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Best Seafood Restaurants in Los Angeles

50 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked

Last Updated: February 2026

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Our Top Pick
Sushi Ginza Onodera
Five consecutive years of Michelin stars since 2020

Essential Picks

$$$$ West Hollywood Sushi, Seafood
This Michelin-starred Edomae sushi temple offers an intimate 16-seat omakase experience with fish flown daily from Tokyo's Tsukiji market. Chef Yohei Matsuki's precise knife work and premium ingredients create transcendent bites worth the $425 price tag.
Must-Try Dishes: Hokkaido King Salmon, 5-Day Aged Tuna, Cherry Blossom Salmon Nigiri
What Makes it Special: Five consecutive years of Michelin stars since 2020
$$$ Marina del Rey Seafood
Dear Jane's is a chef-driven, marina-front seafood restaurant from Josiah Citrin and Hans Röckenwagner, pairing classic American seafood dishes with a polished, retro-inspired dining room. Since opening in 2022 and earning a place in the Michelin Guide, it has become Marina del Rey’s most talked-about seafood destination for special-occasion dinners and serious seafood fans.
Must-Try Dishes: Oysters Rockefeller, Shrimp Louie, Trout amandine
What Makes it Special: Michelin-listed, chef-driven seafood with retro coastal glamour and marina views.
$$$$ West Hollywood Japanese, Sushi
James Beard Award-winning Chef Tyson Cole's non-traditional Japanese cuisine elevates business dining with creative sushi and seasonal omakase. The sophisticated atmosphere balances energy with professionalism, making it ideal for impressing clients.
Must-Try Dishes: Hama Chili, Gyutoro, Crispy Brussels Sprouts
What Makes it Special: James Beard Award-winning chef creates innovative Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine
$$$$ Hollywood American, Seafood
Chef Michael Cimarusti's seafood-focused tasting menus draw from California ingredients and line-caught fish through rigorous French technique, with a kitchen tank supplying live Santa Barbara spot prawns and sea urchins. The restaurant approaches its 20th anniversary having just earned LA's first three Michelin stars alongside a Green Star for sustainability. Expect refined, deliberate pacing and dishes that recent guests note feel perhaps slightly safer than past visits—still executed at an elite level.
Must-Try Dishes: Santa Barbara Spot Prawn, Uni Egg, King Salmon
What Makes it Special: Three Michelin-starred seafood temple with a kitchen tank of live Santa Barbara spot prawns and sea urchins, orchestrating multi-course tasting menus from the freshest possible ingredients.

Notable Picks

8.9
$$$$ Downtown LA Seafood
Chef Jon Yao channels Taiwanese-American nostalgia through a 12-course wood-fired tasting menu that has earned him three consecutive LA Times #1 rankings and the 2025 James Beard Best Chef: California award. The Row DTLA dining room is understated, letting the bold, heavily-seasoned dishes command attention. At $325 for the main room, it works best for diners seeking contemporary Taiwanese flavors filtered through fine-dining ambition rather than tradition.
Must-Try Dishes: Fish Maw with Dungeness Crab and Caviar, Youtiao with Sea Urchin and Jamón, Spice-Crusted Duck Breast with Bao Bun
What Makes it Special: James Beard Award-winning chef Jon Yao reimagines Taiwanese-American nostalgia through a 12-course wood-fired tasting menu that earned Michelin recognition and a spot on North America's 50 Best.
$$ Westwood Japanese, Sushi
KazuNori’s Westwood outpost is a standing-room hand roll bar built entirely around made-to-order temaki. Warm rice, crisp nori, and high-quality fish move in a tight rhythm across the counter, making it the go-to spot in Westwood Village when you want focused sushi rolls rather than a sprawling menu.
Must-Try Dishes: Toro hand roll, Bay scallop hand roll, Yellowtail hand roll
What Makes it Special: A dedicated hand roll bar where every roll is assembled to order at the counter.
$$$$ Beverly Hills Seafood
This coastal Italian gem from NYC serves silky handmade pastas with pristine seafood, including their legendary fusilli with charred octopus and bone marrow. The sophisticated space draws power brokers and food enthusiasts seeking elevated Mediterranean seafood preparations executed with precision.
