The Encinitas and Leucadia locations of Fish 101 are known for their fish tacos, considered among the best in the county by some residents. While the pandemic has caused the restaurant to offer a limited menu, there are still enough options to satisfy those seafood cravings. Orders are only being accepted via phone or online.

This former farmers market vendor made a splash on the local scene with its seafood sandwiches and it continues the trend at its Miramar and Little Italy locations. Named after mythical creatures, most sandwiches are infused with Asian-flavors like the Nessie, a miso-glazed fish of the day, or Chimera, a Korean BBQ steak and shrimp grilled cheese.

La Jolla’s El Pescador Fish Market doubles as a fishmonger and sit down restaurant, though lately dining on the premises is regulated to the patio. Choose from menu favorites like the sashimi plate, ahi poke, clam chowder and a variety of char-grilled seafoods. Don’t forget to also check out the market specialty items you can cook at home.

Long a go-to for seafood aficionados in San Diego, Pacific Beach’s The Fishery focuses on fresh, sustainably caught and in-season seafood both in its restaurant and market. Items available to-go include hot starters like miso-glazed cod or entrèes such as the Maine diver scallops. Reservations for its outdoor dining space is recommended.

Seafood takes a soulful turn at this College Area restaurant. Classic baskets with your choice of fried catfish, shrimp or non-seafood options like chicken wings, come with crisp fries, garlic toast, hot sauce and housemade tartar sauce. The real star is the blackened shrimp and crab roll that’ll bring you back for more. Place orders by calling the restaurant.

This nondescript, small shop just off Newport Avenue in Ocean Beach has a limited but targeted menu featuring poke, made fresh daily. This poke is “island-style,” meaning there aren’t any bells and whistles like avocado, fried onions or foie gras—just marinated raw fish and sushi rice. Social distancing of its patio dining is strictly enforced.

Lemon Grove is home to some of the best fish ‘n’ chips in the county. Their tempura-dipped seafood is made fresh-to-order, meaning ordering ahead especially in the era of COVID-19 is a necessity. Don’t miss out on other menu items like hush puppies, fried clam strips, scallops and oysters.

Come to North Park for East Coast-style seafood. The extensive menu covers all the bases including clam chowder and lobster rolls to the whole range of fried seafoods such as fish, lobster, shrimp, oysters and even Ipswich clams. Delivery and takeout is available as well as outdoor seating.

It’ll be hard to miss the chartered fishing boats in view of the restaurant’s entrance but that means you’ve come to the right spot. Along with cases full of ready-to-cook seafood, queue up to the counter and place your order for sushi, shrimp cocktails, seafood sandwiches and fried plates. There’s plenty of outdoor dining and the restaurant also has a dedicated parking lot.

Little Italy’s dedicated seafood restaurant is currently open for dine-in service on its sidewalk patio on a first come, first serve basis, with happy hour offered from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. Its takeout menu features classics like the lobster roll, crab cake and clam chowder as well as raw oysters and fish dishes based on fresh catch from the nearby Tuna Harbor Dockside Market.

Baja-style seafood is the word at TJ Oyster Bar and there are three locations to choose from in the South Bay including two on Bonita Road. Come for raw seafood cocktails, smoked tuna tacos, fried fish tacos and more. Delivery and takeout is available.