Santa Monica Seafood (Market & Cafe)
| Address: | 154 E 17th St, Costa Mesa, CA 92627, USA |
| Phone: | +1 949-574-8862 |
| Site: | smseafoodmarket.com |
| Rating: | 4.3 |
| Working: | 9AM–9PM 9AM–9PM 9AM–9PM 9AM–9PM 9AM–9PM 9AM–9PM 9AM–8PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 31
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Joel Jervis
This place is pretty darn good. The service is great and the the food is FRESH. Youre literally in a seafood market. I grabbed a Fat Tire beer (since it was a beer type of lunch on a Thursday). I wish I could do a separate review on the beer, since it complemented the food. BTW: A little bit of helpful info that you might not know about... The reason why Santa Monica Seafood has the seafood market within the restaurant is because it wholesales its product to other restaurants in the OC area. So rest comfortably knowing that youre eating food from the (in)directly source. The only other direct source is getting on its fleet of boat ships and fishing it yourself alongside the crewmen. Know that the menu changes according to fishing season, but either way, if youre a seafood lover, you should be fine. Come with some $$$ and great company and youre completely set! Helpful Hint: Ask for the server, Nick. Definitely a Newport local and can point you out to some great grinds as suited to your palette.
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Jessica Hannigan
Holy cow this place was good. Everything from their iced tea to the raw oysters were delicious. Service was just okay, but the food outshines the lack luster there (not that the service was bad, it was just a bit slow and inattentive). This place is both a fresh seafood market and also a little cafe. We did the cafe side, and it was great. Its really small though, maybe only seating for 6 parties inside (not counting the oyster bar) and 7 outside. They make really great use of their space though, and even though the cafe side is smaller, it doesnt feel cramped. If you like seafood and havent been here- go! Oyster Sampler- VERY good and exceptionally fresh tasting Scottish Salmon- Life changing. It was honestly delicious. The hubby got all veggies with it, and they were delicious Small Cesar Salad- Yum! Very garlicy and tossed with the perfect amount of dressing.
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Kim L
We didnt get the complimentary bread =( -1 Clam chowder 4 stars So good; but it wasnt as thick as I expected it to be & it didnt have bacon so even better =) Seabass 3 stars Yummy & crispy on the outside but needed more flavor. Service 4.5 stars Very attentive & nice service =) Ambiance chill relaxed 4 stars Decor 3 stars reminded me of up north seafood restaurants =) TIP: HH Sun-Thursday 2-5pm Oysters HH ( I will definitely come back for this)
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Mike Rothamel
For ten years, when I was in my late 20s I commercially fished in the north east Atlantic. This is the only spot Ive found so far in So Cal that could pass my standards of fish quality and freshness. Shell Fish is also very nice! Way to pricey, but you get what you pay for these days for sure. Great spot for a quick fix to satisfy you fish cravings. Sure wish they had more Atlantic Cod available, but I think weve wiped them Out sadly.
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Luigi Affaba
Ottimo servizio nascendo da un negozio di pesce. Si percepisce lesperienza di decenni sugli ingredienti. Pesce ottimo e prezzo in linea con le aspettative. Prezzi medi, abbiamo cenato in due con 60 dollari.
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Tharun Niranjan
Best seafood I have ever tasted. Period. Im not even exaggerating. This place has been a family run business for more than 65 YEARS and I can see why. Try the grilled Mahi Mahi Flat bread sandwich. And there crispy calamari. And the catch of the day. You may never know whats in store.
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Charolette Willett
This market is the best Ive found for extremely fresh seafood and Japanese products. The selections are very broad. I purchase fresh ah for Hashim and sushi, and its never failed me. Fish is ALWAYS fresh. Service is extremely helpful and fast. Wouldnt go anywhere Elses!
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Gene
Outstanding selection of seafood...either super-fresh or not displayed...great place for oysters tapped individually for freshness... nice little restaurant as well...good variety but expensive... get here early for lunch midweek...not a lot of seating
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John Talamantes
The seafood was fresh and the service was good. We were able to sit by a window and take in the sights and sounds of the neighborhood. Unfortunately the portions were tiny and overpriced. We got out of there for about 75 bucks on 1 entree.
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Jake Perucca
If you know what you want, you can generally find it here. However, its more fun just check the selection and go from there. All of the fish is extremely fresh and the staff is knowledgeable. Best fish market Ive been to in Orange County.
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PREISS MOVIUS
Best place in OC to buy fresh seafood! Pricy compared to super market fish which I wont eat, but truly worth 80% of what you spend. The other 20%goes to location (Newport) and profit. Friendly staff if youre a friendly person.
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A Private User
The fish here is great! Youve got to try the "Indian Candy" - its the best. This is not a cheap place but if youre looking for a piece of fish that you can be proud of this beats the grocery store hands down.
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Michael Fockler
This was a real serendipity for my wife and I. Been around since 1939, but dont let the age fool you. Contemporary in every way. Fish and presentation fabulous! Service attentive, charming! Well be back!
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jim santoro
very much overpriced some of the prices are unbelievable Id be ashamed if I was the management I realize you dont have to shop there if you dont want to but holy cow the pricing is outrageous
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Celeste Madden
This is literally the best seafood spot Ive ever been to. The drinks are next level. The seafood is to die for. The langostinos al gusto may have best sauce Ive ever had in my entire life.
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Aaron Brooks
They serve what is in season at the time. The meals are very tasty and unique. The desert samplers are awesome too. Fun to go with friends and try different dishes family style.
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dominic iapello
The quality and selection of seafood here is unbelieveable. They also have a restaurant that is good! This place has the best seafood in the area check it out!
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Alex Ziegler
Best place to buy fish. Their cafe also serves amazing seafood. It doesnt look very fancy, but the food is up to par with any upscale restaurant in Oc
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Eric S.
Have been going to SMS to eat weekly for 18 months. They just got a new GM and he decided to change what was a great menu. Very very disappointed!!
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Alex Q
Great place to purchase and eat seafood! Great service too!! They are awesome about accommodating large parties in the patio...thanks guys!!
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Vivente Altamirano
Fresh authentic fish food...boccato di cardinale
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Jessica Huang
Great cafe! So far, my favorite place for Lobster Roll, with veggies instead of fries ;) And their Clam Chowder is really good too!
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Ian Baxter
Great quality seafood and excellent service. I would highly recommend this for anyone looking to indulge in a variety of seafood.
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Kris Takasuka
Whenever I want excellent fresh seafood to enjoy at home, this is the place. I always have a few oysters at the oyster bar.
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Stefanie Ziller
Great place to get some fresh seafood plates. High quality fish and cute eating area. Also serves wine.
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Stacy Kline
Best selection of all types of seafood including an amazing fresh fish Deli and Delicious Restaurant!
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Lucy Ahn
Restaurant and fresh fish market. We selected 3 very feisty lobsters to grill up at home. Delicious!
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Scottie Bryant
Good selection. El Toro Meat Market is better for selection and prices. But too far of a drive.
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Staci Sakely
Freshest fish and excellent service. Restaurant is also really good. Great soups and oysters.
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steve smythe
I love this place becausr i love fish. I buy at the market and ive even sined in. Love it.
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Gregory Kender
Awesome seafood & nice heated outside patio eating area. Yummy!, Mother Days treat for wifey.
