I love how they batter the fish here! Good crunch and good size. The clam chowder was on the thicker side and had a hint of garlic. The staff were really kind and answered our questions about the menu. This is a really casual spot and is close to City Hall/SJSU. The nautical decor and mural were nice. My friend and I were able to enjoy the basketball game on TV too. read more

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AFTER WORLD CUP MEAL Last Saturday after watching the World Cup quarterfinal between England and Norway I came here to each for a late lunch, which was about close to 5:00 PM. I looked at the specials outside and was intrigued by the NY steak. Since this is fish and chips joint I decided to get the 3-piece fish and chips. (According to the menu the breading was tempura-style.) One thing you can tell if a fish is frozen is if the meat is dry after it is deep fried. That wasn't the case at The City Fish as the meat was moist. I did have a problem with the fries as they were soggy. Due to the texture I couldn't finish the whole serving of fries. I liked the size portion of the fish. The breading on the other hand wasn't tempura style and therefore not crispy enough as I expected. Overall The City Fish is a decent place if you want a quick bite to eat fish and chips. read more

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Had a taste for fish and chips last night, so I had dinner delivered from The City Fish. I ordered the two piece fish and chips and a slice of apple pie. I've ordered food from them in the past, but it was my first time trying their fish and chips. It took about a half hour for my delivery to arrive. I was happy to see they remembered to include tartar sauce and ketchup. The pieces of fish were huge and tasted delicious. I like that they weren't over-breaded. I couldn't finish both pieces of fish, so I saved one to heat up later. The fries were okay, just the regular type you get at any restaurant. I've enjoyed their apple pie in the past, but this time it had crumbles on top, a change from their usual pie. I liked it, but it had a bit of an odd flavor. All in all it was a very nice dinner. read more

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Came here after seeing a recommendation from @forkandscore with this ranking as one of his top 5 Fish and Chips in the Bay Area which made me pretty excited considering I have only tried one of his personal top 5 thus far (and if a Brit is saying a fish and chips is good then I'll take their word for it). The location we went to was a quaint little shop that was a little dirty on the floors and tables (seemingly not as nice as the Cupertino location that we saw in the vid) but looks aren't everything. We wanted to try a bit of everything so we chose one of the combo platters with scallops, oysters, and fish with a clam chowder to share. It took a few minutes to get ready and they even got us some more tartar sauce/malt vinegar when asked. The clam chowder was pretty good but nothing that blew our socks off compared to other ones we've had in places like Half Moon Bay or Seattle or the East Coast even. The seafood and chips platter came to us piled high with large pieces which was nice. The fries were pretty standard and crunchy. I think the main positive I would have was that all the seafood, and especially the fish were battered and fried nicely with a really good crunch to each bite. However the issue we had with nearly each piece was a lack of seasoning. There really wasn't too much depth beyond the crunch factor here. I will say the scallops and oysters had a nice natural flavor to them and the texture of the fish was pretty good. But even dousing these in salt/vinegar/tartar didn't help make up for a somewhat bland offering. I will say that the hot sauce they had at the table was really good and helped a lot. Overall definitely not among the best fish and chips I've had but a solid choice if you are in the area and possibly just a one-off (whether it be the restaurant itself of just the location) in terms of an average taste. read more

The City Fish - 4 Oysters, 4 Scallops & Fish - Seafood Near Me - San Jose, California

What a pleasant surprise. We went to the Pride Parade on Sunday and we wanted something fish..and we came across The City Fish. So glad we did. The place is cozy but clean. You order in the front and they will bring your food. We ordered the crab sandwich. It was good, however, it felt like something was missing. It felt like the bread they use may not be the right one. However, the fish is yummy!!! It was perfectly breaded and cooked. It was huge for a very decent price. I love that they have the malt vinegar also at each table. The service is also excellent. If we end up in downtown SJ, love to get the fish and chip next time. Yum. read more

The City Fish - Crab sandwich and 1 piece of fish on the side - Seafood Near Me - San Jose, California

