The Best Seafood in Los Angeles

 

Los Angeles’ seafood scene is as diverse as it is abundant. Every corner of the city is populated with fresh, pristine seafood prepared in a myriad of tasty styles. From beachside raw bars to longstanding hidden hotspots, Los Angeles is a veritable pescatarian paradise. Sample delicate cuts of fish or scarf down a lobster roll at these legendary spots for the best seafood in Los Angeles. 

The iconic Malibu sushi restaurant still stands as the top dog in luxury beachside dining, and as the perfect setting for a truly special date night. The sweeping views of the Pacific ocean are jaw-dropping, but the food is nothing to scoff at either. The Yellowtail Sashimi and Black Cod with Miso are always popular, and the lobster shiitake salad can’t be missed. Nobu is a restaurant that lives up to the hype as some of the best seafood in Los Angeles.

Perched above the striking streets of Hollywood, Catch LA is the West Coast outpost of the acclaimed NYC restaurant, and a one-stop shop for delicious seafood and cocktails. The rooftop patio is a refreshing and elegant space to sample Catch’s delightful menu, with favorites like the truffle sashimi, and a decadent lobster mac & cheese. Catch has recently opened a sister location just a few blocks away, Catch Steak LA, which has quickly become one of the hottest steakhouses in LA.

This sunny Santa Monica staple is not only a lovely option for beachside dining, but has some of the freshest oysters and tastiest specialty cocktails on the westside. The picturesque oyster bar is open for brunch, but their small plates and drinks actually make the perfect appetizer for The Bungalow Night Market, a weekly congregation of LA’s best food trucks, hosted just a block down the road. 

For something a little more casual and a lot more delicious, EMC Seafood & Raw Bar has been making waves in Koreatown with its welcoming atmosphere, perfect for group dinners, and large selection of traditional and fusion seafood dishes. Whether you’re grabbing a plate of Pan-seared Fish Tacos, or devouring the opulent Seafood Tower, make sure the Uni Pasta is present at your table.

 

If you manage to get a reservation at this exclusive boutique restaurant, you’re in for some of the best seafood in Los Angeles. The pristine plates of crudo are delightfully palatable, and the vegan and vegetarian options are no slouch. For adventurous eaters, the “Neptune’s Flight” tasting menu is chef-selected, featuring off menu items that are certifiably delicious.

Eating at providence is an event, a dinner which might take hours as guests sample the multi-course tasting menus. That said, it’s done in a way that never feels too pretentious. The cheese cart, salt-baked prawns prepared table side, and take-home brioche for the next day’s breakfast are welcome sights, served in a luxuriously tranquil setting. The food is imaginative and delicious, with an ever changing menu that makes every visit feel unique. 

Nestled in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, this family-owned delight has been a prime seafood destination for over 30 years. The daily catch menus are always fresh and flavorful, and the appetizers always deliver, with favorites like the Clam Chowder, and grilled Spanish Octopus. After a delicious meal in an inviting atmosphere, make sure to grab a slice of the signature key lime pie. 

Top-shelf Mexican food meets top-shelf seafood at this casual eatery. It is a bit of a hole in the wall, but for an incredible smoked fish taco or spicy, savory ceviche, this is one joint worth seeking out. The menu is enormous, with a selection of tacos and raw fish to peruse, but the buttery-soft Baja Scallops are a cut above.