Exquisite seafood doesn’t have to break the bank. Many states have budget-friendly options, from torpedo-sized croquettes to beer-battered calamari tacos.
Most offer a range of seafood subscription boxes, including salmon, cod, shrimp, and tuna portions. You can even select whole fish, filets, and steaks. It also has bundles for those who like to entertain.
Check the Local Markets
Check out your local fish markets to eat seafood without blowing your paycheck. There is a great selection of fresh fish by the pound, including rockfish, red snapper, and ling cod. They also offer fried options like catfish, tilapia, and Louisiana-style hush puppies and beignets.
Their vast selection includes everything from crab to sushi-grade fish, plus sauces and soups for cooking your catch at home. It’s extravagant from the outside, but the menu leans more toward affordability with dishes like black sea bass longevity noodles and uni tagliatelle.
Look for Specials
When looking for the best affordable seafood restaurants in San Francisco, check their menu online. Restaurants often update their menus regularly to reflect culinary trends or offer new dishes to attract customers. You can also find out if they have specials, like discounted prices on certain days of the week.
Another thing to look for is whether the restaurant has a wide selection of different types of fish. You want to go to something other than a seafood restaurant that only offers fried or grilled fish, as these options will be boring after some time.
Another important consideration is whether the seafood restaurant has fresh, wild-caught fish. This is often better for the environment and tastes much more delicious than farm-raised fish. You can usually tell if a restaurant has wild-caught fish by reading the information on their website. You can also ask about this at the restaurant when making your reservation.
Look for Deals on Little Fish
Exquisite seafood doesn’t have to break the bank. For example, a prix-fix menu includes everything from torpedo-sized croquettes and bags of peel-and-eat shrimp to beer-battered fish tacos. The restaurant also has a section on its website that lists its sources and explains what sustainability means. Similarly, some prioritize food partners and suppliers that are part of a short supply chain and have a whole section dedicated to seafood. There are various options here, including cod, salmon, tuna, halibut fillets, and steaks. Its selection is easily broken down by type and includes bundles that simplify cooking at home.
Look for Deals on Shrimp
Shrimp are one of the most popular seafood options, and they can be relatively affordable if you know where to look. The key is buying frozen shrimp, often cheaper than fresh, and paying close attention to the label when selecting your purchase. Frozen shrimp are generally processed at sea right after they’re caught, and the label should let you know where they come from. This is important, as we have seen many reports of shrimp farms relying on literal slave labor.
When shopping for shrimp, you should also read the pound count, which will give you a good idea of how many shrimp you’re getting per pound. Smaller shrimp, usually marked with a slash like 26/30, will be more expensive than giant shrimp, typically marked with U10 or less. Choose shell-on or peel-off shrimp according to your cooking method, and remember that cooked, peeled shrimp can go from freezer to plate in under 15 minutes with no prep work required.
Look for Deals on Crab
King crab is a seafood delicacy that many enjoy but can also be expensive. Fortunately, there are a few ways to find deals on crab, including looking for coupons and sales online and shopping at local seafood markets.
Many seafood retailers offer email newsletters that include information about sales, discounts, and promotions. By signing up for these newsletters, you can stay informed about the latest crab deals and offers. You can also save money on crab by purchasing it in bulk. Many seafood retailers will offer a discount on large orders or will provide free shipping for large purchases.
If you’re looking for a place to dine on exquisite seafood without breaking the bank, some city has hidden gems where you can munch on torpedo-sized croquettes and bags of peel-and-eat shrimp while enjoying a giant margarita or colada. These restaurants are a must-visit for anyone who loves seafood.