You know that big blue thing by Santa Monica? Well, it’s actually more murky brown nowadays, thanks to pollution. Well, that big blue thing holds the supply of the best sea food available in Los Angeles. From the best calamari to the the most luscious crabs, here’s my secret list of top seafood places in the City of Angels.
1. Boiling Crab
742 W Valley Blvd
Alhambra, CA 91803
(626) 576-9368
www.theboilingcrab.com
$$
Don’t laugh at the gownups wearing bibs. You should be wearing one too, cuz you’re in for a messy, yet delicious experience. Seafood in a bag is the craze here, and you have your choice between Alaskan crab (my favorite), catfish, crawfish, dungeness crab, sausage, and cajun fries.
Personally, I think the crawfish are an annoying waste of time. Everything goes in a bag with some amazing garlic/butter/cajun spices, and voila— you’re in for one of the most interesting, messy, and delicious meals.
Please please please… be prepared to reek of garlic (possibly forever.) And you’re going to wait. I don’t think there’s any reservations. I waited for an hour once. And yes, it was sadly worth it.
2. Crustacean
Neighborhood: Beverly Hills
9646 Santa Monica Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 205-8990
www.anfamily.com
$$$
Only come here if someone else is buying, which was happily the case for me. Located in posh Beverly Hills, Crustacean is an absolutely gorgeous place with an incredible glass floor aquarium and a truly fine dining atmosphere. Service is impeccable, and it’s always fun to dress up!
The menu is a delicious Vietnamese and French inspired fusion of seafood dishes. The garlic noodles are famous; everyone gets them. The prawns and fish are delicious. They also have ribs and chicken if you’re for some reason not in the mood for seafood… but seriously? Why would you go to a place called Crustacean?
3. The Hungry Cat
1535 Vine St
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 462-2155
www.thehungrycat.com
$$$
The Cat is one my favorite date places. The ambiance is very sexy, vibey, and cool. Eat at the bar or at one of the little tables… outside patio is also very cute. Famous for its New England menu, the Cat is home to some of the best fish in Los Angeles, which is kind of surprising, considering it’s central Hollywood location. Lobster roll and mussels are my thing, but if you’re into raw oysters, they’ve got a bar just for you! Also, menus always changing, depending on the catch of the day.
Bonus, Great bar! Drinks are fantastic and very eclectic! (alcohol free ones too!)
4. Redondo Beach Pier
Fishermans Wharf
Redondo Beach, CA, 90277
Ok, so this isn’t really a restaurant, but a pier filled with seafood stands. I used to come here with my family all the time, and I only have the fondest memories of picking out our very own crab, which would subsequently be tortured and murdered before our eyes. Tear.
I loved it! And I still love it. Great selection of freshly caught sea food. I mean look at the location! Mussels, clams, oysters, lobster, crab, everything… And the place gets packed, especially on weekends and the summer time. Great place to spend the day with your family or friends.
Totally messy though, so wear a bib!
5. Moonshadows
20356 Pacific Coast Hwy
Malibu, CA 90265
(310) 456-3010
www.moonshadowsmalibu.com
$$$
When I was growing up, my family used to go to Moonshadows in Malibu on only the most special of occasions- namely, MY birthday. The views are amazing… totally worth the steep price. The food is pretty good too, but the ambiance is better. Mostly limited to a fish menu, but this is a seafood list, so duh! Check the website for more options.
Great date place (with drinks). You gotta dress up though; this is Malibu folks.
6. Neptune’s Net
42505 Pacific Coast Hwy
Malibu, CA 90265
(310) 457-3095
www.neptunesnet.com
$
One of my most favorite dates was riding on the back of my boyfriend’s motorcycle on PCH and stopping at Neptune’s Net for seafood and ocean views. The place is a hole in the wall, but it’s got some of the most delicious fried (or steamed for the occasional health nut) seafood that I’ve ever had. And sadly, it’s not a secret, like I thought it was. Brett Michaels took some of his bachelorettes there on Rock of Love.
Beer-battered shrimp, fish and chips are all I need there, but everything is tasty. Very very cheap for Malibu, btw.
7. Malibu Seafood Fresh Fish Market and Cafe
25653 Pacific Coast Hwy
Malibu, CA 90265
(310) 456-3430
www.malibuseafood.com/
$$
A bit closer to LA than Neptune’s Net, the Malibu Fish Market gets rave reviews every time I visit. Gorgeous location, right on the beach, and the food ain’t too shabby either. It’s your typical fried delights, but it tastes great, so why complain.
You can also get grilled fish as well with sides. I like the scallops! Oooh yes, and get some of the freshest shrimp cocktail that LA has to offer. None of that Costco crap!
A bit pricey, but worth it for the ambiance and location. Totally beautiful for a picnic date. Any takers?
8. Fish King
722 N Glendale Ave
Glendale, CA 91206
(818) 244-0804
www.fishkingseafood.com
If you like fish, then Fish King is for you. They have the best Panko battered fried fish, which is much better and lighter than regular bread crumbs. Everything can be fried or grilled to perfection, and because it’s also a fish market, you can buy food for later (though I doubt you’ll be able to recreate the deliciousness.) They also have a fantastic sesame dressing. I completely depleted my roommate’s supply in college.
Also recommended are the scallops, lobster bisque, and halibut sandwich. All so yummy. Come early for dinner. Totally casual. You can wear beach flip flops!
9. Mamita’s
Neighborhood: Glendale
714 S Brand Blvd
Glendale, CA 91204
(818) 243-5121
Mamita’s is a peruvian restaurant, but serves some of the most delicious seafood I’ve ever had. Mamita’s is so good, that it pretty much inspired me to go to Peru this summer, which I am doing next month!
The calamari is the best I’ve ever tasted in my life with this tangy lemon/cilantro salsa. I get it each time I go. Never ever disappointed. Fresh fish of the days are also very good, but the calamari is like my best friend.
Very home, casual, hole in the wallish on Brand Blvd of cars. Excellent choice of non sea-food as well.
10. Yoshinoya.
2360 Pico Blvd
Santa Monica, CA, 90405
(310) 450-2004
Okay, before you guys scratch your heads in wonderment, I have to confess that Yoshinoya is home to my favorite clam chowder in the world, which is why it is on this list. Please trust me. Don’t laugh. Don’t guffaw. Don’t freak out. Just trust that I wouldn’t betray your trust after we’ve come this far.
Just go there– do the drive thru if you don’t want to show your face there– and ask for a little $2 bowl of clam chowder. Nothing else. It’ll change your life. That good.
