We had a great experience at The Golden Fish. With all restaurants, I think about the following- 1. Deliciousness of Food 2. Ambience and Service 3. Degree of Difficulty Our food was delicious. I ordered fish and chips, and the fish was light and flaky and excellent. The fries were steak fries, and they were warm and delectable. Our table ordered clam chowder which received high marks as well as the seafood pasta which was also a hit. Our server was attentive and helpful, and the prices were reasonable. The decor is dated but homey. We were sad to learn that the Golden Fish is closing and were happy to enjoy the food served and look forward to patronizing future establishments from the team. Thank you, Golden Fish, for a great experience.
LKers
Stopped by here on a whim Christmas Eve late afternoon. There were a few folks in the restaurant and a mail carrier was leaving with hot soup – we thought we’d try. What an awesome late lunch, early dinner. I ordered the seafood mix dish and thoroughly enjoyed it. Spouse ordered fish chips. Both good
சரவணன் நடராஜன்
My wife the only non vegetarian loved this place. The lobster bisque was the best. The folks were friendly. Definitely recommend.
Hanxiao F.
What a great find! If you are on a road trip passing the Monterey area, this is a great place to stop for dinner. Doesn't require any detour if you take 101. Fresh seafood and very friendly service. Parking is easy on the back, too.
Iona Kellison
This is a little hidden surprise I think in Salinas.It's italian and american fair with a mexican twist. I got the catfish and chips, and my husband got a normal Italian pasta dish, but it had a Mexican flair to it, he said it was different but very good.The catfish was cooked perfectly, with it being nice and moist and not over cooked. The kids split another dish I don't remember the name unfortunately, but it was another Italian marinara dish, with shrimp, and it had the Mexican spice thrown it. It did taste good, but it was a little too spicy for the kids.
Ricardo Claros
The website says Salvadoran food. True if the restaurant was seaside in El Salvador. They do have good pupusas, but their menu leans heavily to sea food with a tropical flair so the name is very appropriate. Our dishes were delicious! Perfectly cooked fish with mango salsa. I don't usually go to Salvadoran restaurants for fish, but I will be coming back here either alone or with friends.
Cheryl Goodrich
Absolutely delicious food! Salmon bowl is great. Calamari wrap has delicious piquant sauce. Key lime pie delicious. We sat on patio in the sun. We’re eager to return.
Adam L.
The food was fresh and flavorful. Service was prompt and the atmosphere is great for families. The restaurant decor is dated, but that would be my only negative comment. I would expect this place to be busier given the location and quality. I will definitely be going back and want to try the Pupusas and Clam Chowder. There are a lot of seafood choices and the Salvadoran flavors are a welcome variety to the Salinas area. I would recommend dropping in and giving this place a try, you will not be disappointed.
Denise C
A customer of mine had lunch here the other day and we both enjoyed the food and the experience. I had the crab fettuccine and it was absolutely delicious! Service was excellent too. Parking spots were plenty as well. I will not hesitate to return here.
Sheena Rethish
Delicious seafood and super friendly staff. First time at this restaurant and would definitely recommend this restaurant.
So the food is really good, specially the clam chowder but the portions are very small, but other than that, I recommend to check it out
John Nelson
Very good food and good service. Nice quiet place.
Janet B.
The Golden Fish Seafood Restaurant in Salinas is by far one of the very best our city has to offer. Oscar and his family have served scrumptious food for 25 years in this location to the community. We hope they continue to stay in Salinas forever! Fresh fish is their specialty and the variety of possibilities is infinite on the menu. The salmon is always cooked to perfection and the shrimp roll is absolutely delicious. Thank you for the excellent customer service as well! We'll be back and soon!
Susie R.
We had a very enjoyable experience. The food was phenomenal. I can't wait to go back and try something new.
Emmeline W.
This place doesn't get nearly the amount of recognition it deserves. My family + bf made a reservation here on a whim and were pleasantly surprised (our first time trying Salvadoran food). For COVID safety purposes, tables are sanitized between guests, tables are spread out, and masks are enforced if you aren't eating. The entire restaurant was empty when we dropped in on a Friday evening, so we felt pretty safe sitting indoors. No reservation really needed. Golden Fish has the ultimate local charm. The staff treat you like family, rib you a little for jokes, and really make sure you feel right at home. Our server (forgot to get his name...) was cracking us up the whole evening, and we'd just met. The experience alone had us recommending Golden Fish to friends and family nonstop afterwards. But the food is everything. The homey environment, wonderful staff, and BOMB food were the perfect trio. MUSSELS: LOVE THE SAUCE. So sweet and savory. Along with the cream sauce, the salsa was a refreshing touch to an otherwise rich appetizer. BLACKENED SWORDFISH SPECIAL + MANGO SALSA + SUNDRIED TOMATO SAUCE: Flames. I will always love a whitefish + fruit salsa combo. The rice was cooked in some sort of stock, which lent a lovely hearty flavor. The rest of my family was beyond pleased with this find. Wish it was in the bay! Like other reviewers, the only thing weird is that this place is EMPTY. WHY????? This could easily be one of the best restaurants in town. If you're passing through Salinas, put Golden Fish on your radar asap!
