California Fish Grill San Diego

45661 ( 107 reviews )
Checking... 11:00 AM - 9:30 PM See Hours
$10–20
5502 Balboa Ave, San Diego, CA 92111, United States
+1 619-407-8723

If you find yourself in San Diego, make sure to visit California Fish Grill, located at 5502 Balboa Ave. This seafood gem offers more than just typical fast-food fare. Customers rave about the high-quality, fresh dishes prepared with care. One satisfied patron, Guy Lawrie, highlighted the efficient staff and delicious meal, noting it exceeded the expectations of a walk-up diner.

Savvy diners like EWD sing praises of the generous portions and competitive pricing, particularly on Taco Tuesdays. The vibe is casual, with a modern twist—self-service kiosks streamline the ordering process, making it both efficient and enjoyable. Andrew Straw appreciated the ahi plate and creative menu offerings, reinforcing the idea that you don’t need cash to indulge in great seafood here.

For those seeking variety, the menu boasts a diverse selection of grilled fish and shrimp, complemented by well-crafted side dishes. Marc remarked on the delightful sauces and dressings, though he wished for a quieter atmosphere. Lisa M, returning for her second visit, couldn't resist the Dynamite Shrimp Bowl, praising the perfect cooking of shrimp and an enjoyable spice kick. All in all, California Fish Grill is a must-try for seafood lovers looking for quality and value in a relaxed setting.

Amenities and More

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Has wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Service options
    • Has outdoor seating
    • Has no-contact delivery
    • Offers delivery
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
  • Popular for
    • Popular for lunch
    • Popular for dinner
    • Good for solo dining
  • Offerings
    • Serves beer
    • Serves comfort food
    • Serves healthy options
    • Quick bite
    • Serves small plates
    • Serves vegetarian dishes
    • Serves wine
  • Dining options
    • Serves lunch
    • Serves dinner
    • Has catering
    • Has counter service
    • Serves dessert
    • Has seating
  • Amenities
    • Has toilet
    • Has Wi-Fi
    • Free Wi-Fi
  • Atmosphere
    • Casual
    • Quiet
  • Crowd
    • Family friendly
    • Good for groups
    • Popular with tourists
  • Planning
    • Doesn't accept reservations
  • Payments
    • Accepts credit cards
    • Accepts NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards
  • Children
    • Good for kids
    • High chairs available
    • Has kids' menu
  • Parking
    • Free parking lot
    • Plenty of parking

Reviews For California Fish Grill San Diego

Guy Lawrie
Jul 3,2025
A friend and I were pleasantly impressed by our impromptu visit to your establishment. Other than an elder fellow's typical challenge navigating the ordering kiosk, the staff were pleasant, helpful and efficient. The meal was delicious and well prepared, not the typical walk up diner at all! The food seemed high quality, fresh, and well sourced. Keep up the good work!
EWD
Jun 12,2025
Amazing! I drove by a a thousand times and I finally tried it. The food is delicious, the portions are big and the price is excellent. Don't forget the taco Tuesday deals. Seriously it feels like restaurants don't understand anymore how to do good food and good pricing. This place gets it.
Andrew Straw
Jun 5,2025
I ordered the ahi plate with zucchini and a cessation salad side, love it, and well worth the price too. Love how they don’t take cash and have self service kiosks. And then you just pick it up when it’s ready. Thanks for the great food will be back!!
Marc
Jun 2,2025
I rate this restaurant five stars for the quality of food and the reasonable prices. This is a "fast-food" type of restaurant with counter service. But if you want quality grilled fish at a reasonable price and don't mind counter service and a lack of ambiance/atmosphere you will like like this place. In addition to the varied fish and shrimp menu, the side dishes; sauces; dressings; etc., are varied and nicely done. (I do wish they would turn the music down although there is seating outside where the volume is lower).
Lisa M
May 14,2025
This was my second time here. I enjoy the atmosphere. It's quiet and clean, and there is always seating available at the times I've been. I ordered the Dynamite Shrimp Bowl this time. It was delicious. Love that little TING of spice. The Shrimp were cooked just right. Also ordered some Asparagus. So good!! I highly recommend coming and trying this place out. The prices are reasonable to me. It's good food, so there's that.
Brian Loesgen
Apr 14,2025
Decent fish and chips, which is exactly what I wanted! It doesn't have that British Pub type vibe, but that's not the type of place they are. Good, casual food, decent value.
G G (G)
Apr 10,2025
Food was Excellent!! Just enough to where you don't feel bloated after eating. Very healthy options. Prices are doable for those of us on a small budget. The only takeaway was the selective customer service, having to ask for fork on a carry out and napkins. The servers look very unhappy, fake it like we all do on the job. That was only issue, other than that, I will go every week or two weeks. Finally a healthy option, thank you, keep your Prices where they are.
Anna Wilkins
Apr 3,2025
Loved it ! Simple , quick and delicious. You can modify orders to your liking and I had the best Greek side salad ever. Whoever works in the kitchen - keep them and thank you. I will be back .

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