From Dockside To Hidden Coves 12 California Seafood Spots Worth The Drive

California’s coastline stretches over 800 miles, offering some of the freshest and most delicious seafood you’ll ever taste.

Whether you’re craving crispy fish tacos by the pier or buttery lobster rolls tucked away in secret harbors, the Golden State has something special waiting for you.

I’ve gathered the best seafood restaurants that combine amazing food with stunning ocean views, charming atmospheres, and flavors you won’t forget.

1. The Fisherman’s Wharf Oyster Bar in San Francisco

Right at the heart of San Francisco’s most famous waterfront, this oyster bar serves some of the plumpest, freshest oysters I’ve ever tasted. You can watch fishermen unload their daily catches while slurping down Hog Island Sweetwaters or Kumamoto oysters with a squeeze of lemon. The salty ocean breeze mixes perfectly with the smell of grilled Dungeness crab.

If you’re not into oysters, try their clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl it’s creamy, hearty, and absolutely iconic. The location can’t be beaten, especially when sea lions bark nearby and cable cars clang in the distance. Prices are reasonable considering the prime real estate and quality.

It’s a must-visit spot for anyone exploring the city by the bay.

2. Malibu Seafood Fresh Fish Market & Patio Cafe

Perched right along Pacific Coast Highway, this casual spot feels like a hidden treasure even though it’s been serving locals and travelers since 1972. You order at the counter, grab a picnic table on the deck, and wait for your number to be called while dolphins sometimes swim by offshore. Their fish and chips are golden and crispy, made with whatever was caught that morning.

I love their grilled fish tacos stuffed with fresh mahi-mahi and topped with tangy cabbage slaw. The portions are generous, and everything tastes like it came straight from the ocean because it did. Seagulls might try to steal a fry, but that’s part of the beachside charm.

Bring cash or cards, and don’t forget sunscreen for your meal with a view.

3. Sam’s Chowder House in Half Moon Bay

When you’re craving New England-style seafood on the California coast, Sam’s delivers with style and substance. Their lobster rolls are stuffed so full of sweet, buttery lobster meat that it spills over the toasted bun. I always pair mine with a cup of their award-winning clam chowder, which has won countless competitions for good reason.

The restaurant sits just steps from the beach, so you can take a post-meal stroll along the sand. Large windows let you watch surfers catching waves while you crack into Dungeness crab or peel shrimp from their famous seafood towers. The atmosphere is upscale but still welcoming to families and casual diners.

Reservations are smart on weekends when the place fills up fast.

4. The Crab Cooker in Newport Beach

Since 1951, this no-frills seafood shack has been grilling and steaming the freshest catches without any fancy sauces or complicated preparations. The philosophy here is simple: let the seafood speak for itself. You’ll find communal picnic tables covered in red checkered paper, and the menu focuses on grilled fish, steamed crab, and smoky grilled shrimp.

I recommend getting the combo platter so you can sample multiple items, all cooked over an open mesquite fire that adds incredible flavor. The staff is friendly and efficient, moving quickly even during the dinner rush. Don’t expect cloth napkins or quiet ambiance—this place is loud, lively, and full of happy seafood lovers.

It’s cash-only, so hit the ATM before you arrive.

5. Duarte’s Tavern in Pescadero

Hidden in the tiny farming town of Pescadero, Duarte’s has been family-owned since 1894 and serves some of the best cioppino on the coast. This tomato-based seafood stew is loaded with crab, shrimp, scallops, and fresh fish, all swimming in a rich, garlicky broth. Their cream of artichoke soup is legendary too locals drive an hour just for a bowl.

The tavern feels like stepping back in time, with wooden booths, vintage photos, and a cozy, old-fashioned charm. Service is warm and personal, often delivered by members of the Duarte family themselves. You’re surrounded by farmland and just minutes from the coast, making it a perfect stop on a scenic Highway 1 road trip.

Save room for their famous olallieberry pie.

6. The Lobster in Santa Monica

Perched right at the entrance to Santa Monica Pier, this upscale restaurant offers sweeping ocean views that make every meal feel like a special occasion. Their signature dish butter-poached Maine lobster is tender, rich, and served with drawn butter and seasonal vegetables. I always ask for a table on the terrace so I can watch the sun dip into the Pacific while sipping a crisp white wine.

