Fish 101

Enjoyed our lunch, very friendly and casual self service you order at a counter and they bring you your meal. Fast service and the food was hot and fresh. Loved the grilled Mahi fish bowl and Hubs devoured his fish and chips. I had the kombucha on tap which tasted like unsweetened ginger ale. Wish this was closer to home but a great stop before golf. Gave it 4 stars as the ambiance was very noisy and crowded. Parking was a challenge along this stretch of the 101 otherwise would give it 5 stars.

Driving through Encinitas with the family and suddenly got a craving for fish and chips. Fish 101 definitely did not disappoint. I ordered the 2 piece and it was perfectly fried, not at all greasy, with perfect flaky fish. My husband got the fried shrimp tacos and had great things to say. Atmosphere is cool even if the seating and parking are tight. Would definitely come back here!

I would give 5 stars but.. As a restaurant manager and owner, I wouldn’t allow patrons to watch me and my crew pig out, not wash hands after and serve patrons food! Google food though! Especially the calamari they’re pigging out on. Bad part? My lunch came first, my husband watched me eat, then when I was done, he got his and I watched. Ugh.

Stopped in here for dinner one night while in town on business. Upon arrival there was a line out the door of people waiting to order — decided to wait it out and it was definitely worth it! The food was fantastic and the service was great. I would definitely recommend this place.

Awesome food and a fun, lively atmosphere. Everything we ordered was delicious and the service was great! Will eat here again.

Albacore Tuna Poke ($ 9.95) is made with sashimi grade tuna, sweet onion, shoyu, wakame, and served with wonton chips. It’s pretty good, but would be better with more shoyu and a touch of sesame seed oil. Also, cutting the fish into similar size chunks would help get the flavor into the fish evenly. Wakame is good, but ogo would be better as it lends more of a briny flavor. The presentation is very nice with the look of a tartare. Rating: ⁴⁄₅
Fish N’ Chips ($ 10.95 for 2 pieces, $ 13.95 for 3 pieces) is beer-​batter fish fried in rice bran oil and served with fries and house made tartar sauce. The outside is crispy and crunchy. The fish is tender and succulent on the inside. Their house made tartar sauce is fantastic! If you like it on your fish, go for it. But it is also great as a dip for your fries! Rating: 4.5÷5
Grilled Fish Plate ($ 13.95) is your choice of Today’s Catch simply grilled and served with your choice of two sides. In this case, salmon, fries and cole slaw were chosen. The salmon is perfectly grilled with tender, succulent meat and smoky, chargrill flavor on the outside. The cole slaw is nicely dressed with just enough dressing and presents with a slightly sweet flavor. Rating: 4.5÷5

Love this fish curry! Grilled sward fish was very good, too. Very casual. Many families and a group. Not a first date kind of place but put on flip flop and mingle with local people standing in line to order food kinda place. It is noisy and no TV.
I like food and this laid back atmosphere a lot.

Food is very basic, but pricey.
Guacamole is a small bowl of just mashed avocado, almost $ 7.
Service was good, ambience was nice.

Can’t beat the Happy Hour $ 1 oysters, but for non-​oyster lovers, the only discounted choice is grilled or battered fish tacos ($ 2.75) of which one can easily make a meal. It’s counter service, but once you’ve established your spot out on one of the pleasant back patio tables, you can start a tab with a wait person. On our first visit, we were pestered by flies, and I don’t know if it was due to insect abatement or the time of year, but on a subsequent warm winter’s afternoon, none appeared. Come on the early side Tuesday-​Friday 4−6pm.
HG found plenty of beers to try, and the hard cider offering is one of the better I’ve had. We’ve only supplemented HH with a kale salad… pretty good for kale and salad. Oh no, I did have some dessert… and maybe chowder… maybe even mussels. The only thing I can say is that the presentation was upscale, but nothing was close to the best representation of that dish.
The décor is raw/​minimalist, and we’ve never been tempted to dine outside of the special hours. That being said, HG chose Fish 101 for his birthday dinner, and the food, service, and company made for a perfect low-​key celebration.

