Finding great seafood in Vacaville is a quintessential California experience, like spotting a heron in the creek or debating whether to order the cioppino or the crab cakes. It’s a town where strip-mall spots hide briny treasures, and the Central Valley sun makes a cold oyster platter feel like a revelation. From dockside-inspired joints with nets on the walls to sleek spots celebrating the catch of the day, here are the best places to eat seafood in Vacaville.
Chef Chen’s Chinese Restaurant
$ | (707) 448-8822 | WEBSITE
Chef Chen’s Chinese Restaurant has long been a refuge for weary commuters or anyone who has been dragged to Vacaville against their will. But this small Chinese spot is one of the most satisfying places you could eat at in the area, and there’s not a single greasy spoon in sight.
It’s simply positioned as a hidden gem with vegan options, which means you can simultaneously enjoy veggie egg rolls, listen to friendly chatter from manager Bryan, and kill time with their excellent lunch specials while your dining companion debates between the hot garlic eggplant and sweet and sour tofu.
Wah Shine
$ | (707) 448-0785 | WEBSITE
Wah Shine, our favorite comforting seafood spot in Vacaville, is serving up that home-cooked meal vibe we all crave. Titled a “must-visit gem,” the place has all the welcoming touches: attentive staff checking on you every five minutes, generous portions of delicious food, and a mix of traditional and celebratory atmosphere. There’s also a wide variety of great-priced options like egg rolls, pot stickers, broccoli beef, pineapple chicken, and shrimp fried rice.
Expect amazing service from hardworking staff who go the extra mile, plus a clean establishment with a bar for drinks. Runs year-round for anyone looking for a delightful dining experience where customers feel like family.
Nashville Kitchen
$ | (707) 660-8230 | WEBSITE
Don’t let the name fool you—Nashville Kitchen isn’t just about chicken. Tucked away in Vacaville, this cozy spot can be a tough place to snag a seat on game nights, but it makes up for it with truly excellent comfort food. This year’s must-try offerings include classics like the Loaded Mac & Cheese with Chicken, especially with medium heat and Aioli sauce, as well as their signature chicken sandwiches and coleslaw.
The friendly staff provides great service, making customers feel right at home while watching sports on one of the five TVs.
Makse Restaurant, Vacaville
$$$ | (707) 685-9744 | WEBSITE
If you can score a table at Makse Restaurant, consider it a real dining victory. (Seriously, book those reservations now.) Arrive early if you’re hoping to walk in because locals can’t get enough of this neighborhood gem. This seafood spot in Vacaville feels like that one cozy place you’d return to again and again: warm lighting, comfortable seating, and a relaxed vibe are in every corner.
There’s a solid seafood menu available (Baked Brie included), but many come for the standout dishes, like Beef Wellington, the Porterhouse steak with its tender meat, and the generously portioned Greek salads with their big, fresh flavors.
Poke Ichii
$$ | (707) 724-6814 | WEBSITE
Poke Ichii in Vacaville turns into a reliable poke destination for a quick, satisfying meal. It’s worth pulling off the freeway just to step into the clean, comfortable dining room and admire the well-maintained parking lot. And if you’re hungry after, head to the counter. The space offers both indoor seating and an outdoor area with friendly staff who provide quick service and help with menu choices.
The regular customized poke bowl features fresh, flavorful ingredients with generous protein portions and well-prepared octopus that tastes firm and authentic. While some find the spicy tuna and mayo not very spicy, the overall quality remains high. Though slightly pricey, the portion sizes and quality make it a popular choice for poke lovers compared to other places like Okashi.
Cajun Crackin
$$ | (707) 685-9366 | WEBSITE
Special occasions shine at Cajun Crackin with family-friendly seafood boils, an epic spread of spice levels, and welcoming service where staff have been known to check on you regularly. We recommend heading to the spacious dining area to take in all the festivities. The restaurant doesn’t roll out a themed menu during celebrations, but you can bet there’s going to be a ton of crayons for kids and more than one crab boil being served.
BAG O’ CRAB
$$ | (707) 514-7605 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in Vacaville, BAG O’ CRAB is a seafood spot that goes all in on bold, garlicky flavors. Beyond the tasty lobster roll packed with chunks of flavorful meat and the shrimp platter with slaw and basic white rice, the menu features garlic noodles loaded with big chunks of garlic and shrimp bags bursting with seasoning and butter. The snow crab and shrimps are delicious and fresh, with yummy marinades, while the wings are fire and the Korean Spare Ribs satisfy those who skip seafood.
The French fries, evenly cooked and crispy with lemon pepper, are a hit. The small but clean restaurant has cute decor and a low noise level, creating a pleasant ambiance. Service is friendly and attentive, with fast refills and helpful recommendations. Though the place is pretty pricey, the food and experience make it worth it, especially for families enjoying crab combos and rice options.
Tugboat Fish & Chips | Vacaville
$ | (707) 455-0940 | WEBSITE
Tugboat Fish & Chips is a Vacaville seafood spot that’s also ditching fancy frills for a more straightforward approach to fish and chips. Their signature dish is called “The Classic,” based on cod, a reliable fish that delivers flaky, crispy bites every time. But the food at Tugboat remains fresh, generous, and full of flavor, like the seafood sampler and the prawns with that perfect batter.
Also, the tartar sauce is part of their generous portions policy, where extra comes standard for dipping those crispy fries.
Sharkys Chicken And Fish
$ | (707) 514-7577 | WEBSITE
Sharky’s Chicken and Fish used to be that kind of place you’d drive past without a second glance—just another unassuming storefront in a strip mall. These days, it’s become my go-to spot for seriously satisfying fried food. The no-frills space (Is it a takeout counter? A neighborhood secret? Everybody feels something different) is all about efficiency, with a straightforward menu board on the wall and the constant sizzle from the kitchen.
Think crispy catfish nuggets, messy whole wings, and po’boys piled high with shrimp. The staff is friendly and engaging, making the wait for made-to-order meals feel worthwhile. It’s the kind of place where you grab a box meal with chicken thighs and fries, find some shaded parking, and remember why simple food done right is always a win.
Hawaiian BBQ Express | Vacaville
$ | (707) 305-5318 | WEBSITE
You could spend a small fortune on a fancy seafood dinner with white tablecloths, or you can get a taste of Hawaiian comfort in Vacaville. At this popular spot, you can order your own generous meal for about $15 per person that includes crispy chicken katsu with rich gravy, a salmon bowl, or spam masubi. And, of course, there’s value, like leftovers for tomorrow and satisfaction that comes with reasonable prices. Each visit leaves you with a full belly and a happy wallet.