50 Best Seafood Restaurants near San Juan Capistrano

“Wow ok this is the spot in downtown sjc... We got a great view overlooking swallows bar across the street. Great people watching great atmosphere, relatively chill with a great happy hour and really nice and friendly service... We had a five-star experience with wonderful food. We had the pork ribs and we had tuna. Everything was amazing.“

“Bro they have really good food and such a big potential to remodel that spot for a spot of culture with outside cozy spot, big parking lot and location is perfect. Just a little hand and marketing can make this place so great. Although it’s great as it is“

“A really great experience.
Friendly and knowledgeable servers paying attention to our needs and recommending dishes.
Excellent food with unique tastes....try the brussel sprouts appetizer with maple syrup, pecans, and raisins.
We plan to go back again even though it is 40 miles from home.“

“Have been here multiple times and they have been consistently serving authentic Mexican food. There’s seating indoors and a few tables outdoor. We got the. Carnitas, birria and carne asada tacos and all of them were delicious! Do give them a try.“

“The staff here is excellent!!!! These guys are always running around doing their best to serve people. I FORGOT you okay it the front so bring cash for a tip. I felt I didnt5 leave as much as I sgould have, I'm sorry. Really awesome and welcoming. Haven't been here since I was a kid. Totally fun for the nostaliga love. The salad bar was awesome, glad to see it open again. Good prices for everything as well. Life you get tons of healthy options here! They still have the cheese toast! That was my treat with the salad. The food is good and simple. Perfect spot for picky eaters, I saw plenty of kids getting food and actually eating it.“

“So much fun! Came here for my birthday and they did everything right- food, ambiance, staff, etc“

“Quality food at fair prices! Can't wait to come back & actually sit down in the nice dining area. 👍🏼“

“Great service, great food!!👏“

“Listen, if you’re in RSM or the surrounding areas and have not stopped for a taco Tuesday, a poki bowl, chips & guac, a bowl or plate, then you are seriously missing out.
Even when they’re super busy Spikes in RSM takes the time to care about their people & make sure you leave happy. I love this spot, the people who work there & the food they put out! They’re the best fast-casual restaurant in town.
Thanks, Spikes!!“

“Tried this poke spot and honestly it exceeded expectations. The ingredients were super fresh, portions were generous, and everything was packed with flavor. The staff were friendly and the service was quick too. Definitely one of the best poke places I’ve been to — I’ll for sure be coming back.“

“Excellent seafood on the San Clemente pier! Three of us got the yellowtail feast, and we all loved each of the four courses. Try dipping the complementary sourdough in the boil for the clams. The dressings are made in-house, and the blue cheese and ranch were great. While not part of the feast, the pasta that someone else in our fam ordered was also perfectly prepared and delicious. The kids meal was spot-on for our 6-year-old, with a cute portion of clam chowder and a generous portion of salmon. And we ended with an expertly-crafted creme brule. The staff was very attentive and friendly, despite being busy, and the majestic views and soothing-wave atmosphere from the pier are so refreshing to the soul. It can be a little chilly outside after the sun goes down, but they have heaters on the deck.“

“There are very few dining experiences in Southern California where you’re literally on the sand at a property of this caliber. I use this spot strategically — when a client is weighing a significant purchase in the Monarch Beach or Ritz Cove area and I need them to viscerally understand what the lifestyle looks like, this is where I take them. The oceanfront setting is immaculate, the food quality matches the property’s standard, and the whole experience communicates what this coastal market actually delivers at the top tier. I’ve had clients shift from interested to committed after a lunch here. The combination of the Pacific view, the sand, and the resort backdrop closes that gap between looking at a home and wanting to live that life.“

“So many good things. Soba noodle salad. yum! My favorite is the healthy fish and chips. The cajun whitefish was unbelievable! Everything is that I’ve had there.“

“We were visiting friends in San Clemente and had dinner at Vine Restaurant & Bar. The service was outstanding and the food was delish. Great experience“

“good food on the go. plenty of seafood options.“

“This is a stellar restaurant with a great family-owned vibe. Chef Rob is brilliant and the apps, entrees, and desserts are all exquisite. His creativity that he lets loose in his Flight Club events is unparalleled. They have extra-friendly staff and elite customer service. And the fine dining experience comes with a fair price and an amazing value. Check it out and meet the Chef, you won’t be disappointed.“

“Quality food at fair prices! Can't wait to come back & actually sit down in the nice dining area. 👍🏼“

“Very good stuff! Being picky and in the same type of business, it's difficult to find. Great job guys. will be back next time I'm in town“

“This food truck is tucked in the same lot as George’s Episcopal Church. Pro tip: map the church so you don’t get lost. There are several eateries in that lot, but don’t get distracted just look for the green food truck and you’ll know you’ve found the right spot!

