The best seafood restaurants in Los Angeles

Since 2005, Michael Cimarusti has set the gold standard for seafood-focused tasting menus—and garnered a James Beard Award and two Michelin stars in the process. As an L.A. fine dining institution, you'll find all the hallmarks of the white tablecloth experience: top-notch service, delicate amuse-bouches and, of course, high-quality shellfish and finned fish from all over the world. As with his upscale-casual New England-style seafood spot Connie and Ted's, Cimarusti combs the world’s waters to showcase pristine seafood in imaginative (and occasionally sustainable) ways, like Providence's signature farm-raised caviar and Santa Barbara uni nestled above a decadent egg yolk.

Inside South L.A.'s Mercado La Paloma, this Michelin-starred food stall run by Gilberto Cetina offers some of the city's best Yucatecan-style mariscos. From bold, bright ceviches to tostadas brimming with uni and kanpachi, there are no wrong orders in the raw seafood realm at Holbox—though you might also want to order a taco filled with plump, perfectly seared scallops every once in a while. A $120 six-course tasting menus help diners besieged by decision paralysis, but the technique, recipes and heritage of Cetina’s first award-winning restaurant, Chichen Itza, live on here in more seafood-centric form. Tip: Try the crowd-favorite taco made with pulpo en su tinta (braised and fried octopus in calamari ink) or the smoked kanpachi tostada.

One of L.A.’s most famous taco trucks, Mariscos Jalisco might be known citywide for its deep-fried shrimp tacos, but the longtime lonchera also serves fresh-to-death ceviches, tostadas and oysters on the half shell. Operating as a quartet of trucks (Boyle Heights, Downtown, Pomona, La Cienega), all four sling Jalisco-style seafood across the Southland, and many of their dishes surpass most of L.A.’s fancier seafood joints. Their signature tacos dorado de camaron live up to the hype with flavorful and fresh shrimp folded into corn tortillas, which are then fried to a golden brown and topped with thick slices of avocado and a vibrant and complex salsa roja. You’ll also want to save room for their legendary tostadas like the Poseidon topped with shrimp ceviche, octopus and a fiery red aguachile of shrimp.

Christopher Tompkins’s new-school seafood shack serves one of the best lobster rolls in Los Angeles, and it’s now available at Downtown’s Grand Central Market, at the open-air Malibu Village original and down in Huntington Beach. Get your gourmet sandwich warm and buttered or opt to do it Maine style (chilled and in a thin sheen of mayo). Broad Street’s signature luxury add-ons like uni and caviar add a touch of pizazz, while spicy soft-shell crab sandwiches, linguine in clams and even a delicious beachside burger provide more affordable extravagance the next time you’re in the mood to sample East Coast-style seafood without jumping on a plane to LAX.

Seafood lovers, rejoice: Boston’s Saltie Girl has finally arrived. A glittering ode to all things fruits de mer, this West Hollywood restaurant originally hails from New England, but has since expanded to both London and the Sunset Strip. From regional classics like lobster and full-bellied fried clams to a staggering 100-plus kinds of tinned fish, Saltie Girl does it all. The soup-to-nuts menu might not jive with L.A. diners used to more tightly curated offerings, but I appreciate the sheer level of variety and over-the-top items like the fried lobster and waffles. The lobster roll is already one of the best in the city, and the caviar offerings impart just the right amount of elegance for those looking to splurge, but even more budget-friendly items like tinned anchovies and an excellent clam chowder impart plenty of delicious ocean flavor.

The vast expanse east of LAX doesn’t exactly scream “seafood destination,” but Coni'Seafood turned Inglewood into an oceanic dining hotspot—and from there, it was L.A. seafood domination, baby. Such is the power of this Nayarit-style fish specialist (with a second Westside location near Culver City) that offers a tight menu of smoked marlin tacos, more than a dozen shrimp dishes from raw to deep-fried, and more elaborate house specialties like pescado zarandeado: butterflied snook fish that’s marinated in soy sauce and grilled to savory perfection over charcoal. Chicharrones de pescado involves crispy, pan-fried tilapia chunks with tangy soy and lemon sauce, while another standout dish stars sweet langoustines—bathed in garlic, chilies and lemon juice—and, if you’re lucky, prized roe.

