Written by Marketa Windsor
From sun drenched taco shacks in San Diego to historic, fog-rolled clam chowder docks in San Francisco, Los Angeles and anything between along the sweeping coastal road, California boasts some of the freshest, most diverse seafood in the world.
With Meghan Markle out of the town (of Montecito, Santa Barbara), my former long term partner have been celebrating with hordes of the folks and I was reminded about sunny days and dust settling on the draft posts archived ages ago. I admit, I like fish and chips almost every Friday, well, just fish does it, I am happy to share my chips with any rude seagull wading on the outdoor table in the Baltic triangle of Liverpool and helping himself. It is almost like in my upcoming children book Polaris, where I cannot hide my like of the fish and seafood, ok, with the fish fingers. But California is different, with Lalaland and Dope Valley of SF, super high taxes as well as stunning vistas, the ocean raging into the cliffs and the rich harvest from wine to the corn and snow caps on the huge hills, the dry dessert and the dessert bars, with nice ice cream parlour. Hazbeen is possible happy to stick to his McVitties Penguins chocolate bars and you find any fast food chain all over the world.
With over 800 miles of spectacular coastline, the Golden State serves up everything from legendary oyster farms and casual beachfront crab shacks to Michelin-starred oceanfront dining. Whether you are a local looking for a new weekend hangout or a traveler like me planning the ultimate coastal road trip from Los Angeles to Montecito where my ex lives and so his parents and family, this guide dives into the absolute best seafood spots in California that you simply cannot miss. I admit I like chowder , fish tacos and Southern cuisine is my favourite food from the USA and I have no sweet tooth at all. Maybe certain tips will send the certain types such as posh Meghan Markle to puke or faint for just ordinary grub or just a decent place to eat and enjoy ambience and scenary.
I have tried to mention all sort of the seafood eateries and places that I have visited over the years and maybe certain level of the service or menu changed slightly, so take it with a grain of salt. I don’t list my favourite pit stop on the road along the coast to Santa Barbara, called Neptune’s Net, for visible off record reasons to keep it private as much as possible. It comes with the amazing ocean sound, scenary and good food. Other favourite spot is a chain seafood restaurant Lure Fish House in Westlake Village but feel free to be seated in more affluent settings with your broken leg and apparently hopping on the crutches like Count Peyrac from French film series Angelica – in Geoffrey restaurant. The navy town Oxnard offers two amazing eateries by the beach, with the drinks and sit down options – Ox and Ocean and smaller bistro Eric Ericsson’s Fish Co. It reminds you miniscule Santa Monica vibe. There is plethora of smaller brilliant seafood and fish eateries, I’d recommend personally for Henry Mountbatten Markle the place called Hook, line and sinker, with their Catch of the day and the catfish on the menu.
Whatever fabrications or real information you hear about me, including funny stuff and worries that I am decamping to California, I am rooted in the UK and I have been in the USA in July last time and in California last October , in 2025. By then, I was introduced to very expensive restaurant for the business dining, called Mrs Fish and it was spectacular, I daresay. However I am hiding my the best favourite spots, often not utterly expensive or famous places to see and be seen, and my list is my personal recommendation. Nothing sponsored or lobbied for. Also my the most favourite places from my list will be number 1 – Little Jewell of New Orleans, very closely followed by Holbox as the second place. I know generally Santa Monica and DTLA so far and I am not a big fan of LA, meant Hollywood, anything personal against the city. I know better SF or Santa Barbara. And yes, Megsy is a copycat. On the loop, back to the UK and her start level zero. Still nasty and deluded though, like sending me nasty comment from Balmoral, all went into her head within the weeks bagging Harry in her stalking mode for the blind date at Soho House, London. Hollywood royalty back to the UK, others, including me called stupid, ugly and with all fake fabrications.
