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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Santee's best

Seafood spots

Fresh seafood that tastes like it came from the water, not from a freezer bag that has been sitting in the back for weeks.

Based on 567 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Gen Thai Street Food image 1
Gen Thai Street Food image 2
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Thai restaurant

Small space offers an intimate setting with authentic Thai flavors from in-house curry pastes. Fresh seafood shines in dishes like coconut shrimp and shrimp fresh rolls, enhanced by fish sauce with Thai chilies and tamarind. Cleanliness adds to the inviting atmosphere.

Fish sauce with Thai chilies and tamarind sauce highlight the authentic Thai seafood flavors. Dishes like coconut shrimp, shrimp fresh rolls, and shrimp Thai wraps showcase fresh seafood options.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and tastes so fresh."

"I thought the curry here tasted amazing and fresh."

"The seafood here tasted so fresh and was cooked really well."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers both dine-in and takeout options.

2

Prices are cheaper than other places in Santee.

3

Portions are generous, making it easy to skip dinner.

02
Pho Mai Cali image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Modern, clean space with a beautiful mural sets a calm mood. Shrimp dishes shine with crispy noodles and fresh seafood. Authentic Vietnamese flavors blend with creative touches for a relaxing dining experience.

Shrimp dishes stand out with crispy noodles and honey walnut shrimp featuring big pieces. All seafood is fresh and cooked perfectly, matching the quality of the meat and vegetables.

People are saying

"I thought the pho was really good and delicious."

"This is a great dinner spot, a must-stop for dining."

"The walnut shrimp and fried shrimp were the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

The prices at Pho Mai Cali are reasonable for the quality and quantity of food.

2

The food comes out quickly and is packaged nicely for takeout.

3

The restaurant is extremely clean and well-maintained.

03
Thai Thai image 1
Thai restaurant

Cozy space with quaint decor and fresh flowers feels like home. Thai gods statues add cultural charm at the entrance. Known for delicious curries and fresh fish, especially the rich yellow curry with seafood and generous shrimp in Pad Woon Sen.

Yellow curry with seafood stands out with its rich flavor and higher price. Fish and sushi come fresh, with generous shrimp portions in dishes like Pad Woon Sen.

People are saying

"I loved the fresh sushi and tasty Thai food here."

"I loved their curry; it had amazing flavor and spice."

"The seafood curry here is flavorful and worth the extra cost."

Good to know

1

The lunch combo costs about $16 and offers good value.

2

Thai Thai offers a spice level from 1 to 10 for their curry.

3

Prices at Thai Thai are moderate compared to other Thai restaurants.

04
Streets Pho & Grill image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Casual Vietnamese spot offers top-tier pho and fresh spring rolls in a cozy atmosphere with warm 2000's R&B. Seafood shines with well-cooked shrimp and a refreshing wintermelon soup. Bright, clean space makes dining pleasant and affordable.

Seafood dishes feature well-cooked shrimp and a refreshing soup with wintermelon and shrimp. The seafood pho stands out as a hearty and plentiful option.

People are saying

"I thought the pho broth was incredibly flavorful."

"The vegetarian pho is amazing, hearty, and full of fresh vegetables."

"The pho broth was light and not too salty."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers 30% off appetizers during lunch.

2

Prices for pho start at $16 for a rare steak.

3

The restaurant is known for its cleanliness and welcoming atmosphere.

05
Bad Hombres Good Mexican Food image 1

Mexican spot boasts a modern interior with a loud atmosphere that matches its busy vibe. Shrimp tacos and burritos shine as fresh seafood highlights. Long drive-thru lines prove its popular fast food status despite strong kitchen odors.

Shrimp dishes stand out with shrimp tacos and a shrimp burrito cooked just right. Fish tacos and red birria tacos also offer strong seafood options with fresh flavors.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is amazing and made fresh."

"I thought their Birria tacos were the best in East County."