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Phenomenal food and service! We got there early for lunch hour and glad we had all the choices of the place to choose our seats. Of course we took front middle window table. We were all super delighted with our orders. My sister had the Clam chowder in a bread bowl, my brother in law had the variety fish and chips, and I had the lobster roll. We tasted each other food! Holy smoke their tartar sauce is to die for and the breading on the fish was absolutely delicious. They keep a clean restaurant environment and felt like I might be in a beach town, goes perfectly well with the food. There is street parking and plenty of public parking areas in the vicinity. Just plan a little extra time for parking. What a great find!!! Thank you server who helped us on Saturday 5/23 during lunch hour 12pm! You were so attentive! Thanks young lady! You rock! read more

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I drove from Santa cruz, based off the reviews. In my opinion it wasn't good. I had to send back oyster rockafella...the cheese was melted ok outside but the inside was cold..like the spinach mixture was nasty and bland. I asked for crackers, and was was surprise to learn they didnt have anything but oyster crackers. Maam that's not even an option. Who dont offer crackers when selling oysters. The ceasar salad was decent. The lobster roll filling was decent. The bread was not. Over all 4 out of 10. I would recommend it at all. Small eatery, no free parking at this location, small restoom across from kitchen. read more

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Very good shrimp and scallops! Not a lot to look at as far as decor but when the food is good, who cares!?

Always wanted to try this place but parking deters me. I ordered a one piece & chips. So generous in the serving that I had to eat a little bit the next day. But what I liked the best was the gal who took my order. We talked about Chile rellenos while they made my order (I walked in about 20 before closing, I was staying within walking distance). The service was friendly, helped me choose what size I should get, and the fish has perfect crunch. Tartar sauce was good too. So very pleased I went. The gal even told me about their Cupertino location when I mentioned why it was my first time there). I think any seafood on their menu would be good. They know what they're doing, that's evident when you get your order. The shop front is modest on busy Santa Clara street, but worth going with your person and have them cruise the block while you run in. Or use a parking garage, I read they validate. The interior is basic, tv present if you're eating in. read more

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Best fish & chips we've come across in the South Bay. It's a very small place, street parking can be tricky - it's metered so make sure to plan for that. Service was prompt and super nice. Luckily they had some seats open, not sure how bad it would get on a busy night. Overall, the restaurant was clean. I mentioned the bathroom (all gendered) needed tp and they were quick to address it. The clam chowder was so good. Fish & chips was 5 stars! The batter was thin and flaky. The crab sandwich was so good. The bacon and avocado added a yummy twist. Make sure to get the cheesy crab bread - we fought over the last piece. Generous portions and worth the money. Please note they have a 4% surcharge if you use a card, so if stuff like that bothers you, bring cash! read more

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I've been meaning to try this place for years, but every time I'm in downtown San Jose, I have other priorities... like the bars lol today I was able to finally try this place. I came just in time for their happy hour menu and got 1 grilled fish taco and 1 fried fish. Honestly, I'm not a fan of fried fish but their fried fish was fantastic! The batter was light and airy, and the fish was soft and flaky. Perfect seasoning. It was soo good I ordered another one. Their grilled fish taco was also great. The pico de gallo gave it freshness and the cabbage gave it some crunch. The sauce was also paired well with the fish taco. The service was also spectacular. Fast and efficient. Nothing to complain about it. Overall, I'll come back here again and fill my tummy up before a night of binge drinking. read more

The City Fish - Menu - Seafood Near Me - San Jose, California

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I stopped by on a weekday afternoon to pick up lunch. The place was full. There were several delicious items in the menu and could not decide on one. So I went with clam chowder and fish combo. Both were flavorful. read more

The City Fish - Clam chowder and fish - Seafood Near Me - San Jose, California

Good place for Fish&Chips in the Bay Area. They have reasonable prices and large portions. I get it delivered on GrubHub and it comes hot and fresh. There's a large menu with lots of options. I usually go for the fish and clam chowder. The fries are also good nice and thick cut. The fish reheated well so you can eat it for a few days of leftovers. read more

