Captain Kidd’s: Dive Dining Meets High-End Seafood in Redondo Beach

Photo courtest of Localite LA PR

Captain Kidd’s has been a Redondo Beach staple for 40 years. What started as a local fish market by a fisherman family has evolved into a locally-renowned hotspot for fresh, sustainable seafood imported from across the world. While this may not be the classiest place for its price point, Captain Kidd’s will assure you an authentic dining experience with quality seafood as its focal point.

Captain Kidd’s, as both a fish market and a restaurant, works in two ways. They have a standard restaurant menu that features your classic fish plates, fish tacos, fish ‘n’ chips, lobster rolls and the like. In addition, they allow guests to choose their meal from the fish market display on the other side of the counter, where Captain Kidd’s staff recommends and executes on the most fitting preparation method. The latter route allows you to venture outside the traditional menu and truly make your own meal from one of the finest seafood selections in the South Bay.

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Photo courtesy of Localite LA PR

The shrimp here are simply spectacular. Caught in Mexico’s Bay of Campeche and the size of lobster tails, these rare shrimp stay true to Captian Kidd’s claim as ‘simply the best.’ King Salmon from British Columbia are fileted in-house twice a day for maximum freshness. Six varietals of crab range from large to enormous, with several of those varietals also swimming in tanks on the other side of the market. 

The traditional menu is much more, well, traditional, with excellent shrimp and fish tacos, killer lobster bisque and meaty New England clam chowder. You may want to skip out on the lobster roll: While it does contain some hefty lobster chunks, the ‘lobster salad’ presentation and a dry bun leave much to be desired. 

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Photo courtesy of Localite LA PR

The big setback here is the price point. As would be expected with excellent seafood, you’re paying close to fine-dining prices, but only to eat in a dive atmosphere with a view of the parking lot. The wine and draft beer list helps but not enough to make up for the ambiance. If atmosphere is what you’re after, you’re better off ordering a burger at a nearby gastropub, or of course taking your fresh seafood to-go. 

Captain Kidd’s is located at 209 N. Harbor Drive, Redondo Beach CA 90277. Fish market open 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily, restaurant open 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily. Avg out-the-door price fresh seafood plate and 1 – 2 drinks is ~$40/person. For more information call (310) 372-7703 or visit Captain Kidd’s online.

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