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Top picks in Tustin

Authentic seafood spots

The search for seafood that stays true to its roots and preparation methods is a constant pursuit.

Based on 653 Opinions
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01
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Small, intimate space with only bar seating creates a cozy and exclusive atmosphere. Interior blends modern design with natural wood and stone elements, offering a minimal and classy vibe. Sushi quality is exceptionally fresh and creative, attracting those seeking authentic Japanese cuisine.

An intimate setting serves authentic omakase Japanese cuisine that feels like being in Japan. The chef's skill set delivers creative and high-quality dishes true to traditional flavors.

Fish here melts in your mouth with delicate texture. The toro with roe and fish-shaped crisps stands out. Chawanmushi features smooth egg and pieces of seafood in a mild stock.

People are saying

"The omakase seafood here is a culinary journey."

"I found the Japanese cuisine here to be creative and authentic."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required to hold your seat at Kuramoto.

2

Lunch omakase is very reasonably priced, making it a great value.

3

Getting a seat without a reservation is very risky.

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Small space with modern Japanese design creates a cozy and bright atmosphere. Tables mostly seat two to four, and waits can be common without reservations. Menu offers handmade noodles and draft Asahi beer, attracting those seeking authentic Japanese flavors.

Japanese dishes feature authentic flavors that stand out in the area. The menu offers consistently delicious and excellent traditional options.

Fresh fish stands out with perfect taste and quality. Shrimp Tempura features a crunchy batter and is freshly made. Grilled fish offers a good flavor and texture.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh and deliciously prepared."

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

Good to know

1

Be prepared to wait around 10-20 minutes for a table if not booked in advance.

2

The restaurant can get crowded, so making a reservation or arriving early is advisable.

3

Parking can be hard to find during peak hours, so plan accordingly.

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Small, casual Thai restaurant with a cozy, inviting atmosphere and bright, clean interior after renovation. The space feels comfortable and spacious, with a private room for large parties. Aromas of authentic Thai cooking fill the air, creating a vibe reminiscent of a night market.

Smoky wok-char flavor defines the authentic Thai noodle dishes here. Stir-fried eggplant tastes like a genuine Chinese stir-fry with oyster sauce, while pad see ew and Tom yum soup deliver classic Thai flavors. The choo chee salmon curry is creamy with perfectly cooked salmon but less traditional in taste.

Salted egg shrimp and calamari stand out with a unique twist not common in other Thai spots. The seafood soup can be made without spice, and the crispy swai fish offers a satisfying texture.

People are saying

"The authentic Thai food here is so flavorful and fresh."

"I found the seafood here to be the best I've ever experienced."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, and seating is usually available immediately.

2

The restaurant offers a lunch special that includes a variety of items at a good price.

3

Parking is easy, but the lot is small and can fill up quickly.

04
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Dining space combines bright, spacious layout with minimalist wood grain and black tables and chairs, evoking an authentic Sichuan atmosphere. Aroma of spicy, comforting scents fills the air, creating a lively but comfortable vibe. Popular spot draws crowds who appreciate authentic Sichuan cuisine and a setting reminiscent of Chengdu.

Bold, authentic flavors define the Sichuan dishes here, delivering a perfect mix of spice and tingle. The food tastes refined and true to traditional Sichuan cuisine, satisfying even the most discerning palates.

Fish dishes feature perfect balance of spice and flavor with fresh, tender fillets. Signature items include fish with rattan pepper and pickled veggie soup, both rich and comforting.

People are saying

"I found the flavors to be authentic and tasted really good."

"The fish here is so flavorful and perfectly seasoned."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended during peak hours to avoid long wait times.

2

The restaurant requires online ordering via a QR code at the table.

3

A 20% tip is automatically added for groups larger than six.

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Small, cozy space filled with authentic Northern Thai vibes and vibrant, playful decor that transports diners to Thailand. Atmosphere feels fun and cheerful despite tight seating and crowding. Offers a pleasant visual experience with stylish, creative decorations.

Menu offers a huge selection of authentic Thai dishes with vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients. KHAOSOI and other dishes deliver incredible, true-to-origin tastes.

Fish comes in A1 quality with sauces that really stand out. Dishes like fish curry, creamy shrimp omelette, and fresh fish cakes bring strong flavors and good balance.

People are saying

"The crab curry had really good flavor and lots of crab."

"The authentic Thai food here has really good flavor."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, so arrive early to avoid long waits.

2

Expect longer wait times on weekends; plan accordingly.

3

Prices are on the higher side, reflecting the quality of ingredients.

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Modern Chinese restaurant with bright, clean interior and tight seating arrangements creates a lively, sometimes loud atmosphere. Trendy music and cultural decor add to the energetic vibe. Known for authentic, highly praised dumplings and noodles.

Mid-coastal Chinese dishes like Xiaolongbao and pig-ear salad offer an authentic taste. The food feels more authentic and elevated than typical spots, though the decor and service have an international vibe.

Shrimp xiao long bao stands out for being super juicy and flavorful. Dishes like Potato String Shrimp and fried shrimp with potatoes offer unique takes on shrimp that many find worth trying.

People are saying

"The shrimp xiao long bao is a superb alternative."

"I found the food here to be truly authentic Chinese."

Good to know

1

Expect to wait up to 30 minutes during peak hours on weekends.

2

Parking is convenient with plenty of spaces available in front.

