Spend enough time in Stockton, and you might find yourself debating the merits of Delta crawfish versus Sacramento River salmon. We can’t help with that existential crustacean crisis. But we can guide you to the best seafood spots. Despite the inland location, Stockton’s waterfront restaurants, historic fish markets turned dinner destinations, and family-run spots serving cioppino for generations prove this city knows its seafood. Here’s where to eat.
Masa | Contemporary Japanese Lounge
$$ | (209) 473-1255 | WEBSITE
Masa has the appeal of a generic Japanese restaurant in a strip mall, the kind of bamboo-accented place that charges you $14 for a sake cocktail with a single orchid garnish. But that’s fine because Masa makes very good sushi. If you’re looking for incredibly fresh sashimi in Stockton (and maybe a beautifully plated poke bowl appetizer balanced with avocado and brightened up with zippy ponzu sauce), come here.
And make sure to take advantage of Masa’s excellent specialty rolls, like the shrimp tempura, with a healthy dose of crispy texture.
China Palace Restaurant
$$ | (209) 955-0888 | WEBSITE
Unless you’re new to eating in Stockton, you probably don’t need us to tell you about China Palace Restaurant. This Chinese restaurant/deli has been a local staple for years, appearing on every best-of list in the area. And it’s worth the attention. Most weekends, you’ll have to wait a bit for a table during the busy lunch rush. But that just gives you more time to plan your order from their classic, unchanged menu.
Decide between the honey walnut prawns or rice noodles with beef (honestly, try both). If you’re with someone, make sure to share the generous portions, which are perfect for two people.
la Sirena Restaurant and Sports Bar
$ | (209) 390-4898 | WEBSITE
If you have any questions about what dining at La Sirena Restaurant and Sports Bar is like, please refer to its vibrant atmosphere along the street: “Fresh Seafood in a Lively Sports Bar.” The bar in question is a neighborhood hub that serves generous portions and doubles as an entertainment venue—keep an ear out for the karaoke nights and sometimes live music playing.
But the centerpiece is definitely the mandilona, a recommended dish featuring delicious and fresh seafood that was prepared that day. La Sirena is open daily, making it the ideal add-on to any evening out plans.
Oriental Chef
$ | (209) 888-5167 | WEBSITE
This Stockton spot serves excellent Chinese classics, like a killer beef chow fun praised for its wok hei and high heat from the gas range. There’s also a surprisingly nice dining area despite its humble exterior, with warm lighting and comfortable family-style seating. It’s the perfect place to enjoy dim sum, like the popular sui mai, or our personal favorite, the reasonably priced lobster dish.
The ladies working there are super sweet, making the atmosphere welcoming for families who come here to eat.
Mariscos El Cachanilla
$ | (209) 688-9527 | WEBSITE
When the craving for fresh seafood and authentic Mexican flavors hits, Stockton has several spots that promise just that. But if we had to choose between Mariscos El Cachanilla and other local favorites, we’d pick this one every time (the quality is simply better). The menu here has consistently delivered the same reliable dishes for years. The standout is the surprisingly delicious fried sushi roll, but the Gobernador tacos or the build-your-own ceviche situation are the real stars.
Beyond the food, Mariscos El Cachanilla offers a genuinely welcoming experience. The open kitchen lets you watch the chefs at work, and if you linger long enough, you might catch them preparing fresh empanadas right before your eyes.
Jimmie’s Place
$ | (415) 799-6773 | WEBSITE
After one visit to Jimmie’s Place, you’ll feel like you’ve joined a secret society of sushi enthusiasts who also know a thing or two about value. This affordable sushi spot is tucked away in Stockton and it’s a perfect place to introduce someone to great sushi or potentially just someone who appreciates huge portions. The restaurant team clearly cares about freshness. So if you see something on the menu, there’s a good chance it was prepared with attention when you walked in today.
We especially like the Antony Roll, Hamachi Roll, and Texas Roll, but the lion king roll with its baked salmon—decidedly the star—is one of our favorite sushi rolls in the city.
Mariscos El Tiburon
$ | (209) 688-9067 | WEBSITE
At first glance, Mariscos El Tiburon has many features typical of seafood trucks: There’s a shaded outdoor dining area with umbrella-topped tables, fresh ceviche and oysters, and a crowd populated by hungry locals. What sets this authentic Mexican spot apart, though, is the service.
