AJ's Fish Merchant, San Diego

Chef Stephen Bennett is self-taught, which plays a huge role in how he prepares the fresh seafood at AJ's Fish Merchant. It means he isn't beholden to any one school of thought, allowing him to put his own spin on traditional dishes such as the California clam chowder, which he crafts from a white wine base. Likewise, his fish and chips also feature a California twist—the batter is made using craft beer from San Diego's Ballast Point Brewing Company.

Sourcing local ingredients is important to Chef Bennett, as it ensures that the food is fresh and unblemished by passport stamps. That's why the bulk of the market's seafood comes from Catalina Offshore Products, and all the sauces are homemade. And though it's seafood-focused, the menu still spans a wide range of tastes, featuring dishes such as shrimp and grits, seafood pasta, and sesame-grilled ahi tuna. Customers can also stop in for a sandwich with their choice of seafood filling, or they can indulge in a fish-free helping of hazelnut brioche french toast during weekend brunch.