Grocery stores with good seafood selection and prices near Aliso Viejo (Irvine: house, buy)

[b727lvr]

Helll, I just moved to AV and am a huge seafood eater. Unfortunately I looked at the selection of some of the grocery stores nearby, Staters, Ralphs, and Costco and the selection a were limited. Costco has the best with Rockfish for 4.99 lb. I haven’t checked TJs Sprouts or Wholefoods. Albertsons is usually asininely priced for everything so I haven’t checked them either. I would have thought being so close to the ocean the big grocery stores might have a better selection. Are there any places nearby ( San Juan Capistrano, Dana point, Laguna Beach) or elsewhere reasonably close that sells a decent selection of sea food for a reasonable (not super cheap not gouging high)? I’m not too familiar with the area yet. Appreciate any advice

[pacific2]

I'm no longer a fish eater since I have gone vegan, but I have heard that Gelson's Market in Dana Point has a nice fresh selection. I like Chart House in Dana Point for meals.

I doubt that you will find many seafood bargains in South OC. That's life, coastal area or not. So, be prepared to pay high prices.

Welcome and good luck.

[TimTheEnchanter]

You have to shop all and read the market flyers that come out during the week to find the bargains. My parents who live in the area shop at Whole Foods, Stater Bros, Pavilions, Sprout's and Trader Joe's and buy according to who has the best deals. I think Pavilions and Whole Foods have the best quality, but prices to match. Ditto for Gelson's.

As an aside, I cooked fresh swordfish (from Whole Foods) and frozen (from TJ's) a few days ago for my parents and family and only I knew which was which. The taste was indistinguishable.

If you get to Newport/Costa Mesa, check out Santa Monica Seafood Market.

For off the boat, go to the Dory Fleet at the Newport Pier.

[expatCA]

Originally Posted by TimTheEnchanter

You have to shop all and read the market flyers that come out during the week to find the bargains. My parents who live in the area shop at Whole Foods, Stater Bros, Pavilions, Sprout's and Trader Joe's and buy according to who has the best deals. I think Pavilions and Whole Foods have the best quality, but prices to match. Ditto for Gelson's.

As an aside, I cooked fresh swordfish (from Whole Foods) and frozen (from TJ's) a few days ago for my parents and family and only I knew which was which. The taste was indistinguishable.

If you get to Newport/Costa Mesa, check out Santa Monica Seafood Market.

For off the boat, go to the Dory Fleet at the Newport Pier.

[payutenyodagimas]

you should go to an Asian supermarket. i think the nearest ones are in Irvine. look for Seafood City and 99 Ranch (or Ranch 99?)

[pacific2]

Just an aside, but if you ever look for a local seafood restaurant, you might want to try the Fish District in Aliso Viejo. Although I have no personal experience with that restaurant, it tends to get high ratings:
Aliso Viejo - The Commons

Opah Restaurant & Bar in Aliso Viejo may also be worth checking out:
https://www.opentable.com/opah-resta...ce-aliso-viejo

[b727lvr]

Thank you, all i appreciate the tips. Ill try to check out some of the Asian markets in the OC, and the Dory fleet and other markets mentioned. I dont mind paying a bit extra for a better selection/quality

[ElDiabloJoe]

The nearest place to Aliso Viejo that sells a broad variety of high quality food is probably the Whole Foods market in Laguna Niguel. It is a 5-10 minute drive from most of Aliso Viejo, 5 min from Aliso Niguel High School. There is also a nearby Mothers or Sprouts in the plaza with Home Depot. That plaza happens to be about a half-mile down the street from Whole Foods.

[NewbieHere]

Originally Posted by TimTheEnchanter

You have to shop all and read the market flyers that come out during the week to find the bargains. My parents who live in the area shop at Whole Foods, Stater Bros, Pavilions, Sprout's and Trader Joe's and buy according to who has the best deals. I think Pavilions and Whole Foods have the best quality, but prices to match. Ditto for Gelson's.

As an aside, I cooked fresh swordfish (from Whole Foods) and frozen (from TJ's) a few days ago for my parents and family and only I knew which was which. The taste was indistinguishable.

If you get to Newport/Costa Mesa, check out Santa Monica Seafood Market.

For off the boat, go to the Dory Fleet at the Newport Pier.

I was thinking off Dory Fleet, but you have to get up early for them. I saw long line too.

But I buy lobster from a fish and chip place down near Dana Point Harbor. No need to stand in line from 5am.