The busiest restaurant in Malibu is Broad Street Oyster Company, the once-nomadic raw bar known for Sundays at Smorgasburg. On the weekends, there are long lines that go around the block. To get the most out of your lobster roll, ask for extra drawn butter. But don’t miss the razor clams and fresh uni either. You can go to the original location or the ones that are now open in Santa Barbara, Grand Central Market, and Long Beach Pier.
The Panamanian restaurant Si! Mon, run by chef José Olmedo Carles Rojas and just a few steps from the Venice Beach Boardwalk, may be one of the most exciting places to eat in Los Angeles right now. A lot of the food on the small menu is seafood, but the buttery uni and littleneck clam shooter and baked oysters stand out. Try the kanpachi ceviche or the curry-spiced sashimi with hamachi from the raw bar.
The Joint is best known as a market for owner Liwei Liao’s highly sought-after dry-aged fish. It also serves hand roll bento boxes, chirashi, and other foods at prices that aren’t too high. (The market side includes options for fresh and smoked fish, if dry-aged fish isn’t on the agenda. ) While there, make sure to check out the cafe as well for an espresso or some tea.
Fishing With Dynamite, owned by Chef David Lefevre, has been serving the people of Manhattan Beach with Maryland-style crab cakes, grilled wild swordfish, and Peruvian scallops served on the half-shell for ten years. The squash rolls with rosemary butter and Key lime pie is as essential as the seafood headliners. Don’t miss out on the cocktail menu, which approaches classic drinks with modern, unexpected ingredient adds.
Some of the freshest seafood on the Redondo Beach boardwalk can be found at one of Los Angeles’s oldest restaurants. There is something for everyone at Quality Seafood, like clam chowder made in the New England style, ceviches, salmon poke, fried and grilled fish tacos, fresh oysters, and a lobster clam bake for two. Beers are also served from tap.
Bringing a restaurant from across the country to Los Angeles doesn’t always work out, but Saltie Girl, which opened in 2022 in Boston, does. The seafood restaurant in the New England style fits right in at its new location in West Hollywood. It serves delicious seafood towers, lobster rolls, and clam chowder. For lunch, try the fried lobster and waffle, which comes out tender and golden brown.
Oh Manna Fish Market has great deep-fried seafood in a building that used to be a Wienerschnitzel, complete with the classic A-frame building. Almost everyone orders the catfish and hush puppies. For the best taste, eat them right away to enjoy the hot, crisp batter.
This fish sandwich pop-up that’s gone permanent in Echo Park is still drawing crowds months after its opening. People are crazy about the fried fish sandwich on a potato bun with Kewpie mayo, but you shouldn’t forget about the rest of the menu, like the crispy, craggy potatoes. For breakfast, try the fish or mushroom congee.
The deep-fried tacos de cameron from Mariscos Jalisco are an iconic Los Angeles dish. Still, don’t miss the rest of the food on this famous seafood truck’s menu. It’s in a few places around town. The mixed seafood tostadas, which are served on top of a crispy tortilla with Tapatío packets on the side, are also very good.
Pasadena has a new seafood contender with the arrival of Pez Coastal Kitchen. The restaurant serves coastal LA-inspired cuisine like a surf and turf molcajete and a ceviche tostada. There is seafood for brunch as well, with a spicy tuna tostada, limey shrimp aguachile, and fried calamari on the menu.
LA has a lot of great dim sum places, but this Cantonese one in Rosemead is one of the best. Bring a group to try as much of the menu as you can. Some of the dishes that stand out are the lobster dumplings and noodles that sparkle, the irresistible har gow, and the shrimp cheung fun.
Head to this Vietnamese seafood specialist for the signature baked catfish. There is whole fish with a crispy skin at Sáu Can Tho Vietnamese Kitchen. It comes with herbs, lettuce, pickled carrots and daikon, cucumber spears, vermicelli rice noodles, and rice papers. New diners would be wise to order its extra tangy-sweet tamarind dipping sauce.
The busiest restaurant in Malibu is Broad Street Oyster Company, the once-nomadic raw bar known for Sundays at Smorgasburg. On the weekends, there are long lines that go around the block. To get the most out of your lobster roll, ask for extra drawn butter. But don’t miss the razor clams and fresh uni either. You can go to the original location or the ones that are now open in Santa Barbara, Grand Central Market, and Long Beach Pier.
The Panamanian restaurant Si! Mon, run by chef José Olmedo Carles Rojas and just a few steps from the Venice Beach Boardwalk, may be one of the most exciting places to eat in Los Angeles right now. A lot of the food on the small menu is seafood, but the buttery uni and littleneck clam shooter and baked oysters stand out. Try the kanpachi ceviche or the curry-spiced sashimi with hamachi from the raw bar.
The Joint is best known as a market for owner Liwei Liao’s highly sought-after dry-aged fish. It also serves hand roll bento boxes, chirashi, and other foods at prices that aren’t too high. (The market side includes options for fresh and smoked fish, if dry-aged fish isn’t on the agenda. ) While there, make sure to check out the cafe as well for an espresso or some tea.
