Via-Mar Restaurant Express

I was craving shrimp tacos on a weekday randomly and this place hit the spot! No frills, nice ratio of slaw and cream sauce— I felt satisfied. Will definitely be back!

I've been coming here since the mid-90s. Consistency is key, and Via-Mar is on point! The seafood here is deliciously bright and flavorful! I recommend the Shrimp burrito (delicious white rice pilaf, pico, citrus cabbage, perfectly fried battered large shrimp, and top off with sour cream. And another favorite, the Shrimp Dorados.. well, you just have to try them.

Legendary no frills Mexican seafood spot, the best in the neighborhood! Been coming here for years and it never disappoints, best fish burrito and the plates are an amazing value. One of the last few places where you can get a healthy meal for under $20, show them some love!

First of all the price to food ratio is horrible. Photos of size is comparable to the sticker on 1inch binder. Secondly I never thought I’d ever have a shrimp burrito that had 2 pieces of shrimp and be dryer than a plain crispy chicken from McDonald’s. The ceviche had absolutely no flavor that I questioned at this point if I had COVID.

Food was good.i would not suggest the orchata very water down.guy ask me what kind of tortilla I wanted. I didn't realize they charged xtra for it, I didn't like that.they charge a dollar to use debit card

Loved the fried shrimp + fries! And the vibe is very authentic, very cute booths!

The horchata was too watered down. The fish tacos were good. The ceviche tostada was good and the salmon was delicious

Very cool little Ceviche spot if I may say. The ceviche was delicious, the price was perfect. I will be back.

Siempre tienen lo mejor! I've never been disappointed with my orders of ceviche - fish or shrimp - so tasty. I have been coming to them since before the pandemic. Some of their offerings have changed since then, but nothing major. I definitely recommend the ceviche trays for big group gatherings. Just ordered some the other day and it was the perfect dish.

I highly recommend the shrimp ceviche tostadas ...dining area needs a little bit of a upkeep but overall it's a really good place to eat

We were walking around the area and my friend wanted to have tacos. We decided on ordering the 4 beef asada taco deal for ten bucks. The charge $1 for using a credit card. The tacos were okay but nothing that would make them standout in taste or size.

Ordered the following for dinner: Campechana - this was refreshing with pieces of shrimp, octopus, avocados, scallops, and imitation crab. The scallop wasn't fresh and the imitation crab had the texture of shredded carrots so I avoided these. Had I known, I would've asked them to exclude these. Fish tacos - filling with the thick fried piece of fish. Could've used more coleslaw. Camarones Al Mojo De Ajo - I'm a sucker for garlic butter so I'll always order this dish when available. The dish was tasty but the ingredients used left more to be desired. They used frozen steak fries (which needed to be fried longer) and frozen shrimp (which was disappointing substitute for a seafood restaurant). The rice was good though. Overall, the food was flavorful but missed the mark on a few things. There's a small dining area right by the pickup window. The service is polite and quick.

Great hole in the wall seafood spot. Our favorite place to satisfy our Agua Chiles craving. Cocktails are pretty good. Can't beat the value. Fresh seafood on the go.

I got the Mahi Mahi tacos and the fish was nice and tender but a little bit bland. Also the taco was covered in sauce and I got it to go. So by the time I ate it, it was completely falling apart and the shell was slightly mushy because of that. However, what saved this taco was the red salsa I asked for on the side. It had a delicious savory mild taste that helped the flavor of the taco.

If you like fish taco and shrimp tacos. A must try place in Highland park!!! Come hungry... I did and I left super full!!! lol

Be sure to read the recent reviews and don't just go off the overall four star rating! The mixed tostado was mostly imitation crab and everything else seemed like it came from a can. It was sadly so flavorless and not fresh at all. All the food was disappointing and even Señor Fish is better. They also forgot to include part of my order and couldn't refund me if I paid with credit card. I had to go back and get my refund in cash.

This place is always great, and very nice staff. I usually get ceviche tostadas, I've also had their fish tacos and shrimp tacos - all of which have always been delicious. Highly recommended!