The menu also features local catches like Santa Barbara spot prawns and Monterey Bay sand dabs prepared with creative but not overly complicated techniques. The vibe is elegant yet relaxed, perfect for date nights or celebrating milestones. Prices reflect the prime location and quality ingredients, but it’s worth every penny.

Make reservations well in advance, especially for sunset dining.

7. Phil’s Fish Market in Moss Landing

Located in the tiny harbor town of Moss Landing, Phil’s is famous across California for its enormous bowls of cioppino that could easily feed two hungry people. The broth is tangy and packed with tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, while the seafood crab, shrimp, clams, mussels, and fish is always incredibly fresh. You’ll see fishing boats unloading their catches right outside the windows.

The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, with a bustling energy that makes you feel part of the local community. Their fish and chips are also fantastic, with thick, flaky cod encased in a light, crunchy batter. Lines can get long during peak hours, but the wait is always worth it.

Grab a seat outside if the weather’s nice and enjoy the harbor views.

8. Bluewater Grill in Redondo Beach

Situated right on the Redondo Beach marina, Bluewater Grill occupies a historic building that once served as the city’s library. Now it’s a seafood lover’s paradise with a menu that changes daily based on what’s fresh and sustainable. Their mesquite-grilled swordfish is my go-to order perfectly charred on the outside and moist on the inside.

You can sit upstairs on the deck and watch boats glide by while enjoying oysters on the half shell or their famous crab cakes. The happy hour deals are excellent, offering discounted appetizers and drinks that make waterfront dining more affordable. The staff is knowledgeable about seafood sourcing and preparation methods.

Parking can be tricky, so arrive early or consider using rideshare services to avoid the hassle.

9. Spencer Makenzie’s Fish Company in Monterey

Tucked away from the tourist crowds on Cannery Row, this family-owned gem serves straightforward, delicious seafood without the inflated prices. Their fish and chips use fresh local rockfish that’s beer-battered and fried to golden perfection. I also love their grilled salmon, which comes with a choice of flavorful sauces like lemon-caper butter or mango salsa.

The dining room is cozy with nautical touches, and the service feels personal rather than rushed. You can tell the owners care deeply about quality and customer satisfaction. Portions are generous, and everything is made to order, so expect a short wait during busy times.

It’s a refreshing alternative to the more commercialized spots nearby, offering authentic flavors at honest prices that locals appreciate.

10. The Reel Inn in Malibu

This funky, laid-back shack sits right across from the beach and serves some of the best blackened fish you’ll find anywhere on the coast. The Cajun spices create a flavorful crust that contrasts beautifully with the tender, flaky fish inside. You order at the counter, then grab a picnic table outside where surfboards decorate the walls and the ocean breeze keeps things cool.

Their seafood platters are huge and perfect for sharing, featuring grilled shrimp, scallops, and whatever fish is fresh that day. The vibe is super casual think flip-flops, tank tops, and sandy feet. Prices are surprisingly reasonable for Malibu, making it a favorite among locals and surfers.

Bring your appetite and a relaxed attitude for the full experience.

11. Consuelo Mexican Bistro in San Diego

While technically a Mexican bistro, Consuelo’s seafood offerings deserve serious recognition, especially their Baja-style fish tacos. The fish is lightly battered and fried, then tucked into warm corn tortillas with shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, and a creamy chipotle sauce that ties everything together. Each bite is a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Their ceviche is also outstanding bright, citrusy, and loaded with fresh shrimp, fish, and avocado chunks. The restaurant itself is colorful and lively, with an atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re dining in a coastal Mexican village. Margaritas are strong and reasonably priced.

It’s located in the Del Mar Highlands area, making it a great stop after a beach day or shopping trip nearby.

12. Hitching Post II in Buellton

Though famous for steaks featured in the movie Sideways, Hitching Post II also excels at grilling fresh seafood over red oak wood. Their grilled swordfish steak is thick, smoky, and perfectly seasoned with just salt, pepper, and a brush of garlic butter. The oak fire adds a depth of flavor you simply can’t replicate with a regular grill.

Located in California wine country, the restaurant pairs beautifully with local Pinot Noirs from nearby Santa Barbara vineyards. The atmosphere is rustic and unpretentious, with a Western ranch vibe that feels authentically Californian. Service is attentive without being stuffy.

It’s about a 45-minute drive from Santa Barbara, but the combination of exceptional food, wine, and scenery makes it absolutely worth the journey.