Great variety of beers if you come here you have to order the curry Seafood excellent good portion size also the muscles in the white wine sauce excellent my daughter loved the grilled shrimp tacos the wife ordered the fish and chips not heavy on the battery just the way we like them

Arnold Palmer, guacamole & chips, fried fish tacos — simple and delicious. I had lunch here in April on a perfect sunny day. I parked across the street so that wasn’t an issue, plenty of room left to park. This is a casual spot with simple dishes perfectly executed. You order at the counter and the food is brought to your table. Being from Florida fish and guacamole can be easily found but I have to say the guac was so flavorful. It didn’t seem to have extra seasoning just ripe avocados. The tacos had slaw and fried fish — batter was light and fish was flaky. Can you tell I liked this place?! Highly recommend it if you want quick service and yummy food.

Who knew? For once SoCal traffic worked in my favor. Thank you estimated 3 hr drive in mostly «red» traffic on Google maps.
Decided to drive up Hwy 101 and explore this coastal region instead of looking at break lights. Solano Beach, Cardiff by the Sea, Encinitas and Leucadia. Gorgeous coastal towns. Pacific Ocean breeze and surf in view. Sunshine.
Fish 101 restaurant. Sounded basic. And stopped in just cause I was hungry and it was right here. Walked in the small front entry and discovered a hip, coastal little place. Raegae playin’. Small bar. Relatively social seating. Small patio outdoor seating in front and back. Total SoCal cool vibe. No wonder people hate us. Jealous much?
Ordered a cup of white clam chowder, grilled fish tacos and a porter (beer). OMG Becky! Soooo good. Like best ever good.
Met some cool peeps seated next to me. Raved about what we just ate/​experienced. Owners of a salon in Del Mar. Talked other places to check out. Will do.
Fish 101 though should change their name to Fish 401 Advanced Fishology. Great place.

We had my husband’s 30^th birthday dinner here, just the two of us. We went on a Saturday night around ⁸⁄₈₃₀. There was a bit of a line so you know it’s good! It was hard for me to decide on what to get– everything in the menu sounded great. I ended up getting the House Farmers Market Salad with balsamic and the Poke Bowl. He got a bowl of clam chowder and the shrimp tacos. We also shared a dozen of the Kumamoto Oysters. The oysters were the best oysters I’ve ever had in my life! Service was fast and the guys were super nice. I took off one star because I wasn’t allowed to get half white and half brown rice in my poke bowl and thought that was kind of weird, especially since I’m paying $ 14 for it. They have Pinot on tap, too and their happy hour sounds awesome. We’ll definitely come back here next time we’re in town.

This place could have easily gotten 5 stars but one thing held it back for me.
Let’s talk about the good here. Customer service was outstanding… Exceptionally friendly staff and they take time to explain anything on the menu… They are also super chill.
The atmosphere is casual… In a good way. The ambiance is relaxing and stress free… I couldn’t have asked for a more authentic coastal joint to hang at for lunch.
We came in on a Sunday Afternoon and it was not too busy. As a result there was no wait whatsoever. We placed our orders and within 5 minutes we had our salads and another few minutes we had our dishes.
I had a seaweed salad which was great. The fish and chips… That’s kind of where it would lose a point or two. I can/​could tell the fish was a good quality fish… But it was a little too oily in how it was prepared. I would have rather waited 15+ minutes and had it cooked less oily and the experience wouldn’t have been tarnished.
My wife got a grilled salad and it too seemed a bit oily. The fried calamari seemed ok… I didn’t have any (can’t stand the stuff) but my wife seemed to like it — although commented she likes the red sauce over the white sauce (there was no red sauce) so maybe calamari fans everywhere can draw something out of that.
All in all I like it and would go back.

