11 California’s Go-To Seafood Restaurants, According To Locals

California’s relationship with seafood is written into its shoreline, where fishing boats, weathered piers, and salt air tell stories long before the first plate hits the table.

From misty Northern California harbors to sun-drenched Southern beaches, the state’s long coastline delivers an unmatched variety of fresh catches every single day.

But knowing where to eat matters just as much as what you order.

Locals pass down recommendations like secrets, pointing friends toward oyster bars that shuck before your eyes, chowder counters that warm foggy afternoons, and fish-and-chip joints that taste like summer wrapped in paper.

The restaurants that stand out don’t chase trends – they earn loyalty through consistency, freshness, and a deep respect for the ocean.

Some are humble markets with picnic tables, others are polished dining rooms with sweeping water views, but all share one thing: seafood done right.

These thirteen spots represent decades of trust built plate by plate, serving food that keeps people coming back year after year.

Whether you’re planning a coastal road trip or just craving something straight from the sea, this list leads you to the places Californians swear by.

1. The Sardine Factory

Cannery Row has changed dramatically since 1968, but this Monterey landmark continues to serve seafood with the same attention to detail that built its reputation.

You’ll find the restaurant at 701 Wave Street, Monterey, CA 93940, where the dining rooms offer distinct atmospheres ranging from the elegant Conservatory to the intimate Captain’s Room.

Fresh catches arrive daily from Monterey Bay, transformed into dishes that honor both classic preparations and creative presentations.

The menu offers variety that goes beyond typical seafood fare, with options for different tastes and dietary preferences clearly marked.

Lighting in the main dining areas creates a warm glow that softens the space without feeling dim or overly formal.

Tables are spaced comfortably, allowing conversations to flow without competing with neighboring diners.

Weeknight visits tend to offer a quieter experience, while weekends bring a busier energy that fills the rooms with the pleasant sounds of celebration and connection.

The staff demonstrates knowledge about seafood sourcing and preparation methods, answering questions thoughtfully.

Reservations are recommended, particularly during summer months when tourism peaks along the coastline.

2. Fisherman’s Grotto

Since 1950, this California establishment has welcomed guests seeking honest seafood in a setting that celebrates the working waterfront.

The building sits at 39 Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey, CA 93940, where windows frame views of the harbor and the sounds of seabirds drift through the air.

Their clam chowder has won awards over the years, thick and creamy with generous portions of tender clams in every spoonful.

The dining room maintains a classic feel without leaning too heavily into nautical themes, letting the natural harbor setting provide the atmosphere.

Seating arrangements include booths along the windows and tables throughout the main floor, offering options for different group sizes.

Service follows a comfortable rhythm, attentive without hovering, allowing guests to enjoy their meals at their own pace.

Lunch hours bring a steady stream of locals who appreciate the reliable quality and straightforward menu options.

The seafood arrives fresh, prepared in traditional styles that let the natural flavors shine through without heavy sauces or complicated techniques.

Weekday afternoons often provide the most relaxed dining experience, with shorter waits and a calmer atmosphere than peak weekend hours.

3. Spud Point Crab Company

Locals in Bodega Bay know exactly where to go when fresh Dungeness crab is in season, and this unassuming spot delivers without pretense.

Located at 1910 Westshore Road, Bodega Bay, CA 94923, the restaurant operates more like a fish market with picnic tables than a traditional dining room.

Crab comes straight from the boats, cooked fresh, and served with simple accompaniments that don’t compete with the sweet, delicate meat.

Seating is entirely outdoors, where weather can influence the comfort level but never seems to deter the steady flow of visitors.

The menu stays focused on what they do best, with clam chowder and fish and chips rounding out the offerings alongside the star attraction.

Orders are placed at the counter, food is called out when ready, and guests carry their meals to whichever table catches their eye.

Visiting during weekday mornings often means shorter lines and a more peaceful experience watching the harbor activity.

Seagulls patrol the area with hopeful persistence, so keeping food covered between bites becomes part of the experience.

The no-frills approach extends to pricing, which remains fair for the quality and freshness of what arrives on the plate.

4. Sam’s Chowder House

California’s coastal charm finds perfect expression at this restaurant where ocean views stretch to the horizon and comfort comes in every bite.

