El Cajon’s seafood scene is brimming with hidden gems, so there’s no reason to settle for frozen fish sticks when a fresh catch awaits. After rigorous culinary investigation (a.k.a. devouring countless plates), we’ve compiled our top spots for seafood, from innovative modern kitchens to beloved local haunts.
Mariscos & Birria El Prieto
$ | (619) 203-3220 | WEBSITE
We probably aren’t the first to tell you that Mariscos & Birria El Prieto knows how to make some damn good fish tacos. Their lineup of authentic seafood options range from shrimp cocktails and seafood burritos to their even more impressive blue fin ahi tostados. So, if you’re passing through East County and catch the mouthwatering aroma of fresh cocteles and gargantuan portions, you should definitely stop by.
Ponchos Authentic
$ | (619) 444-2506 | WEBSITE
This spot in El Cajon serves their Mexican food with authentic preparation, using quality ingredients. Their menu of traditional dishes is excellent, including Menudo and Campechana—our favorite—shrimp dish (made with fresh seafood). Another plus: you can order generous portions that are perfect if you want to enjoy a satisfying meal without needing to worry about leaving hungry.
Marechiaro’s 2nd Street
$ | (619) 442-9889 | WEBSITE
Marechiaro’s 2nd Street serves phenomenal, mostly Italian-inspired dishes that attract loyal regulars to their family-owned spot in El Cajon. The menu stays classic, but expect to see lasagna, tortellini carbonara, and spaghetti with salsa rosa and sautéed mushrooms—plus a gluten-free section with pizza options. Our favorites are the pasta-heavy dishes like the carbonara and the spaghetti with mushrooms.
The staff is friendly and attentive, creating a welcoming atmosphere for dinner, with calm and private booths that make it a beloved gathering place for families to celebrate special occasions.
THE BURRITO CITY – San Diego
$ | (619) 938-4350 | WEBSITE
Being Vons-adjacent (and also churning out fantastic Mexican food) means there’ll most likely be a line at The Burrito City. But said lines move quickly, and it’s worth waiting to get some of their incredibly flavorful carne asada burritos or a plate of their mainstay dishes like potato taquitos, hard shell beef tacos, or surf and turf fries. Whichever you choose, it’s guaranteed to be perfectly authentic and not greasy.
Dalu Hawaiian BBQ
$ | (619) 741-0452 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for a Hawaiian meal that won’t break the bank, takeout might not be the most elegant dining experience. But if you just want to give your evening a little flavor, there’s Dalu Hawaiian BBQ. The Best Aloha mix is excellent, and if you can finish an entire plate in one sitting, please give yourself a pat on the back. The Rancho/Jamul spot is set up as a casual take-out counter, though the portions are generous and the food stays hot—the macaroni salad is a standout.
Marieta’s East
$ | (619) 442-6671 | WEBSITE
A quiet gem on a corner in El Cajon, Marieta’s East is a local favorite that has more than earned its reputation—likely in large part to its selection of fantastic Mexican cuisine. The carnitas platter, enchiladas suizas, and shrimp tacos are the dishes we gravitate to, but no matter what you go with, get the happy hour specials. No one has ever regretted a big portion of tasty food from here.
Rubio’s Coastal Grill
$ | (619) 670-6628 | WEBSITE
This vibrant, Baja California-inspired grill in El Cajon has been a local favorite for years and is known from counter to kitchen for its fresh ingredients and flavorful menu. They serve a variety of healthy and delicious options, including vegetarian, meat, poultry, and seafood choices, and have over a dozen items—everything from fish tacos (our go-to) to shrimp and bacon burritos to the shrimp trio. They don’t skimp on the service.
EL CILANTRO MEXICAN GRILL
$ | (619) 312-1141 | WEBSITE
El Cilantro Mexican Grill, a standout from the East County scene, now holds its place among El Cajon’s best seafood spots, and they’re serving authentic Mexican street tacos at just $1.89 each. The birria and al pastor tacos do the classics justice, but to make the most of your visit, go for the less conventional options like the surf and turf burrito packed with shrimp and steak, or the carne asada fries loaded with tender meat and melted cheese.
El Cilantro has a casual, family-friendly atmosphere, with a bright, welcoming dining room—perfect for settling in with picky eaters or debating your next order. Or the one after that.
Mariscos la chalupa #3
$$ | (619) 860-9171 | WEBSITE
Fresh seafood and warm corn tortillas are a power duo—and luckily, all we have to do to get some is swing by Murphy’s Warehouse and order one of Mariscos la chalupa #3’s massive fish tacos. If you want to elevate the experience, get the fish cooked on the flat top or fried—it’s an excellent way to expedite your impending flavor rush.
Chins Gourmet
$$ | (619) 938-4041 | WEBSITE
There aren’t many Chinese restaurants in El Cajon where you can find Shanghai Steamed Dumplings worth the wait. Enter: Chins Gourmet. This Mt. Helix mainstay has been around for years, and now, it’s known for its high-quality meat and unique dishes, which mostly just means you can also enjoy an elegant, inviting ambiance here.
They serve consistently excellent food with outstanding service and a friendly, welcoming waitress, all of which get majorly dressed up with fresh vegetables cooked just right and flavors that impress—think generous portions and a calm, tidy environment, or prompt, helpful service after a busy day.
California Fish Grill
$ | (619) 383-1510 | WEBSITE
California Fish Grill serves great seafood, but our favorite thing at this El Cajon spot is their Taco Tuesday. Imagine an exquisite variety of seafood tacos packed with fresh grilled fish and shrimp, then topped with sauces like garlic butter and Cajun. The tacos stay flavorful, while the seafood stays miraculously fresh. Get the grilled giant shrimp or street corn if they’re available.
La Casita’s Grill & Seafood
$ | (619) 444-8228 | WEBSITE
When you have the urge to enjoy authentic Mexican seafood, stat, La Casita’s Grill & Seafood in El Cajon is here for you. In addition to the classics like burritos and rolled tacos, La Casita’s has a great selection of local dishes, like menudo. They also have generous portions, a festive ambiance, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Mariscos La Bola
$ | (619) 717-1084 | WEBSITE
Mariscos La Bola has been serving El Cajon for years, and these days the seafood spot is synonymous with “quintessential Mexican coastal eats.” The casual family-run restaurant with its folding tables and chairs usually draws steady crowds thanks to dishes like fish tacos, burritos, and aguachiles verde. The best part is their seafood comes in endless forms, from tacos with generous portions and delicious sauces to burritos and cocktails.
The aguachiles verde is a standout with the perfect amount of spice and great flavor. It’s smart to call in orders in advance, as there may be a slight wait time, but the staff is friendly and the seafood is fresh. For those looking for delicious seafood in El Cajon, this is a great option.
Yesenia’s Mexican and Seafood
$ | (619) 593-0576 | WEBSITE
You’ll definitely want to stop by this family-run restaurant the next time you’re in El Cajon. The seafood spot has a spacious dining area up front, along with everything from shrimp cocktail to carne asada to breakfast burritos. The star of the show, though, is the salsa bar: a counter filled with fresh salsas and tangy toppings, piled high with an impressive selection of flavors. It’s welcoming and the perfect sit-down meal to enjoy with your family.