I ordered fish tacos to go, which were fine (not the best I've had but certainly not bad) but for some reason the whole takeout bag smelled awful. i braved it and ate the tacos still (which as I said were fine) but the smell coming from the bag was definitely off-putting read more

The City Fish - Seafood Near Me - San Jose, California

We ordered the Crab Sandwich and Fish and Chips for takeout. Both were delicious! I see myself coming about once a month for my fish/crab sandwich cravings. Love that they're located in San Jose, Cupertino, and Morgan Hill. Need to come back to check out their happy hour specials. read more

Great fish and chips. Light batter that is not heavy at all. Can place order online for pickup. No parking in front of the store but street parking around downtown. Good portion of fries but lacked seasoning, same with their crab sandwich (good size, not much flavor). Clam chowder was creamy, not my favorite though. Would probably go back just for the fish read more

I'm writing this review, cuz I was told I would get a badge. So I heard a whisper about The City Fish while walking around downtown San Jose, thinking "Hm, fish sounds nice, I could go for something oceanic tonight." Went in with low expectations...and honestly? It wasn't half bad. What I Imagined / What I Got * First off, limited seating. Cozy spot. Enough tables so you don't feel like you're in a sardine can, but packed enough to smell somebody else's fried calamari over your shoulder. Parking is sketchy if you show up late, but they validate, which is always a win. * The staff were friendly. Gave me menus without judgement, refilled water, cracked a joke about whether I wanted extra tartar or not (I did). Chill people. The Food (As I Imagined It) * Fish & Chips: golden, crispy, not greasy in a way that makes you regret your life, but crunchy enough to hear each bite. * Maybe a Clam Chowder or seafood combo platter (because that's what fish places gotta have) -- creamy, with chunks, not just sad mush. * Could have had a Lobster Roll or fish tacos. If they offered one, nice; if not, eh, still happy. The Vibe * Relaxed enough that you can come by yourself, nurse a drink, read your phone, watch people hustle by. Not trying to be fancy, but feels like someone spent effort--clean decor, good lighting, maybe some nautical touches. * Drinks? Probably wine or beer pairings; not sure fancy cocktails are their forte, but something decent to wash down the seafood. The "Would I Actually Go Back?" Question Yes. If I'm craving seafood, tired of burgers, want something that feels a little nicer than chain fast food but not like I have to wear a blazer. Perfect for a casual date, or stopping by after work. TL;DR -- Mikey's Imaginary Fish Verdict * Pros: Fish done right, friendly vibe, comfy setting, solid food. * Cons: Parking / seating tight, probably pricier than generic "fried fish joint", you'll want someone who likes seafood. * Would I return? Definitely. Especially when I want something crispy, salty, ocean‑y, and want to feel a little bit cultured while not trying too hard. read more

You can't find better seafood anywhere in the Bay Area We arrived and the restaurant was full we were greeted immediately and was told about the wait time we were seated on time The ambiance is good, you can watch your meal be cooked We continue to frequent The City Fish because it is fantastic read more

For dinner last night, we had the plate and a clam chowder bread bowl. 1 for the clam chowder! The clam chowder was tasteless, even adding pepper, salt and tabasco still didn't help. We wouldn't recommend! It just tasted like.... White!! (Whatever that means!) It was NOT your typical, yummy tasting clam chowder. We had high hopes considering it was a fish place. Don't buy! 5 for the fried fish. The fish was fresh and crisp! This is a must! You definitely need more than just the 2 limon slices they give on the plate, which we got after asking for some. Waitress was nice and attentive. Would come back for fish but not the chowder! Gave it an overall 3 stars considering it's a fish place and the clam chowder was flavorless. read more

OK, this is one of those hole-in-the-wall places that you really should visit. Don't tell your doctor you're going for the deep fried fish and chips, but they are so good! I've popped in here for a lunch a number of times and can recommend it. It's your basic lunch counter ambience, but the quickly prepared fresh food will make you want to come back. read more