I came here right after my workout and ordered food to go. OMG, I had no idea the tacos were humongous! They are literally the size of my palm spread out! Jeeesuz!

I ordered three tacos:

Gobernador: I didn’t get to it until the next day, but the shrimp were so big and juicy, and that Chipotle aioli? Pure genius. I could put that on everything!
Octopus: The only one I ate fresh that day and oh my goodness, flavor explosion! The melted cheese, the seasoning, the texture… everything about it is 10/10!
Spicy Shrimp: I accidentally doubled up on shrimp tacos so I saved this one for the next day too, still delicious, still worth it.

Service can take a little while since there’s only one person taking orders and they’re cooking everything fresh in the truck, but trust me , it’s absolutely worth the wait!

Who would’ve thought a little food truck could make such a big impact? Don’t sleep on this hidden gem please come and taste the goodness for yourself!“

“My daughter, mother and I chose Jack’s for our GNO. We had such a lovely time!. Even though the restaurant was packed, it still had a family friendly, mom and pop time of vibe. Our server was Cruz and he was very attentive, warm and welcoming. The portions were quite large and the food was DELICIOUS. You could taste the love in every bite. Even though we were all happy with my food, I couldn’t help but notice how good the dishes around me looked also (especially the pork chop!!). We will definitely be back again soon so I can try other things.“

“We live right up the canyon and had never visited. Highly recommend!! Great food, reasonable prices, our waitress, Cassidy was so great! She was efficient with everything and just had the nicest personality. We will be back!!!“

“Food was delicious, especially the Chilean seabass. Service was fast and friendly. Lost my wallet. Went back and the manager Brian Dogotch had it saved for me. Thanks for a great experience!“

“We had. not been here in years and our recent visit did not disappoint. Our server Cole was excellent. The food was superb. Highly recommended.“

“Wonderful food and great service!“

“It amazing 😻 great crew on Banquets’s“

“Great food, service and atmosphere.“

“Really enjoyed my stay! The rooms were quiet and comfortable, the hotel bar was fantastic, and the room service was excellent. Loved the thoughtful little amenities—they really made a difference.“

“excellent food atmophere and service!“

“Súper recomendado muy sabroso 😋 y muy amables todos 💕🙏“

“Delicious and fine food, stunning scenery, exceptional personnel. Absolutely recommended!“

“Came for lunch with my gran about a month after my grandfather passed. It was my gran's first outing since the funeral and i was worried but our server was this adorable silver haired woman named Rebecca. She had my Gran laughing the whole time. We ordered combos and the suggested jalapeño watermelon margaritas, which were spicy and refreshing. We needed a nap afterwards because we were too stuffed! My gran won't stop asking when we can go back. Thank you South of Nicks for lovely meal, and Thank you Rebecca, for helping a family member feel normal after tragedy. You are in our prayers“

“We stopped by to grab lunch today and typically we have a hard time finding places to eat because my partner has a severe food allergy. Thankfully, we had a lot of help from Christian who was assisting customers with orders and he made sure our food was safe. It was excellent and the service was great. We will definitely be back again soon.“

“Had a wonderful evening out with my wife at Ironwood Cellars in Laguna Hills. We had reservations for 5:30 p.m. and arrived early. We were greeted by Joe, the manager on duty, who was very kind, professional, and welcoming. Art was our server and is amazingly gifted in customer service professionalism and overall people skills. Yes, showing the love. We started with tequilla drinks from the bar, and we each had a wedge salad. Joe sent us over a wonderful Agnolotti appetizer as well, which was more than kind. The ambiance was positive and upbeat, perfect for the evening. Sergio was also quite attentive in making sure our table was serviced properly. We ordered our entrees with my wife having the halibut dinner, and I had the famous giant meatball dish. Both meals were hot & tasty and presented well. We had a terrific time, and Art surprised us with a complimentary dessert 🍨 with berries. The restaurant is so nice and offers an outdoor patio and bar seating as well. The wine list is extensive, as are the craft beers. Highly recommended.“

