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22 Essential San Gabriel Valley Restaurants, 2023 Edition

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The molcajetes at Mariscos Odaly are named after infamous Mexican cartel members
A molcajete at Mariscos Odaly.
Matthew Kang

19 Splendid Seafood Restaurants to Try Around Los Angeles

Fried fish, spicy ceviche, raw oysters, and more

by Eater Staff Updated
4 comments / new
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A molcajete at Mariscos Odaly.
| Matthew Kang
by Eater Staff Updated
4 comments / new

The beauty of Los Angeles’s seafood scene lies in its abundance and diversity. Every corner of the city boasts pristine seafood prepared in a plethora of delightful ways. From fancy raw bars that cost a pretty penny to longstanding neighborhood you-buy-we-fry stands, here now are 19 splendid seafood restaurants to try in Los Angeles.

For restaurants specializing in sushi, check out Eater’s Essential Los Angeles Sushi Restaurants map.

Added: Providence, Dear Jane’s, Fishwives, Mariscos Odaly, Boston Lobster Seafood Restaurant, Playita Mariscos

Removed: Connie and Ted’s, Ceviche Stop, Angler, Sea Harbour Seafood Restaurant, El Coraloense

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Broad Street Oyster Company

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Broad Street Oyster Company, the once-nomadic raw bar setup known for Sunday sessions at Smorgasburg, is the busiest restaurant in Malibu, with long lines stretching on the weekends. The lobster rolls are a thing of beauty, but don’t skip on the razor clams and fresh uni either. Wash down your selections with natural wine or a craft beer.

23359 CA-1 #3874A, Malibu, CA 90265
(424) 644-0131
(424) 644-0131
Broad Street Oyster Company Farley Elliott

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Crudo e Nudo

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This tiny restaurant, almost entirely outdoors and born from the pandemic-age parklets that dot Santa Monica’s Main Street, is not only a fantastic place to down plates of namesake crudo, it’s also the kind of restaurant that reminds LA what resiliency, happiness, and a sense of place can look like. Order the caviar nachos, which are really just heaped-on potato chips with creme fraiche, ikura, masago, and a hint of Calabrian chile spice.

2724 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 310-2120
(310) 310-2120

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Dear Jane's

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This waterfront stunner comes from a team of true pros — namely, Hans Rockenwagner, Patti Rockenwagner, and Josiah Citrin of Dear John’s. So it’s no surprise that the Marina Del Rey beauty, with its crystal-clear view of the marina and sophisticated nautical elements, has been packed since day one. Keep things classic with a seafood tower or an order of fish and chips served with a chock-full-of-pickles tartar sauce, or opt for more playful items like “bougie” fish sticks topped with caviar.

13950 Panay Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
(310) 301-6442
(310) 301-6442
Raw oysters, clams, and horseradish on ice at Dear Jane’s.
A close-up of the JLC seafood tower at Dear Jane’s.
Wonho Frank Lee

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Fishing With Dynamite

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For nearly a decade, chef David Lefevre’s Fishing With Dynamite has been steadily serving its Manhattan Beach community all that’s good and fresh: Peruvian scallops served on the half-shell, Maryland-style crab cakes, and grilled wild swordfish. The squash rolls with rosemary butter and Key lime pie are as essential as the seafood headliners.

1148 Manhattan Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
(310) 893-6299
(310) 893-6299

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Mel's Fish Shack

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Opened in 2008 on the corner of West Jefferson and Farmdale, Mel’s Fish Shack is a longstanding neighborhood favorite for fried seafood and soulful sides like hush puppies, mac and cheese, and collard greens. It’s no-frills seafood at its best. Just note that the restaurant is closed on Mondays.

4524 W Jefferson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016
(323) 732-6357
(323) 732-6357

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Coni'Seafood

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Is there a more excellent fish in Los Angeles than the whole grilled snook from Nayarit-style standby Coni’Seafood? Take apart the flakey, hefty river fish and taste the kiss of the grill’s fire, along with an even smothering of chile paste. The impeccably fresh aguachile doused in fiery green sauce and served with cucumber and red onion is also a must-order.

