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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Downtown, Santa Monica

Authentic seafood spots

There is a specific craving for seafood prepared with traditional methods and respect for the source.

Based on 813 Opinions
+810
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Updated May 2026
01
Desvelados Santa Monica image 1
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Mexican restaurant

Spacious Mexican restaurant with stunning design and beautiful decor creates a cozy yet lively atmosphere. Music plays softly while a large screen TV shows NBA games behind the bar. The place welcomes families and groups, featuring large tables for celebrations.

Food comes out fresh and packed with authentic Mexican flavor. The blend of upscale looks with genuine taste creates a unique dining experience. Generous portions and good prices add to the appeal.

Shrimp stands out with perfect cooking and seasoned to perfection. Shrimp tacos offer a flavorful seafood option alongside guacamole and chips.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is amazing."

"The food here is so flavorful and truly authentic Mexican."

"I highly recommend the seafood here; I would definitely come back."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers margarita and taco specials.

2

Santa Monica charges a 10.75% city tax on all bills.

3

The menu features a variety of innovative burritos and tacos.

02
LA PUREPECHA COCINA MEXICANA image 1

Small Mexican restaurant with spartan interiors and paper plate service offers a super casual and family-friendly vibe. Background music features Mexican tunes while TVs show local sports and events. The atmosphere feels welcoming but leans toward quick dining rather than lingering.

Flavors hit with authentic Mexican taste in every dish. Spanish phrases on the walls add to the genuine vibe. Tacos and burritos come through as true to Mexico.

Shrimp burritos stand out with iconic flavor and generous portions. Fish tacos offer fresh, well-spiced fish that never feels cheaped out on.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is oozing with flavor and moisture."

"The shrimp burrito is juicy and delicious seafood."

"I found the food to be authentic Mexican cuisine."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers a 1 plus 1 deal on tacos.

2

Specials are available Monday through Friday with $2 off select items.

3

Street parking is available, but can be hard to find.

03
Orto Santa Monica image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers a smallish space with soaring ceilings and lots of windows, creating a bright and pleasant atmosphere. Soft jazz music keeps noise levels low, making it easy to have conversations. The outdoor courtyard adds a charming setting that complements the elegant interior.

Handmade pasta and quality ingredients create a truly authentic Italian experience. The truffle pasta stands out with its rich, creamy flavor that feels fresh and genuine.

Shrimp dishes stand out with shrimp ravioli cooked to perfection and a creamy sauce that complements the shrimp and cheese filling. Pasta like linguine di mare comes with al dente noodles and seafood cooked just right.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious."

"I found the food to be amazing and authentic Italian."

"The shrimp ravioli here is cooked to perfection."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

3

Expect a 20% service charge for large parties of six or more.

04
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Tapas bar

Spanish tapas bar offers a cozy art deco interior with soft warm lighting and a down-to-earth yet elegant vibe. The atmosphere ranges from loud and lively to more intimate upstairs seating, attracting those seeking authentic Spanish flavors paired with an extensive vermouth and cocktail selection.

Tapas here are excellent and very authentic, closely matching traditional Spanish flavors. The food consistently delivers a genuine Spanish experience.

Garlic shrimp and scallops in their shells stand out with fresh, rich flavors. The anchovy on brioche pairs salty fish with sweet bread for a unique bite.

People are saying

"The garlic shrimp and scallops were perfectly cooked."

"The dinner spots here have amazing taste and fresh ingredients."

"I found the Spanish food here to be very authentic."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on busy evenings.

2

Happy hour is available on weekdays with a limited menu.

3

The restaurant adds a 4% employee benefits fee to the bill.

05
Sushi King image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small, cozy sushi bar offers authentic Japanese ambience with an intimate feel and local vibe. Atmosphere stays relaxed and friendly despite often being crowded. Sushi features fresh, high-quality fish served in generous portions with traditional preparation.

Authentic Japanese ambience sets the tone with authentic Japanese chefs working the sushi counter. Sushi offers authentic Japanese sushi made with high quality ingredients.

Fish arrives in generous portions and tastes clean and fresh. Shrimp heads get a crispy twist with tempura batter for a unique touch.

People are saying

"The fish here is so fresh and melts in your mouth."

"The sushi here is so authentic, it feels like you're in Japan."

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

Good to know

1

Reservations are strongly advised due to high demand.

2

Sushi King tends to be quite crowded, especially on weekends.

3

Expect long wait times if you arrive without a reservation.

06
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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.

Cozy atmosphere creates an authentic dining experience with genuine flavors and traditional touches.

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.

People are saying

"The sashimi here is incredibly fresh and delicious."

"I found the Japanese food here to be truly authentic and unlike anything else."

"The seafood here is unbelievably fresh."

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.

07
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.

Elegant and serene ambience creates an immersive setting with authentic Japanese elegance and modern charm. The menu offers high-quality izakaya dishes true to traditional flavors.

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

People are saying

"The sushi here is so fresh and delicious."

"The seafood here is so fresh and flavorful."

"The sushi here is so fresh and bursting with flavor."

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.

08
Rita's Gate Of India image 1
Indian restaurant

Small, cozy space filled with Indian art and music creates a relaxing, homely atmosphere. Quiet and intimate setting suits meeting locals and date nights. Decor blends antique pictures and Bengali culture paintings with a slightly industrial feel.

Food tastes like homemade Indian cuisine with each plate made individually. Dishes are flavorful and authentic, including Bengali specialties prepared with care.

Shrimp dishes stand out, especially the shrimp coconut curry and lemon fish curry with a spicy twist. Lamb also pairs well, but shrimp is the preferred choice across meat options.

People are saying

"I found the Indian food here to be the best I'd tried in LA."

"The Garlic Naan was piping hot, fresh out of the oven."

"The seafood curry was spicy and delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant does not have restrooms available for customers.

2

There is no parking available at this location.

3

The medium spice level is on the spicier side, so adjust your order accordingly.

09
Casa Martin | 3rd St Promenade image 1

Mexican restaurant offers a cozy, stylish atmosphere with live Mariachi music and outdoor seating on a promenade. The space feels warm and inviting, blending a laid-back vibe with exquisite decoration. Guests enjoy a mix of traditional dishes and notable margarita flights in a lively setting.

Food shows excellent quality and authentic Mexican flavors, especially dishes like the Cielo, tierra y mar Molcajete. Some parts feel touristic, but the core menu stays true to traditional tastes.

Fish tacos come loaded and very tasty. The menu features Garlic Shrimp appetizer, Garlic Fish, shrimp cocktail, and shrimp quesadilla, all prepared with strong garlic flavors.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the fish tacos, is fantastic."

"The seafood, especially the garlic shrimp, was delicious."

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

Good to know

1

Expect an 18% automatic service charge on your bill.

2

Happy hour offers better value with a 2 taco special.

3

The average entree costs around $25.

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Downtown, Santa Monica

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