California Fish Grill has become one of my go‑to spots for fresh, flavorful seafood that doesn't feel heavy or overpriced. The food is consistently delicious -- from the perfectly grilled salmon to the crispy shrimp tacos -- and the sides are honestly some of the best you'll find at a fast‑casual place. The zucchini and Brussels sprouts always hit. But what really made my last visit stand out was Yani. She brought so much warmth and energy to the experience. She was patient, helpful with recommendations, and made sure everything came out just right. It's rare to find someone who genuinely elevates the whole vibe of a restaurant, but she absolutely does. If you're craving fresh seafood with great service, California Fish Grill is always a solid choice -- and if you're lucky enough to have Yani take care of you, even better. read more

I've wanted to try this place for a while -- a great alternative to the standard burger and fries fast food. This is nice and clean and service was good. I had the 2 fish platter of swai and salmon with brown rice and zucchini as sides. I thought the platter was very good. The swai was cooked very well. The fish was very tender with a delicate flavor. The garlic sauce worked well. I thought the salmon was not as successful as it was a little overcooked. I think it's a mistake to slice the fish so thin -- you almost invariably over cook it when it's so thin. The rice and zucchini were both good. My friend had the Cajun fish tacos and said they were good. There's so much stuff stacked on the taco I thought the fish would be impossible to taste through all the other ingredients, but my friend said he could still taste the fish and thought it was well cooked I particularly liked all the healthy choices like zucchini instead of fries. The one thing I didn't really like was the ordering kiosks. It's fine to have these for the regularly regulars who know what they want. But for a first timer you have questions and no one to answer them. Also, I found it a little annoying standing in line ... It takes people forever to order with all of the options. It might save a little labor for the restaurant, but it really makes ordering take a long time. The prices were also very reasonable. I'm definitely coming back. read more

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The food is always great, in the past I've had the lake forest location delivered. I like that the website has become more user friendly when it comes to menu items and adding condiments and / or sides. This was my first time going into an actual store, and the vibe is there. It's clean and inviting, there is patio seating available as well. They've had stubborn soda as an option, which is delicious, especially the black cherry. I do however appreciate that I was able to satisfy my Pepsi craving :) When I walked in, I was promptly greeted and told my food was ready towards the back. I used the restroom and came out to grab my food, lesson learned let them grab your stuff. I requested napkins, and didn't get them, which was unfortunate cause one of the boxes was leaking, and got all over, everything . But other than that the woman (possibly manager) was very helpful, and the food was delicious read more

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got it for delivery and the food tasted worse than before. i got the swine plate as well as the fish and shrimp tacos. had high expectations because i remember it being pretty good before but i don't know if its because i got it for delivery as the quality was just not as fresh as before. the swine was alright but it was bland and the sauce that came with it was not good. the garlic sauce was also bland while the cajun was overly salty there was no cajun taste other than salt. the tacos were mid. next time i would recommend dining at the restaurant instead of getting it delivered. read more

California Fish Grill - Seafood Near Me - Irvine, California

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Delicious food and great ambience! The team is always friendly and the food is always fresh! My favorite dish is the Swai fish! read more

California Fish Grill - Seafood Near Me - Irvine, California

Went here for lunch on a suggestion and walked away quite happy! I played it safe and got the battered fish tacos. They came out quickly and were great sized for the amount I paid (a little over $3 each). Definitely can taste the freshness! The staff were super helpful when I was going through the menu and also had suggestions. My co-worker got the whitefish and the portions were huge! Definitely recommend. read more

California Fish Grill - Battered Fish Tacos - Seafood Near Me - Irvine, California

Solid location, super friendly staff, clean spacious dining area, quiet ambiance (which is a pleasant change from the loud restaurants now a days) The food is always consistent, and their staff is super pleasant if you dine in! If you're looking for a healthy meal with convenience, this is a great option! (They also have an app so you can order ahead!) read more

California Fish Grill - Menu march 2026 - Seafood Near Me - Irvine, California

Christian was great! Very helpful and professional. Rockfish was delicious. Thank you! read more

Rating: 8/10 California Fish Grill in Irvine is a really solid go-to, especially if you're looking for something clean and healthier. It's right next to LA Fitness, so it's an easy post-gym spot. Interior is clean and well kept. Service is quick and efficient, making it a convenient option when you want something fast but still quality. Salmon & Swai Combo (Rice + House Salad) Very solid. Fish was fresh and well cooked, and the whole plate had a simple, home-cooked feel. Rice and salad complemented it well without feeling too heavy. Caesar Salad with Shrimp Also good. Shrimp were fresh and nicely prepared, and the salad was crisp with good flavor. Straightforward but executed well. Overall, consistent quality, fresh ingredients, and affordable pricing. Great option for a quick, healthy meal. read more