3544 W Imperial Hwy, Inglewood, CA 90303
(310) 672-2339
(310) 672-2339

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Providence

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It’s not just that chef Michael Cimarusti’s tasting-menu seafood restaurant is one of the most sought-after reservations in Los Angeles, 17 years in. Or that he and his team source pristine seafood to create elegant courses like salt-roasted Santa Barbara spot prawns, or Hokkaido sea scallops with chanterelles, pancetta, celery root, and black truffle. It’s also that dinner at Providence is a well-choreographed affair with a laser-focused attention to detail, so that every single guest and meal feels special.

5955 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038
(323) 460-4170
(323) 460-4170
The “Ugly Bunch” dish from Los Angeles’s Providence restaurant: a gray-beige bowl filled with an artful array of uni, glistening salmon roe, and edible floral garnishes.
The “Ugly Bunch” at Providence.
Noe Montes

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La Cevicheria

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Head to Pico Boulevard to discover the joys of Guatemalan seafood at La Cevicheria. There’s a reason why every table orders the ceviche with blood clams dressed in citrus, tomato, avocado, and mint — it’s bloody delicious.

3809 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90019
(323) 732-1253
(323) 732-1253

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Rich Crab

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Rich Crab specializes in ganjang gejang (soy-marinated crab) and is located inside a popular 3rd Street strip mall. The set menu includes spicy braised salmon head, a kimchi pancake, and two types of crab — the spicy iteration is caked with a chile sauce, while the ganjang version boasts a sweet and rich marinade. The meal finishes with sliced crabs served in a spicy stew.

4253 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90020
(213) 277-1626
(213) 277-1626

Found Oyster

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Found Oyster, a tiny shoebox of a clam and oyster bar in East Hollywood, has a superbly satisfying seafood menu that includes sky-high seafood towers, an excellent scallop tostada, New England-style clam chowder, and an ode to Swan Oyster Depot’s iconic crudo. Chef Ari Kolender has also drawn raves for his bisque-dressed lobster roll.

4880 Fountain Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029
(323) 486-7920
(323) 486-7920
Oysters and clams on ice at Found Oyster in LA.
Raw bar selections from Found Oyster.
Wonho Frank Lee

Also featured in:

Holbox

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Gilberto Cetina of Chichen Itza serves up Mexican seafood specialties at Holbox inside the Mercado la Paloma. Look for ceviches and tostadas using ingredients sourced from Baja and the Yucatán, including hard-to-find blood clams.

3655 South Grand Avenue #C9, Los Angeles, CA 90007
(213) 986-9972
(213) 986-9972
Colorful uni-topped ceviche tostada on a white plate with colorful tablecloth.
Ceviche at Holbox inside Mercado La Paloma.
Farley Elliott

Also featured in:

Playita Mariscos

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In 2021, the owner behind the popular Guisados Tacos chain took over the longstanding El Siete Mares spot in Silver Lake and transformed it into the stellar Playita Mariscos. Owner Armando De La Torre Jr. drew inspiration from his family’s road trips to ports and fishing towns in Mexico. A casual walk-up window with a covered patio, Playita Mariscos transports diners to these places through its food. Beer-battered fish and shrimp tacos, seafood dorado, aguachile, and ceviche are all solid options, and can be finished with a bottle of Mexican Coke or Jarritos. 

3143 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
(323) 928-2028
(323) 928-2028

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Ceviche Project

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After years of popping up at hotels and food festivals, Ceviche Project chef and owner Octavio Olivas now has a home all his own. This tiny Silver Lake space — which serves the likes of Beausoleil oysters topped with trout roe, Japanese seaweed, serrano oil, yuzu gelee, and borage flower — is open Wednesday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

2524 1/2 Hyperion Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 522-6744
(323) 522-6744
Razor clam ceviche on ice in a bowl, from Ceviche Project.
Razor clam ceviche at Ceviche Project.
Jakob N. Layman

Also featured in:

Oh Manna Fish Market

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Oh Manna Fish Market serves up stellar deep-fried seafood in a former Wienerschnitzel (complete with the classic A-frame building). Nearly everyone orders the catfish and hush puppies, which should be eaten immediately to savor the batter’s hot, crisp crunch.

803 E Manchester Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90001
(323) 581-2145
(323) 581-2145

Mariscos Jalisco

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The deep-fried shrimp tacos from Mariscos Jaliscos are as iconic as it gets, but don’t sleep on the rest of the menu from this legendary seafood truck, which has a few locations around town. The cocteles are outstanding, as are the seafood tostadas.