Any small place with various weekday night specials wins my heart. Fish tacos on Wednesdays is my jam here. Two fish tacos and a side of fries under $10!!! You're winning win you eat here. Staff is nice and the atmosphere is laid back.

Muy deliciosoooo! Been coming here for years and can't believe I haven't written a review yet. The shrimp burrito is my go-to. Not overly complex, but has a satisfying rich flavor partly due to whatever unique creamy sauce they use. Ceviche tostadas are a close second. In my experience, you can't go wrong with anything on the menu here. Daily specials are solid. Took my wife here today for her first experience. Wife's comments: Shrimp cocktail is "f___ing phenomenal... Well balanced, fresh, perfect all around."

Must try spot if you're in highland park . Best oysters on this side of fig (9/10) and for the price you have to order. Aguachiles are spicy and super flavorful (9/10). Shrimp ceviche is also a great deal (9/10) . Service is super nice but it feels like they may be short staffed since it gets slow when they are busy . Dope ambiance but they don't sell beer. :( would be perfect if they had Pacifico to go with seafood

I got no complaints. The Wednesday special is my favorite I brought my buddy from Boston they like it too

Drove here has the open sign and it's 8:30pm guy said we are closed. Disappointed. Just update the schedule please.

I've been coming here for over 20 years but this time I had to pay $50 for 2 shrimp burritos and a small shrimp cocktail. The place hasn't changed at all still not very clean but that was part of the charm. I always felt for a minute like I was in Tijuana. Sadly, I won't be coming back here.

Ceviche De Pescado was disgusting. We picked up on a Friday around 3pm when it was the "Special" The fish had 0 flavor and it was probably because it was soaked in a sickening amount of lime juice. The quality of the fish just wasnt there. I love sea food even if its not perfect but this was horrible. We also ordered the Tacos De Camarón which were pretty good, Nice tortilla that held up and added flavor, the shrimp itself had a nice bite to it. No complaints I would maybe go back for these only. (Couldnt get a picture, ate them too fast) The man at the window giving orders was a tad rude when I was fumbling to find my ticket. Was determined to see my ticket before giving me my order because he didnt want to give me the "wrong order". Mind you that 1 other person came to order while I waited 15+ minutes for my order... I couldnt help but laugh a little. No biggie im here for food not really the service. Ive lived in Highland Park for 27 years, this is the first and last time I come here. 04/07/23

I've eaten here twice, once through a delivery app and once eating in. I love this place! Everything here is reasonably priced, and although they have burgers on their menu most everyone goes there for the seafood. My favorite is their shrimp cocktail. Huge portion of super fresh large, whole shrimp in a delicious tomato cocktail sauce. I also love their whole tilapia plate, served with fries, rice, and cole slaw for--get this--$11!!!! Their horchata is delicious, too. A few logistics notes: there is no parking lot, but you shouldn't have an issue finding street parking within a few blocks. There is only outdoor covered patio seating. And the regulars are super friendly. One group stuck up a conversation with me and taught me to say/pronounce a few items on the menu. I'll definitely be back.

I was in the mood for shrimp tacos. My first choice was closed so I tried this spot. Everything on the menu looked good, and even better when I unwrapped them. I wanted to like what I tried, but there was just something missing for me. The fried shrimp taco batter was thick and the oil tasted a little overused to me. The grilled shrimp was ok but a little lacking in flavor. The portions were good, and the service was friendly. The experience was good, but the food was just ok. Maybe I didn't try the right items or came on an off day.

I have gone here for a long time & decided it would be great to go again but they said it was "closed" yet in Yelp it says opened. And they said that "they haven't changed it in a long time" and on yelp it states it was changed just 2 months ago. This isn't the first time this has happened to me & it's very unprofessional.

The seafood here is so freaking good and at such a great price. I love octopus and got the shrimp and octopus toastada. It was $9 for a whole plateful. Their shrimp ceviche is a must get as well which comes with saltine crackers but I prefer using the tortilla.

Slowest service I've ever experienced. It's like they're cooking the food one grain of rice at a time. Seriously wasted an hour of my life sitting here waiting for my food

The best fish tacos in Los Angeles. I've tried so many fish tacos in town and Via-Mar is still my favorite.