California Fish Grill - Salmon and swai, shrimp Caesar salad - Seafood Near Me - Irvine, California

All of the workers are so sweet and welcoming, including Christian, who greeted us and helped us with our order! We get the swai (white/fish) with the salad and it's always so fresh and delicious. Looking forward to coming back! read more

I haven't been to CFG Irvine location for a while. Stopped by to pick up lunch today. I had the protein bowl with salmon, white fish, shrimp, and grilled chicken. It comes with rice and beans. Also ordered a side salad. Everything was delicious. Way too much rice for me so I left most of it behind. Wanted to opt for more beans than rice but didn't see an option to do it online. Service was great. I ordered the salad without onions but it came with onions. When I told one of the associates, she quickly had the kitchen replaced it. Everyone was nice and pleasant. Just told some family members about this location. Will visit again soon. read more

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Lent season is here, which means no meat Fridays! I didn't realize how busy they get, but the staff here is incredible! I've never seen such wonderful service from a fast-casual chain. The whole team was attentive, and helpful from the moment we ordered to the very end of our meal. We split the fish tacos and salmon protein bowl. Both were absolutely delicious, and we devoured it! The prices were pretty good too for the amount of food we got. For two people, we spent about a total of $30 on the two meals. read more

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The food is amazing and they have a big variety of high protein low calorie meals if you're trying to stay in shape, Alberto is always there to assist me, every time I walk in he helps me get my order right and also provides options for me when I'm indecisive on what to get, he's the best!! read more

I always come here for my macros. Great taste and bang for your buck. Service is excellent. Alberto is very helpful and attentive!

Service was not helpful. We ordered salmon and swai combo platter, and what we received was definitely not what was expected (see photo). When I took it and showed the employee, she said "that's what comes with a half order". (what's a half order, we ordered a combo plate ) I said so half of a salmon and a full swai she said "yeah sorry" smh We have never received such a small piece of fish when we've ordered this platter in the past at any of the locations. Very disappointed that the service did not meet expectations in providing a full piece of fish. The lobster roll was six out of 10. We came a little after the lunch rush and most of the tables were dirty. The ladies restroom also needed attention. Not sure will be back despite this location being convenient for us. read more

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Overdue review here! Long time regular at CFG, super happy with their new macadamia crusted rock cod . Light cod with a nice flake is well set off by the macadamia nut crust - enough to enjoy the added depth of flavor without overwhelming the fish. Would love to see the cauliflower rice, miso kale slaw, and Cajun shrimp tacos come back, but always interested in seeing what's new on the menu. Staff are all friendly and helpful, special shout out to Alberto for either knowing or finding the answers to our questions while we're ordering! read more

California Fish Grill - Macadamia crusted rock cod & coconut shrimp - Seafood Near Me - Irvine, California

Have ordered DoorDash from this location and it's consistently solid. All the items are correct and the staff have their takeout system down pat so when you come in it's easy to get your order. On this recent visit I got the Swai with a side of beans. Honestly, their beans are really good. Either my husband or I (or both) get them every time and they're so yummy. read more

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I had another great lunch here today! The food is amazing and the service is top notch! Karla and Jorge are some of the most helpful people I have encountered. They helped me make a choice on my food options and recommended certain items. The restaurant had plenty of seating and always very clean! read more

California Fish Grill - Seafood Near Me - Irvine, California

Absolutely loved our meal. A little sad that they no longer have the sandwiches. Those were among my favorites. But still love our dining experience here. read more

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To be honest, back when I first bookmarked California Fish Grill, I had no idea that this place was a chain. All I knew was that the reviews I had seen for this from Yelp friends place were overwhelmingly positive and that one of my buddies used to come here almost every week. So, it didn't really matter when we walked in and realized this was more of a fast casual spot than a full service restaurant. After all, as long as the food is good, it doesn't matter if it's one or the other! Stepping inside, I was surprised to see a (small) line ahead of us to put in orders at their kiosks considering how it was a weeknight. However, after just one look at the menu, it's not hard to see why - there are so many options to choose from! Whether you're looking for a salad, clam chowder, seafood plates, bowls, tacos, or fried seafood baskets, you're bound to find something you're in the mood for. What's more, that's without even mentioning their collections of sides, of which there are almost just as many offerings, from fries, rosemary zucchini, Brussels sprouts, and rice, to sweet potato fries, asparagus, kaleslaw, and so much more! -- SEABASS (BRANZINO) Topped with Miso Glaze and Served with Diced Rosemary Zucchini and French Fries This was as good as I hoped it would be! The pieces of branzino were moist and the miso glazed complemented it well (though, there was a bit much of it). Surprisingly, as good as the fries were, I actually liked the zucchini better - they still had a nice crunch and tasted so good! -- BATTERED FISH & CAJUN SWAI COASTAL TACOS with Kaleslaw and Fire Roasted Street Corn All in all, this was pretty solid. The swai was a bit dry, but the battered fish was crispy and flavorful and I liked how soft the tortillas were. As for the sides, the Kaleslaw was fresh and not overdressed while the corn was really well seasoned, though I thought it'd be more like elote. Interestingly enough, despite how we didn't realize California Fish Grill was going to be a fast casual spot, it actually made me like them even more. Not only are they more approachable and convenient this way, but they're an even better value, too. For the money, not only do you get a good amount of food, but it actually tastes great as well! Given that, it's really no wonder why the reviews for this place are so awesome. And, more significantly, how my buddy managed to come here so often! read more