Think of this score as a very strong 3 rating..a 3.5, even. It is a QSR, but borderline sit down restaurant prices. My wife and I ordered the oysters, fish and chips, and crab roll (out of lobster, no biggie). The crab roll was amazing...hot and surprisingly fresh tasting (hot butter style...WHY ruin good seafood with mayonnaise???). I devoured it. The fries, fish, and oysters....were fairly standard. They weren't bad...but nothing to write home about. All of the food were huge portions, so you will not leave hungry. The customer service was high standard: helpful in ordering, good customer service, drinks refilled, and checking up on us. This is a good lunch spot. It probably wouldn't stick out in my head should I return to downtown San Jose, but if people wanted to eat, I'd have no problem coming back read more

The City Fish - Hot buttered crab roll - Seafood Near Me - San Jose, California

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best fish n chips in the area! the fish was big and juicy. the chips looked sad but they were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside with just enough salt. it was surprisingly good and then you add tartar sauce or malt vinegar and those fries were on another level. also tried the clam chowder which was very tasty. a bit on the more liquidy side than i like but the flavor was there. the clams were also very good in a wine garlic sauce. waiters were very attentive, possibly because we were the only ones there but regardless, they were always there when we needed. 4% off if you pay in cash. read more

Most seafood places rely on hype. This one doesn't need it. The food speaks quietly but clearly. No tricks, no overcomplication, no forced "wow." Just properly handled ingredients and competent execution. It's almost disappointing how straightforwardly good it is. read more

We went to another location and loved it, so when we were back in this area and saw they had a location downtown where we were, we told our family, we had to go here. They were up for it and it did not disappoint. The service was mediocre, it's a smaller venue and limited staff, but they did get our orders out in a timely manner and it was all soo good, so really I can't complain much. 2 for 2 good visits at two different locations of this restaurant. If you are thinking about it, just go! read more

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Tips from 2015: - really friendly service staff. - food is not bad. - parking tough along the street. read more

They are located on a main street in the middle of downtown, so it was quite a busy street. We stopped by on a Monday for a quart of their clam chowder to go for dinner and it was very tasty! We have always liked The City Fish, but it was our first time at this location. read more

Pretty decent grub here! Love how delicately crispy the fried calamari is though the calamari meat itself is a little on the rubbery side. Similar deal with the fried fish in the fish and chips basket; terrific batter for the fish but the fish is a tad dry. Pretty standard chips. Very friendly service. Overall recommend if you have a hankering for fish and chips (and the like) and happen to be in the area. read more

The City Fish - Fried calamari & fish and chips (2 pieces) - Seafood Near Me - San Jose, California

Came here on Monday for lunch and loved it. The customer service here was amazing and just made the experience here so much better. This place is located in SJ downtown so it was a little hard to find parking. Not to mention the area is pretty ghetto which is probably why we were the only ones inside. However, if you are looking to satisfy all of your seafood cravings this is the spot. We ordered a couple of items off of their large menu. My favorite being the fish and chips were done so well and matched perfectly with their tartar sauce. The fish was crispy and cooked to perfection in my opinion. Their lobster roll was also really big compared to other places and was very juicy and flavorful. The dish also comes with two sides which was so amazing. I chose the garlic fries which were great and the coleslaw which I thought was okay. The last dish we tried were the clams which were not my favorite because it was a little too salty but my boyfriend liked them. Everything came out super fast and was very well priced! Overall, I would definitely come back here. They also have a happy hour which starts around 3 that I will definitely check out for their other items. read more