I post couple of the rude comments/emails to my former corporate email address of my company (sold in 2017, with one year of the hiatus and the ban to do anything similar to the previous business, including data and research, new company as IT cloud software and data with research established under the same name – my copyright – in 2019, still CEO). The email address is invalid now. She has sent me 8 rude comments around Prince Harry’s birthday at Balmoral that is still under the trust fund (nominee one) of Edward VIII, Duke of Windsor. I have publish only these more polite, acceptible ramblings of the bedfellow who was dating a royal brat for a while, but acted as the lady of the vast estate and the superstar, not a barely deluded rude non entity and the guest at someone’s else estate and in the house, but the certain Mountabattens have the bad perchant to bring all sort of the jerks or ladettes to the estates, while ..well..up to the UK court lawsuits against the Wirral fraudsters and corrupted civil servants.
The Harkles are back because they are almost bankrupt and Harry has lost his US visa permission, that’s why the topic, usually twisted and turned around 180 degrees onto someone else. Their business and showbusiness deals are past time, so Markle’s megalomaniac phase in the UK press is at the highest peak with her another megaplans and drip feed with her sci fi narrative about herself, but her As Ever business is bleak. I don’t think that even the rest of the royal Mountbattens will be able to run anything else than the tap of water, the Middletons included, but you can command certain things and have high expectations, if you have money for it, or you marry a rich heiress, like their Greek roya relatives, not nasty deluded fraudulent charlatans, causing friction, creating false, misleading information with misuse of public administration, power and espionage, actually inept and mentally unhinged narcissistic and vulgar wannabe and a social climber, stalking and manipulating gold digga.
Also no way that Edward VIII abdicated and Queen’s son as the royal born prince by blood etc is without the ducal and prince title, yet the crazy, non British and non royal harassing bully such as Rachel Meghan Markle is still bestowed with the UK ducal title and the place in succession line and twice divorced. The UK is not amused and definitely not by trying to ignore it, them moving back a decade after her wading into the stupid Harry’s lalaland and sending me these brutal insulting texts. I withdraw the most insulting ones, but the people know, definitely also the PA of Robbie Williams how Markle, as once NHL puckbunny boiler can scream and be a fussypot about just a bad shade of the red, for the shooting blanket, at the Sandringham. She was throwing weight around herself just the weeks after landing our idiiot. Mind, my long term staffer from landed gentry has been chased by the police upon false allegation by Markle’s fraudster friends – the Wirral fraudsters wth the fake solicitor Sara Griffiths, upon stepping at Sandringham land, to my house, upon the court order because the fraudsters wanted and needed my documents.
MRS FISH
448 S. Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Mrs. Fish in Los Angeles is a subterranean Japanese restaurant known for its stunning aquarium centrepiece, curated art gallery, and vibrant nightlife. It’s a top pick for sushi lovers and those seeking a stylish dining experience in DTLA.
a chic underground lounge vibe with dramatic lighting, modern décor, and a massive aquarium that anchors the space.
Art Gallery: The interior doubles as a Japanese art gallery, adding a cultural and visual layer to the dining experience
Cuisine: Contemporary Japanese with a focus on sushi, small plates, and premium steaks.
Signature Dishes: Tuna sashimi, salmon nigiri, creamy cheesecakes, and white chocolate bread pudding.
Drinks: A wide selection of sake, plum wine, and craft cocktails like whiskey sours and lemon sake.
FOG HARBOR FISH HOUSE
Pier 39, Building A, Level 2, San Francisco, CA 94133
Fog Harbour Fish House is a renowned seafood restaurant located on Pier 39 in San Francisco, celebrated for its sustainable seafood, award-winning clam chowder, and panoramic views of the Bay and Golden Gate Bridge.
First restaurant in Fisherman’s Wharf to serve a fully sustainable seafood menu, certified by Aquarium of the Bay and Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch.
Offers floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views of Alcatraz, the Bay, and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Award-winning clam chowder in a sourdough bowl
Baked oysters with spinach, bacon, and creamy Asiago
Fried scallops with roasted jalapeño aioli
Crab cakes, red chili garlic shrimp, and crispy calamari
Dual lobster tails and Petrale sole with pesto cream sauce
FISH MARKET
Address: 750 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
The Fish Market in San Diego is a waterfront seafood restaurant and retail market located on North Harbour Drive, known for its fresh, sustainable seafood and stunning views of the bay.
on the waterfront with views of San Diego Bay and the USS Midway Museum.