We had a great experience at The Golden Fish. With all restaurants, I think about the following- 1. Deliciousness of Food 2. Ambience and Service 3. Degree of Difficulty Our food was delicious. I ordered fish and chips, and the fish was light and flaky and excellent. The fries were steak fries, and they were warm and delectable. Our table ordered clam chowder which received high marks as well as the seafood pasta which was also a hit. Our server was attentive and helpful, and the prices were reasonable. The decor is dated but homey. We were sad to learn that the Golden Fish is closing and were happy to enjoy the food served and look forward to patronizing future establishments from the team. Thank you, Golden Fish, for a great experience.
Stopped by here on a whim Christmas Eve late afternoon. There were a few folks in the restaurant and a mail carrier was leaving with hot soup – we thought we’d try. What an awesome late lunch, early dinner. I ordered the seafood mix dish and thoroughly enjoyed it. Spouse ordered fish chips. Both good
My wife the only non vegetarian loved this place. The lobster bisque was the best. The folks were friendly. Definitely recommend.
What a great find! If you are on a road trip passing the Monterey area, this is a great place to stop for dinner. Doesn't require any detour if you take 101. Fresh seafood and very friendly service. Parking is easy on the back, too.
This is a little hidden surprise I think in Salinas.It's italian and american fair with a mexican twist. I got the catfish and chips, and my husband got a normal Italian pasta dish, but it had a Mexican flair to it, he said it was different but very good.The catfish was cooked perfectly, with it being nice and moist and not over cooked. The kids split another dish I don't remember the name unfortunately, but it was another Italian marinara dish, with shrimp, and it had the Mexican spice thrown it. It did taste good, but it was a little too spicy for the kids.
The website says Salvadoran food. True if the restaurant was seaside in El Salvador. They do have good pupusas, but their menu leans heavily to sea food with a tropical flair so the name is very appropriate. Our dishes were delicious! Perfectly cooked fish with mango salsa. I don't usually go to Salvadoran restaurants for fish, but I will be coming back here either alone or with friends.
Absolutely delicious food! Salmon bowl is great. Calamari wrap has delicious piquant sauce. Key lime pie delicious. We sat on patio in the sun. We’re eager to return.
The food was fresh and flavorful. Service was prompt and the atmosphere is great for families. The restaurant decor is dated, but that would be my only negative comment. I would expect this place to be busier given the location and quality. I will definitely be going back and want to try the Pupusas and Clam Chowder. There are a lot of seafood choices and the Salvadoran flavors are a welcome variety to the Salinas area. I would recommend dropping in and giving this place a try, you will not be disappointed.
A customer of mine had lunch here the other day and we both enjoyed the food and the experience. I had the crab fettuccine and it was absolutely delicious! Service was excellent too. Parking spots were plenty as well. I will not hesitate to return here.
Delicious seafood and super friendly staff. First time at this restaurant and would definitely recommend this restaurant.
Restaurantji Recommends
So the food is really good, specially the clam chowder but the portions are very small, but other than that, I recommend to check it out
Very good food and good service. Nice quiet place.
The Golden Fish Seafood Restaurant in Salinas is by far one of the very best our city has to offer. Oscar and his family have served scrumptious food for 25 years in this location to the community. We hope they continue to stay in Salinas forever! Fresh fish is their specialty and the variety of possibilities is infinite on the menu. The salmon is always cooked to perfection and the shrimp roll is absolutely delicious. Thank you for the excellent customer service as well! We'll be back and soon!
We had a very enjoyable experience. The food was phenomenal. I can't wait to go back and try something new.
This place doesn't get nearly the amount of recognition it deserves. My family + bf made a reservation here on a whim and were pleasantly surprised (our first time trying Salvadoran food). For COVID safety purposes, tables are sanitized between guests, tables are spread out, and masks are enforced if you aren't eating. The entire restaurant was empty when we dropped in on a Friday evening, so we felt pretty safe sitting indoors. No reservation really needed. Golden Fish has the ultimate local charm. The staff treat you like family, rib you a little for jokes, and really make sure you feel right at home. Our server (forgot to get his name...) was cracking us up the whole evening, and we'd just met. The experience alone had us recommending Golden Fish to friends and family nonstop afterwards. But the food is everything. The homey environment, wonderful staff, and BOMB food were the perfect trio. MUSSELS: LOVE THE SAUCE. So sweet and savory. Along with the cream sauce, the salsa was a refreshing touch to an otherwise rich appetizer. BLACKENED SWORDFISH SPECIAL + MANGO SALSA + SUNDRIED TOMATO SAUCE: Flames. I will always love a whitefish + fruit salsa combo. The rice was cooked in some sort of stock, which lent a lovely hearty flavor. The rest of my family was beyond pleased with this find. Wish it was in the bay! Like other reviewers, the only thing weird is that this place is EMPTY. WHY????? This could easily be one of the best restaurants in town. If you're passing through Salinas, put Golden Fish on your radar asap!