The seafood here is impeccable. The shrimp tacos are the best I've ever had consistency is golden always spot on.

Good service and food is really good. It's a great place to hit in highland park if you're looking for some seafood. Fish tacos and ceviche are always a good option. Also well priced.

I've came here a couple times with the Bestie. Their mariscos are Fire . I love the taste, and portion size. I recommend . I get the tostada Mixta XL and they get the camarones a la plancha. The shrimps are sooo tasty. I would try if haven't already. Worth it.

Really!!!!! What happen to the CAMPECHANAS....there Small as hell They charge 12 dlls for a small cup wich is not even the size of the campechanas....so angry ...the horchata didn't had any flavor...as the campechana..the shrimp taste like the ones u buy in food 4 less NASTY AS HELL.....I'm shouting out to EL CAMARON PELADO WE NEED U GUYS TO REOPEN BUT FAST ......

Wow! The Salmon ceviche is pretty amazing. I was hesitant but it looked really good . It definitely feels more like a sushi vibe. The quality is on point with the prefect amount of spice. I added soy sauce to it when I got home and used the tostada. But the tostada didn't do the plate justice. I almost think they need an alternative that is on the same level as the freshness of the plate. I bugle recommend this plate.

Very bad food lack of seasoning. Never coming back. Good music taste tho. Definitely bring some salts. Looks like they never change the oil.

(Dined 02/24/18 SA @ 2:00pm): I see seafood...and I usually eat it! Thanks to a Living Social offer ($20.00 worth of drinks/food for $12.00), I decided to try Via-Mar Seafood Restaurant. I loved Mexican food and seafood so why not a meal that combined them at a discounted price while I supported a local small business!? Would I want to see this restaurant again if in the area!? PURCHASE Horchata Medium ($1.50): a 16 fl oz plastic cup half-filled with large ice cubes and the rest a high-cinnamon watered-down milky concoction that quenched my thirst. I only wished there was less ice and more liquid https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=hTMsDPSBSp9xd6iSEIJ40w&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw. Fried Calamari Rings ($4.95): This was a generous portion of squid swirls lightly battered with a slight crunch but remained intact while the calamari was chewy but not rubbery. However, they were extremely salty and the cocktail sauce was nothing special but large enough to act as a separate meal https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=5K_6smSCwBVZ29Qy-pGZ9Q&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw. Fish Tostada ($2.25): Filled with an even mixture of fish, diced tomatoes and red onions, flecks of cilantro, and a good amount of lime juice placed between two homemade tortillas, everything was fresh and again was enough to act as a separate meal https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=gWma7ybW4R0qyEEKl5-VBQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw. Shrimp Tostada ($3.25): An abundance of baby shrimp (oxymoron, I know) laid upon a bed of diced tomatoes, red onions, cilantro all splashed with lime juice between two tortillas, this was a lovely seafood salad without the lettuce...and was good enough as a separate meal https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=0g9nL7mUONNVal6pEftKGw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw. Grilled Garlic Shrimp Plate with Fries, Rice, & Salad ($9.25): I found the "sides" to be nothing special (e.g. rice was flavorless and dry, salad was wilted, fries started out crunchy but got soft and soggy under the warmth of the shrimp). Thankfully, the ten medium-sized shrimp were lathered in a nice garlic sauce which left me licking my fingers. I only wished the shrimp was peeled https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=Fz7PXe6QTWNZE5JY_sZ_Kw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw. Mahi Mahi Burrito ($7.50): Although the mahi mahi was moist and slightly seasoned, the amount was lacking in comparison to the filler of mostly rice and diced tomatoes all wrapped in a flour tortilla. The size was good but felt I didn't get my money's worth https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=0OxnUSrTI4SijxrP-5qmUA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw. SERVICE A friendly woman greeted me as I approached the order window https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=84sgq0lzhNtcVdhOtvsySQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw, she quickly explained the deal to me, I ordered, received my drink instantly, immediately followed by the calamari rings, then the tosadas shortly afterwards, and finally the main entrees wrapped up in takeout containers as I finished my food. All was good in this 'hood! PARKING (Varied; $2.00 this instance) I parked on a side street and fed the meter ($1.00/hour, operates 8:00am-5:00pm except Sundays). Otherwise, there was FREE non-metered timed parking along the main drag of Figueroa St. ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE A shack of a kitchen where you ordered at one window and picked up at another. The main medium-sized open patio dining area was filled with several hard-plastic benches and sticky wooden tables while there were a few tables fully exposed along the sideway and several metal counter stools where you placed your order (that was kind of awkward). Any decorations were kept to a minimum probably because there wasn't anywhere to hang anything. Natural lighting ruled here although I noticed what appeared to be a soul-sucking fluorescent ceiling light fixture for when sunset arrived. I didn't recall any TVs but music played in the background. ATTIRE Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops. OVERALL Via-Mar Seafood Restaurant was a nice surprise, and from the look of things while I was there the locals supported this neighborhood mom & pop as the workers appeared to know the patrons. The menu had a wide selection of options (burgers anyone!?) with daily specials, the prices were cheap, the portions were large, and the service was quick. I only asked that they had less ice in their drinks, less filler in their burritos, and did something more with the bland under-cooked rice. Otherwise, thank you to Living Social for this experience! I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $31.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card ($10.00 minimum required) of choice...AMEX! 4.0 STARS