Fishing With Dynamite, owned by Chef David Lefevre, has been serving the people of Manhattan Beach with Maryland-style crab cakes, grilled wild swordfish, and Peruvian scallops served on the half-shell for ten years. The squash rolls with rosemary butter and Key lime pie is as essential as the seafood headliners. Don’t miss out on the cocktail menu, which approaches classic drinks with modern, unexpected ingredient adds.
Some of the freshest seafood on the Redondo Beach boardwalk can be found at one of Los Angeles’s oldest restaurants. There is something for everyone at Quality Seafood, like clam chowder made in the New England style, ceviches, salmon poke, fried and grilled fish tacos, fresh oysters, and a lobster clam bake for two. Beers are also served from tap.
Bringing a restaurant from across the country to Los Angeles doesn’t always work out, but Saltie Girl, which opened in 2022 in Boston, does. The seafood restaurant in the New England style fits right in at its new location in West Hollywood. It serves delicious seafood towers, lobster rolls, and clam chowder. For lunch, try the fried lobster and waffle, which comes out tender and golden brown.
It’s all about the seafood at this Culver City Peruvian restaurant from chef Walther Adrianzen. Begin with a lobster taco and parmesan scallops. Next, choose between ceviches and a whole fish that has been deep-fried. For a dish to share, try the seafood rice with squid, mussels, shrimp, scallops, and more.
After opening in 2008 on the corner of West Jefferson and Farmdale, Mel’s Fish Shack has been a neighborhood favorite for a long time. They serve fried seafood and soulful sides like collard greens, mac and cheese, and hush puppies. It’s no-frills seafood at its best.
Coni’s Seafood is a favorite among Angelenos. The Nayarit-style grilled seafood is what keeps people from Los Angeles and other cities coming back to try the whole grilled snook smothered in chile paste. Also, you have to get the aguachile, which is served with cucumber and red onion and covered in a fiery green sauce.
Chef Michael Cimarusti’s tasting menu restaurant is one of the most sought-after reservations in town. He and his team source pristine seafood to create elegant courses that rotate seasonally. One thing is for sure: every dish is made with a laser-like focus on detail, and the service is so good that it’s not common even at Los Angeles’s best restaurants.
The joys of Guatemalan seafood are at La Cevicheria on Pico Boulevard. When you sit down, take a look around. Most of the tables will likely be filled with regulars eating the ceviche with blood clams dressed in tomato, avocado, citrus, and mint.
Rich Crab is in a popular strip mall on Third Street and serves ganjang gejang, which is Korean soy-marinated crab. The set menu has a spicy braised salmon head, a kimchi pancake, and two kinds of crab. The spicy crab is covered in a chili sauce, and the ganjang crab has a sweet and rich marinade. The meal finishes with sliced crabs served in a spicy stew.
Chef Gilberto Cetina from Chichen Itza serves Mexican seafood specialties at Holbox, his well-reviewed marisqueria, which has moved to a bigger space at Mercado La Paloma. Look for ceviches and tostadas using ingredients sourced from Baja and the Yucatán, including hard-to-find blood clams.
Oh Manna Fish Market has great deep-fried seafood in a building that used to be a Wienerschnitzel, complete with the classic A-frame building. Almost everyone orders the catfish and hush puppies. For the best taste, eat them right away to enjoy the hot, crisp batter.
This fish sandwich pop-up that’s gone permanent in Echo Park is still drawing crowds months after its opening. People are crazy about the fried fish sandwich on a potato bun with Kewpie mayo, but you shouldn’t forget about the rest of the menu, like the crispy, craggy potatoes. For breakfast, try the fish or mushroom congee.
The deep-fried tacos de cameron from Mariscos Jalisco are an iconic Los Angeles dish. Still, don’t miss the rest of the food on this famous seafood truck’s menu. It’s in a few places around town. The mixed seafood tostadas, which are served on top of a crispy tortilla with Tapatío packets on the side, are also very good.
Pasadena has a new seafood contender with the arrival of Pez Coastal Kitchen. The restaurant serves coastal LA-inspired cuisine like a surf and turf molcajete and a ceviche tostada. There is seafood for brunch as well, with a spicy tuna tostada, limey shrimp aguachile, and fried calamari on the menu.
LA has a lot of great dim sum places, but this Cantonese one in Rosemead is one of the best. Bring a group to try as much of the menu as you can. Some of the dishes that stand out are the lobster dumplings and noodles that sparkle, the irresistible har gow, and the shrimp cheung fun.
Head to this Vietnamese seafood specialist for the signature baked catfish. There is whole fish with a crispy skin at Sáu Can Tho Vietnamese Kitchen. It comes with herbs, lettuce, pickled carrots and daikon, cucumber spears, vermicelli rice noodles, and rice papers. New diners would be wise to order its extra tangy-sweet tamarind dipping sauce.
As a seafood lover, fried shrimp is one of my all-time favorite foods. That crispy, crunchy coating surrounding plump, juicy shrimp is sheer perfection But sadly, not all fried shrimp is created equal Too often, I’ve ordered fried shrimp only to end up with puny, rubbery, flavorless shrimp encased in a greasy breading that quickly turns soggy. Such a tragedy!
