California Fish Grill, located at 23704 El Toro Rd, Lake Forest, stands out in the seafood restaurant scene with its commitment to quality and flavor. Customers rave about their signature grilled plates, particularly the sashimi-grade Ahi Tuna and the customer-favorite Atlantic Salmon, both grilled to perfection. The vibrant ambiance enhances the dining experience, making it feel more upscale than typical fast-casual venues. Reviewers such as Jie Gong highlight the freshness and healthfulness of the dishes, with the grilled shrimp and avocado kale salad being frequently recommended. This dedication to quality is complemented by a menu that features not only delightful seafood options but also satisfying sandwiches like the Cajun Salmon and crispy fish sandwich—all served on a grilled brioche bun. Customer service has received mixed feedback. While many appreciate the friendliness and helpfulness of staff, some, like Mary M. Cupello, noted that service could improve, particularly regarding sauce offerings. Despite these minor critiques, the overall consensus is that California Fish Grill provides a delicious, affordable seafood experience that rivals higher-end establishments. With its flavorful dishes and friendly atmosphere, it’s a must-visit for seafood lovers in Lake Forest.
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
Cosy
Trendy
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 of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Photos
Reviews For California Fish Grill
Mary M. Cupello
May 2,2025
Their dishes are tasty but the service could be better. They never offer the optional sauces. You have to ask for them! Before Covid we could self- serve. Last time I had salmon bowl with miso sauce.
Beth Walti
Apr 30,2025
Yummy. The fish lunch, or dinner, or anytime are so very delicious. All the servers here are so nice and very helpful. This is my very favorite place to eat, always something so delicious.
Jie Gong
Apr 13,2025
Food and ambiance were amazing! The flavors are on the spot and the full dinner set feel healthy, fresh and pleasant to eat. I need to give this place a shoutout for making high quality seafood at affordable prices. I ordered grilled shrimp and avocado with kale salad and feta cheese, and is one of the best choices on the menu (in my opinion). We also ordered a few fish and shrimp tacos to share and a side of their new chimichurri Parmesan fries. All of them were fantastic and feel they are from a premium restaurant instead of a quasi fast food chain.
Maggie Gonzalez
Apr 8,2025
Food was delicious such a clean restaurant Reyna helped with the order and staff was so nice highly recommend Will definitely be back!
Rob Mortenson
Mar 31,2025
Best fish tacos! Never disappointed with the food here. Takes a little bit, but they make it all fresh! Much better value and quality than fast food.
Deja Vu
Mar 26,2025
One of the best food places I’ve had in a long time! Love the healthy soda options! (Rebel soda) the shrimp trip was amazing and the dynamite shrimp! Wish they had one in north san diego!
Lars Lindroth
Feb 16,2025
First time at CA Fish and it was a treat. Fresh, wild caught fish, and excellent service by a young Lady Evelyn. She explained the menu clearly and quick with a kind smile. She even checked how things were at the table and cleared it off for us, though it's partially a self serve restaurant. Great value! We'll be back.
Daryl Yokochi
Feb 14,2025
For a good fresh fish meal, I like this place. Everything is made fresh. They recently added some new dishes and the new salmon miso plate is excellent. I like it with the sweet and spicy sauce which is not too spicy but just right amount to go with the fish and not overpower it. Try it on the miso kale slaw and order the tomatoes with Grier cheese on the side. Sounds odd mixing a sweet and spicy sauce with miso and Grier cheese but trust me, it is so good. Warning, the place gets crowded around dinner time, but you know the food is good. If you have time for a later dinner around 7:00pm, the crowd is usually gone by then and there is no wait. My son loves the fried calamari and my daughter the ahi poke. But try the salmon or the mahi mahi like I mentioned with the sauces. You will be surprised how tasty it is.
Reviews For California Fish Grill