5 Best Seafood Restaurants near Placerville, CA
Placerville, CA sits comfortably in the Sierra Nevada foothills, better known for Gold Rush history than for seafood. That reputation sells the area short. Whether you’re after properly battered fish and chips or a fine dining plate of blackened tuna, the restaurants in and around town deliver. This guide covers the best seafood near Placerville, CA, so you can spend less time searching and more time eating.
Finding the Best Seafood Near Placerville, CA
The seafood options that rise to the top here share a couple of things: consistent quality and a clear sense of what they do best. Freshness is the first thing to evaluate. Restaurants that source from quality suppliers or update their menus seasonally tend to deliver noticeably better results. Atmosphere and service shape the whole experience too.
Some of the best spots in and around Placerville offer casual, unpretentious settings that make a weeknight dinner feel like an occasion; others aim for something more refined. With that in mind, here are five restaurants near Placerville that consistently earn their place on the seafood short list.
1. Powell’s Steamer Co. & Pub: Best for Casual, Classic Seafood and Cioppino
Powell’s Steamer Co. & Pub anchors itself in historic downtown Placerville near the belltower, and it has built a loyal local following for good reason. The atmosphere is relaxed and pub-like without feeling generic, with 12 craft beers on tap, local wines by the glass or bottle, and live music on select Saturdays and Sundays adding energy to the room.
The menu covers classic seafood territory with confidence. Shrimp Louie’s and fresh oysters are reliable standouts, and the cioppino earns its reputation as a house specialty worth coming back for. Hearty entrees and sandwiches round out the menu for anyone at the table who wants something more substantial. Average cost runs around $10 to $20 per person, making Powell’s one of the more accessible options in the area. For a casual Friday night with friends or a no-fuss weeknight dinner, it delivers.
2. London Best Fish & Chip: Best Classic Fish & Chips in Gold Country
There’s a reason fish and chips remains one of the most beloved seafood preparations in the world, and London Best Fish & Chip understands exactly what makes it work. Located at 1216 Broadway in Placerville, this spot brings an authentic chip shop sensibility to Gold Country, building the menu around fish and chips with crispy breading that stays crunchy and fryer oil that’s clearly well-maintained.
The menu is focused by design, which works in its favor. Most fish and chips dishes land in the $12.99 to $16.99 range with fries, and the overall menu tops out around $18.99. The dining room is casual and welcoming, and the dog-friendly outdoor seating makes it a natural fit for a relaxed lunch or low-key dinner.
For families or anyone who wants honest, well-executed comfort food without overthinking it, London Best Fish & Chip is the clear answer.
3. Snooty Frog: Best for Intimate Steak-and-Seafood Dining
Tucked into Burke Junction in Cameron Park, roughly 15 minutes from Placerville, Snooty Frog is a family-owned dinner house that has built its reputation on from-scratch cooking and a warm, intimate room. Chef-owner Michelle Schanel runs the kitchen while her husband John handles the bar and floor, and that hands-on approach shows in the details: seasonal soups made in-house, fresh seafood, and broiled steaks treated with care.
The seafood side leans toward classic preparations done well, with the scampi a consistent standout and dishes like filet topped with crab and hollandaise bridging the surf-and-turf divide. The “Absolutely Snooty” martini list and wine-by-the-glass selection round out the experience. With a compact 80-seat room and a quiet, casual-elegant feel, it’s a natural pick for a date night or a small celebration. Average cost lands in the $30 to $50 per person range. Note that it’s dinner only, Wednesday through Saturday, so plan accordingly.
4. Taqueria Jasso’s: Best for Seafood Tacos and Authentic Mexican Seafood
Taqueria Jasso’s takes a different angle than the other spots on this list, and that’s precisely what earns it a place here. Mexican seafood has its own distinct tradition, and Taqueria Jasso’s executes it with care. Camaron Al Gusto, Mojarra Al Gusto, Ceviche, and Mariscada anchor the seafood side of the menu, and many items including the tortillas are made in-house, which shows in the final product.
Seafood dishes run roughly $14.00 to $19.50, landing this spot in comfortable mid-range territory. The setting is casual and the portions are satisfying, making it a reliable option for lunch or dinner when you want something with more personality than a standard fish platter.
For groups with mixed appetites, the broader menu means seafood lovers and non-seafood eaters alike will find something they want.
5. ELDO Chophouse & Kitchen: Best for Elevated Seafood and Fine Dining
ELDO Chophouse & Kitchen sits in El Dorado Hills, roughly 20 to 25 minutes from Placerville, which puts it comfortably within the area’s dining radius. The drive is worth it for anyone planning a date night, anniversary dinner, or a meal where the setting matters as much as what’s on the plate.
The seafood menu leans upscale, with carefully sourced proteins like blackened tuna, ora king salmon, and yellowtail hamachi that justify the price point. Pick one or two and you’ll understand why this place gets recommended for special occasions. The décor is sleek and romantic, and the full bar with crafted cocktails and a thoughtful wine list rounds out the experience. Average cost lands around $40 to $70 per person for a dinner with a seafood entree and drinks. When the mood calls for something genuinely elevated, ELDO is the strongest option within easy reach of Placerville.
How to Pick the Right Seafood Spot for Your Night Out Near Placerville
Start with the occasion. A romantic dinner or anniversary is where ELDO Chophouse & Kitchen earns its reputation, with an atmosphere and menu built for that kind of evening. Powell’s Steamer Co. & Pub is a natural fit for a casual night out, especially on a weekend when live music is on the schedule.
For families or anyone keeping an eye on the budget, London Best Fish & Chip is a straightforward, satisfying choice. Snooty Frog works well for an intimate dinner or a small celebration, with a from-scratch kitchen and a quiet, casual-elegant room, just remember it’s dinner only, Wednesday through Saturday. Taqueria Jasso’s is the move when you want seafood with a distinct regional tradition behind it, and it handles mixed groups well since the menu extends well beyond the ocean.
When the occasion is a splurge and you’re willing to make the short drive, ELDO is the clear pick. For a relaxed Gold Country dinner without pretense, Powell’s hits the mark. A quick look at each restaurant’s menu online before you go is the easiest way to confirm the fit.
Gear Up for Your Gold Country Food Trip with Auburn CDJR
Half the fun of a seafood run near Placerville is the drive to get there, whether that means winding up Highway 50 toward town or making the short hop to Cameron Park or El Dorado Hills for dinner. The right vehicle makes those Gold Country roads easier, and Auburn Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram has the lineup to match. Capable SUVs like the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler handle the foothills with ease, while a Ram 1500 or Chrysler Pacifica gives families room to travel in comfort.
Based at 1901 Grass Valley Highway in Auburn, just up the road from Placerville, the team can guide you through the full process from test drive to financing. Drivers looking to browse new vehicles or used vehicles have plenty of options worth exploring before the next outing.