Fresh fish in the desert? You’re not dreaming. Close your eyes for a moment.

Imagine stepping into a charming seafood restaurant with a coastal ambiance, reminiscent of a seaside escape. The air is filled with the delightful aroma of fresh ocean breeze and sizzling seafood dishes. The décor features nautical accents and rustic wooden tables, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Patrons are greeted with a display of the day’s fresh catch, showcasing a vibrant array of colorful, glistening seafood. The menu boasts an exquisite selection of delicacies, from succulent shrimp to perfectly grilled salmon fillets. Each dish is expertly prepared with a blend of savory spices and garnished with fresh herbs, promising a burst of tantalizing flavors with every bite. The attentive staff provides impeccable service that elevates the dining experience. Whether enjoying a business lunch or a lively dinner with friends, this seafood restaurant promises a culinary journey that delights all the senses.

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Welcome to Chula Seafood, a true Arizona gem that will make you think you walked into seafood hot spot near Pier 39 in San Francisco. With three locations in the Valley, Chula Seafood is owned by Central Phoenix native Jon Heflin, his wife Mandy and business partner Hogan Jamison. Chula Seafood specializes in seafood from Southern California and Baja — with even more fresh fish being flown in from around the world daily. The family boat, Chula, is a sustainable commercial swordfish boat located in Point Loma. With more than 25 years in the commercial fishing industry, the owners of Chula Seafood buy directly from the local fisherman and transport the product in their own fleet of refrigerated vans across the desert. Chula Seafood brings fresh fish into the Valley six days a week to supply not only its own restaurants, but other local establishments.

What really differentiates Chula Seafood from other Arizona restaurants is not only can you dine in and enjoy an incredible meal, but Chula’s Fish Market features sushi-grade fish you can buy by the pound. While that’s fantastic news for desert-dwellers, be sure to treat yourself to some dine-in deliciousness. Some cannot-miss items include:

• A star of the menu is the fish and chips — crispy golden batter, tender flaky fish, served with a side of piping hot fries: A classic comfort food favorite.

• Juicy, tender, savory, buttery, succulent, caramelized, delicate, flavorful, elegant, tender, mouthwatering, irresistible. Words cannot adequately describe Chula’s pan-seared scallops. 

• The grilled oysters, fish tacos, sashimi platter and poke bowls are all incredible and you cannot go wrong with any of them.

• Perfect for special occasions or a memorable family meal, Chula Seafood also offers party platters and kits that are sure to be a hit with any crowd. 

For those Southern California transplants, Chula Seafood will take you back to memorable meals at Neptune’s Net. For Arizonans, it all brings home new memories of the most amazing fresh seafood you will find in the desert. 

Chula Seafood locations

• 100 E. Camelback Rd., #172, Phoenix 

• 8015 E. Roosevelt St., Scottsdale

• 20581 N. Hayden Rd., #100, Scottsdale

Information: chulaseafood.com