Emmett T.
Yelp
The famous local fishmonger (Tommy Gomes) has teamed up with Mitch's Seafood to open up this new retail and wholesale seafood market and grocery in Point Loma. TunaVille is located in a dockside structure that is southeast of Jimmy's Famous American Tavern on N Harbor Dr. Parking in the Driscoll Wharf is monitored carefully as you have to pay for a space in the nearby lots using one of the kiosks.
The inside is exactly what you expect with a variety of whole and filleted fishes, clams, mussels, oysters, scallops, shrimp, and squid on chilled display. All of these fresh products are procured directly off the boats of local fishermen. Some prepared items like ceviche, poke, and salads were also available. On the market side of the business, there were canned and dried goods lined up on shelves along with ingredients such as sauces and stocks to build meals.
Two types of ceviche using cabrilla (seabass) as the whitefish, ahi tuna poke, and octopus salad were the prepared offerings that were on sale during my visit. I asked for a small taste sample of each item before purchasing a half pound each of the mango ceviche and octopus salad. The fruitiness of this ceviche was why I chose it over the more classic ceviche variety. The salad had a blend of olives, zucchini, and bell peppers with pieces of pulpo. The flavor was not as sharp as the ceviche, but it was still hearty.
I was told by a staffer that local regulations prevent the market from adding an onsite, sit-down cafe/eatery because of its waterfront location. Although I am not familiar with the rules, it seems strange they can't provide such a dining area when full service restaurants are operating within several hundred yards of TunaVille.