Seafood and the Eastside Food Scene
Mariscos are a beloved part of East Los Angeles food culture. Seafood trucks and restaurants serve ceviche, aguachile, shrimp cocktails, fish tacos, and whole fried fish that draw crowds from across the region. Behind these dishes is a supply chain that stretches from the Pacific Ocean to processing plants in Vernon and distribution centers across Los Angeles County.
The Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro has been an important fishing and seafood processing hub for more than a century. Today, local seafood companies import, process, and distribute fish and shellfish from around the world while also supporting California's commercial fishing fleet. The ten companies below are respected for quality, freshness, and reliability.
The Top 10 Fishery and Seafood Companies
1. Santa Monica Seafood
Santa Monica Seafood is one of the largest seafood distributors in Southern California, serving restaurants, retailers, and institutions. Founded as a family business, it is known for quality standards, a commitment to sustainability, and a wide selection of fresh and frozen products.
2. Pacific American Fish Company (PAFCO)
PAFCO, based in Vernon, is a major seafood importer, processor, and distributor. It supplies restaurants and retailers with a broad range of fish and shellfish and is a familiar name among Eastside seafood buyers.
3. International Marine Products
International Marine Products is a Los Angeles seafood company specializing in shrimp, fish, and shellfish imports. Many mariscos restaurants rely on its consistent supply of shrimp and other seafood staples.
4. True World Foods
True World Foods is a leading supplier of sushi-grade fish and Japanese food products. Its Los Angeles operation serves sushi restaurants and specialty markets with premium seafood.
5. Chicken of the Sea
Headquartered in Southern California, Chicken of the Sea is one of the best-known seafood brands in America, producing canned and pouched tuna, salmon, and other seafood products found in markets throughout the Eastside.
6. San Pedro Fish Market
San Pedro Fish Market is a famous seafood destination at the Port of Los Angeles. It sells fresh seafood and prepared dishes and is a popular weekend outing for Eastside families.
7. Quality Seafood
Quality Seafood in Redondo Beach is a long-standing seafood market known for live crabs, lobsters, and fresh fish. It attracts seafood lovers from across Los Angeles.
8. Catalina Offshore Products
Catalina Offshore Products is a San Diego-based seafood company known for sustainably sourced local seafood, including sea urchin and fresh fish. Chefs throughout Southern California value its quality and traceability.
9. Santa Barbara Fish Market
Santa Barbara Fish Market works closely with local fishermen to supply fresh seafood such as rockfish, sea urchin, and spot prawns. Its focus on local catch supports California's fishing communities.
10. Ocean Beauty Seafoods
Ocean Beauty Seafoods processes and distributes salmon and other Alaskan seafood. Its products are available through distributors serving restaurants and retailers across Los Angeles.
How to Choose Fresh Seafood
Fresh fish should smell like the ocean, not fishy. Look for clear, bright eyes, shiny skin, and firm flesh that springs back when pressed. Shrimp should be firm with no black spots, and shellfish such as clams and mussels should be tightly closed or close when tapped.
For restaurants, working with distributors that maintain strict cold chain management is essential. Ask about delivery schedules, handling procedures, and traceability. Knowing where your seafood comes from helps ensure quality and safety.
Sustainability in Seafood
Overfishing and habitat destruction threaten ocean ecosystems. Choosing sustainable seafood helps protect fisheries for future generations. Look for certifications from respected organizations and consult sustainable seafood guides when making purchasing decisions.
California has some of the most well-managed fisheries in the world, with strict regulations and science-based catch limits. Supporting local fisheries, such as California spiny lobster, rockfish, and sea urchin, helps sustain local fishing communities.
Aquaculture is growing as a sustainable source of seafood. Responsibly farmed shellfish, such as oysters and mussels, can even improve water quality. Offshore and land-based fish farms are being developed to meet growing demand.
Seafood Trends in Los Angeles
Mariscos have become one of the hottest food trends in Los Angeles, with Sinaloa and Nayarit-style seafood restaurants drawing national attention. Aguachile, tostadas, and smoked fish tacos are increasingly popular. Poke, sushi, and Peruvian ceviche are also widely enjoyed across the region.
Consumers are increasingly interested in traceability and are willing to pay more for seafood with a known origin. Frozen-at-sea products, which are frozen immediately after catch, are gaining acceptance as a high-quality and sustainable option.
Food Safety Tips
Seafood is highly perishable. Keep it refrigerated or on ice, and use it within a day or two of purchase. When preparing raw dishes like ceviche or aguachile, use high-quality, very fresh seafood from trusted sources. Cook seafood to proper temperatures and avoid cross-contamination with other foods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is frozen seafood as good as fresh? High-quality frozen seafood can be as good as or better than fresh seafood that has traveled long distances.
Where does most seafood in Los Angeles come from? Much of it is imported through the region's ports, while local fisheries provide favorites like rockfish, sea urchin, and spiny lobster.
Final Thoughts
From Vernon processing plants to the docks of San Pedro, East Los Angeles is connected to a rich seafood supply chain. By choosing reputable companies and sustainable options, restaurants and families can enjoy delicious seafood while supporting healthy oceans.