Living near the coast in Southern Cal has its perks and one of them is access to terrific seafood. Sure you can go to one of the many great seafood restaurants in the area to get your fix, but seafood is a snap to cook at home. It cooks quickly and you grill it, bake it, pan-fry it or throw it in a soup. There are lots of choices for getting fresh fish in the Irvine area. Here are four of our favorites. 

Seafood City Supermarket

Filipino-owned Seafood City specializes in providing favorites from their homeland for expats and Filipino food lovers all over the country. They focus on all sorts of groceries but still live up to their namesake with fresh seafood brought in daily. Check out their great selection of whole fish, which they will clean for you. 

H Mart

You have probably already experienced H Mart since it’s just across the road from Fusion Apartments, but if you haven’t, you should definitely check it out. A national chain specializing in Korean ingredients and pre-made dishes, they have a good selection of seafood, including live tanks holding crabs, lobsters and shrimp. You can’t get fresher than that!

99 Ranch Market 

Another go-to for asian groceries, 99 Ranch Market in Irvine has one of the most extensive seafood departments in the area. In addition to live tanks, they have a large selection of whole fish and filets. They are known for competitive prices, so make sure to add this place to your list. 

Pearson’s Port

No, it’s not technically in Irvine, but it’s worth a short drive to this seaside shack in Newport Beach if you want local fish caught that day. This family-run establishment owns the boats and the store, and cutting out the middleman means you get the freshest fish at a terrific price. Make sure you check with them before heading out, as inventory varies depending on the whims of the sea. 

Make sure to keep an eye out for more local tips on the Fusion Apartments blog.