California Fish Grill – Lunch – November 8, 2024 – Thousand Oaks, CA.

I met one of their corporate managers, Hector at Taste of Conejo and he said for me to come in. When I tasted the food at taste of Conejo I was really surprised. The fish I had was amazing, but being able to try the almost whole menu was completely astounding. Located in a mall-type setting, you might not be sure about trying this great restaurant; it looks like a chain, and it is, but the best quality fish I have had in a very long time.

Starters:

New England Clam Chowder, their version of an east coast tradition, is a creamy, rich chowder with tender clams and hearty potatoes, served with oyster crackers. It is rich and creamy and just spectacular.

Breaded Calamari, lovely little strips, cooked to perfection.

Coconut Shrimp, not your basic calamari. These are thick strips, lightly breaded, and flash fried. Pair with tangy cocktail sauce from their fresh flavor bar, a very yummy menu item.

Pole and line caught sashimi-grade ahi, tossed in their spicy poke dressing and avocado, topped with a cilantro cream drizzle, and served with house-made tortilla chips. Nice size cubes with amazing flavor, a true winner.

Grilled Specialties:

Swai (White fish), This farm-raised white fish has moderately firm flakes with pink tones and has a mild, clean flavor. It’s no surprise customers love it. The fish is tender and luscious, and like no other fish you have ever tasted, it’s just that good.

Grilled Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon, served skin-on, grilled to perfection by their fish specialist. If you’re a salmon lover like I am then this is the dish for you.

Sea Bass, Branzino, with a mild flavor, and delicate white-flake texture; their farm-raised Mediterranean Branzino is grilled, with great firm sea bass, like you would get at your favorite Italian restaurant, but not as pricey.

Sandwich:

Crispy Fish Sandwich, with grilled brioche bun, mixed greens, tartar sauce and spicy dynamite sauce, tomatoes, and pickled onions. A hearty sandwich with great fish flavor.

Classics:

2 Pieces Battered Fish and Chips, their fan favorite Battered Fish and Chips in a petite portion! Served with kale slaw and French fries. Being half British, I just had to order this, and it did not disappoint.

Tacos:

Breaded Shrimp Taco with spicy roasted corn and spicy dynamite sauce. I really love the dynamite sauce; it sends it over the top.

Battered Fish Taco with battered fish, and cream sauce. The fish is crisp and super tender, another great menu item.

Sides:

Fire Roasted Street Corn, delicious charred sweet corn with chili flakes, parmesan cheese, and cilantro. One of my favorite sides, I love corn.

Cauliflower rice with garlic seasoning, fresh parsley, cilantro, and green onions. This rice is so wonderful-no carbs and true healthy.

Sweet Potato Fries, sweet and salty crisp fried sweet potato fries, really great.

French Fries, fish’s longtime partner, chips, with russet potatoes, fried, served crispy and hot. I loved these fries.

Brown Rice, Nutty flavor seasoned with pan-roasted onion. Yes, this is a healthy side dish with lots of flavor.

Diced zucchini and rosemary, with the perfect hint of rosemary, it is a great healthy dish. They have a great array of sauces; I did not put any sauce on any of my fish; I opted to use it as needed when my order came to me.

Drinks:

Sea Salt Mango Juice is a super smooth and very drinkable juice drink.

Strawberry Mint Juice, I just loved the mint and the strawberry combination.

Wine:

Split Kendall Jackson Chardonay, of course this wine goes with all of these great grilled fish dishes.

The interiors are fresh and clean, with a small patio. The customers range from families, dates, singles, friends, and everything in between.

California Seafood Grill only serves seafood that is rated Best Choice or Good Alternative by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch® program or Eco-Certified by a third party. Their seafood has a story to tell. Monterey Bay Aquarium, Official Partner Seafood Watch, responsible sourcing. For 20 years, Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch® has been a leader in global marine conservation, educating producers on sustainable harvesting practices, and monitoring the fishing industry’s impact on the environment. Their wild-caught fish are harvested through the least invasive means possible to ensure the ecosystem is preserved and to avoid catching unwanted species. They insist on methods that limit untargeted catch. With their wide range of farm-raised seafood, we commit to working with certified-sustainable fisheries as possible and with those who share their dedication to responsibly sourced seafood.

What I can say about the food here at California Fish Grill is that everything that I tasted was fresh and delicious. It was a great way to eat nice grilled fish for a small amount of money. When your in the area or making it a destination meal, try California Fish Grill; like me, you will be happy you did.