grilling shows at each table. Dim lighting and cozy decor create a fun, lively atmosphere suited for date nights and family outings. A second-level bar adds to the venue's entertaining vibe and interactive energy.

Seafood dishes feature fresh shrimp cooked perfectly alongside other items. Every dish, including seafood, shows tender texture and flavorful preparation.

Staff like Larry and Harry show cool tricks and kindness, making the experience lively. The dinner show and Chef Fabian's creative touches add to the cool vibe.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and full of flavor."

"The seafood chefs put on an entertaining show right at your table."

"The chefs here are so cool and entertaining while they cook."

Good to know

1

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

2

Happy hour runs from 4-6 PM with discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

The staff celebrates birthdays with a special song and treat.

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Santa Monica, California

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