801 E 10th St, Los Angeles, CA 90021
(323) 309-1622
(323) 309-1622
Fried shrimp tacos at Mariscos Jalisco
Deep-fried shrimp tacos from Mariscos Jalisco.
Matthew Kang

Also featured in:

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Fishwives

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Pasadena’s own seafood counter spot is bright and airy, with vibrant seafood to match. Grab a spot at the counter or sidle into a booth in the minimalist space, then dig into an extensive listof daily oyster and shellfish offerings. The entrees nod to the East Coast, with options like a steamer basket, Maine lobster and Dungeness crab rolls, and blue-crab jumbo crab cakes with a mustard vinaigrette.

88 N Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena, CA 91103
(626) 219-6199
(626) 219-6199

Sáu Can Tho Vietnamese Kitchen

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Head to this Vietnamese seafood specialist for its signature baked catfish — a crispy-skinned, 2-to-3 pounder that’s served with herbs, lettuce, pickled carrots and daikon, cucumber spears, vermicelli rice noodles, rice papers, and best of all, a tangy-sweet tamarind dipping sauce. The restaurant is closed on Tuesdays.

8450 Garvey Ave #103, Rosemead, CA 91770
(626) 307-8868
(626) 307-8868

Also featured in:

Boston Lobster Seafood Restaurant

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This San Gabriel Valley staple is a great choice for a casual seafood dinner with a group. Here, the flavors are Vietnamese and Chinese, and it’s unusual to see a table without a plate of lobster stir-fried with garlic and green onions and piled on a mess of garlic noodles — a house specialty and a must-order. Viet-style catfish and clams in basil sauce are also favorites, and although it’s not seafood, a visit would be remiss without a plate of the restaurant’s outstanding shaking beef.

4501 Rosemead Blvd, Rosemead, CA 91770
(626) 288-4388
(626) 288-4388

Also featured in:

Mariscos Odalys

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Crowds flock to this Fontana seafood truck — a TikTok sensation, no less — for Sonora-style caguamanta, a stew of stingray filets, tomatoes, vegetables, shrimp, and tuna fin in a seafood stock flavored with spices and dried chiles. Adding to its popularity are molcajetes piled high with shellfish and served with lime and Mexican cocktail sauces, and giant to-go platters of seafood (charolas) on aluminum trays. The truck is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

14145 Valley Blvd, Fontana, CA 92335
The molcajetes at Mariscos Odaly are named after infamous Mexican cartel members
The El Chapo molcajete at Mariscos Odaly.
Matthew Kang

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Broad Street Oyster Company

23359 CA-1 #3874A, Malibu, CA 90265

Broad Street Oyster Company, the once-nomadic raw bar setup known for Sunday sessions at Smorgasburg, is the busiest restaurant in Malibu, with long lines stretching on the weekends. The lobster rolls are a thing of beauty, but don’t skip on the razor clams and fresh uni either. Wash down your selections with natural wine or a craft beer.

23359 CA-1 #3874A, Malibu, CA 90265
(424) 644-0131
(424) 644-0131
Broad Street Oyster Company Farley Elliott

Crudo e Nudo

2724 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405

This tiny restaurant, almost entirely outdoors and born from the pandemic-age parklets that dot Santa Monica’s Main Street, is not only a fantastic place to down plates of namesake crudo, it’s also the kind of restaurant that reminds LA what resiliency, happiness, and a sense of place can look like. Order the caviar nachos, which are really just heaped-on potato chips with creme fraiche, ikura, masago, and a hint of Calabrian chile spice.

2724 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 310-2120
(310) 310-2120

Dear Jane's

13950 Panay Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292

This waterfront stunner comes from a team of true pros — namely, Hans Rockenwagner, Patti Rockenwagner, and Josiah Citrin of Dear John’s. So it’s no surprise that the Marina Del Rey beauty, with its crystal-clear view of the marina and sophisticated nautical elements, has been packed since day one. Keep things classic with a seafood tower or an order of fish and chips served with a chock-full-of-pickles tartar sauce, or opt for more playful items like “bougie” fish sticks topped with caviar.