3

Prices are reasonable, averaging around $14 per person.

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Small space with indoor and outdoor seating offers a joyful, welcoming atmosphere and a great music playlist. The vibe feels like home, with a clean and cute setting. Known for authentic fish tacos that are crispy and well-seasoned, it draws those seeking genuine Mexican flavors in a casual environment.

Salsa packs a bold punch and the beans and rice bring solid, authentic flavor. Tacos here deliver a genuine taste true to traditional styles.

Fish tacos come with a crispy batter and are large and crunchy. The fish tacos and fish burrito stay fresh and tasty, with sauces that stand out before the salsa.

People are saying

"I thought the fish tacos were the best I had."

"The salsa packs are on point for authentic flavor."

Good to know

1

The shop offers a vast menu of authentic tacos.

2

Prices are generally under $15 for most items.

3

The dining area is clean and well-maintained.

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Small Mexican restaurant offers self-serve salsa bar with green and red salsas, cilantro, and cucumbers. Interior feels worn and spare with ripped booths and limited seating. Atmosphere suits casual lunch visits with a warm, inviting vibe.

Tacos here offer authentic Mexican flavors with fresh ingredients in every bite. Halal options exist for birria and tacos, though the birria may not meet traditional standards.

Shrimp dishes stand out with seasoned shrimp in tacos and fries topped with chorizo and shrimp. Tacos like Birria, Taco Gobernador with chipotle sauce, and grilled shrimp offer bold flavors.

People are saying

"The shrimp and fish tacos here are unreal and packed with flavor."

"I found authentic Mexican food with delicious, fresh flavors."

Good to know

1

The restaurant lacks sanitary conditions, which can be scary for patrons' health.

2

Expect slow service during Taco Tuesday when tacos are $1.50 each.

3

Prices are affordable, with tacos available for $1.50 on Taco Tuesday.

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Small dining space with about eight tables creates a cozy, homey atmosphere that feels like an extension of a family home. Walls display homemade art and each table features a real rose, enhancing a calm and welcoming vibe. Friendly environment and authentic Thai touches make it a casual spot with a mom-and-pop feel.

Dishes show clear care and craft with layers of authentic Thai flavors. Portions come large and the food tastes well made and authentic.

Shrimp features prominently in dishes like Tom Yum soup, Coconut shrimp, and Grilled shrimp salad. The Spicy Pad Kee Mao with Seafood offers a noticeable kick, while shrimp fried rice and panang curry bring savory flavors.

People are saying

"The seafood dishes, like the spicy Pad Kee Mao, were delicious with a kick."

"The Thai flavors here are so authentic and well made."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy to find as the restaurant is located in a strip mall.

2

The restaurant offers a solid lunch special for under $15.

3

There is no wait at 6 pm, making it a convenient time to visit.

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Spacious interior suits family gatherings with a low-key, basic setting. Atmosphere fills with local Koreans, especially older adults, creating an authentic vibe. Known for authentic Korean cuisine, generous portions, and traditional dishes beyond typical barbecue spots.

Dishes feature deep, authentic flavors with fresh ingredients. Portions come huge and prices stay very reasonable.

Seafood dishes include a hot pot with seafood broth and a spicy fish stew that stands out for flavor. The seafood pajeon is small and has a poor taste, while the fish itself is generally yummy.

People are saying

"The seafood here is full of authentic Korean flavor."

"The food here is authentic Korean, full of deep flavor."

Good to know

1

Expect the restaurant to get busy after 12 pm, especially on weekends.

2

Portion sizes are generous, providing good value for the price.

3

The restaurant has no bathroom facilities available for customers.

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Small dining space offers a chic and lively setting with loud background music that creates a fun and energetic atmosphere. The place has a warm, family-friendly vibe enhanced by attentive staff who engage with children. Crowded seating adds to the bustling feel during busy times.

Food delivers authentic Indian flavors with dishes like Hyderabadi biryani that have a perfect spice kick. Cooking stays true to tradition, creating a refreshingly genuine taste experience.

Shrimp dishes stand out with bursting flavor and tender texture, especially the shrimp curry and shrimp masala. Fish options vary, with the Bengali Fish Curry showing promise but other fish dishes lacking flavor.

People are saying

"The shrimp curry and Bengali fish curry were bursting with flavor."

"I found the Indian food here to be truly authentic."

Good to know

1

The all-you-can-eat lunch buffet is available Tuesday to Thursday from 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM.

2

The buffet stops serving at 2:15 PM, despite being advertised until 3:00 PM.

3

Kids under 5 years old eat free at the buffet.

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Spacious dining room with simple tasteful decor and a beautiful peacock mural sets a welcoming South Indian vibe. Atmosphere feels calm and homely, suited for family and friends with friendly staff. Energy stays relaxed, making it comfortable for casual meals and special occasions.

Bold, spicy Chicken Chettinad and kara kozhambu deliver a true South Indian flavor. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, including authentic biriyani and Rasam, taste close to home.

Fish dishes come with crispy, juicy seasoning and a tangy flavor. Options include fish curry, fish fry, and Tilapia, all prepared with care.

People are saying

"I found the food bursting with authentic flavors and spices."

"The seafood here is tangy and medium spicy."

Good to know

1

Expect higher prices than those listed on the in-house menu.

2

Parking can be challenging; arrive early to secure a spot.

3

Special dishes are available during Diwali for a limited time.

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