The address is 4210 CA-1, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, positioned right along the scenic route where the Pacific provides a constant backdrop.

Their lobster roll earned national recognition from the Today Show, named among the five best sandwiches in America for good reason.

The dining room features large windows that frame the coastline, bringing natural light and sea views to nearly every table in the space.

Menu options extend beyond the famous lobster roll, offering clam chowder, fish tacos, and seasonal catches prepared with attention to flavor and presentation.

Seating includes both indoor tables and an outdoor patio where the sound of waves adds to the sensory experience.

Weekend afternoons bring crowds, particularly when the weather cooperates and the patio becomes the most sought-after seating area.

Service maintains a friendly pace even during busy periods, with staff demonstrating knowledge about seafood sourcing and preparation methods.

Visiting on weekday evenings often provides a calmer atmosphere while still delivering the same quality food and impressive coastal views.

5. The Crab Cooker

Newport Beach has changed considerably since 1951, but this landmark refuses to follow trends or complicate what works beautifully in its simplest form.

Find it at 2200 Newport Boulevard, Newport Beach, CA 92663, where the red exterior and nautical flag signal a no-nonsense approach to seafood.

Their Manhattan clam chowder stands out in a region dominated by creamy New England style, offering a tomato-based alternative that locals request by name.

The interior maintains a casual, almost cafeteria-style setup where guests order at the counter and find their own seats at communal tables.

Fresh fish gets grilled over an open flame, filling the space with smoky aromas that build anticipation before the first bite.

Paper plates and plastic utensils keep the focus on the food rather than fancy presentation or elaborate table settings.

Lunch hours bring a brisk pace, with regulars moving through their orders efficiently while newcomers take a bit more time deciding from the straightforward menu.

Prices reflect the quality of the seafood without inflating for atmosphere or location, making it accessible for frequent visits.

The communal seating encourages a democratic dining experience where everyone shares the same simple tables and genuine appreciation for honest seafood.

6. Santa Monica Seafood

Operating as both a fish market and a restaurant creates a unique dynamic where the seafood counter displays exactly what might appear on your plate minutes later.

The location at 1000 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90401 serves as headquarters for a company that’s been supplying seafood since 1939.

Walking through the market section reveals gleaming cases of fresh fish, shellfish, and prepared items before reaching the café area where orders are placed.

The menu changes based on what’s freshest and most abundant, with staff able to explain the origin and characteristics of different catches.

Seating is casual, with a mix of small tables and counter spots that work well for quick lunches or relaxed early dinners.

Natural light fills the space during daytime hours, highlighting the clean, straightforward design that keeps attention on the food.

Weekday lunches attract a professional crowd from nearby offices, creating a bustling energy that quiets down by mid-afternoon.

The café prepares seafood simply, often grilled or in tacos, letting quality ingredients speak without heavy seasoning or complicated sauces.

Parking can be challenging during peak hours, so arriving slightly before or after typical meal times often makes the visit more convenient.

7. Connie & Ted’s

West Hollywood might seem an unlikely location for a New England-style seafood house, but this restaurant makes the concept work through commitment to quality and authentic preparation.

You’ll find it at 8171 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90046, where the interior evokes classic East Coast seafood shacks without feeling like a theme park.

The raw bar showcases oysters from both coasts, shucked to order and served on ice with traditional accompaniments.

Menu offerings rotate with the seasons and available catches, with the kitchen demonstrating versatility in both traditional preparations and creative combinations.

The dining room features wood accents and maritime touches that feel organic rather than forced, creating warmth without sacrificing the casual, approachable atmosphere.

Booth seating along the walls provides comfortable spots for longer meals, while bar seats offer front-row views of the shucking station.

Dinner service brings a lively energy, with the space filling up quickly on weekend evenings when reservations become essential.

The staff shows genuine enthusiasm for the menu, offering thoughtful recommendations based on guest preferences and the day’s best offerings.

Lunch visits tend to move at a more relaxed pace, ideal for experiencing the food without the evening rush.

8. Point Loma Seafoods

California’s working waterfront provides the perfect backdrop for this combination fish market and counter-service restaurant that’s been serving since 1963.

Located at 2805 Emerson Street, San Diego, CA 92106, the spot sits near sportfishing operations and boat docks where the catch of the day might have been swimming hours earlier.