Must-Try Dishes: Fusilli with Octopus & Bone Marrow, Lobster with Burrata, Dover Sole Meunière
What Makes it Special: NYC's acclaimed seafood-focused Italian arriving with Michelin pedigree
8.9
$$$$ Palms Japanese, Seafood
Chef Niki Nakayama's 13-course modern kaiseki weaves California seasonality through traditional Japanese technique across a 3-hour progression, anchored by a signature spaghetti-abalone course that has never left the menu since 2011. The 26-seat ryokan-inspired room operates with exacting service—staff retained for over a decade—and ends with Nakayama greeting each table personally. At $365 before drinks, this is a deliberate investment in craft rather than a casual dinner out.
Must-Try Dishes: Signature Spaghetti with Abalone, Pickled Cod Roe & Black Truffle, Zensai Assortment, Binchotan-Seared A5 Miyazaki Wagyu
What Makes it Special: Chef Niki Nakayama's 13-course kaiseki blends Japanese tradition with California seasonality in a 26-seat intimate setting, featured on Netflix's Chef's Table
$$$ Silver Lake Seafood
Chef Octavio Olivas transforms raw seafood into Mexico City-style ceviches in a tiny nautical-themed space that feels like stepping onto a vintage cruise ship. Fresh fish is diced behind the marble bar and dressed with inventive combinations like tai snapper with pineapple and cancha, while the Hawaiian kanpachi tostada layered with avocado mousse has become legendary among regulars.
Must-Try Dishes: Tai Snapper Ceviche, Hawaiian Kanpachi Tostada, Scallop Shooters with Uni
What Makes it Special: Owner-chef prepares Mexican-style ceviche in a Wes Anderson-worthy jewel box setting
$$$ Hancock Park Korean, Seafood
Genwa Korean BBQ Mid Wilshire is a polished, destination-level Korean barbecue house where prime beef cuts, meticulous banchan, and attentive service anchor the experience. With thousands of strong reviews and a steady reputation, it’s a go-to in Hancock Park for both special-occasion dinners and serious KBBQ fans who want consistent quality.
Must-Try Dishes: Prime Galbi (marinated short rib), Assorted Prime Beef Combo, Seafood Pancake (Haemul Pajeon)
What Makes it Special: High-end Korean BBQ with extensive banchan and prime cuts in a polished room.
$$ Marina del Rey American, Seafood
Killer Shrimp is a long-running waterfront spot famous for its spicy, slow-simmered shrimp broth served with crusty bread and strong cocktails. Locals treat it as a go-to for indulgent seafood plates, marina views, and a lively bar scene that runs from happy hour through late dinners.
Must-Try Dishes: Killer Shrimp Original, Killer Shrimp & Lobster, Lobster Mac
What Makes it Special: Signature spicy shrimp broth recipe served for decades on the marina.
$$$$ Beverly Hills BBQ, Seafood
This Beverly Hills institution sets the standard for upscale steakhouses with its signature warm service and live piano bar creating an electric atmosphere nightly. Silver carts deliver perfectly aged beef while the lobster mashed potatoes have achieved legendary status among locals.
Must-Try Dishes: Bone-in Ribeye, Lobster Mashed Potatoes, Shrimp Cocktail
What Makes it Special: Three-story steakhouse with Beverly Hills' most energetic piano bar scene
8.8
$$ Highland Park Peruvian, Seafood
Mariscos El Faro is a Sinaloa-style seafood truck that has parked along Figueroa by the park for over a decade, serving red aguachile, ceviche tostadas, and oysters from a shaded curbside setup. Diners linger at nearby tables or take plates to the grass, drawn by bright chiltepín-spiked salsas and generous portions.