Since 1953, this multi-level Redondo Beach market has provided Angelenos with a dizzying selection of cooked-to-order live seafood, plus an extensive collection of oysters from all over the Pacific waiting to be freshly shucked. Smaller stands inside Quality Seafood offer straightforward takes on fish and chips and the like, but the better move here is to order a mix of harder-to-find options at the market counter like purple sea urchin, live blue crab and locally caught rock cod. Your bounty will arrive perched in styrofoam trays, ready to be ferried to a nearby table or even to the beach just on the other side of the piery—and you can even order online if you’re in a hurry.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it: Quality and consistency have kept this upscale chain around for over two decades. Even today, Water Grill delivers on all fronts: There’s delicious, straightforward preparations of classics like cioppino, lobster rolls and clam chowder; the family-friendly atmosphere is polished yet unpretentious; and best of all, the service is great. (The same could not be said of “cooler” seafood restaurants like Found Oyster.) The original is right in Downtown L.A., with another beachfront outpost on Santa Monica’s Ocean Avenue. In addition to an exceptional oyster selection, Water Grill sources seasonal delights like Columbia River king salmon on my most recent visit to Santa Monica, I enjoyed the simple yet deftly prepared spiny lobster (available only in the fall), caught right here in Southern California.

Beautifully plated, locally sourced and utterly delicious seafood are on the menu every night at Crudo e Nudo, a tiny restaurant along Santa Monica’s Main Street that keeps sustainability and ethics in mind. First launched as a pop-up during the pandemic, the cozy, built-out parklet hosts the bulk of the restaurant’s seating, where servers will dole out gorgeous small plates of seafood that will likely change how you look at crudo. Here, chef Brian Bornemann—formerly of nearby Michael’s—and partner Leena Culhane add bright, modern tweaks to the typically stalwart Italian dish, for a casually artisan seafood meal that’ll definitely upstage your everyday sushi joint the next time you're craving raw fish.

While this Koreatown strip mall joint specializes in ganjang gejang (soy-marinated raw crab), an all-around robust seafood menu, including live sea urchin, abalone and an excellent raw salmon rice bowl, make Master Ha's an excellent destination for anyone who appreciates seafood. A steamed crab rice bowl might appeal to those who prefer their seafood cooked, but you'd be missing out if you don't at least try the restaurant's ganjang gejang. Whether ordered whole or scooped out of the shell, the crab meat is sweet and tender, with none of the fishy, almost rotten odor carried by inferior versions of the dish. 

Cruise down PCH until you see the billboard of a large, leisure-inclined lobster sporting a Hawaiian shirt and a drink in its claw—that’s when you know you’ve hit the fried-fish motherload. This tiny Malibu seafood shack and market has been serving some of the area’s freshest fish, clams, crab and squid since 1972. The deep-fried fish and chips is the classic order here, but the grilled tuna, crab salad or steamed clams also hit the spot. Whatever your order, grab it from the window and take a seat on the expansive patio and enjoy the ocean view. Then, grab a raw filet or a whole fish, some soft-shell crabs or shellfish from the market on your way out. (Your future self will thank you.

Koreatown’s top-notch seafood BBQ joint pays homage to the East China Sea by serving its edible bounty in waves at the table. Go with one of the bang-for-your-buck combo sets—even the basic A set is enough for two—which begin with airy steamed egg, crisp-edged scallion pancakes, sizzling cheese corn and a heaping bowl of chili-packed mussel soup. From there, DIY grill options include sea scallops and mussels on the half shell, large shell-on shrimp, spicy chili–slathered octopus tentacles and more. Upgrade to a B or C set to score creatures like abalone, which squirm in their shells before yielding tender meat when cooked. Step up your game with the D combo for selections from clams, oysters, a spicy cold seafood bowl and more.

