Fishmonger’s Market Delivers Authentic European-Style Fish Market With A Creative Twist

I had the chance to try Fishmonger’s Market in Mission Hills the other day, and it’s a must-try for any seafood lover!

Photos: James Tran IG: @jtran_photos

I feel like Fishmonger’s has been flying a bit under the radar on San Diego’s culinary scene due to it’s location, which is located within 57 Degrees, Mission Hills’ expansive wine retail and storage facility. The curbside appeal of the location isn’t spectacular, but once you’re inside it’s beautiful and spacious.

Photos: James Tran IG: @jtran_photos

Fishmonger’s Founder

Fishmonger’s was started by San Diego native Frank Terzoli, who was crowned the winner of Cutthroat Kitchen in 2013 and earning the nickname “Frankie the Bull” during the second season of Bravo’s Top Chef. Frank has decades of experience as a seafood buyer, is a second-generation fishing captain, and an international chef.

Frank ‘Frankie the Bull’ Terzoli

Frank is considered one of the foremost experts in the world on the topic of sourcing the highest quality fish – so Fishmonger’s fish is as fresh and high-quality as it gets!

“I am thrilled to share my ability to source the best seafood available worldwide with my San Diego neighbors,” says Terzoli.

Tradition + Creativity Combined

Fishmonger’s was started to answer San Diego’s need for an authentic, European-style fish market and dining destination – and it’s certainly done that. You’ll find many traditional seafood dishes on the menu, and everything I tried was fantastic.

Lunch and dinner selections include Shrimp and Mango Ceviche, Grilled Swordfish Sicilian Style, and Seared Diver Scallops. The clam chowder was quite possibly the best I’ve ever had.

Fishmonger’s Market Clam Chowder Photos: James Tran IG: @jtran_photos

Crudos!

But where Fishmonger’s menu really stands out is in the creativity they’ve shown with less traditional options. You won’t find very many seafood restaurants serving dark chocolate-covered tuna with Sriracha! But Fishmonger’s does, and it’s great!

Photos: James Tran IG: @jtran_photos

If you’re up for something a little more adventurous than the traditional seafood dishes, I highly recommend that you ask their chef to give you a tour of their crudos!

Fishmonger’s Market Crudos Photos: James Tran IG: @jtran_photos

Prepping Crudos at Fishmonger’s Market Photos: James Tran IG: @jtran_photos

Fishmonger’s location (click for map) may make it a little off the beaten path for many of us, but it’s worth putting on your calendar for a visit. And it’s one of the few places in San Diego with a lot of parking, so it’s actually pretty darn convenient!

Pro tip: if you’re picking someone up from the airport, this is one of the closest restaurants and it will definitely impress your guests when you tell them it’s your ‘hidden gem’!