Quality Seafood

There’s something wonderfully chaotic about Quality Seafood that makes it feel like an authentic pier experience rather than a polished restaurant. This massive two-story establishment sits right on the Redondo Beach pier, its interior dominated by tanks upon tanks of live seafood—lobsters, Dungeness crabs, clams, and fish all swimming around waiting to become your dinner.

The concept here is refreshingly straightforward: you’re in charge. Walk up to the counter, survey the selection of fresh catches, point at what looks good, and decide how you want it prepared—steamed, roasted, or fried. The Dungeness crab done steamed is exceptional, arriving at your table with nothing but its natural sweetness on display. The fried calamari comes out with a satisfying crunch, and if you’re feeling ambitious, a whole roasted snapper makes for an impressive centerpiece.

Getting your meal here requires some patience and strategy. The ticket system can feel haphazard, numbers seemingly called in mysterious order, and securing a seat during peak hours is a competitive sport. But that’s part of the charm—this isn’t white tablecloth dining, it’s a bustling fish market with a view of the Pacific.

Quality Seafood works best when you embrace the controlled chaos. Bring a group of friends, grab a table on the upper deck if you can swing it, and settle in for an afternoon of fresh seafood and ocean breezes. The experience may test your patience, but the rewards are worth it.