STRFSH

Tucked inside a food court along Santa Monica’s bustling Third Street Promenade, STRFSH brings a refreshingly straightforward approach to seafood. The brainchild of two brothers who competed on Top Chef—one of whom also runs the acclaimed Ink.well on La Cienega—this casual counter-service spot proves that sometimes the simplest concepts execute the best.

The ordering process is delightfully uncomplicated: pick your fish (salmon or swordfish), choose your vessel (roll or tostada), then go wild with an array of toppings and spreads. The rolls are definitely the way to go here—the tostadas come as a pair that feels more like awkward fish tacos than proper sandwiches. What you’ll find across the board is impeccably fresh fish that tastes like it came straight off the boat, prepared with care by people who clearly know their way around a kitchen.

For a quick, quality lunch in Santa Monica, STRFSH hits all the right notes. The toppings selection lets you customize to your heart’s content, and the fries make a worthy sidekick to whatever creation you build. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel—just serving up honest, well-executed fish sandwiches in a no-frills setting.

If you’re looking to shake up your usual midday routine while strolling the Promenade, this is a spot worth working into your regular rotation. Fast, fresh, and satisfying—everything a lunch break should be.