Popular restaurant brings affordable option for seafood
By Ashley Shah
When walking into Surfside Fish House, customers are welcomed by the friendly staff that has been there since the beginning, beachy decor to complement the fresh food served, and members of the community spending time together.
Kristen and Jimmy Jang, residents of Scripps Ranch, are the owners of Seasurf in Del Mar that opened in 2017, and Surfside Fish House, here in Scripps Ranch that opened in 2024.
“There are a lot of great dining options in Scripps Ranch, but we felt like there was a void we could fill. A fast, casual seafood restaurant for families after practice or for parents’ night out. As community members ourselves, in deciding where we wanted to eat, we thought this concept would translate well in Scripps Ranch,” owner Kristen Jang said.
The menu at Surfside Fish House primarily consists of seafood, but includes a wide variety of options.
“Our two most popular menu items include the Ginger Garlic Shrimp and the Seafood Cioppino. But, we have a lot of other fan favorites like clam chowder and beer battered fish and chips. We have chicken options for those who do not want seafood. We have an option for everyone,” Jimmy Jang said.
“We also have poke bowls. I didn’t even like poke bowls, but that was before I tried ours,” Kristen said.
A highlight of the restaurant is the happy hour, which takes place from 3 to 6 p.m. every day, including weekends.
“The happy hour is one of the best kept secrets of our restaurant. Those that know about it, know about it. I am always surprised when I come into the restaurant and see a full spread of food that is filling, but so reasonably priced,” Kristen said. “Our happy hour menu has oysters for only $2, wings, poke nachos, and so much more,” Jimmy added.
Surfside Fish House and Seasurf have similar menu items; however, there are some differences.
“We added some food items here that are not available at Seasurf, like the linguine and gumbo,” Jimmy said.
After two years of being open, they shared the most common feedback they have heard from community members.
“I have heard ‘thank you’ the most since opening, ‘thank you for giving us this easy, accessible place to come and feed ourselves and family.’ There is a genuine sense of gratitude. We have lots of regulars, and those that come for our welcoming atmosphere,” Kristen said.
“What I love about Scripps Ranch is that residents are always willing to support each other in whatever endeavors they do. The community has really shown up for us,” Jimmy said.
As a way to thank the community for their support, Surfside Fish House contributes to the local schools and club sports teams.
“We are sponsors for some Little League teams. If we cannot sponsor the teams, then we at least try to do a fundraiser night for them. We are also part of the discount cards for the high school football team,” Kristen said.
Surfside Fish House food is available for delivery through Grubhub, Uber Eats and similar delivery services. The restaurant provides catering to organizations all over San Diego.
As of now, they have no plans to open other locations.
“We never say never though,” Kristen said.
Outside of their two restaurants, the Jangs have two daughters who are enrolled in the local schools in Scripps Ranch.
“We are incredibly grateful for the community, and we could not be more thrilled to be here,” Kristen said.
For more information about the restaurant, visit www.surfsidefishhouse.com.