Let’s be real: after a long day chasing waves or dodging tourists, nothing hits like a perfectly grilled fish taco or a bowl of clam chowder. And while you’ve probably been loyal to that one spot near the pier since your first sunburn, 2026 is calling for a little seafood adventure. Don’t worry—we’re not saying break up with your usual. But maybe… see what else is out there?
K-Grill
$ | (714) 894-9120 | WEBSITE
Sometimes, the best meals are the ones that remind you why you love supporting local spots – quick lunches between errands, casual dinners after a long day, that satisfying feeling of discovering a hidden gem in your own neighborhood – and the California plate at K-Grill is exactly that.
This small, clean restaurant’s take on fresh, healthy dining features perfectly grilled shrimp, crisp salads, and well-seasoned protein, creating something that’s both nourishing and genuinely delicious: A truly satisfying made-to-order meal.
Market Broiler Huntington
$$ | (714) 963-7796 | WEBSITE
The thing that stands out most about Market Broiler Huntington, a highly-rated seafood spot in Huntington Beach, is the freshness. It’s evident in every bite, with outrageously delicious flavors that everyone at the table will be savoring all night until the plates are clean. Server Aaron expertly manages the busy floor during happy hour, making the experience feel seamless even when it’s packed. The clam chowder is a must-order in our books.
It comes brimming with tender clams, creamy potatoes, and just the right amount of seasoning. That’s a classic dish, but because the ingredients are so high-quality, nothing tastes heavy and the balance holds up. If you’re looking for something with a bit of crunch, try the excellent coconut shrimp, with sweet coconut coating, perfectly fried texture, and a tangy dipping sauce.
Duke’s Huntington Beach
$$ | (714) 374-6446 | WEBSITE
If anyone told us a few years ago that some of Huntington Beach’s best seafood could be found in a historic building right on the sand, we’d assume that person was trying to sell us timeshares. In 2026, it’s simply a must-visit destination now. The next great spot to experience is Duke’s Huntington Beach. Run with fabulous service and stunning beach views, the dishes coming out of this full-service restaurant remind us of the kind we’ve enjoyed at special occasions along the California coast.
The fresh, flavorful options include prime rib or lobster tails, and are properly prepared to complement whatever sunset is painting the sky outside those massive windows. It’s the kind of simple, but well-executed seafood that’s not easily found with this level of ambiance – and that’s exactly why it has us so impressed. It’s also why reservations book up weeks in advance during peak season.
Which is why you need to plan your visit ASAP and secure a table for a chance to savor some of this tremendous cuisine.
Thai Gulf Restaurant
$ | (714) 378-6003 | WEBSITE
If you’re craving a break from the typical seafood joints lining Huntington Beach, make your way to Thai Gulf Restaurant. This popular Thai spot offers authentic cuisine that stands out from the coastal crowd. The flavors are bold, fresh, and satisfying, making it easy to enjoy a full meal without feeling weighed down afterward. We love the Tom-Yum soup with chicken, which is wonderfully aromatic and spicy, as well as the rich and creamy Massaman Curry.
That said, even if you aren’t usually a fried rice person, the crab fried rice will win you over. Packed with generous portions of crab and perfectly seasoned, it’s a hearty, flavorful dish that’s absolutely delicious.
Saigon District Restaurant Presotea
$$ | (714) 964-4500 | WEBSITE
Saigon District Restaurant Presotea is one of several spots featured in the 11 Best Seafood Restaurants in Huntington Beach, CA list. You can find everything from garlic butter fried rice to perfectly cooked lamb chops here, but the absolute star is the Vietnamese food. This hidden gem started out as a local favorite and now serves tremendous Vietnamese dishes with aromatic, balanced flavors and ingredients that range from fresh seafood to tender filet mignon.
There isn’t a bad dish on the menu, but the garlic butter fried rice with filet mignon and the seafood garlic noodles should be a priority. They’re delicious and also extremely fun to eat. The chef and proprietor Rachel is an absolute treat, and the staff treats customers like family from the moment they walk in.