Came here during the week for lunch because I was in the area. I’ve always wanted to eat here but it’s always crazy busy and oh parking sucks. Anyway here was my chance so I just got some Baja shrimp tacos which were very delicious. I sat out front and because it was on a Wednesday around 1:30 I had the front patio to myself. I also got a Mexican coke and some vanilla soft serve with salted caramel with extra virgin olive oil.
I never heard of evoo on sort serve but I had to try and it was pretty tasty I would definitely eat it again. I’m definitely coming back just not on the weekends. The service was chill but typical Luecadia surfer type guys. Which is another reason why I like Fish 101.

We recently went here with as a small group to try Fish 101 for the first time. It’s a pretty popular place as there was a small line. Almost everyone in the group got the three grilled fish or shrimp tacos which I think was a no brainer option. A pretty good deal for $ 10.95. There was a good amount of fish which we liked slightly better than the shrimp. The Strauss organic soft serve was also really good. Fish 101 is another good option in addition to Pellys just up the road. Fish 101 doesn’t have the variety of fish and isn’t a market but has a nice overall selection of menu items. Fish 101 is just as the four star rating suggests a solid option with good prices for the coastal location!

Heard very good things about this place and I was mildly let down. I ordered the swordfish with the curry cauliflower and coleslaw. The fish and cauliflower were cooked in way too much oil. After eating I could feel some discomfort in my stomach. The coleslaw however was great and very flavorful. Didn’t realize this until I paid but the sides on the board cost a tad extra than the ones on the menu! Food was tasty but very expensive in my opinion. Probably won’t be returning here.

First time here, and defenetly impressed. Ordered the Poke Bowl and shrimp burrito; both delicious!!! Defenetly worth the drive. Also very clean and modern.
Coming back for sure. :-D

My favorite spot in SD. If you want really really good, fresh, seafood; then look no further. Fish 101 is the spot! They have a simple style that highlights the freshness and favors of the fish. Their oyster selection is outstanding and usually includes choices from Baja, Washington, and BC. The fried calimary is not only fresh but the batter is increadible.
They also have a New England clam chowder that is the best I’ve had west of the Mississippi. As a former lobsterman from New England, this chowder is actually in the realm of being properly made.
Finally, make sure to get down on one of their poke bowls. These things are the perfect little combo of pure happiness. I crave these things hard.
Parking is no issue at all. Just park in the dirt lot across the street, there is always plenty of spots available. The place is also an order at the counter and take a number establishment. Super casual as well. Throw on your favorite pair of boardshorts and hit this place up.
Fish 101, keep up the good work!

Arguably the best restaurant in North County (if not San Diego). I would describe the food as California Asian fusion cuisine. They let the fresh ingredients speak for themselves and do not over manipulate the food. The result in amazing. They have all their bases covered. Good menu, great food with rotating specials depending on what is fresh at that time of the year. They offer a good selection of beers and wine. The desserts are delicious. The staff are friendly and helpful which equates to great service. The prices are very reasonable for this level of food. I actually think the oysters are a steal.
They are also very clever in their use of social media (I would recommend either following them on Instagram or Facebook). On most mornings, they will post their catch of the day and let you know in what dishes it will end up. Other days they show you their fisherman at work. And in the afternoons they will post what delicious dessert will be available at dinner time. I have been know to go there several times a week.

This place was cool. Met a friend for lunch a few days back and had the salmon poke bowl. Flavors were on point, and the fish was fresh as can be. The only thing that keeps me from giving it the full 5 stars was the fact that I had a considerable amount of scales in my poke. Be willing to spare some time to come here because the lines are long come lunch time, but they turn the food out pretty quickly. Also, parking is a pain… so be on the lookout.

Best & Freshest oysters and fish. Good atmophere, friendly service. Eat on the street patio, inside or the aft, semi-​covered patio. Service dogs allowed. Don’t bring bring your «assistance pet.»
It’s ILLEGAL and annoying to other patrons who have the decency to leave their beloved pet at home.