Must-Try Dishes: Red aguachile, Salt-cured sea bass tostada, Mariscoco coconut campechana
What Makes it Special: Parkside mariscos truck specializing in spicy Sinaloa-style ceviches and aguachiles.
$$$$ Santa Monica Seafood
Perched above the Santa Monica Pier since 1923, this Michelin Plate restaurant showcases Celebrity Chef Govind Armstrong's seasonal seafood menu with locally-sourced ingredients. The second-story dining room offers a breathtaking 180-degree ocean view spanning from Santa Monica Bay to Point Dume.
Must-Try Dishes: Charred Octopus with Romesco, Maine Lobster Thermidor, Pan-Roasted Black Cod
What Makes it Special: Century-old legacy restaurant with Michelin recognition and panoramic ocean views
$$$$ Beverly Hills Vietnamese, Seafood
Chef Helene An's modern Vietnamese institution features a dramatic walk-on water entrance and serves weekend dim sum-style brunch from roaming carts. Known for the secret kitchen's famous garlic noodles, this 30-year Beverly Hills gem offers innovative fusion like ube soufflé pancakes and filet mignon hash.
Must-Try Dishes: AN's Famous Garlic Noodles, Dungeness Crab, Ube Soufflé Pancake
What Makes it Special: Secret kitchen recipes and theatrical water entrance
$$$$ Downtown LA Sushi, Seafood
Chef Yoshi-san's 20-course Edomae omakase operates from a hidden 10-seat basement counter accessed through a Little Tokyo parking garage and hotel lobby. His training at two-Michelin-starred Sushi Ginza Onodera shows in the precise technique, with repeat customers comprising more than half of each evening's seating. Reservations release monthly and disappear within minutes—at $300, it draws sushi purists who compare it favorably to top Tokyo counters.
Must-Try Dishes: Hairy Hokkaido Crab Chawanmushi, Nodoguro (Blackthroat Perch), Ankimo (Monkfish Liver)
What Makes it Special: Chef Yoshi-san, trained at two-Michelin-starred Sushi Ginza Onodera, serves 20-course Edomae omakase at a hidden 10-seat counter in a Little Tokyo basement.
8.6
$$$$ Westwood Japanese, Sushi
Asuka is an intimate Westwood sushi bar known for meticulous fish cutting, traditional techniques, and a calm, polished dining room. It leans more toward nigiri and specialty rolls than novelty items, making it a favorite for diners who want a slower, more composed sushi experience than the nearby student haunts.
Must-Try Dishes: Chef’s omakase sushi, Toro nigiri, Baked crab hand roll
What Makes it Special: Refined, chef-driven sushi in a serene room that feels built for proper dinners.
$ Bell Seafood
El Ceviche Loco is a long-running walk-up seafood stand specializing in ceviche, tacos, and aguachiles with serious lime, chile, and herb punch. With more than a thousand online reviews and steady lines, it’s the default ceviche stop for Bell locals looking for big portions and fresh flavors at everyday prices.
Must-Try Dishes: Shrimp ceviche tostada, Fish tacos, Aguachile de camarón
What Makes it Special: High-volume ceviche specialist known for fresh seafood and big portions.
$$$ Pasadena Seafood
Executive Chef Bret Thompson brings innovative sea-to-table cuisine with specialized dry-aging techniques for seafood. The restaurant features an emerald marble bar, shellfish towers reminiscent of Parisian brasseries, and a California-Mediterranean coastal atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes: Dry Aged Kingfish Ceviche, Whole Fried Fish of the Day, Chilled Seafood Tower for Two
What Makes it Special: Only restaurant in Pasadena specializing in dry-aged seafood techniques
8.6
Venice Seafood
Coastal Latin seafood and strong cocktails in a stylish indoor–outdoor setting a block from the sand. Locals use it for celebratory dinners, golden-hour patio time, and late-evening energy.
Must-Try Dishes: Whole grilled fish, Classic ceviche, Sweet plantains
What Makes it Special: Refined coastal Latin seafood with cocktail craft moments from the beach.