California Fish Grill - Crispy Fish and Cajun Swai Tacos with Roasted Corn and Kaleslaw (L) and Maple Glaze Branzino with Fries and Rosemary Zucchini (R) - Seafood Near Me - Irvine, California

California Fish Grill - Irvine Rating: (3.5/5) Switched it up from my usual Swai Plate and went with the Battered Fish Tacos on flour tortillas -- four of them -- and overall, it was a solid lunch. Let's start with the positives. The batter was crisp and golden, with a nice crunch that didn't feel greasy or heavy. California Fish Grill is one of those spots that's consistently dependable, and that consistency showed here. The tacos had great balance, especially with the pickled vegetables bringing acidity and brightness to cut through the fried fish. The avocado added that creamy contrast that ties everything together nicely. That said, this round wasn't perfect. The batter could use just a touch more seasoning to really elevate it. It's good, but it plays it a little safe. The fish itself was slightly overcooked this time -- not dramatically dry, but just past that sweet spot where it flakes perfectly and stays juicy. Normally they nail it, so I'm chalking this up to an off batch rather than a systemic issue. For a quick lunch, though? It absolutely works. It's fast, filling, and reliable. It may not blow you away every time, but it's a strong go-to when you want something lighter than a burger but still satisfying. Final verdict: Consistent, crispy, fresh flavors with minor execution hiccups this time around. 3.5/5 -- edging toward a 4 on a better day. Definitely still in the regular lunch rotation. read more

California Fish Grill - Battered fish tacos with avocado - Seafood Near Me - Irvine, California

I recently visited California Fish Grill and tried both their poke and fish and chips. Poke: The poke was a refreshing treat with Sashimi-grade ahi tuna tossed in their signature poke dressing, topped with Green Goddess dressing, and served with house-made tortilla chips. The flavors were vibrant but not overwhelming Fish and Chips: The battered fish was crispy and golden, with a flaky interior. Paired with seasoned fries, it made for a satisfying meal. The fish was definitely well fried but the fries could be a little crispier but still well seasoned. The portion was hearty, ensuring you leave full. Overall, the fast casual dining experience was good. Mostly self serve with ordering through a kiosk but the staff was still friendly if you have any questions they are happy to assist. read more

California Fish Grill - Fish and chips - Seafood Near Me - Irvine, California

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Stopped by for a protein-rich snack after the gym. They had two kiosks available for you to order, and then they would call out your name/order when it was ready. There was ample seating indoor and outdoor, interior felt kind of industrial. I got a salmon taco, and it took about ten minutes for them to call my order. I felt like it was a great portion that fit within my macros, with a decent amount of fish. It came topped with roasted corn and a delicious green salsa. However, they didn't provide napkins for a to-go order, so definitely double check that if you are ordering here. read more

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The grilled fish was a little fishy but paired well with the Brussels sprouts. Battered fish was mushy. The dynamite fries were super good. Service was fast, friendly and attentive. read more

California Fish Grill - 3 PIECE BATTERED FISH & CHIPS - Seafood Near Me - Irvine, California

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The food still slaps, and the service is still pretty quick. However the bottleneck at the line where people have to order has got to go. I understand the downsizing, but man, even with 1 person helping two kiosks, people take forever! So my only tip is to order ahead for to go. Otherwise that line is gonna destroy you if you're Hangry. read more

The food was good overall. I always liked the dynamite shrimp bowl. We tried Lobster Roll Combo this time. But it wasn't as expected. I mean it was like just two small sandwiches for $28. There was very little lobster in them. See photos for more detail. Otherwise love this place everything else is delicious. Try it !! Try different things every time. Music was good in the background. Environment is fine. Service is good read more

California Fish Grill - Dynamite shrimp bowl - Seafood Near Me - Irvine, California

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Perfect service perfect food dope vibe. Everything fire. Going back 10/10 Sauces are fire. Extra sauce is free. The staff super helpful. read more