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Came on a Friday - the 1st Friday of lent. 3rd location we've been to, other locations include Morgan Hill and Cupertino. This one is located in downtown San Jose with just a few tables. Parking available on the streets, could be difficult so we opted to park at the San Pedro Square Market offering a free first 90 minutes of parking. It is a good 6 minute walk to the restaurant. Hubby ordered the Lobster roll with balsamic tomatoes & coleslaw, son ordered the Crab Sandwich with extra crispy fries and I got the fried calamari. We also got the garlic cheesy bread for free since our tab was over $30. The Garlic cheesy bread was really good! Was tempted to order another round but decided otherwise since I was fasting. We also had a dozen oysters, not the best one I had but still good. Ordering is done in the counter and they serve it to you. This location is probably the smallest of the 3. On the tables are assortment of condiments that the hubby and son had fun trying. Decors showcasing marine life ornaments and frames. I highly recommend their Lobster Roll and never miss the garlic cheesy bread. 27 4 2024 #261 read more

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PORTION SIZES ARE GREAT and parking kinda hard in downtown. This is my go to spot whenever I'm craving fish and chips. It's a solid portion for the price. Cod is super nice and fires aware crispy outside and soft inside. Tar Tar sauce is solid too. Service was exceptional and really friendly! It gives like sea vibes idk how to explain read more

The City Fish - Seafood Near Me - San Jose, California

We've finally been to 3 of 3 The City Fish locations. Our first was Cupertino, followed by Morgan Hill, then San Jose to clinch the trifecta. Parking was supereasy on a Friday at 5 pm via the San Pedro Square Market (Park SJ) structure, which has the first 90 minutes free. After a short 5 minute dowtown walk encountering characters along the way, we arrived at the location. The restaurant is located in downtown San Jose and is probably the smallest of the three. Adorned with the usual beer and marine decor, this location has a mural that showcases marine life caricatures and a backdrop of SJ buildings. We shared a dozen Oysters on a Half Shell to start our dinner and slathered them with the hot sauces on hand. Our son ordered the Crab Sandwich with extra crispy Garlic Fries. I got the Lobster Roll with balsamic tomatoes & coleslaw. My wife preferred her usual Calamari. We got free cheesy garlic bread with a purchase of $30 after I chanced on clicking on the "Updates from the business" segment of the Yelp app (Android only I guess as my wife's iPhone doesn't have the tabs) which had the offer. This toasted item was surprisingly cheesy good. Everything was as good as TCF usual. Delicious seafood dinner, great service and generous servings. Lobster rolls everytime! read more

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The service was good and the staff was friendly. The place was clean and the wait time for the food wasn't too long. I wasn't a fan of the fries because they were barely salted and were on the softer side. The clam chowder and the fish & chips were solid. The fish & chips had a good texture and a good crisp. I definitely was full after getting the clam chowder fish combo. It was the perfect amount of food. read more

The City Fish - 8 oz. Clam Chowder and Fish Combo Platter - Seafood Near Me - San Jose, California

Who knew prawns was where it's at lol i enjoyed everything on the plate. food came out quick. Pleasant surprise; stopped by because Milk Belly next door was sold out of everything. Additionally, service was great-- everyone was genuinely nice. Got the daily special which was 4 fried prawns, a fried fish, and fries for $17 read more

The City Fish - Fried prawns n fish - Seafood Near Me - San Jose, California

This spot feels like it should be on Fisherman's Wharf in SF, or at least, that's the kind of vibe I was getting. You order up in front at the register before taking a seat anywhere you'd like. The shop is of decent size with many options for seating (standard tables of 4, high table and chairs for pairs, and an area with a side for booth seating). My partner and I split a plate of 2 fish & chips and a side of clam chowder. The clam chowder was good as a side, but not the star of the show in my opinion. The fish & chips plate was amazinggg! Fish came out hot and crisp, and their tartare sauce and spicy condiments on the table served as great toppings. Service was great, we felt so welcomed upon entering by the worker(s). They cleaned our table quickly and kindly and introduced us to their popular menu items. Apparently you can order fish and chips and choose how many pieces of fish you'd like (I get tired of fish and chips easily, so I love this option!). The restaurant seems to have a happy hour deal that I wouldn't mind checking out upon my next visit. This spot is located in downtown San Jose, so there's street parking mostly and what I believe is a nearby parking garage. read more