8.6
$ Beverly Grove Seafood, Sushi
Sushi Fumi is a perpetually busy La Cienega storefront known for high-quality nigiri, crispy rice, and specialty rolls served in a no-frills room. Regulars line up early for well-sourced fish and quick-moving service that feels more neighborhood than white-tablecloth.
Must-Try Dishes: Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice, Moon Roll, Miso-Marinated Black Cod
What Makes it Special: High-quality sushi and crispy rice in a compact, always-busy room.
$$ Westwood Seafood
The Boiling Crab’s Westwood outpost is a loud, lively Cajun seafood boil specialist where bags of shrimp, crab, and crawfish hit butcher-papered tables by the pound. Students, families, and game-night groups pile in for messy, hands-on feasts a few blocks from campus.
Must-Try Dishes: Shrimp in The Whole Sha-Bang sauce, Snow crab legs with corn and potatoes, Cajun fries
What Makes it Special: High-volume Cajun seafood boil house known for overflowing bags of shellfish.
$$$ Echo Park Japanese, Seafood
Chef Ricardo Zarate brings Michelin-recognized Nikkei cuisine to this vibrant Echo Park ceviche bar opened in August 2024. The inventive Japanese-Peruvian fusion features technicolor ceviches, hefty hand rolls, and theatrical plating assembled at the turquoise-quartz bar, all in a scrappy-chic space with live piano music.
Must-Try Dishes: Salmon Tiradito with Miso, Yellowtail Tostada, Shrimp Dumpling Ceviche
What Makes it Special: Michelin-recognized chef's Nikkei fusion with fine dining execution at casual prices
8.5
$$$$ Fairfax Japanese, Seafood
ADKT LA is a moody French-Japanese spot on Fairfax that leans into cocktails, polished service, and chef-driven plates more than pure sushi. It’s a place for lingering evenings built around wagyu, seafood towers, and shareable small plates rather than a quick roll-and-go meal.
Must-Try Dishes: Seafood Tower, Wagyu Chateaubriand, Matcha Tiramisu
What Makes it Special: French-Japanese cooking in a polished cocktail-forward dining room.
$$$ West Hollywood Seafood
Connie & Ted's is a New England–style seafood house from the Providence team, built around pristine raw-bar towers, chowders, and wood-grilled fish. Locals treat it as the neighborhood’s go-to for lobster rolls, clam shacks flavors, and a lively patio that still works for serious seafood cravings.
Must-Try Dishes: New England Clam Chowder, Lobster Roll, Raw Bar Oyster Selection
What Makes it Special: Serious New England seafood from a fine-dining chef in casual digs.
8.5
$$$ Venice American, Seafood
Bakery-deli-market with a sprawling menu, counter ordering, and shaded outdoor seating. Families like the flexibility: pastries for kids, salads and sandwiches for adults, plus take-home pantry items.
Must-Try Dishes: Smoked Fish Plate, Turkey Reuben, Rotisserie Chicken with Sides
What Makes it Special: Market-style bakery with wide, family-friendly choice and takeaway.
8.5
$$$ Hollywood Japanese, Seafood
Status Restaurant & Lounge brings a Caribbean lens to Hollywood dining, serving jerk chicken, curry shrimp, fried snapper, and crab alongside cocktails in an upscale lounge setting. It leans into nightlife energy, so seafood plates often share the table with bottle service, DJs, and a dressed-up crowd.
Must-Try Dishes: Caribbean curry shrimp pasta, Fried or escovitch red snapper, Curry crab legs weekend specials
What Makes it Special: Caribbean restaurant-lounge where jerk meats and plated seafood share space with DJs and bottle service.
$$ Koreatown Korean, Seafood
This Koreatown institution has served authentic Korean comfort food for over four decades, with their famous bossam taking center stage. Their massive seafood pancake loaded with five types of shellfish delivers crispy-edged perfection, while the braised black cod swimming in umami-rich sauce has become a sleeper hit among regulars.