"The shrimp tacos here are amazing and huge."

Good to know

1

Expect long lines at the drive-thru during dinner hours.

2

Online orders may take longer than walk-in orders due to processing delays.

3

Check your to-go orders carefully, especially during busy times.

06
The Chicken Shop image 1

Families enjoy crispy fried chicken and fresh cod fish here. Free arcade games add fun to the warm atmosphere. Portions are generous and prices stay reasonable.

Fresh cod fish and shrimp stand out with solid portions and consistent quality. Fish and chips come hot and fresh, featuring a higher quality filet than typical fast food options.

People are saying

"The seafood here is delicious, especially the fresh cod and shrimp."

"I thought the fried chicken here was the best I ever had."

"They have free arcade games available while you wait."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid a wait time of 20-30 minutes.

2

Parking is available in the strip mall with disabled parking nearby.

3

Everything is made fresh, which may increase food preparation time.

07
Ranch House Restaurant image 1
American restaurant

Old school diner with 70s decor offers a cozy, small town feel and a large back room for gatherings. Friday Night Fish Fry features all-you-can-eat cod with classic sides. Seating supports a family-friendly vibe and a comfortable, down-to-earth dining experience.

Friday Night Fish Fry offers all-you-can-eat cod with sides like coleslaw, cornbread, and corn on the cob. Fish and chips come in a Cod fish basket with multiple pieces served on request.

People are saying

"I loved the breakfast selections and portions."

"It's a classic diner with traditional food and a small-town feel."

"The all-you-can-eat fish fry here is outstanding."

Good to know

1

Parking is slightly limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

2

Breakfast pricing is reasonable with generous portions.

3

Dinner portions are very good and satisfying.

08
El Rancho image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious Mexican spot shines with a dog-friendly patio and a lively bar with multiple TVs for sports fans. Seafood lovers enjoy the 7 fish soup, a standout dish, though fish tacos can be hit or miss. Recent remodel adds fantastic decor and comfy seating.

Fish tacos feature large pieces of fish but can sometimes be dry and burnt. The 7 fish soup offers a variety of seafood and is consistently excellent.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is delicious and worth the price."

"You can enjoy pretty patio seating and watch the traffic go by."

"I found the seafood soup to be excellent."

Good to know

1

Expect a 45-minute wait for food during peak hours.

2

Parking availability is limited; arrive early to secure a spot.

3

Carry-out orders are prioritized over dine-in service.

09
Pho Van 2 image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Vietnamese spot shines with authentic pho featuring clear, spiced broth and fresh ingredients. Shrimp dishes impress with sautéed shrimp and rich seafood pho broth. Enjoy large portions in a calm, bright setting offering great value and a homely feel.

Shrimp dishes feature small shrimp sautéed in a flavorful sauce, not just boiled. The Seafood Pho stands out with rich broth and fresh ingredients, while fried shrimp and shrimp spring rolls add variety.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food, especially the pho, is delicious and fresh."

"The egg rolls here are great appetizers."

"I thought the Seafood Pho did not disappoint."

Good to know

1

The portion sizes are large, easily feeding a family of four.

2

Prices are reasonable compared to other local Vietnamese restaurants.

3

The menu offers a wide variety of options, including broken rice and vermicelli dishes.

10
Roberto’s Taco Shop - Santee image 1

Small Mexican spot offers fresh fish tacos with large portions and hearty flavors. Shrimp burritos feature plump shrimp but vary in sauce and size. Quaint tables and a half bar with taps create a homey vibe that feels clean and comfortable.

Fish tacos come in large, filling portions and stay fresh and hearty. Shrimp burritos contain about 4-6 shrimp each, but sizes and sauce amounts can vary between visits.

People are saying

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

"I valued a good bean and cheese burrito for under $7."

"I loved their fresh, hearty fish tacos; they were a steal."

Good to know

1

Fish Taco Tuesday offers unlimited fish tacos for a great price.