Longboard Restaurant & Pub at Springdale
$$ | (714) 896-8700 | WEBSITE
Longboard Restaurant & Pub at Springdale is a popular spot that’s serving excellent seafood that walks the (OK, probably casual) line between pub fare and restaurant-quality dishes. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, and while they don’t overload the menu with fancy options, you still get plenty of flavor from them. We like their Maine lobster special, described as ‘awesome’ and a must-try, and the seabass when it’s available, with its delicious preparation.
The clam chowder has also been praised as tasty. Either way, you can’t go wrong.
BLK Earth Sea Spirits
$$$ | (714) 960-0996 | WEBSITE
BLK Earth Sea Spirits is a wonderful dinner spot in Huntington Beach that’s run by the same team behind some of our favorite California-inspired restaurants in the area. While those places might focus more on casual fare, the name of the game at BLK Earth Sea Spirits is elegant, perfectly-cooked seafood with tons of coastal influences. Think Chilean seabass that’s crispy outside and juicy inside and dishes that range from grilled artichoke to lobster mac & cheese.
Our favorite plates at the moment are the buttery, tender scallops and the wagu meatloaf that comes with roasted beets, fresh Brussels sprouts, and a housemade sauce we audibly professed our love to when we first tried it. Also, make sure you sit on their enclosed patio—the views change with the light, but if the sunset over the pier is on display, get a table there.
Big Catch Seafood House Huntington Beach
$$ | (714) 892-1700 | WEBSITE
This popular Huntington Beach spot recently expanded their sushi offerings, and in keeping with the “something for everyone” approach of their seafood menu (which is probably the secret to Big Catch’s success), there’s the perfect dish for just about every seafood craving. Want generous cuts at lunch? Their sashimi platter is a pretty solid showcase of freshness, with thick slices of tuna, salmon, and yellowtail that melt in your mouth. Looking for something cooked at dinner?
Their grilled fish selection pairs perfectly seared fillets with seasonal vegetables and light sauces. Or, if you’re just in the mood for, like, classic sushi, their California roll has about twice the crab you’d expect, with creamy avocado and crisp cucumber, and it might be our favorite of the bunch. The attentive service and lively atmosphere make every visit feel special, even when parking requires some patience.
Capone’s Italian Cucina
$$ | (714) 593-2888 | WEBSITE
Opened by a team with deep roots in Southern California’s dining scene, Capone’s Italian Cucina feels like a genuine escape, the kind of classic Italian spot that, on a whim, you’d convince your friends to drive out to Huntington Beach for. The pizza itself leans toward a crisp, thin-crust style, with perfectly charred edges that hold up to generous toppings, and traditional combinations that range from margherita to sausage and peppers.
That said, the chicken marsala – with tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and a rich marsala wine sauce – is our favorite dish on the menu.
The Hangout Restaurant & Beach Bar
$ | (657) 204-9306 | WEBSITE
The burgers coming out of The Hangout Restaurant & Beach Bar in Seal Beach are classic American-style, with juicy patties and perfectly toasted buns. While you’ll certainly be happy with their basic cheeseburger, we recommend concentrating on the breakfast items that the kitchen, located right across from the pier, prepares to reflect and honor the beachside setting. Take the breakfast tacos, which come filled with scrambled eggs, cheese, and a house-made salsa that the cooks prepare fresh daily.
There’s also the rich and creamy cheese grits that we’ve ordered twice this week, as well as other items like onion rings that are crispy and golden. If you’re thirsty, be sure to grab a few cold beers from their full bar to go. The Hangout also has a wonderful neighborhood feel, working closely with the local community and providing excellent service that keeps customers returning for the good food and friendly staff.
Eggroll King
$ | (714) 378-8612 | WEBSITE
Eggroll King is a family-run spot in Huntington Beach that’s serving up consistently fresh, generous-portioned Chinese food. Unlike similar takeout joints around town though, Eggroll King’s dishes come out piping hot and loaded with flavor, whether you’re grabbing it to-go or settling in at one of their simple wooden tables. The chow mein, cream cheese wontons, and house chicken are our top picks, because the ingredients work together so well.
If you’re looking for something that really stands out here, try the salt and pepper shrimp. It arrives crispy and seasoned just right, with plump shrimp and a savory kick that makes it a standout dish, with big, satisfying bites.