Must-Try Dishes: Bossam (Boiled Pork Belly), Haemul Pajeon (Seafood Pancake), Eundaegu Jjorim (Braised Black Cod)
What Makes it Special: Four decades of perfecting traditional Korean recipes in a welcoming strip-mall setting
8.5
$ Beverly Grove Seafood, Sushi
Sushi Koo is a strip-mall favorite on 3rd Street where affordable rolls, baked specialties, and combo boxes drive heavy dine-in and delivery traffic. It excels as an everyday sushi option with big menus, friendly service, and pricing that keeps regulars coming back several times a month.
Must-Try Dishes: Spicy Dynamite Mac Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, Shrimp Tempura Roll
What Makes it Special: High-volume neighborhood sushi with generous portions and low prices.
$$ Santa Monica Seafood
This seafood-focused pier restaurant elevates their Old Bay-seasoned fries to complement fresh catches. Beer-battered and twice-fried, these golden beauties pair perfectly with their sustainable seafood offerings.
Must-Try Dishes: Old Bay Seasoned Fries, Fish & Chips Platter, Raw Bar Selection
What Makes it Special: Sustainable seafood meets perfectly seasoned fries
$$ Marina del Rey American, Seafood
Located inside Jamaica Bay Inn on Mother’s Beach, Beachside Restaurant & Bar serves coastal American fare from brunch through dinner with an emphasis on seafood and classic comfort dishes. The broad menu and beachfront patio make it a versatile choice for everything from pancakes with kids to sunset cocktails.
Must-Try Dishes: Crab Cake Benny, Beachside Burger, Fried Chicken & French Toast
What Makes it Special: Beachfront American dining with all-day service and a large patio.
$$$ Silver Lake Japanese, Sushi
Silver Lake's most photogenic izakaya transforms traditional sushi into edible art with gold leaf, black tobiko, and truffle oil presentations. Chef Damon Cho's Premium Sashimi Hashimori features 18 pieces arranged like a cornucopia, while the Miso Crab Salmon wrapped in truffle oil draws crowds with cameras ready.
Must-Try Dishes: Premium Sashimi Hashimori, Truffle Toro Bowl, Miso Crab Salmon
What Makes it Special: Gold leaf and caviar-topped presentations elevate traditional izakaya sushi into showstopping Instagram moments
$ Westchester Seafood, Wings
Kickin’ Fish & Chicken is a halal-focused counter-service spot turning out crackly fried whole wings and seafood just minutes from LAX. Regulars praise the juicy chicken, peppery seasoning, and generous combo plates that make this a go-to for quick, satisfying takeout.
Must-Try Dishes: Whole Wings with Kickin' seasoning, Kickin' Chicken Sandwich, Fish & Chicken Combo
What Makes it Special: Halal fried chicken and seafood with standout whole wings near LAX.
$$ Echo Park American, Seafood
Anna Sonenshein and Niki Vahle's former pop-up earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand for their beer-battered striped bass sandwich and Nordic-influenced seafood breakfast dishes served from a walkup window adjacent to DADA Market. The breakfast menu featuring fish congee and smoked whitefish tartines runs until 11am Wednesday through Sunday.
Must-Try Dishes: Fried Fish Sandwich, Fish and Mushroom Congee, Smoked Whitefish Tartine
What Makes it Special: Michelin Bib Gourmand for inventive seafood breakfast and legendary fried fish sandwich
$$ Culver City Seafood
This Peruvian restaurant and bakery serves exceptional seafood-forward dishes including pristine ceviches, grilled whole branzino, and honey bay oysters with rocoto pepper sauce. The combination concept means you can finish with house-baked pastries after feasting on fresh arroz con mariscos.
Must-Try Dishes: Ceviche Mixto, Grilled Whole Branzino, Honey Bay Oysters
What Makes it Special: Authentic Peruvian seafood with an in-house bakery under one roof
$$ Koreatown Seafood, Sandwiches
Royal Lobster LA specializes in fresh Maine lobster rolls, bringing Hawaii’s acclaimed lobster expertise to LA. Known for focusing on lobster and salad, it’s celebrated for buttery, classic lobster rolls and vibrant flavors in a casual setting.