Though its name might conjure up images of New England lobster rolls, this small SGV strip mall spot run by a former employee of Newport Seafood sells the most incredible fresh stir-fried lobster with green onion and garlic in town, all on top of a bed of noodles. While the rest of the seafood-centric Vietnamese-Chinese menu is solid (I also love their clams in basil sauce and hot sizzling plates of mixed seafood known as ap chao), you’d be missing out if you don’t order their highly addicting signature crustaceans. Those in search of a deal will also appreciate their affordable lunchtime specials menu.

Tucked away in a barebones space just before the Glendale Freeway, the Hummingbird in Echo Park is Ricardo Zarate’s latest endeavor. The no-frills cevicheria serves delicious, reasonably priced renditions of the Japanese-Peruvian raw fare that put him on the map at Causita and Picca, among other now-closed restaurants. The difference this time? Zarate’s on his own. While the turquoise-quartz ceviche bar and pink neon lighting add plenty of flair, the Hummingbird is still a fairly casual affair. Start your meal with a few of the chef’s creative hand roll options, then order a couple of raw items—I particularly enjoyed the scallop aguachile topped with pepper ash and the classic sea bass ceviche. Best of all, nothing on the menu is over $40. Compared to most of L.A.’s seafood restaurants, the Hummingbird provides a lot more bang for your buck.

This Frogtown dining destination offers something you'd be hard pressed to find anywhere else in the city: Mexican mariscos inside an impossibly chic indoor-outdoor space. By day, enter through the alley for Za Za Zá, a casual window serving a stripped-down menu that includes a mixed coctel and an enormous calamari torta. After dark, the space transforms into full-service Loreto, which serves a much larger menu of botanas (bar snacks), ceviches, tostadas and a must-try large-format grilled fish entrée best shared among four or more. Marvel in the decadence of the tostada a la Joaquin (made with fatty tuna, avocado and a creamy sauce) or opt for Loreto’s stripped-down, ultra-fiery red shrimp aguachile. Either way, the seafood is almost exclusively sourced from Baja, with inventive Japanese-inspired seasonings that make for an unforgettable seafood meal.

After a rocky beginning, this sustainable seafood restaurant in Echo Park has transformed into a reliable neighborhood destination for lobster rolls, freshly shucked oysters and a New England-inspired bill of fare. Where the Lonely Oyster stands out most, however, is with certain specialties brought to the table by lead chef Dom Crisp, previously of Pasadena's Saso (now closed) and L&E Oyster Bar. Above all, we're talking about Crisp's must-try cioppino, which features a mix of fresh seafood cooked à la minute in a flavorful, buttery broth we've yet to taste anywhere else. Other touches, like the housemade ice cream and vegetable sides made with seasonal produce, add even more flair to your meal.

At this new-school cevicheria in Silver Lake, Peruvian scallop shooters and piled-high Mayan october and shrimp tostadas abound—unlike more traditional-leaning seafood restaurants around town, Ceviche Project’s best (and only) dishes are its one-of-a-kind Mexican raw offerings. Diners can choose from more than a half dozen seafood varieties from their raw bar, including chile de árbol-soaked crab claws and caviar service. On the night I visited, the kanpachi topped with ponzu, salsa macha and melon blew my mind when paired with the ultra-tasty corn tostadas. For a lighter, more upscale take on mariscos, this cozy spot on Hyperion Avenue is perfect, at least for those living in Central L.A. Just know Ceviche Project typically only accommodates groups of four or fewer; groups any larger than that can email the restaurant to book out the entire bar. Tip: While most dishes offer plenty of kick, you can also up the ante with the housemade habanero oil available at every table.

If you know, you know—Ari Kolender’s little neighborhood joint in East Hollywood is one of the most stylish places in L.A. for seafood cravings, with a couple of caveats. There are no reservations, and the wait here easily climbs past the hour mark, particularly if you’re coming in a group. It’s also extremely expensive, even compared to other seafood restaurants; on my last visit, I spent $350 for two without leaving totally satisfied. But Kolender’s most popular dishes still come close to the bull’s eye: a creamy lobster roll in a sauce made of its own condensed bisque; scallop tostadas with yuzu kosho and basil; and the restaurant’s now famous raw bar selection full of creamy oysters, peel-your-own shrimp and sea urchin served straight from the shell. Paired with the natural wine list and the cool-kid ambience, a meal here is ideal for solo diners, pairs or groups of up to four (I wouldn’t recommend rolling any deeper than that).