“Each dish is spectacular. Love the calamari ….can be an appetizer to share or eat on your own with a salad. 230:Forest Avenue never disappoints!!!“

“It was fantastic! Amazing craft cocktails I've never had anything like before. Food was also fantastic. Local fish, local produce, how can you go wrong. Get the Tessie for a drink, amazing cocktail ?“

“Fresh fish expertly prepared by friendly chef with equally cheerful service staff! We will be back“

“I like Nono's Affordable Mexican food, and a front patio to also eat at. I like there enchiladas, tostados, tacos.“

“Sattva is our go-to Indian restaurant!! We’ve been to both locations and have found it to be consistent, delicious, and the service is always top notch! Highly recommend the butter chicken & tikka masala (basic, I know, but SO GOOD). We also have a vegan friend who always appreciates the number of options for her. The mango lassi is also delish!“

“The owner/chef is a nice dude with portions as big as his personality. For those unfamiliar- think home cooked “el pollo loco” if you will. His wife is the other chef and prep cook. I like simple food and the Half chicken with rice and beans is my go to since 2018. Local tip: this is a couple who’s been running the joint for over 40yrs, the husband is the only cook and sometimes his wife hopes over to help turn out meals. Sometimes the chicken is underdone when they’re super busy, but in almost 10 years I’ve maybe gotten 3 under cooked meats and when I bring it up, he cooks it more, sometimes throws in a free leg or wing and some extra guac or beans. This is as close to hole in the wall/family as it gets. For what this place is, I hope it stays Open until they retire or a son/daughter takes over. Think el pollo loco before it became mainstream, for a day I’m not feeling burgers, I love coming here and sitting on the. Lot of good fish on the menu too, makes me think Baja or south gulf. Very refreshing eats“

“The best restaurant with mussels in South Cali. Highly recommend!“

“This restaurant is a hidden gem. The food is incredible, the service is amazing, and we love the live piano music. There are so many restaurants in the area to choose from, but we find ourselves always choosing Luxe.“

“good service food it's so delicious 😋 atmosphere everything is incredible“

“pasta , lasagna very friendly polite and helpful waiter“

“Delicious 🥰familiale belle vague 🌊 beach 🏝️☀️“

“Excellent service and the food is incredible. Highly recommended if you enjoy a good steak and incredible drinks.“

“The Lumberyard located in beautiful downtown Laguna Beach is a great place to have lunch or dinner. There is a new $16 lunch menu and I decided to try the fish tacos. There was a choice between salmon or halibut for the tacos which included shredded cabbage with a pink cream sauce and a side of black bean and corn salad. I chose the halibut for my taco and it was cooked perfectly. It was a generous portion of fish in each of the tacos so it could easily be split with a friend. The service was excellent. Our orders were taken within about five minutes of sitting down and the food came out quickly after we ordered. I would recommend the Lumberyard if you are visiting Laguna Beach. You will need to have reservations during the Art Festivals or when there is a play at the Playhouse.“

“Best poke! So much variety, tuna, salmon, spicy tuna, albacore, octopus, shrimp. tamago, and tofu. Delicious add-ons and lots of toppings!“

“Tasty, delicious food every time. They are consistent. I especially like their house salad with ranch dressing, free pizza bread, garlic bread, chicken parmigiana pasta with meat sauce. These are my faves here. I love their pizza too.“

“If you’re looking for authentic Mediterranean food, **Heaven on a Fork** is an absolute must- visit. Every single dish we’ve tried has been fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared. You can really taste the quality of the ingredients, and everything is seasoned perfectly.

From the appetizers to the main courses, this restaurant never disappoints. The portions are generous, the service is warm and welcoming, and the atmosphere makes you want to stay and enjoy every bite.

It’s rare to find a place where every dish is consistently outstanding, but Heaven on a Fork delivers every time. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves Mediterranean cuisine.You won’t be disappointed!“