Bear Flag Fish Company

"As the sailboat out front flying a string of nautical flags suggests, Bear Flag takes seafood seriously. This casual spot has two locations in Newport Beach—one by Lido Marina Village, another in Crystal Cove. Both serve stellar fish that tastes like it was swimming just a few hours ago (and honestly, probably was). The fresh poke here pops, so grab a pound of it from the counter with some chips to start. The tacos and burritos are our go-to for something more substantial, with a long list of fillings to pick from, like black cod, halibut, snapper, octopus, and shrimp." - Cathy Park

"This delightfully nautical modern fish shack is the fast casual concept every beach town should have. It's a mix of families enjoying an after school special, surfers grinding after a paddle out, and beachcombers looking for a taste of chef-fisherman Thomas Carson's catch of the day. This is definitely some of the best poke on the mainland. Don't skip the ahi or salmon. They have some excellent margs on menu too, making for the perfect pairing for your fish taco or burrito." - Maxwell Williams, Krista Simmons