Must-Try Dishes: Classic Lobster Roll, Garlic Butter Lobster Roll, Lobster Salad
What Makes it Special: Direct-from-Maine lobster, executed with pure classic focus.
$$$$ Cheviot Hills Japanese, Sushi
Chef Keizo Seki's original 2006 strip-mall counter remains the flagship of his global omakase chain, maintaining a Michelin star for over 15 years by focusing on the balance between neta and shari. The space resembles a small dentist's office—three to four tables plus bar seating—but that spartan setting is irrelevant to regulars who come for traditionally-executed Edomae sushi without California-roll distractions. At $230, it delivers consistency that has earned Jonathan Gold's praise and sustained local devotion.
Must-Try Dishes: Bluefin Tuna, Kumamoto Oysters with Ponzu, Ika Noodles with Uni and Truffle Salt
What Makes it Special: Chef Keizo Seki's original Michelin-starred counter, open since 2006, where the balance between neta and shari reaches ittai-kan—perfect harmony.
$$ Pico Robertson American, Seafood
A long-running kosher dairy institution revived with a broader New American comfort menu, from fish plates to pastas and polished desserts. The room feels warmly nostalgic but freshly maintained, making it a reliable neighborhood dinner choice and a classic after-movie stop on Pico.
Must-Try Dishes: Cajun Pacific snapper, Fettuccine Alfredo with wild mushrooms, Leah's cheesecake
What Makes it Special: A historic kosher dairy café with updated New American classics.
$$ Culver City Japanese, Sushi
Chef David Movsisian's Michelin-rated handroll specialist operates in The Culver Steps with a sleek industrial bar setting and just 24 counter seats. The focused menu delivers fresh handrolls made to order alongside quality sashimi appetizers, Japanese craft beer, and loose-leaf teas served in traditional tetsubin iron teapots.
Must-Try Dishes: Baked Crab Roll, Negi Toro Handroll, Soft Shell Crab Roll
What Makes it Special: Michelin recognition for focused handroll-centric menu in modern industrial setting
$$$$ Beverly Hills Middle Eastern, Mediterranean
This upscale Greek seafood palace flies in Mediterranean catches daily, presenting them simply grilled or raw to highlight pristine quality. The sweeping indoor-outdoor villa setting with lemon trees creates transportive Aegean ambiance steps from Rodeo Drive.
Must-Try Dishes: Whole Grilled Branzino, Mediterranean Octopus, Lobster Pasta
What Makes it Special: Daily Mediterranean seafood flown in creates authentic Greek experience
$$ Pasadena Seafood
Authentic Peruvian seafood specializing in wild-caught fish and traditional ceviches with three types of Peruvian ajies. The open kitchen showcases grandmother's recipes brought to life with generous portions perfect for sharing.
Must-Try Dishes: Ceviche B69 Mix, Arroz Con Mariscos, Lomo Saltado with Seafood
What Makes it Special: Wild-caught fish selection changes daily
$$ Beverly Grove Chinese, Seafood
C.O.D. Seafood House & Raw Bar is a modern Asian-influenced seafood brasserie on 3rd Street with sidewalk and open-front seating that keeps the dining room feeling like one long patio. Fresh fish, a busy raw bar, and late-night hours make it a lively outdoor option for seafood and cocktails.
Must-Try Dishes: Grilled Chilean Sea Bass, Truffle Uni Pasta, Garlic Noodles
What Makes it Special: Asian-inspired seafood, a full raw bar, and buzzy open-air 3rd Street seating.
$$$$ West Hollywood Seafood, Steakhouse
This swanky Old Hollywood-inspired steakhouse opened in 2023 with a stunning circular bar and hand-painted murals that transport diners to a bygone era. Drake's serves expertly prepared filet mignon and innovative seafood dishes in spacious red leather booths perfect for intimate celebrations.