Luckily after much trial and error (and more than a few disappointing meals), I’ve identified the spots that serve up fried shrimp done right near me. These are the places using fresh, quality shrimp cooking it to crispy perfection, and pairing it with mouthwatering sauces and sides. Read on for my picks of the best places to get fried shrimp near me along with tips for spotting great fried shrimp anywhere you go.
My Go-To Joints for Mouthwatering Fried Shrimp
Here are my personal favorites for indulging in supremely scrumptious fried shrimp close to home
The Oyster Bar
This lively seafood spot is my number one choice for perfectly fried shrimp. Their plump shrimp are always fresh and cooked until super crispy but not greasy. I like to order the fried shrimp platter which comes with slaw, fries, and hushpuppies. Their housemade cocktail sauce for dipping takes it over the top. Pro tip: come on Mondays for all-you-can-eat fried shrimp!
Dockside Restaurant
For an amazing waterfront dining experience paired with fried shrimp that’s second to none, Dockside Restaurant can’t be topped. The local shrimp is hand-breaded in their signature seasoned flour resulting in the crispiest, craggiest coating ever. I like to soak up some of that fantastic fried flavor with their corn fritters and fried okra sides.
Big Fish Grill
This casual spot uses giant shrimp for their fried shrimp baskets, which are a meal all on their own. The shrimp come out hot and crispy every time, never greasy or soggy. I appreciate that you can choose from a variety of dipping sauces like zesty cocktail sauce, creamy remoulade, and fiery Buffalo sauce. Don’t skip the generous helping of their crazy delicious hushpuppies!
Lucky’s Seafood Market
For the freshest fried shrimp, I head straight to Lucky’s Seafood Market where you can buy perfectly fried shrimp by the pound. I take it home and squeeze fresh lemon over the top while it’s still hot and crispy. Paired with some of their housemade coleslaw, it’s the ultimate weeknight treat. They even sell their signature hand-breaded shrimp uncooked so you can fry it up anytime.
Shrimp Shack
True to its name, this spot excels at delightfully fried shrimp in endless combos. I’m obsessed with their fried coconut shrimp which manages to be crispy, tender and bursting with tropical flavor. For a decadent treat, try one of their fried shrimp po’ boys layered with house slaw and melty Swiss cheese on a buttery toasted roll.
What Makes for Mouthwatering Fried Shrimp
Through all my fried shrimp escapades, I’ve pinpointed what sets the stand-outs apart when it comes to frying up superior shrimp:
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Fresh, large shrimp – Old, tiny shrimp turn out mealy and flavorless. Go for places using fresh, raw jumbo or colossal shrimp.
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Seasoned, light breading – The best versions have flavorful breading that imparts seasoning rather than just getting soggy.
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Fried at high heat – Done right, fried shrimp should emerge ultra crispy on the outside, not greasy or oily.
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Cooked thoroughly – Shrimp should be cooked until opaque throughout but still juicy.
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Served immediately – Fried shrimp is best devoured right after frying so it stays crispy and hot.
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Fun dipping sauces – Creative sauces like sriracha mayo or tangy mango chutney make the shrimp shine.
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Fresh garnishes – Toppings like shredded cabbage, diced mango or microgreens add color and texture.
How to Find Fabulous Fried Shrimp Near Me
Armed with knowledge of what truly excellent fried shrimp entails, here are my tips for seeking it out close to home:
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Ask locals – Get recommendations from neighbors, colleagues and friends on their fried shrimp go-tos.
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Check the reviews – Scan online reviews and see what people say about the shrimp itself and not just the restaurant.
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Look for Southern-style spots – Southern eateries tend to excel at crispy, juicy fried shrimp.
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Scope out seafood markets – Many seafood-focused grocers fry up amazing fresh shrimp while you wait.
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Food trucks and stands can deliver – Don’t rule out more casual purveyors of first-rate fried shrimp.
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Note breading details – Menu descriptions that specify ingredients like cornmeal or panko are promising.
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Watch them fry it – Restaurants with open kitchens let you see how they prepare the shrimp.
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Price it out – Be wary of dirt-cheap fried shrimp, which likely means frozen.
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Take a peek – If shrimp looks small or soggy, pass it up. Quality shrimp should be big and crispy.
Satisfying My Fried Shrimp Fix at Home
When I’ve scoured all the local hot spots but am still jonesing for fab fried shrimp, I whip up a batch at home. Here are a few of my go-to recipes:
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Blackened Shrimp – Chicken-fried steak dredge plus blackening seasoning and a hot skillet = crispy spicy shrimp.
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Coconut Shrimp – Roll peeled shrimp in shredded coconut and panko breadcrumbs before frying for tropical vibes.
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Cornflake Shrimp – Crushed cornflakes make for an ultra crispy, nostalgic coating on juicy shrimp.
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IPA Battered Shrimp – For next-level crunch, try beer-battered shrimp fried up nice and crispy.
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Sriracha Shrimp – Mix sriracha into shrimp batter for flavorful heat in every bite.
With these pro tips for scoring sensational fried shrimp in restaurants plus ideas for DIY-ing it at home, I’m all set for shrimp frying success! Now pass the cocktail sauce…
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