This Westside seafood institution started at the Santa Monica Pier and 80 years later, the retail market and café—now operating blocks from the Pacific on Main Street—is still family-run and Santa Monica’s one-stop shop for all things seafood. The sprawling seafood case boasts every imaginable bivalve, crustacean and finned creature, with a chalkboard that lists fresh catches of the day such as sturgeon filets and spiny lobsters. Grab a seat at the raw bar and dive into oysters and crudo simply dressed so the quality of the fish can shine through. Crab Louie and cioppino satisfy with textbook versions of the classics, but a better move, in our humble opinion, might be hearty New England and Manhattan clam chowders.

If you think the Venice Boardwalk is a living nightmare, then you’ll be surprised that this seafood-oriented gem exists just steps away from it. With string lights up and a dimly lit dining room, Dudley Market is like the Westside version of Virgil Village’s Melody: a stylish, low-key spot with natural wine, freshly shucked oysters and plenty of well-dressed patrons. Unlike the Silver Lake-adjacent wine bar, however, the day-to-day menu focuses on sustainable seafood and bar bites, including delicious crudos and fish tacos. While I wouldn’t necessarily go out of the way for it, it’s the best seafood restaurant in Venice—and far, far less expensive than nearby Panamanian seafood specialist Si! Mon.

Extremely fresh fish, primarily from New Zealand, lies at the heart of this retail market and raw bar at the western edge of Culver City. While we'd skip the lobster items here, the tomato-y cioppino here comes brimming with fresh crab, shrimp, mussels and whitefish and the no-frills grilled fish entrées are simply cooked and delicious. The popular fish and chips are flavorful as well, and we're partial to the tuna poke appetizer, which comes pre-marinated and uses high-quality tuna—none of pale red frozen variety you'll find at build-your-own bowl spots around town. If you're around Marina del Rey, Mar Vista, Venice and Culver City, Tangaroa Fish Market should be your go-to whenever you're looking for flavorful, simply cooked and high-quality seafood.

Nashville-spiced hot catfish, housemade capicola with muffuletta relish and a hearty skillet of perloo brimming with shrimp and oysters—Sammy Monsour’s Preux & Proper may have closed, but the chef is already making up the difference with his new destination-worthy Southern seafood restaurant in Downtown L.A. Lowcountry cuisine manifests itself in Charleston-inspired dishes like the perloo and Gullah Geechee-style braised kale, but Joyce’s menu draws inspiration from all over the map for a flavorful romp through the American South. Located inside the former Red Herring space, the restaurant also offers a fleet of sustainably made cocktails and a rollicking weekend brunch.

This Manhattan Beach neighborhood mainstay serves a crowd-pleasing mix of American classics and a well-curated selection of raw bar items. Run by prolific area chef-restauranteur David LeFevre, Fishing with Dynamite draws inspiration from the chef’s childhood growing up along the Virginia coast, as well as the South Bay itself. Bountiful seafood platters piled high with Peruvian scallops and littleneck clams would satisfy anyone’s seafood craving. In our humble opinion, the only must-have items on the menu are the Japanese-inspired seafood risotto and tasty hamachi sashimi appetizer; the straightforward lobster rolls, clam chowder and fish tacos here will get the job done, but they’re not the most standout items at Fishing with Dynamite.

Since 1961, Fisherman’s Outlet has served deep-fried and charbroiled preparations of shrimp, halibut, salmon, scallops and more in the heart of Downtown L.A. The lunch-only operation is popular among city workers in search of a tasty, affordable seafood meal. Park in the free lot out back and head to the counter to place an order. Everything here is homemade, from the chowders to the coleslaw, and the restaurant is still family-owned and run.  There's even a separate counter where you can order fresh catch by the pound to cook at home. While one of the most popular items is the deep-fried fish and shrimp combo, don't neglect the charbroiled sampler (giant shrimp, salmon and skewered shrimp) or the decent selection of finned fish, which includes halibut and seabass. On my visit, I also tried a tasty deep-fried calamari special, which came with piping hot marinara sauce and creamy tartar.