Menu Highlights
Fresh Seafood: Crab Cioppino, Ahi Poke Bowl, grilled swordfish, and local spiny lobsters.
Raw Bar: Oysters, seafood cocktails, and sushi.
Daily Specials: Rotating dishes based on local catch and seasonal ingredients.
Soups & Chowders: Bread chowder and classic clam chowder are popular picks.
Retail Seafood Market
Fresh Catch to Go: A full-service fish counter offers fin fish, shellfish, and house-made sauces.
SEA HARVEST RESTAURANT
598 Foam St, Monterey, CA 93940
Sea Harvest Restaurant & Fish Market is a beloved local seafood spot in Monterey and Moss Landing, California, known for its fresh catch, casual charm, and fisherman-owned authenticity. It is community owned and run by the local fishermen since 1983.
Vibe: Unpretentious, cozy, and welcoming — with indoor seating and outdoor picnic benches.
Fish & Chips — crispy batter and generous portions
Clam Chowder — creamy and comforting
Baja Rockcod Tacos — flavorful and fresh
Artichoke Fritters — a unique local twist
Shrimp Louie Salad — served on Caesar greens with red onion and tomato
Raw Bar: Fresh oysters and prawn cocktails
Grill & Fryer Options: Includes grilled swordfish, fried scallops, and seafood sandwiches
🛍️ Fish Market
Retail Counter: Offers fresh fish, shellfish, and house-made sauces to take home.
Sustainability: Committed to eco-friendly practices with compostable containers and plastic-free packaging
SCHOONERS MONTERAY
400 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940
Schooners Monterey is a stunning oceanfront restaurant located at the Monterey Plaza Hotel, offering sustainable seafood, contemporary American cuisine, and panoramic views of Monterey Bay. Suspended over the waves of Monterey Bay, Schooners offers unobstructed ocean views from its heated waterfront terrace.
Expensive, yet casual, with local wine producers.
Cuisine: Contemporary American with a strong focus on sustainable seafood and locally sourced ingredients.
Signature Dishes:
Pacific Rockfish Tacos
Grilled Swordfish with seasonal vegetables
Seared Scallops with roasted corn purée
Lobster Mac & Cheese
Oysters on the Half Shell
MOSS BEACH DISTILLERY
140 Beach Way, Moss Beach, CA 94038
Moss Beach Distillery is a historic oceanfront restaurant in Moss Beach, California, known for its dramatic cliffside views, fresh coastal cuisine, and legendary ghost stories. Despite its name, it’s not an actual distillery. Originally built in 1927 as a speakeasy called Frank’s Place during Prohibition.Enjoy oysters and seafood with a view from their cliffside patio, complete with fire pits and ocean breezes.
Haunted Reputation: Said to be haunted by the “Blue Lady”, a ghostly figure in blue who reportedly roams the property.Perched on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean near Half Moon Bay. Romantic and scenic, with ocean views from every table.
focus on wild-caught seafood, all-natural meats, and organic vegetables.
Signature Dishes:
Distillery Clam Chowder — creamy New England style with clams and potatoes
Prawn Louie Salad — classic seafood salad with house dressing
French Onion Soup — slow-cooked with sherry-red wine broth and Swiss cheese
a half-dozen raw oysters on the half shell, paired with a ginger-cucumber mignonette. tangy topping to briny oysters.
GUALALA SEAFOOD SHACK
38820 South Highway 1, Unit #104, Gualala, CA 95445
Gualala Seafood Shack is a casual, locally loved seafood spot on California’s scenic Highway 1, known for its fresh fish tacos, rockfish burritos, and laid-back coastal vibe. a must-stop if you’re cruising the Mendocino coast.Enjoy oysters and seafood with a view from their cliffside patio, complete with fire pits and ocean breezes. Fresh oysters served raw.