13950 Panay Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
(310) 301-6442
(310) 301-6442
Raw oysters, clams, and horseradish on ice at Dear Jane’s.
A close-up of the JLC seafood tower at Dear Jane’s.
Wonho Frank Lee

Fishing With Dynamite

1148 Manhattan Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

For nearly a decade, chef David Lefevre’s Fishing With Dynamite has been steadily serving its Manhattan Beach community all that’s good and fresh: Peruvian scallops served on the half-shell, Maryland-style crab cakes, and grilled wild swordfish. The squash rolls with rosemary butter and Key lime pie are as essential as the seafood headliners.

1148 Manhattan Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
(310) 893-6299
(310) 893-6299

Mel's Fish Shack

4524 W Jefferson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016

Opened in 2008 on the corner of West Jefferson and Farmdale, Mel’s Fish Shack is a longstanding neighborhood favorite for fried seafood and soulful sides like hush puppies, mac and cheese, and collard greens. It’s no-frills seafood at its best. Just note that the restaurant is closed on Mondays.

4524 W Jefferson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016
(323) 732-6357
(323) 732-6357

Coni'Seafood

3544 W Imperial Hwy, Inglewood, CA 90303

Is there a more excellent fish in Los Angeles than the whole grilled snook from Nayarit-style standby Coni’Seafood? Take apart the flakey, hefty river fish and taste the kiss of the grill’s fire, along with an even smothering of chile paste. The impeccably fresh aguachile doused in fiery green sauce and served with cucumber and red onion is also a must-order.

3544 W Imperial Hwy, Inglewood, CA 90303
(310) 672-2339
(310) 672-2339

Providence

5955 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038

It’s not just that chef Michael Cimarusti’s tasting-menu seafood restaurant is one of the most sought-after reservations in Los Angeles, 17 years in. Or that he and his team source pristine seafood to create elegant courses like salt-roasted Santa Barbara spot prawns, or Hokkaido sea scallops with chanterelles, pancetta, celery root, and black truffle. It’s also that dinner at Providence is a well-choreographed affair with a laser-focused attention to detail, so that every single guest and meal feels special.

5955 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038
(323) 460-4170
(323) 460-4170
The “Ugly Bunch” dish from Los Angeles’s Providence restaurant: a gray-beige bowl filled with an artful array of uni, glistening salmon roe, and edible floral garnishes.
The “Ugly Bunch” at Providence.
Noe Montes

La Cevicheria

3809 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90019

Head to Pico Boulevard to discover the joys of Guatemalan seafood at La Cevicheria. There’s a reason why every table orders the ceviche with blood clams dressed in citrus, tomato, avocado, and mint — it’s bloody delicious.

3809 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90019
(323) 732-1253
(323) 732-1253

Rich Crab

4253 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90020

Rich Crab specializes in ganjang gejang (soy-marinated crab) and is located inside a popular 3rd Street strip mall. The set menu includes spicy braised salmon head, a kimchi pancake, and two types of crab — the spicy iteration is caked with a chile sauce, while the ganjang version boasts a sweet and rich marinade. The meal finishes with sliced crabs served in a spicy stew.

4253 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90020
(213) 277-1626
(213) 277-1626

Found Oyster

4880 Fountain Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029

Found Oyster, a tiny shoebox of a clam and oyster bar in East Hollywood, has a superbly satisfying seafood menu that includes sky-high seafood towers, an excellent scallop tostada, New England-style clam chowder, and an ode to Swan Oyster Depot’s iconic crudo. Chef Ari Kolender has also drawn raves for his bisque-dressed lobster roll.

4880 Fountain Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029
(323) 486-7920
(323) 486-7920
Oysters and clams on ice at Found Oyster in LA.
Raw bar selections from Found Oyster.
Wonho Frank Lee

Holbox

3655 South Grand Avenue #C9, Los Angeles, CA 90007

Gilberto Cetina of Chichen Itza serves up Mexican seafood specialties at Holbox inside the Mercado la Paloma. Look for ceviches and tostadas using ingredients sourced from Baja and the Yucatán, including hard-to-find blood clams.

3655 South Grand Avenue #C9, Los Angeles, CA 90007
(213) 986-9972
(213) 986-9972
Colorful uni-topped ceviche tostada on a white plate with colorful tablecloth.
Ceviche at Holbox inside Mercado La Paloma.
Farley Elliott

Playita Mariscos

3143 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

In 2021, the owner behind the popular Guisados Tacos chain took over the longstanding El Siete Mares spot in Silver Lake and transformed it into the stellar Playita Mariscos. Owner Armando De La Torre Jr. drew inspiration from his family’s road trips to ports and fishing towns in Mexico. A casual walk-up window with a covered patio, Playita Mariscos transports diners to these places through its food. Beer-battered fish and shrimp tacos, seafood dorado, aguachile, and ceviche are all solid options, and can be finished with a bottle of Mexican Coke or Jarritos. 