The seafood counter displays fresh fish while the adjacent ordering area offers prepared meals ranging from fish tacos to clam chowder.

Seating spreads across multiple areas, including an upstairs deck that overlooks the harbor and provides views of boats coming and going throughout the day.

The menu stays focused on San Diego favorites, with fish tacos earning particular praise for their fresh, flaky fish and balanced toppings.

Orders are placed at the counter, with a number system for delivery that keeps things moving efficiently even during busy lunch rushes.

Weekday mornings offer a quieter experience, ideal for enjoying breakfast while watching harbor activity wake up for the day.

The market side allows guests to purchase fresh fish to take home, creating a dual purpose that locals appreciate for both immediate meals and home cooking.

Parking can get tight during peak hours, but the quality and freshness make any minor inconvenience worthwhile.

9. The Fish Hopper

Monterey’s Cannery Row offers numerous dining options, but this restaurant delivers consistent quality in a setting that maximizes the coastal location’s natural appeal.

The address is 700 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940, positioned where windows frame Monterey Bay and its resident sea otters, seals, and seabirds.

The dining room spans multiple levels, with the upper floor providing the most expansive water views and natural light throughout the day.

Menu selections range from classic clam chowder to more elaborate seafood preparations, accommodating different preferences and appetites with clear descriptions.

The kitchen sources seafood locally when possible, with staff able to answer questions about origins and preparation methods.

Comfortable booth seating lines the windows, while tables throughout the interior provide options for groups of varying sizes.

Lunch service often brings a steady flow of visitors exploring Cannery Row, while dinner hours offer a slightly more relaxed pace as the tourist traffic thins.

The clam chowder arrives in bread bowls upon request, though regular bowls allow for enjoying the soup without the added bulk.

Weekend brunch adds another dimension to the menu, with seafood-focused options that go beyond typical breakfast fare while maintaining the restaurant’s commitment to quality ingredients.

10. Scoma’s

Finding this California institution requires navigating to Al Scoma Way, a tiny street near Fisherman’s Wharf where the restaurant has operated since 1965.

The exact address reads 1965 Al Scoma Way, San Francisco, CA 94133, tucked away from the main tourist thoroughfares in a location that feels like a local secret.

The restaurant operates its own fishing boat, ensuring the freshest possible catches make it from water to kitchen with minimal time in between.

The dining room features waterfront views and a classic seafood house atmosphere without excessive nautical decoration or tourist-trap gimmicks.

Menu offerings change based on what the boat brings in and what’s seasonally abundant, with servers knowledgeable about the day’s options and preparation styles.

The kitchen handles seafood with respect for traditional techniques while avoiding unnecessary complexity that might mask natural flavors.

Dinner reservations become important during busy seasons, though the restaurant maintains enough seating to accommodate walk-ins during slower periods.

The bar area provides a comfortable spot for solo diners or those waiting for tables, with the same menu available throughout the space.

Weekday lunches offer a calmer alternative to weekend crowds, allowing for a more leisurely meal with the same quality food and waterfront setting.

11. Captain Kidd’s Fish Market & Restaurant

Redondo Beach’s historic waterfront hosts this combination fish market and restaurant where the line between retail and dining blurs in the best possible way.

Located at 209 North Harbor Drive, Redondo Beach, CA 90277, the spot operates within the harbor area where fishing boats dock and seabirds patrol for dropped scraps.

The market side displays fresh catches on ice, while the restaurant section prepares similar fish for immediate consumption in a casual, no-fuss setting.

Ordering happens at the counter, with menu boards listing daily specials alongside regular offerings like fish and chips, grilled fish plates, and seafood salads.

Seating spreads across an outdoor patio area where harbor views and ocean breezes create a pleasant atmosphere for casual meals.

The preparation style stays simple, focusing on grilling and frying techniques that highlight freshness rather than complicated sauces or elaborate presentations.

Lunch hours bring a mix of locals and visitors, with the pace picking up considerably on sunny weekend afternoons when the harbor fills with activity.

Prices remain competitive, reflecting the casual service style and straightforward approach to seafood preparation.

The fish market component allows guests to purchase fresh seafood to take home, making it a dual-purpose destination that serves both immediate dining needs and home cooking plans.