PARKING: Parking was a nightmare! They don’t have a parking lot or much space in front of the restaurant. My friends and I ended up driving up and down the street to find a spot for a good 10 minutes. We eventually found an open space but there’s not much space available.
ATMOSPHERE: From the outside the place looks so tiny, but the inside is really cute. They have a patio area with a few table in front an inside area with a couple of tables as well and a sheltered outdoor area with more tables in the back.
SERVICE: It took a while for our food to get to us, but it was super busy.
FOOD: I got the poke bowl and my friend got the fried shrimp burrito. I think I liked the burrito better than the poke bowl. The burrito had sooooo much flavor and it was HUGE! The poke bowl was a bit bland. I enjoyed the poke bowl mainly because it was light and refreshing but I don’t think I’ll be ordering it again if I come back. Also, the poke was a bit pricey and small in portion.

I love the seafood curry here! Amazing tuna poke too! The ambiance is really good too. Good for a date night out.

Made it here in the last wave of HH!
Parking: there’s a lot of 5 spots through one-​way entrance, otherwise street.
Line up to order, get a tag, and find a seat.
Ordered 2 dozens of $ 1 oysters (Kumamoto): good deal, these were pretty fresh, and these little guys have a briny start with a sweet finish.
Crispy brussels sprouts ($ 4.5): it was crispy topped with balsamic and parmesan cheese, but the portion was very little that it was not for sharing.
hamachi sashimi bowl with white rice ($ 14.95): 5 slices of fresh fish topped with a dot of yuzu. Not really a crudo to me (its not already in a dressing). Not the best cut either, and comes with a green salad, seaweed salad, and rice (brown or white) with 2 sauces.
a draught beer ($ 6)
I saw a seafood curry special, it smelled delicious and tantalizing!
Our friend ordered the mahi mahi fish plate: cooked just a tad bit underdone which is perfect, and it was reportedly delicious!
cozy and laidback atmosphere to hang out with friends or a casual date!

Ate here at 2:30PM on a Saturday, so no issues with parking, table hunting, or service. You order at the counter and get a table number.
Good Beer selection, mostly bottles. However, their draft system was broken and they had not had it fixed. Surprising this was neglected on what must be their busiest day.
Very limited menu. Just 5 kinds of seafood/​fish each served just 6 ways. So disappoint with the menu options. I guess it is Fish 101.
Food arrived soon and followup Service at the table after food delivery was Good .
The Grilled Shrimp Cocktail was Excellent. The menu says «BIG» shrimp, but they were just standard 20 – 30 count Shrimp. The Mussels were Excellent. The French Frys were Excellent and appear to be made on site. The Clam Chowder is Good. The Poke is Good. I would order any of these again.
Fish and Chips are Poor. The Fish Batter was very GREASY and unpleasantly OILY, and seemed to be old fry oil. I finally gave up on its unpleasantness and pulled the batter off. I would not order the Fish and Chips again.
All in all, I would go back again if I am in the area. But definitely NOT the «too die for» place some reviews describe.

Cute little place that Laurie P found on Unilocal because she was sold on Poke. If you don’t know what poke is, it’s a Hawaii thing. (usually) fresh fish cut up into small/​bit size cubes, mixed with however style garnish (i.e. shoyu aka soy sauce, sesame oil, green onion, etc.).
This place is SMALL. It’s seemed busy when we got there. The system is when you walk in, order and pay at the front, they give you a number, you find your seat displaying your order number and they will bring it to you. It is a very casual place. There were some seating inside, then there’s a wrap around for more seating and even more in the back. There were a few in the front outside. We got there a bit late, so the crowd was just finishing up.
I didn’t really get to see the menu, I think I had tunnel vision after brewery crawl that I just wanted fish tacos. It must’ve been really good, because I didn’t get a picture of them nor do I remember eating them. and that’s a good sign!
I did see as I was leaving that they also serve alcohol. Sake, craft beers.
Parking is on a one way street, there’s a big median, so you can’t even flip a betch. So don’t blink.