3143 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
(323) 928-2028
(323) 928-2028

Ceviche Project

2524 1/2 Hyperion Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

After years of popping up at hotels and food festivals, Ceviche Project chef and owner Octavio Olivas now has a home all his own. This tiny Silver Lake space — which serves the likes of Beausoleil oysters topped with trout roe, Japanese seaweed, serrano oil, yuzu gelee, and borage flower — is open Wednesday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

2524 1/2 Hyperion Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 522-6744
(323) 522-6744
Razor clam ceviche on ice in a bowl, from Ceviche Project.
Razor clam ceviche at Ceviche Project.
Jakob N. Layman

Oh Manna Fish Market

803 E Manchester Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90001

Oh Manna Fish Market serves up stellar deep-fried seafood in a former Wienerschnitzel (complete with the classic A-frame building). Nearly everyone orders the catfish and hush puppies, which should be eaten immediately to savor the batter’s hot, crisp crunch.

803 E Manchester Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90001
(323) 581-2145
(323) 581-2145

Mariscos Jalisco

801 E 10th St, Los Angeles, CA 90021

The deep-fried shrimp tacos from Mariscos Jaliscos are as iconic as it gets, but don’t sleep on the rest of the menu from this legendary seafood truck, which has a few locations around town. The cocteles are outstanding, as are the seafood tostadas.

801 E 10th St, Los Angeles, CA 90021
(323) 309-1622
(323) 309-1622
Fried shrimp tacos at Mariscos Jalisco
Deep-fried shrimp tacos from Mariscos Jalisco.
Matthew Kang

Related Maps

Fishwives

88 N Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena, CA 91103

Pasadena’s own seafood counter spot is bright and airy, with vibrant seafood to match. Grab a spot at the counter or sidle into a booth in the minimalist space, then dig into an extensive listof daily oyster and shellfish offerings. The entrees nod to the East Coast, with options like a steamer basket, Maine lobster and Dungeness crab rolls, and blue-crab jumbo crab cakes with a mustard vinaigrette.

88 N Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena, CA 91103
(626) 219-6199
(626) 219-6199

Sáu Can Tho Vietnamese Kitchen

8450 Garvey Ave #103, Rosemead, CA 91770

Head to this Vietnamese seafood specialist for its signature baked catfish — a crispy-skinned, 2-to-3 pounder that’s served with herbs, lettuce, pickled carrots and daikon, cucumber spears, vermicelli rice noodles, rice papers, and best of all, a tangy-sweet tamarind dipping sauce. The restaurant is closed on Tuesdays.

8450 Garvey Ave #103, Rosemead, CA 91770
(626) 307-8868
(626) 307-8868

Boston Lobster Seafood Restaurant

4501 Rosemead Blvd, Rosemead, CA 91770

This San Gabriel Valley staple is a great choice for a casual seafood dinner with a group. Here, the flavors are Vietnamese and Chinese, and it’s unusual to see a table without a plate of lobster stir-fried with garlic and green onions and piled on a mess of garlic noodles — a house specialty and a must-order. Viet-style catfish and clams in basil sauce are also favorites, and although it’s not seafood, a visit would be remiss without a plate of the restaurant’s outstanding shaking beef.

4501 Rosemead Blvd, Rosemead, CA 91770
(626) 288-4388
(626) 288-4388

Mariscos Odalys

14145 Valley Blvd, Fontana, CA 92335

Crowds flock to this Fontana seafood truck — a TikTok sensation, no less — for Sonora-style caguamanta, a stew of stingray filets, tomatoes, vegetables, shrimp, and tuna fin in a seafood stock flavored with spices and dried chiles. Adding to its popularity are molcajetes piled high with shellfish and served with lime and Mexican cocktail sauces, and giant to-go platters of seafood (charolas) on aluminum trays. The truck is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

14145 Valley Blvd, Fontana, CA 92335
The molcajetes at Mariscos Odaly are named after infamous Mexican cartel members
The El Chapo molcajete at Mariscos Odaly.
Matthew Kang

Related Maps