My and my family went later in the day for dinner. It was more slower at the time but such a great experience. Our server Amanda was so helpful and nice. She made my birthday dinner 10 times better. The food came quickly and was very delicious. It was lightweight and gut friendly. Would definitely recommend this location!
Overview
Walking into Cod Seafood House & Raw Bar at 8408 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048, United States feels less like checking off a dinner plan and more like stumbling onto a neighborhood secret that locals quietly brag about. I first came here after a long shoot day nearby, hungry but picky, and the smell of brine, butter, and grilled citrus told me I’d chosen well before I even saw the menu. The staff greeted me like a regular, even though it was my first visit, which set the tone for the entire experience.
The menu leans confidently into seafood classics while keeping things approachable. You’ll see oysters lined up on ice at the raw bar, neatly labeled by origin, which matters more than people think. According to the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch, knowing where seafood comes from helps diners make more sustainable choices, and this place clearly does its homework. When I asked about the oysters, the server explained the flavor profiles without sounding rehearsed-clean, mineral-forward East Coast varieties and creamier West Coast options-proof that training here goes beyond memorizing descriptions.
What stood out during my meal was how seriously freshness is treated. The kitchen follows a strict same-day prep process for raw items, something the FDA recommends to reduce risks associated with raw seafood consumption. That attention shows up on the plate. The crudo tasted bright and clean, and the grilled fish had that just-caught texture that flakes perfectly without falling apart. A chef I spoke with briefly mentioned their sourcing partners change based on seasonal availability, which aligns with industry best practices supported by organizations like the National Fisheries Institute.
Reviews often highlight the balance between casual comfort and culinary precision, and I’d agree. This isn’t a stuffy white-tablecloth seafood temple, but it’s also far from a greasy diner. Families, couples, and solo diners all seem to find their rhythm here. During my second visit, I noticed a group at the bar ordering the same lobster roll I had weeks earlier, clearly returning for a reason. Consistency like that doesn’t happen by accident; it’s usually the result of tight kitchen systems and regular quality checks.
One thing I appreciated was the transparency. The staff openly discussed shellfish safety, even noting that the CDC reports raw oysters can carry risks for certain groups. That honesty builds trust, especially when enjoying a raw bar. It’s refreshing to hear a restaurant acknowledge limitations instead of glossing over them, and it made me more comfortable ordering exactly what I wanted.
The location also works in its favor. Being on West 3rd Street puts it within easy reach of shopping and galleries, making it a natural stop before or after an evening out. Parking can be a bit tight during peak hours, which is worth noting, but most regulars seem to plan around it without complaint.
What keeps me coming back is the feeling that this place respects both the food and the people eating it. The kitchen executes raw bar staples with care, the dining room buzzes without getting loud, and the overall vibe stays relaxed. You can tell the team believes in an ocean to table approach, not as a slogan but as a daily practice. That belief carries through every plate, every recommendation, and every return visit, making this spot a reliable favorite in a city that never runs out of dining options.
Good to know
Service options
✓ No-contact delivery ✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Great cocktails ✓ Rooftop seating ✓ Serves local specialtyPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Healthy options ✓ Late-night food ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ Vegetarian options ✓ WineDining options
✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ Romantic ✓ Trendy ✓ UpmarketCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ TouristsPlanning
✓ Dinner reservations recommended ✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cardsParking
✓ Paid street parking ✓ Valet parkingPhotos
1 / 4
Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 412 reviews
Went here last night with my friend and we were both blown away by the oyster selection, our mains, and the service. Amanda took great care of us and was awesome and helpful from top to bottom. She even said she couldn’t remember putting together a sampler of the oyster specials. I recommend it. Get a dozen oysters and see which style you like best! I also had a bowl of clam chowder and we ordered an appetizer of the seasoned fries. The chowder was some of the best I’ve ever had, and I never thought I’d have good chowder this far West of New England. The fries were great too. They were seasoned well and crispy. The best perk is that they are open later. We were worried that we got back into town too late for good oysters, and we found some of the best.
Great spot on 3rd st to catch fresh oyster. For more info and to checkout new hot spots follow us on instagram @gemislist
COD is one of my favorite Asian-inspired seafood places. The Lavender Mule is smooth and refreshing I love it with tequila instead of vodka which you can substitute with no additional charge. The Spicy Tuna Rice has the perfect amount of heat & crunchiness - it’s soooooo good and with only 4 you might end up fighting over them. The Crispy Walnut Shrimp is actually some of my favorite in LA I love how freshly they prepare it - it never disappoints me & I order it every time I come. The Chicken Garlic Noodles aren’t overpowered with garlic & the Parmesan adds a nice saltiness to the noodles - I love them. The Shrimp Fried Rice was delicious as well as the Crispy Garlic Brussels sprouts for a side vegetable. The customer service was excellent and I loved the scenery/atmosphere sitting on the upper level - can’t wait to come back excellent late date night spot!
FOOD: All the dishes are flavorful from the salmon carpaccio, pork belly, and grilled octopus all of them are unique, just one recommendation DON'T order everything in one because they will send everything together I wish they can do a pause or courses. When that comes to service, to be honest our server she seems so distracted and lost. I mean we need to tell her a couples of times about our drinks order she kept forgetting. Then she got distracted with a baby that she forgot about us and didn't even come up and check on us how everything was. Until you have eye contact with her and she will check on you However, One of the things that I love it's that they are dog friendly.
COD was our favorite restaurant while in LA! I would say it’s Asian-Fusion. We ordered several items which were so delicious, fresh and plentiful! And the waitress was very nice, funny and she did everything. She served the food, mixed the drinks and did everything.
Words are inadequate in conveying those fantastic gourmet experiences. First, I would say that the Roasted Peking Dust Breast is the best duck breast on the planet!! Each time you slice it you witness the juice incessantly stream out of the meat. Its crisp skin can rival any of the most authentic Peking duck back in China - while traditional Peking duck serves with little mear, which usually is dry. It is a pity that this course is not in the regular menu - I just wonder who made it and how? If everything else tasted terribly horrible, I would still be more than happy to pay for this dine L.A. dinner solely in virtue of the duck breast. But of course, everything else was equally amazing. The Truffle Uni Pasta left me in awe. The Scallop Carpaccio and oysters (happy hour 5-7pm) here also worth a try. Finally, the desserts - Chocolate Lava Cake and Green Tea Cream Brulee - were unexpectedly addictive. Whether it was due to the laggard service, the reasonable portion of the food, or the extraordinary tastiness of the food (which is the most likely), we finished everything. I'm already looking forward to the next dine L.A. week. Lucky ones should seize the tail of this week and try their dinner set. P.S. They have $10 valet parking, which is really nice to us poor LA residents.