Basa Seafood Express (Castro Valley) — Restaurant in Castro Valley

This place popped up on social media and heard that they serve fresh seafood. So I decided to come here. This place seems to be one of those restaurants where you go for lunch and have it to go. Many people were seated on the tables not to really dine in, but to wait for their orders.

It serves all sorts of seafood: sushi, burgers, fried seafood, poke, etc. I heard that their main location is at SF, but they recently opened their other location in Castro Valley.

Normally when you go out to eat poke, you choose your base, protein, sauces, and other toppings. This one is different because poke is served in a tray with a side of rice and seaweed. I heard that they’re out of spicy salmon poke, but there’s some in the display glass. However, I think we’re told that they need to chill them first before serving them.

Prices are fairly cheap. It’s like going to fast food,...

This place is more of a grab and go place, or order over the phone for pickup. Limited seating, vibe is utilitarian.

Got the spicy salmon, and while the flavor is really good and spicy- I really disliked how the fish is cut. The pieces are cut sooo small it feels like minced salmon, you don't really get the texture of the fish. Even though the flavors are there, the way the fish is cut reads to me as cutting corners. The portion is also kind of small.

They had several things on their menu but it made me not confident to try anything else that I couldn't visibly see because I wasn't sure of how it would be cut/ prepared.

That being said, it seems like a lot of people like this place - maybe they do great platters or other items that are redeeming.

Probably...

Loving seeing all these great new eateries pop up in my hometown, and this on took over the former Dell Cafe. Basa offers a nice variety of seafood snacks at very reasonable prices, so before you balk at the serving sizes, know you're getting a great value for the price. I had no expectations going in, but if I had, they would have been met.

The only item I would not repeat was the scallop burger, which I was kind of skeptical about in the first place. Quality and flavor were fine, but the breading came off and there just wasn't enough protein.

I'd say it will probably see a lot more take out than dine in, but there is ample space if you do decide to chow down on site.

All in all, friendly service, and great value for quick and tasty...