Exciting: Discover the Top Seafood Spots in Los Angeles — A Culinary Adventure Awaits!

Los Angeles, a city renowned for its diverse culinary scene, offers a plethora of seafood dining options that cater to every palate. With its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, the city is blessed with access to fresh, high-quality seafood. This article delves into some of the best seafood restaurants in Los Angeles, highlighting their unique offerings and commitment to sustainability.

Holbox: A Yucatan-Style Seafood Haven

Holbox, located inside the Mercado La Paloma in South Los Angeles, is a standout seafood destination. Chef Gilberto Cetina, known for his expertise in Yucatan-style seafood, sources the freshest ingredients primarily from California and Baja California. The restaurant recently earned its first Michelin star, a testament to its exceptional quality.

The menu features a variety of dishes, including Yucatan-style ceviche, Baja fish and shrimp tacos, and a unique taco of fried octopus with calamari ink sofrito. One of the must-try dishes is the scallop aguachile, marinated in lime, serrano, and cilantro. During the spring season, the Santa Barbara spot prawn is a coveted addition to the menu, offered at some of the best prices in town. For those seeking an elevated dining experience, Holbox offers an eight-course tasting menu on Thursdays and Fridays by reservation only, featuring special dishes like abalone tamal with mole.

Address: 3655 S Grand Ave c9, Los Angeles, CA 90007

Santa Monica Seafood Market & Restaurant: A Legacy of Freshness

Santa Monica Seafood Market & Restaurant, with over 80 years of experience, is both a fish market and a restaurant. Owned by the largest seafood-only distributor in the area, the restaurant gets first dibs on the freshest seafood. The market’s refrigerated seafood display takes center stage, surrounded by dining tables, creating an immersive seafood dining experience.

The menu offers something for everyone, from a selection of oysters and Alaskan King crab legs at the raw bar to classic dishes like fish and chips. For a light lunch, the Louie salad with wild Dungeness crab from the Pacific Northwest is a popular choice. On cooler nights, the Italian American seafood stew, cioppino, provides a comforting and filling option.

Address: 1000 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Water Grill: A Seafood Institution

Water Grill, which first opened in downtown Los Angeles in 1989, remains a premier destination for seafood fine dining. Despite the constant influx of new restaurants, Water Grill continues to serve some of the best seafood in the city. The majority of the seafood is wild-caught, and the menu changes daily to feature the freshest catch.

A dedicated section of the menu offers whole fish served roasted or charcoal-grilled. Water Grill is also known for its seasonal shellfish, such as California spiny lobsters, Santa Barbara spot prawns, and Maryland softshell crab. The raw bar boasts one of the largest selections of oysters in town, sourced from both the East and West coasts.

Address: Multiple locations across Southern California, Las Vegas, Denver, and Bellevue, Washington.

Providence: Fine Dining with a Sustainable Twist

Providence, one of Los Angeles’s best fine dining restaurants, is a two-star Michelin establishment committed to sourcing only wild-caught, sustainable seafood. The restaurant has also received a Michelin Green Star for its sustainability efforts, which include turning its rooftop into a garden and beehive.

Providence offers a tasting menu-only experience, with dishes revolving around the freshest seafood at the peak of the season. Chef Michael Cimarusti and his team create exquisite dishes, such as salt-roasted Santa Barbara spot prawn, which is a seasonal add-on worth the extra splurge.

Address: 5955 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038

Our Advice on the City

Los Angeles is a city that offers a unique blend of culinary experiences, especially when it comes to seafood. For occasional travelers, we recommend exploring the diverse seafood options available at the city’s markets and restaurants. A visit to the Santa Monica Seafood Market & Restaurant provides a comprehensive experience, combining the freshness of a seafood market with the culinary delights of a restaurant.

For expert travelers, consider making reservations at Holbox for their exclusive eight-course tasting menu. This experience not only showcases the best of Yucatan-style seafood but also highlights the importance of sustainability in the culinary world.

In conclusion, Los Angeles’s seafood scene is a testament to the city’s culinary diversity and commitment to sustainability. By choosing to dine at restaurants that prioritize sustainable fisheries, we can help ensure that there will be fish to enjoy for years to come. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the seafood restaurants in Los Angeles offer a delightful and responsible dining experience.