This place used to be GREAT! Not any more 45$ for two fish tacos , 2 for one shrimp cocktails with 5 shrimp only . My SEA FOOD SOUP had 1 octopus 1 piece of fish and full of carrots . carrots and squash ! Where's the sea food ?

This is my go to spot when it comes to eating fish/shrimp tacos and for a platter of ceviche! The food here is really good. I would recommend it to anyone in the area looking to get good fish/shrimp tacos or ceviche.

Picked up fish tacos, shrimp tacos, and a large shrimp cocktail for dinner. The fish and shrimp tacos are battered and soaked in grease then topped with lettuce and a heavy amount of sauce which altogether makes the taco a ball of mush. You can't distinguish anything you're eating after you take a bite. I don't even write reviews but the amount of grease was really something else. Pretty disappointing for a place known for seafood. The only reason I left 2 stars was because the shrimp cocktail was decent. Can't mess up cocktail sauce and cold shrimp. They give you about a quarter avocado for an order.

Get that bang for your buck at this counter serving setup Mexican hole-in-the wall seafood galore gem. They feature daily specials at steal prices of which I highly recommend their tilapia fillet, shrimp tacos and aguachile. The highlight of the evening was devouring their special tilapia fillet. It was absolutely crispy on the outside, lean fresh and meaty in the inside and dirt cheap - $7 for such a large serving portion for two. There's a small outdoor patio seating arrangement for dine-in, however, the tables need a little cleaning. But overall, I highly recommend this place for your late night cravings. They also serve dozen oysters for $12 or 1/2 dozen would be $7.50 which I didn't get to try but definitely will during my next visit.

Food is ridiculously over priced!!!& I wont go there again!!! People we're nice there but there slow..I waited in line 20 minutes in the drive through

This used to be my go to place but I think they got new owners. The prices doubled from before and portions have reduced. I used to love coming here on a cruda. The aguachiles ruined it for me, that was lime juice no cilantro, no flavor and the shrimp was for sure over cooked. Onions were not fresh. No se que pasó but bri This new ain't it!

Really bad experience - bad oysters and terrible seafood soup. Tacos where ok. It was highly recommended but vet disappointing

Ordered the fish taco and it had no seasoning and the place was dirty ... it has declined on their food.

I'm in with these wrapped stuffed with and I'm so glad I found a random authentic seafood spot in LA. I was hungry and was in a mood for some seafood. The prices are so affordable and the food is good. Can you believe my plate was $9.50? I also had a fish tostada that was very fresh and full of fish. I did find my bacon wrapped shrimp to be a little on the dry side, hopefully next time it won't be like this. Outdoor seating with a mix of Selena and some rancheras blasting. Enjoy!

