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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Downtown, Santa Monica's best

Seafood spots

Seafood that tastes like it came from the water today, not from a freezer weeks ago.

Based on 776 Opinions
+773
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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 with modern design creates a calm, clean vibe for relaxed dining. Sushi features fresh fish with generous cuts and tasty shrimp tempura. A robot waitress named Bella adds a unique touch to the 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.

People are saying

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

"The lunch special here is a huge, affordable plate."

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

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
Desvelados Santa Monica image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious Mexican spot shines with perfectly cooked shrimp and shrimp tacos that burst with flavor. Stunning design and beautiful decor create a cozy yet lively vibe. Large tables and soft music make it ideal for family celebrations and group gatherings.

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."

"I thought the food was delicious and outstanding."

"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.

03
Santa Monica Seafood Market & Cafe image 1

Seafood market shines with fresh fish and a lively oyster bar. Enjoy jumbo shrimp cocktail in a space that blends bustling energy with quiet spots for chat. It feels like a community hub where shopping meets casual dining.

Freshness stands out with consistently fresh fish and succulent seafood meals. The oysters and jumbo shrimp cocktail rank among the most notable dishes.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious."

"The market has an excellent selection of fresh seafood."

"I thought the clam chowder was the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Parking is available at the back of the market.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

3

Prices for fresh seafood are comparable to upscale restaurants.

04
LA PUREPECHA COCINA MEXICANA image 1

Small Mexican spot serves shrimp burritos with bold flavor and fresh fish tacos. Casual vibe with family-friendly seating and quick service. Background plays Mexican tunes while TVs show local sports, creating a lively but easygoing feel.

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."

"You have to try their thick, homemade tortillas; they're full of flavor."

"The shrimp burrito is juicy and delicious seafood."

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.

05
Orto Santa Monica image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian spot shines with shrimp ravioli and linguine di mare that balance creamy and fresh flavors. Bright space with soaring ceilings and soft jazz creates a calm vibe. Outdoor courtyard adds a charming setting perfect for relaxed dining.

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."

"The Italian food here feels so authentic and romantic."

"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.

06
XUNTOS image 1
Tapas bar

Cozy Spanish tapas bar shines with garlic shrimp and anchovy on brioche for seafood lovers. Warm art deco vibe suits lively or intimate moods. Extensive vermouth and cocktail selection complements authentic flavors perfectly.

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."

"The intimate vibes and cute decor make it perfect for a romantic date night."

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.

07
The Curious Palate image 1
New American restaurant

Open-air seating creates a calm atmosphere perfect for families. Shrimp po boy features fresh shrimp with bold flavor. Fish tacos use never frozen fish, ensuring top quality. Bright, spacious interior invites guests to relax away from noise.

Shrimp po boy stands out with its fresh shrimp and solid flavor. Fish tacos use never frozen fish, adding to their quality.

People are saying

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

"This Local Spot's fresh, from-scratch cooking uses local ingredients."

"The fish tacos and swordfish sandwich were delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is located on the 3rd floor of the Santa Monica Place Mall.

2

The menu offers a variety of dishes at reasonable prices.

3

There are many vegetarian options available.

08
1212 Santa Monica image 1
New American restaurant

Large space with a dog-friendly patio and live DJ music creates a loud, fun vibe. Outdoor fire pits add warmth to the lively scene. Seafood shines with jalapeรฑo grapefruit oysters and fresh toasts blending vegetables and fish.

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

People are saying

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

"Our Brunch server Robert was very attentive and accommodating."

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

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
Shirubฤ“ image 1
Izakaya restaurant

Long, narrow space with intimate bar seating creates a cozy vibe. Fresh fish shines in dishes like Aburi Shime Saba and garlic shrimp with crunchy chili sauce. Romantic lighting highlights antique sake cups and skilled chefs, 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.

People are saying

"The sashimi here is incredibly fresh and delicious."

"You have to get the corn ribs; they're amazing."

"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.

10
LouLou Santa Monica image 1
French restaurant

Rooftop spot shines with cool water views and a live DJ vibe perfect for groups. Seafood lovers enjoy fresh oysters and perfectly grilled fish paired with crisp vegetables. Beachy elegance meets lively energy here.

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

People are saying

"The food here was delicious and high quality."

"The DJ played awesome international music and took requests."

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

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
Kappo Miyabi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Minimalist design with traditional Japanese elements creates a calm, elegant space. Fresh seafood shines in dishes like Seafood Udon with big shrimp and clams. Open kitchen adds lively energy while booths offer private dining for casual or intimate meals.

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 food here is a work of art, truly a feast for the senses."

"The seafood here is so fresh and flavorful."

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.

12
Sushi King image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small sushi bar offers fresh fish in generous portions and a crispy shrimp head tempura twist. Cozy, authentic Japanese vibe stays relaxed and friendly even when crowded. Intimate setting adds to the local feel and genuine experience.

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.

13
Benihana - Santa Monica image 1
Japanese restaurant

Open hibachi-style setup offers theatrical grilling shows that make dining fun and lively. Fresh shrimp and other seafood are cooked to tender perfection. Dim lighting and cozy decor create a fun atmosphere ideal for dates and family outings.

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

People are saying

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

"Marlon made my daughter's birthday a night to remember."

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

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.

14
Britannia Pub image 1

Pub has multiple seating areas like a backyard patio and balcony, perfect for groups. Fish and chips are delicious and quick, especially during $7 happy hour specials. Loud music and a lively crowd create a fun vibe with plenty of TVs for sports fans.

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.

People are saying

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

"The pub staff were really friendly and helpful."

"I had delicious fish and chips."

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.

15
Rita's Gate Of India image 1
Indian restaurant

Cozy space with Indian art and soft music sets a calm mood. Shrimp dishes like shrimp coconut curry shine with bold flavors. Intimate setting fits well for date nights and meeting locals.

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.

16
Casa Martin | 3rd St Promenade image 1

Cozy Mexican spot shines with live Mariachi music and outdoor seating on a lively promenade. Seafood lovers enjoy garlic shrimp and loaded fish tacos bursting with flavor. Margarita flights add a perfect touch to the stylish, warm vibe.

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."

"The vegetarian options here are fantastic."

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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