2

Burritos are priced under $7, making them an affordable option.

3

Expect smaller portion sizes compared to other locations.

11
Cotijas Taco Shop image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space offers a quiet atmosphere with family-friendly booths and a muted TV. Seafood shines with Diablo shrimp burrito and fish tacos delivering bold flavors. Convenience comes from a well-designed drive-thru and an outside window for easy take-away.

Shrimp burritos stand out, especially the Diablo shrimp burrito. Rolled fish tacos and fish burritos also deliver strong seafood flavors with a surf and turf twist.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is delicious and packed with flavor."

"You have to try the shrimp burrito; it's the best Mexican food here."

"You have to try the shrimp burrito; it's a must-try."

Good to know

1

The dining area is clean and spacious, suitable for family dining.

2

Parking is limited and shared with other businesses nearby.

3

Prices are considered high for the portion sizes offered.

12
Ferny's Mexican Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space buzzes with memorable tacos and great salsas. Fish rolled tacos and shrimp tacos shine, especially the surf and turf fries with carne asada and jalapeños. Parking fills fast, showing its strong local draw.

Fish rolled tacos come with varying portions but remain a popular choice. Shrimp tacos and surf and turf fries with carne asada, jalapeños, and shrimp stand out as well.

People are saying

"I thought the HLS burrito had the best flavors."

"The tortillas are hot, fresh, and homemade with a supper soft texture."

"You've gotta try the shrimp tacos; they're the best."

Good to know

1

Parking is very limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

2

Taco Tuesday offers 50% off all tacos, making it a popular day to visit.

3

The restaurant has limited seating inside, which can lead to wait times.

13
Junction 52 Bar & Grill image 1

Walls lined with many TVs create a vibrant bar vibe perfect for sports fans. Shrimp tacos offer bold flavor and freshness, while the dog-friendly patio adds a relaxed outdoor spot. Locals and older regulars keep the atmosphere chill and fun.

Shrimp tacos stand out with bold flavor and freshness. Fish and chips come with skinny fish pieces and small fries, which may not satisfy larger appetites.

People are saying

"The food here was delicious and worth the cost."

"They have a huge beer selection on tap."

"I found the shrimp tacos to be amazingly good."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features discounted tacos all day, making it a popular choice.

2

Happy Hour runs all day, offering great drink specials.

3

The patio is dog-friendly, perfect for pet owners.

14
Tabu Sushi Bar & Grill Santee image 1

Sushi bar offers generous sushi cuts and fresh sashimi with a lively, loud vibe. Ramen dishes bring rich flavors while seafood like oysters impress with freshness. Prices are higher but match the quality and portion sizes.

Fresh fish stands out with sashimi and oysters that taste very fresh and delicious. Some seafood dishes like fish are served warmer than usual.

People are saying

"The sushi chef, Fransisco, is super friendly and authentic."

"I found the ramen here to be delicious."

"I've never had better sushi; it's my absolute favorite spot."

Good to know

1

Prices at the restaurant can be higher than what is listed on the website.

2

Expect to pay around $26 for a meal.

3

The restaurant's cleanliness could be improved; walls and tables need attention.

15
Island Style Cafe image 1
Hawaiian restaurant

Casual Hawaiian spot shines with pineapple lights and a homey vibe. Seafood lovers enjoy crunchy coconut shrimp with sweet chili sauce. Teriyaki beef and homemade salad dressings add tasty variety in a relaxed setting.

Crunchy coconut shrimp stands out with a sweet chili dipping sauce. Plates include a BBQ chicken and shrimp skewer and a coconut shrimp salad that adds variety.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and tasty."

"I felt the food here was pretty authentic, reminding me of Hawaii."

"The coconut shrimp here is so crunchy and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted; it's first-come, first-served.

2

They close their dining room 30 minutes before closing time.

3

Expect to pay an extra 50 cents for to-go boxes.

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