Must-Try Dishes: Filet Mignon, Vin Scully Fries, Salmon Crab Rangoon
What Makes it Special: Old Hollywood glamour with modern execution
$$ Highland Park Seafood, Mexican
El Pescador is a long-running Mexican marisquería where towering molcajetes, ceviches, and whole-fish platters anchor a full bar with beer and cocktail happy hour specials. With TVs tuned to sports, big booths, and hearty portions, it’s a dependable early-evening meetup for groups craving seafood-forward Mexican plates and margaritas.
Must-Try Dishes: Molcajete Double with mixed seafood and meats, Caldo de camarón, Shrimp aguachile
What Makes it Special: Seafood-heavy Mexican menu with true food-and-drink happy hour.
$$ Montebello Seafood
El Pescador is the original Bell Gardens mariscos house that grew into a larger regional group, still anchored by classic Mexican seafood plates and combo platters. Families, birthday groups, and Sunday crowds come for steaming caldos, shrimp platters, and surf-and-turf combos in a lively, full-service dining room.
Must-Try Dishes: Caldo 7 mares, Camarones a la diabla, El Pescador Combo (lobster and shrimp)
What Makes it Special: Founding Bell Gardens mariscos restaurant known for big plates and classic Mexican seafood.
$$ Downtown LA Seafood
Fisherman's Outlet is a long-running counter-service seafood institution where lines form for fried shrimp, grilled fish, and chowder served on trays. The basic outdoor patio doubles as a pet-friendly lunch spot, drawing downtown workers and seafood fans who care more about generous portions than polished surroundings.
Must-Try Dishes: Fried Shrimp Plate, Grilled Fish with Rice, New England Clam Chowder
What Makes it Special: A decades-old seafood counter with big portions, low prices, and a pet-friendly patio.
$ Downtown LA Mexican, Seafood
A 25-year-old food truck running a tight seafood operation where the taco dorado de camarón—shrimp folded into a crispy-fried tortilla—set the template that dozens of imitators still chase across LA. The aguachile and ceviches hold their own against full-service mariscos restaurants at street-food prices, which is why the line never really stopped forming. Cash only, no frills, just precise execution on a short menu that rewards repeat visits.
Must-Try Dishes: Taco Dorado de Camarón, Tostada Poseidón, Aguachile Rojo
What Makes it Special: Jonathan Gold-anointed food truck turning out LA's most iconic fried shrimp taco since 2001, with seafood so fresh the ceviche and aguachile compete with sit-down mariscos spots at a fraction of the price.
$$$ Long Beach American, Seafood
Since 1983, this waterfront landmark delivers mesquite-grilled fresh seafood and award-winning wine selections beneath a working lighthouse. The menu features innovative Southern California preparations alongside creative sushi, all served with panoramic views of Long Beach Harbor and the Queen Mary.
Must-Try Dishes: Mesquite-Grilled Fresh Fish, Oysters Rockefeller, Sesame-Crusted Ahi Tuna
What Makes it Special: Wine Spectator Award of Excellence and unmatched harbor views from every table
$$$$ West Hollywood Seafood
This Boston import in Sunset Plaza brings authentic New England seafood to the Strip with exceptional lobster rolls, tinned fish, and raw bar offerings. The heated patio and extensive crudo menu make it a sophisticated alternative to typical Sunset Boulevard fare.
Must-Try Dishes: New England Lobster Roll, Tinned Fish Selection, Clam Chowder
What Makes it Special: Extensive tinned seafood menu unique to LA dining scene
$$ Santa Monica Seafood, American
Family-owned seafood market since 1939 with attached cafe serving impeccably fresh catches and New England classics. The casual market atmosphere and kids menu make it perfect for seafood-loving families seeking quality without pretension.
Must-Try Dishes: Lobster Roll Connecticut Style, Manhattan Clam Chowder, Grilled Swordfish Sandwich
What Makes it Special: Buy fresh fish and eat it too since 1939