Fish 101 is yet another great eatery directly off the 101 in Encinitas’ Leucadia district. This place appears small on the outside but is actually fairly large complete with indoor dinning and front/​rear patio seating areas which are dog friendly. There is often a line, but don’t let that detour you as it tends to move quickly. The food here is actually nice and fresh and delicious to the taste. Nearly all the menu items are delicious, from the tacos to the Po Boy. Seasoning and potions are all on point and the service is prompt and friendly. Overall, there are a ton of good restaurants in the area but this place is a super cool casual joint that would warrant repeat visits.
Pros–
Food
Menu
Craft beer selection
Freshness
Service
Pet friendly outdoor seating
Some communal dining
Cons–
Limited seating
Parking is rough
A bit on the pricey side
Oysters often sell out

My boyfriend and I came here spontaneously and we got the Ahi Poke bowl ($ 14) and the Seafood curry ($ 15 – 16) and both items were delicious! We were happy with our food.
The prices are pretty reasonable since everything here is pretty much a seafood dish. This place is quite a gem since it is kind of sitting on it’s own. I would come back to try the other dishes and recommend this place to my friends :)

Omg! Favorite place ever!
I came here as a suggestion from my friend who was starving after we hit the gym and oh my, was I not dissappointed. This place is super cute and although seemingły small, not small at all Cuz they have the most adorable indoor outdoor patio.
And yes! The food! The food is delicious! We both ordered the grilled fish tacos and the fish was so fresh, grilled perfectly and the guac was to die for!
I instantly Loved it and this is totally one of my new spots. 5 stars from me.

Delicious food, amazing service, and great ambiance.
FOOD: The seafood is so fresh, and all of the vegetables are seasonal. You have to get…
— Fish tacos
— Seafood curry (this is a special, so its not always there)
— Fish sandwich
— Any of the desserts (they are ALL good, but the tres leches is my fav)
AMBIANCE:
The place is very laid back and there is a font and back patio to eat. It gets crowded so make sure you have someone wait in line to order, and the other person scout out a table.
PEOPLE: Everyone who works there is really nice, and helpful.

Fish 101 has gained a lot of popularity among the Leucadia locals since it opened in 2011. Needless to say, it took me 2 years to visit and another 2 years for my review. It is about time to rectify this situation!
i love the laid back casual vibe at Fish 101, it just works in Funky Leucadia. I feel like I get really good value with their reasonable prices. You wait in line and place your order, grab your drinks then set a flag on the table for the servers to deliver your meal.
If you are here for happy hour pricing then don’t think that you can get out of your car and place your order in 5 minutes grasshopper. Plan ahead and give yourself time to find parking and wait your turn in line. Time does not stop while you are waiting in line!
Speaking of lines, I love a line out the door which to me signifies that they serve good food and popular with the locals. I have eaten dinner and happy hour here and I recommend both.
A constantly changing menu offers a selection of fresh fish that varies by season. Entrees include two side orders which can be upgraded for a nominal fee. They have done a great job with the side orders and serve a broad range of standards and daily specials including seaweed salad, quinoa and crispy cauliflower among others. I am a huge fan of non traditional sides, although I was not a fan of the cauliflower on my last visit.
One of my favorite things on the menu is Poke. The generous portions have just the right balance of seasonings. I ordered Poke with seaweed, avocado, brown rice and cucumbers, but there is another option with wonton chips that is equally delicious. Fish tacos are always good here, either on the happy hour menu or as an entrée they do not dissapoint.
When you come to Fish 101 bring your good energy and be prepared to enjoy the bustling dining area and a great meal.

Excellent seafood at a great price. I enjoyed some calamari and shrimp for an appetizer and a fresh fish meal with seaweed salad. Nice casual dining experience. Will be back