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    Fish 101

    4.0 (258 reviews)
    Closed Closed
    Updated 1 month ago

    Fish 101 Photos

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    FISH 101 ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Trendy
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Fish 101

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    Great night!!! Local
    Peter I.

    This was our first time at fish 101 in Cardiff and it was fantastic, service by Natalie and Mary supreme. My wife started with a cup of their clam chowder, which was excellent and then had oysters from Washington. Also excellent. I had the two-piece fish and chips which were right out of London so good so tender just fantastic. Wine selection great 6 ounce 9 ounce whatever you want. We had been regulars at the fish 101 in Lucadia so this was our first time having dinner in Cardiff and we will be regulars no doubt.

    Just a view of the inside of the restaurant
    Charlie O.

    Fish101 combines great food, community and service into a terrific package! I stopped in after my business meeting and had one of their specials a "Katsu Sando" which was made with the Cod they bring in. Took a finicky eater like me all of two minutes to get it down. Perfect batter and secret sauce on a Brioche bun with a big order of fresh fries. Taste bomb. Quick service. If you're in Cardiff try it.

    Poke Bowl
    RJ S.

    Fish 101 serves up the best fish in town. I've been a longtime fan of the sister location in Leucadia and am happy to report that they both check all of the boxes. All the food is always fresh and flavorful, so count on a great meal. Always check the menu board for the daily fish selection and any special limited time items since it can change daily. I'm a fan of the poke bowl, grilled yellowtail plate and the grilled fish tacos. They also serve draft beer, wine, lemonade, fountain sodas and frozen dole whip. Beyond the food, their staff is down-to-earth, friendly and very accommodating. It all fits with the chill vibe of the North County beach towns. Check them out for lunch or dinner and go home satisfied!

    Poke Bowl - Albacore
    James K.

    Came here w/ my cousin. The location is rad and the vibes are chill. The staff were friendly and helpful. We started with the shrimp cocktail which was good. Pretty standard. I got the poke bowl which was really good, although I could have gotten something else in addition (maybe I was just really hungry post-surf haha). He got the halibut plate - looked good but said it was a little under seasoned Def worth coming to give them a try again. Over wasn't disappointed just gotta find what's best for my personal liking

    Salomon plate w/broccolini and black beans
    Trecia L.

    This place is more of a 4.5, but I didn't want to give it just a 4 star. We grabbed a bite here one evening after our walk on the Rail Trail. We parked across the street since there were limited parking spaces at the location. The inside was loud and crowded so we placed our order and sat outside. My husband and I had the salmon plate w/broccolini and I had brussel sprouts and he had black beans. The person who took my order was accommodating to my limited diet restrictions. Everything tasted great. It seems pretty consistent with the other location in Leucadia (which feels less crowded and less noisy).

    Cod sandwich. small piece of fish.
    Tammy D.

    The menu doesn't offer a large variety of fish, but they do have many options such as salads, bowls, burritos, poke. Seating can be inside or outside. Size portions are kind of small

    Yellowtail Plate

    Fish 101 was a really good find. Everything we had was excellent, and the prices felt reasonable for the quality, which is not something you can say everywhere these days. It was refreshing to eat somewhere that isn't trying to overcharge for simple, well-executed food. I had the yellowtail plate, and the fish was amazing. Super fresh, cooked perfectly, and the kind of dish that doesn't need much done to it. The grilled romaine was also excellent and ended up being more memorable than I expected. I also tried the tomato coconut soup. I liked it a lot, although I would've liked a bit more coconut flavor. It leaned more tomato-forward, but still very good. The homemade iced tea and lemonade were both nice, and they offered refills, which I appreciated. The staff was friendly and helpful, and everyone seemed like they actually enjoyed being there, which made the whole place feel more relaxed. The ambience wasn't what I expected, but in a good way. It kind of reminded me of being on an old ship, not literally, just the overall feel. Hard to explain, but I liked it. Parking right in front was basically nonexistent, but it was easy to find something nearby, so it wasn't a big deal. Definitely feels like a hidden gem. I'll be back.

    John M.

    I've been here 3 times now and I really like this place... On my first visit I ordered a fish plate - basically a halibut filet and some sides - It was pretty bland and basic. I wasn't really impressed with the amount of food, presentation or the flavor - for the price which was north of $20. After reading some reviews I discovered that the tacos and burritos are the way to go... On the second and third trips with friends, I tried different types of fish tacos... The spicy tuna variety was amazing. Fried tuna with a spicy chipotle white crema, cabbage and pickled onions... You get three tacos for a plate and it's plenty. They have a red hot sauce (diabla) that is fire! I love it. Also tried the grilled yellowtail and the grilled mahi tacos... I suggest getting the chipotle crema and the red sauce for any of the tacos they serve... On the last visit I saw they had mahi rolled tacos (taquitos). These guys were packed with fish and delicious. For me the blandness in some of the dishes is something to keep an eye on but they have legit ways to spice it up, which is a good recovery. Overall I think this place is solid and a great option in cardiff.

    Mahi mahi plate
    Jeremy S.

    Good little fish spot located right across the street from the beach in Cardiff. This place is super consistent, fresh and has some pretty solid service. I come here daily often to grab lunch as it's not too heavy and it tastes great.

    A sorry excuse for a fish burrito

    This place is such a rip off. I ordered a fish burrito and i got a 1 fish stick wrapped in rice in a cold tortilla. Thanks a lot. Never coming back.

    6-2024
    Tracy M.

    The fish n chips were about a 9. Which is pretty good. The staff is amazing! The ambience is casual.

    Mahi bowl w/ brown rice, balsamic Brussel sprouts & Baja fish tacos.
    S And J T.

    Back again & not disappointed. Well...wife said Baja fish tacos were room temperature but service was superb & mine was great, so... Next day she tried the Salmon sammich & loved it. I'll post a pic.

    Poke Bowl

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

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    4 months ago

    food was delicious, super flavorful, and fresh! ambiance is very chill and the staff is always super nice too!

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    8 months ago

    Prices were reasonable. We had the fish and chips and it was good. Like the fact that they have parking in front.

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    2 years ago

    Best fish burritos that I have ever had. Their currie fish bowl is delicious, too! The staff is beyond nice and helpful.

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    4 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    11 months ago

    Fantastic mahi mahi sandwich large enough to share/-flavorful and perfect! Parking is tight so get there early and avoid the rush!

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    4 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Fresh, healthy and so tasty. The fish and shrimp curry is lip licking delicious. Light but rich at the same time.

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Best fish tacos ever had ... my favorite place to eat when in Encinitas area . Staff is always been friendly and love the merch !

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    5 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    So good and at a great price point! We walked over from camping at San Elijo and it was perfect!

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    1 year ago

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    7 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Reasonable super fresh seafood. Fried tuna taco special was unbelievable and a ton of food

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    7 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Outstanding!! Really feel, great value, casual and good selection. Feels like a cool neighborhood joint. Fish was cooked perfectly.

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    Page 2 of 7

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    Side of bar and bigger entrance for wheelchair accessible
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    Lava cake - big portion but no lava inside.
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