Noshing with Sandi: California Fish Grill

SAN DIEGO — We were in Mission Valley and looking for a place to eat and found California Fish Grill, a fast casual restaurant that specializes in fresh grilled fish.  They also have fish tacos, some fried offerings, and even a chicken dish or two, but as the name implies, they’re really all about the fish.

I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by the quality.

You walk up to the counter and order and then when a pager goes off, you get your tray of food.  They do serve it with real silverware though.

The host was really patient, explaining to me that wild salmon tastes stronger than the farm-raised variety (both were on the menu), and letting me taste the kaleslaw and soup before deciding to order.

The fish menu was pretty extensive, including ahi or yellow fin tuna, barramundi, rainbow trout, and other selections.  The side options include grilled zucchini, grilled brussel sprouts, corn, French fries, rice, and the previously mentioned kaleslaw.

There are a variety of sauce options available ranging from garlic butter, to Cajun to chimichurri sauce.  They also have a condiment bar with various salsas and sauces like tartar and cocktail.

I had the rainbow trout with brussel sprouts and kaleslaw. Though I’m not a coleslaw fan in general, I really liked the kaleslaw.  The trout came with garlic butter, and it was okay.  I asked for a side of chimichurri sauce, and then it was really good.

My son Shor and a friend were with me, and the three of us traded samples.  Shor had the barramundi (also with garlic butter).  Nice and flaky and moist, it was fantastic.  He also had the dynamite fries and grilled zucchini.  The dynamite fries really packed a punch.

My friend had the swordfish Cajun style.  It was okay, but a little tough.  It was not as impressive as the barramundi which was the star of the evening.  There is disagreement over whether swordfish is kosher, the standard being a fish must have both fins and scales.  During part of its life cycle a swordfish has scales, but it later sheds them.

All these selections were served with a piece of bread. which really seemed pointless to me.  It was just simple bread, perhaps from a large baguette, but to this reviewer’s taste, it added nothing to the meal.

The prices are decent – $12 or so for a dinner plate.  The ambiance was what you would expect from a fast casual restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating.

The non-alcoholic drinks were self-serve. Beer and wine were also options.

Generally, I prefer restaurants where I’m waited on and someone else will refill my drink, but I enjoyed myself and the food all the same.

I’d give California Fish Grill an 8 on a scale of 10.

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Masori is the food and restaurant reviewer for San Diego Jewish World.  If you would like her to review your favorite restaurant, please contact her at sandimasori@gmail.com and provide details.