Come here for a quick lunch under the California sun, or a satisfying dinner with family at the picnic-style seating, and you’ll find yourself fighting over dishes like the popular aguachile with boiled shrimp and extra spice, the “2-die-4” shrimp and fish tacos, and the superb prepared oysters. Waiting in your air-conditioned car with the paging system is convenient for just about everyone, but if the destination is Mariscos El Tiburon, the wait will be validated.
JOHNNY WOKKER
$ | (209) 623-7763 | WEBSITE
Seafood spots don’t pop up all that often in Stockton. So the entire neighborhood was buzzing when Johnny Wokker showed up with its South-East-Asian flair. Fast forward to now and Johnny Wokker is still consistently busy and still very good. It’s essentially a temple of noodles and rice, complete with a cozy dining space where the welcoming staff makes you feel valued. This is Pad See Ew and viral crab fried rice worth crossing town for.
Miguel’s Méxican Dining
$ | (209) 208-2200 | WEBSITE
Miguel’s Méxican Dining is a reboot of the dearly departed Taco Haven, and as both restaurants’ aversion to apostrophes suggests, not much has changed at this Mexican spot from the former chef. The dim, cozy room is packed with families sharing platters and Stockton regulars who show up in work boots. It’s the liveliest we’ve seen this strip mall since the dollar store’s Cinco de Mayo sale.
Getting a table takes some patience, but it’s worth it for delicious, pared-down Mexican classics that lean traditional while also swerving totally Californian. That means fresh chips with the mild salsa, chicken tacos you’ll want to order by the dozen, and beef tacos that might not be on special tomorrow. Don’t underestimate the simple rice—the portions are generous and the experience is a must-try.
Captain Crab Seafood Restaurant – Stockton
$$ | (209) 465-8888 | WEBSITE
Captain Crab is where the Stockton seafood scene really gets going. It’s casual, you might have to wait when it’s busy, and don’t expect lightning-fast service. But we still come back for all of this because they are undisputed masters with their low country boil, especially with that captain special sauce and the extra spicy option. And though Captain Crab has settled into its reliable groove, the atmosphere is still peak relaxed seafood spot.
If you want something simpler, just order the fried catfish basket with crispy Cajun fries to-go, or enjoy it at one of their spacious tables while listening to the enjoyable music.
Dynasty Seafood Restaurant
$ | (209) 478-1818 | WEBSITE
We imagine that when the first dim sum parlors opened in San Francisco, the dishes looked and tasted a lot like what you’ll find coming out of Dynasty Seafood’s kitchen: they’re a steady, affordable (most dim sum plates are $6-8), and delightfully authentic homage to Cantonese comfort food. Steamed in bamboo baskets with shrimp, topped with soy sauce and chili oil, and served with hot tea, the dim sum is traditional but high-quality.
The prawns come fresh from local waters, and while there are no cocktail menus on the tables, there is a warm, bustling dining room, perfect for gathering after a day in Stockton.
Ray’s Chicken & Fish Mart
$$ | (209) 451-0823 | WEBSITE
We once grabbed the ‘Had to have it’ snow crab legs and ‘What do we have here’ Dungeness crab from Ray’s Chicken & Fish Mart on a whim, bringing them back to a friend’s backyard gathering. The only issue was, we underestimated how many hands would reach for those garlic butter-soaked shells. Never have we witnessed such a primal seafood celebration unfold.
Crab legs were cracked open with bare fingers, hunks of sweet meat were pulled straight from the shell, and that rich garlic butter was mopped up with whatever bread we could find. All of which is to say, stopping by for their crab specials, jambalaya, or cooked-to-order fish is always a smart move. Especially since a hearty seafood feast won’t set you back more than $25 per person, if that.
Mariscos mazatlan On Filbert St
$ | (209) 313-8266 | WEBSITE
More seafood for you to eat in Stockton. This time at Mariscos Mazatlan, a super casual, no-frills, ceviche-on-your-plate seafood spot that’s been a local favorite for years. Their ceviche tostada is super traditional, prepared fresh right behind the counter, and comes on a crispy shell with a side of tortilla chips. Needless to say it’s best enjoyed with a cold beverage (or many) of your choosing.
The service is also good, and they offer reasonable prices if you’re looking to satisfy your seafood cravings the Stockton way.