Worst Mariscos I've had ever in my life. Save your time and money coming here. My shrimp cocktail consisted more of diced tomatoes and onions . Where was my Shrimp ? Tasted like I was just drinking/eating a tomato cocktail. The shrimp was horrible not fresh at all. Seemed to taste like the frozen shrimp you can buy at Food 4 Less across the street. I've given this place way too many chances. Done ... Gross

Ordered the following tacos: mahi, shrimp and asada; also ordered the calamari rings and a tamarind drink. Mahi fish taco was a had a nice size piece of fish and was really good, asada taco was a little salty, shrimp taco was ok but could have been better without so much batter. I was a little worried when I saw red sauce on the tacos because I thought it might be spicy but turned out it didn't have much flavor. Calamari rings were a waste - no taste and all batter, not sure if there really was any calamari in there. Highlight was the tamarind juice which was perfect. Not too sweet and nice flavor; I enjoyed every sip!

Seafood in seafood soup didn't taste very fresh... doubt I'll get it ever again...Playa del Carmen in pasadena makes a way better version imho

This place is so bomb! It's like a hidden treasure in my neighborhood. Fresh Good Seafood. Authentic! The calamari is pretty awesome and the price is good! I love the ceviche, shrimp tacos, & calamari. Summer time it's great to sit outside & enjoy the vibes

First time here, everything looked delicious and there were quite a few people so we ordered a bunch of different items to try Fish tacos Shrimp tacos Salmon and shrimp plate Shrimp cocktail Carne Asada burrito Wow what a waste of money! Everything was so tasteless didn't even eat half our items, took one bite of the shrimp cocktail and that taste like water even with all the hot sauce, lemon, and ketchup we had to add. The only thing that taste okay was the burrito. Tacos had no flavor, salmon had no flavor even the steamed vegetables looked all warn out and sad. Won't be coming back here. One star for presentation it all looked good to bad it didn't taste as good.

Very good Mexican seafood restaurant. They have great daily specials. You juat can't beat these prices.... I have tried 3 fish tacos and one shrimp taco. It tasted good but fried fish had too much oil in it.. Also it seems like they recycled the oil instead of using fresh oil.. There are no inside dining.. I want to give this place another try with food that are not fried.

Not tasty. Soggy fried fish coupled with a soggy corn tortilla. Super sad. Abundant not so fresh fishy taste as well. Tacos were shoved together and bound by tight aluminum foil, so you couldn't even distinguish one taco from the other with your fingers, which didn't help the soggy matters. 2 stars given instead of 0 for those who didn't share this experience. #algorithm

I tried this local counter-service restaurant for the very first time on Friday, March 16th. I believe I stopped by at about 8:00PM. My first time here, and I noticed first that the prices were really reasonable. They do have a covered patio with some tables; however, I opted to order to go. I ordered the Calamari Strips, and the Costa Azul Shrimp. I also ordered the Shrimp Burrito (but for someone else), so I cannot comment on that. The Calamari Strips were amazing -- among some of the best I have ever had. The breading to fish ratio was perfect and they were perfectly fried. The Costa Azul Shrimp came with I believe 6 and they were all wrapped in bacon with a side salad and fries. It was also very delicious! I would return here again in the future.

Almost a year ago soon after leaving the Rose parade we cruised by and OMG! It was a let down. Especially with the oysters they seemed old. Kindov not good. Then our shrimp cocktail was weak. Our last over all visit was meh. This hurts because I am not going to sign them off yet, because for several years, prior to my last visit. It has been extremely delicious!! We hope it was a off day. Otherwise the neighborhood can be a sketch with lounging homeless like pharrell cats. We have never, had a problem but you never know. Other wise, great tacos, great mixta cocktails. Great menu with reasonable prices. Ask for restroom key.

Delicious!! Fresh and flavor is on point. First time eating here and fore sure most likely to come back and tell my friends and family. The place is a small place with a patio like lounge are to the side, customer service is pretty chil, straight to the point no BS I love it . Had the "Camaron Aguachile" to say the least I had to refrain from licking my fingers due to recent world events lol . Every one was practiced safe customer service.

This place is underrated!! Every-time I've come here it's bomb af. Highly recommend. They're seafood and meat is on point. Spent Father's Day here and the whole family loved it