Good spot overall for food, fish and chips were solid. Pass on the lobster rolls they were pretty small with not much filling, but the other items were pretty good. The salmon and tuna protein bowls were a nice combo and not super skimpy on the protein read more

I've been going to fish grill since I was a kid, however the one near me closed down years ago and I forgot about this place. Ended up driving by it and had to visit some memories, and I mean even from the picture you can tell that all of this food smacked!!! The asparagus wasn't doused or drenched in its lemon sauce it was balanced perfectly, the battered fish taco wasn't overdone with fish either and everything met up well (the pickled onions are the cherry on top). Fish sandwich also is going to be a routine staple, with the dynamite sauce it's actually amazing. They can get busy at times with dinner rushes, but I'd say the food came out at a relatively quick time! Nice place inside, it's decently spacious to fit your friends or family. Definitely will be coming back! read more

California Fish Grill - CRISPY FISH SANDWICH, BATTERED FISH TACO, GRILLED ASPARAGUS - Seafood Near Me - Irvine, California

This was my first time at California Grill Fish, and I was very impressed. The place is clean, bright, and comfortable. They have a self-order system, but staff are also available to help if needed. I was a bit indecisive, and Alberto kindly came over to assist me. He was very friendly and patient, and all the staff were warm and welcoming. Overall, a great experience and their food is the perfect source of protein after a workout. read more

California Fish Grill - Seafood Near Me - Irvine, California

Eating at California fish grill, food was terrific, always fresh, Really love the Salmon and there Taco Tuesdays Angie was very helpful service was great! read more

California Fish Grill - Seafood Near Me - Irvine, California

We visited this spot twice recently, ordered completely different items, and everything was so delicious! I've been very impressed with their level of service and quality. - Salmon/Swai combo with Cajun & Garlic Butter It's simply grilled fish but it's soo tasty. Even the rice that it comes with is flavorful. We usually get the rosemary zucchini as a side. The rosemary flavor is very strong, but I think it pairs well with everything else. Delicious, healthy, and filling - what more do you need? - Dynamite Shrimp Bowl WOW, this dish packs a flavor punch! A perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory. I also admire the choice to just quick fry the shrimp rather than deep fry. Most restaurants that offer some kind of sweet/spicy shrimp deep fry them, so I appreciate that they took the healthier route. - Cajun Shrimp/Salmon Tacos Not much else to say that hasn't been said already. Tasty, filling, and for the most part, healthy! I also want to add that the service here has been excellent every time we visited. The workers there are cordial and help you out with any questions. read more

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Honestly disappointed. When I came to pick up my order, there were rugs rolled up and placed on the counter, which felt very unsanitary. At the same time, someone was sweeping with a broom and kicking up dust while people were still eating. Got home, opened the food, and there wasn't even a tiny piece of fish... definitely not what I expected. Not a great experience overall. read more

Great lunch spot. Alberto helped us at the self-register and helped us get the best pricing combination. Thanks Alberto for the great service! read more

My family and I were here for dinner on Ash Wednesday 2026. They were pretty busy, as everyone coming from Ash Wednesday services came here after church. Haha, and every single staff member we encountered during this time was so attentive and helpful! We will visit this establishment often during the Lenten season, as the food is always so delicious! read more

We absolutely love eating at California Fish Grill. We eat here almost every week. The service is always amazing, especially Katrina who usually serves us. She is extremely kind and attentive, helping us through the entire process, from ordering to serving. One of the best workers I've ever met. I really appreciate her hard work and dedication! Even during high volume times when the restaurant gets busy, she's always has a calm and professional demeanor. Jorge and Jesus are also great servers! The food is high quality and delicious and very affordable for the quality! read more

California Fish Grill - Sign - Seafood Near Me - Irvine, California

I visited this restaurant a few days ago and had a pleasant experience because of Chelsea. She was extremely helpful and friendly. I really enjoy this restaurant because the staff is friendly and the food is great. read more

My husband and I stopped by California Fish Grill and ordered the salmon plates. The salmon was cooked really well and the brussels sprouts were absolutely delicious. Everything tasted fresh and satisfying. The service was fantastic too. Alberto helped us and he was so friendly and attentive, which really made the experience stand out. We'll definitely be coming back--honestly, just because of him! read more

We had a very disappointing experience. We found a hair in one of the dishes, and the fish in another dish was undercooked (see attached photos). Because of the food safety concerns, I ended up throwing away all three dishes we ordered and did not feel comfortable eating any of them. Unfortunately, this was a very unpleasant experience. read more

California Fish Grill - SWAI (WHITE/FISH) with hair - Seafood Near Me - Irvine, California

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Thank you George for being so accommodating and helpful! Definitely recommend coming here and the staff is great. Also gave me a free drink while waiting! read more