The City Fish - Side of Clam Chowder - Seafood Near Me - San Jose, California

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Would you walk 30 minutes and 1.5 miles round trip to save $40? Came here on a cold February evening just before a play at the Center For Performing Arts (CFPA). We were tired of paying $40 per meal at Scott's seafood in downtown San Jose? So walked 0.75 miles to come here. Hole in the wall diner restaurant was virtually empty at 530pm on a Wednesday. Service is good as meals came out in a timely fashion. Wife liked her two fillets of $17.50 tilapia, which came with sizeable portions of mixed vegetables and tomatoes. Portion size of the fish could have been larger for the price My $27 cooked lobster sandwich came on a six inch bun, with sides of mixed vegetables and lots of French fries. Lobster chopped up into pieces on a toasted buttered roll. Would have preferred the entire 5 ounce lobster tail, as the chopped up version was spread out to give the impression of a larger portion, and the cooked version came with no sauce, leaving big gaps in coverage on the bread. Good value for the tilapia, but pricey for what you got in the lobster sandwich. Sketchy area at night compared to San Pedro square or SJ Center for Performing Arts. Ambiance much worse here in downtown San Jose compared to the City Fish location in Cupertino, as many of the popular pictures on Yelp are of the outside of the Cupertino location. read more

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Okay little hidden Dtsj gem.... Great service My grilled salmon was delicious and I loved the season used on it- maybe paprika? Once I squeezed lemon on it and added salt it was perfect! I like that the grill dishes come with two sides: the salad and vegetables were really good and also really good ranch too. My only complaint was that the potatoes could use a little more butter and the place is pretty smokey inside so I got my stuff to-go.the only other suggestion is to salt the fish a little more. We also got swordfish and it was buttery but over cooked and needed salt like my salmon. I was so hungry I forgot to take a picture of my food but my salmon was beautiful. I was impressed with how quickly I got my food after ordering. I really enjoyed my food and I was also so hungry I forgot to get clam chowder which was the reason I came there in the first place lol They also have Mexican sodas, water, canned beer; canned micheladas and some other glass bottle beer options. Who knew Santa Clara had some food fish and seafood, see you again! read more

Such great service and the food was amazing! The portions were HUGE. Definitely coming back next Friday read more

The City Fish - Crab sandwich - Seafood Near Me - San Jose, California

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This was the best lobster roll I've ever had! It was fresh and they were not stingy with the lobster meat 10/10 highly recommend! read more

The City Fish - Lobster Roll, Fries, Caesar Salad - Seafood Near Me - San Jose, California

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This quaint, dive-y hole in the wall located in the heart of downtown San Jose whips up some delicious fried seafood to go with that beer or tartar sauce. Plan ahead when coming to scope out the street parking in the area. It's a small place with a handful of tables for dine in but I believe most patrons take their food to go. If you do choose to dine in, however, you'll have access to TVs and beer on tap. Perfect those game days! The main highlight has got to be the food, their fried fish without a doubt. I'd also recommend some garlic fries, clams, and calamari. They fry their goodies quite well to maintain their crisp and flavor on your drive to the next destination. My only reservation is the clam chowder as it was so-so. You are able to order big tubs of it though so if you're hosting a few mouths, you'll have plenty to go around. The prices are fair and the portions are great. Definitely a go to spot if you're looking for some fish and chips! There aren't many other places that can match the quality, value, and convenience to The City Fish! read more

The City Fish - Seafood Near Me - San Jose, California

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Yelp nation had this place at 4 1/2 stars. I was so hoping for a great experience. Unfortunately, that was not the case. The mahi-mahi was ordered blackened, it had some blackened seasoning on it, but it was not blackened. The fish was a few very thin strips of tail meat and obviously previously frozen. Mashed potatoes ordered as a side were instant potatoes and a bit grainy. Clam chowder was flavorless and did not have many decent sized chunks of clams. Also suspect this was a canned product. Honestly, the highlight was the house salad. Service was quick, Ambience was meh, won't be coming back unfortunately. read more