Rockfish Burrito ($18): Grilled or fried local rockfish with rice, beans, avocado, pico de gallo, and shack pepper sauce.
Fish Tacos ($6.75): Fried or grilled local fish on corn tortillas with cabbage, chipotle cream, and pico.
Prawn Tacos ($7.75): Same setup as fish tacos, but with juicy prawns.
Rockfish & Chips ($20): Served with tartar sauce, lemon wedge, and fries.
Clam Chowder: New England style — cup ($7), bowl ($13), with sourdough bread
SALTIE GIRL
8615 W Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Saltie Girl in Los Angeles is a chic seafood restaurant located on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood, offering globally inspired sustainable seafood in a stylish, coastal-inspired setting. Weekend brunch. Upscale, yet relaxed, with coastal décor. Saltie Girl specializes in globally sustainable seafood, served raw, fried, sautéed, smoked, or tinned. Huge bar, also serving as a coffee one.
Drinks & Bar Scene
Cocktails: Tequila-based drinks, coffee martinis, and house wine are popular picks.
Coffee & Espresso: Bread drink, moccachino, and espresso available for brunch and dessert pairings
very attentive service, brings East Coast seafood flair to West Hollywood with a modern twist, but seafood flown in daily from Boston, uh..oysters in the seafood towers, Oysters pair beautifully with Saltie Girl’s tequila cocktails, house wine, or coffee martinis.
Clam Chowder — creamy and rich
Fried Octopus — crispy and tender
Scallops — seared to perfection
Tinned Seafood Boards — a unique offering with curated tins, toast, and accompaniments
LURE FISH HOUSE
Santa Barbara: 3815 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105 (plus Ventura)
Lure Fish House offers a consistently excellent seafood experience across its locations, blending sustainability with flavor and hospitality. 3 locations, Lure Fish House offers a consistently excellent seafood experience across its locations, blending sustainability with flavour and hospitality. Known For: Fresh seafood, friendly service, and generous portions
Sustainable Seafood: Lure partners with trusted sources to offer 100% sustainable seafood, including wild-caught and responsibly farmed options. Amazing desserts such as Key lime pie, hot fudge sundae, and blueberry crumble and Bar Program: Local wines, craft beers, and cocktails like tequila spritz and espresso martinis
Raw Bar: Fresh oysters, ceviche, and chilled shellfish platters.
Signature Dishes:
Charbroiled Oysters — a house specialty
Lobster Ravioli — rich and creamy
Grilled Swordfish — served with seasonal sides
Fish Tacos — crispy or grilled, with chipotle aioli
Cioppino — hearty seafood stew with clams, mussels, and fish
Soups & Salads: Clam chowder, organic kale salad, and seafood Louie
THE BOATHOUSE BAR
2685 Lakeshore Blvd, Nice, CA 95464
The Boathouse Bar & Restaurant is on the lakeside, with American flair , a laid-back spot with hearty food and local flavour. burgers, ribs, sandwiches, and seafood, so good option of raw oysters and fish. Selections vary by location and season, from California baja -Kumiai, Grassy Bar and Kumamotos from Humboldt etc. Instate, humble and with picnic tables with lakeview but known for its commitment to sustainable seafood and fresh ingredients, and their oyster selection reflects that quality.
Charbroiled Oysters
House Specialty: These oysters are grilled and served hot with garlic butter, parmesan, and herbs.
Burgers & Sandwiches: Classic cheeseburgers, French dips, and BBQ pulled pork
Seafood Options: Fried fish, shrimp baskets, and clam chowder
Bar Favourites: Wings, nachos, and loaded fries
LITTLE JEWELL OF NEW ORLEANS
207 Ord Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Little Jewel of New Orleans is a beloved Cajun-Creole deli and market located in Chinatown, Los Angeles, California. It’s known for authentic New Orleans flavours, hearty po’boys, and Southern comfort food. A cozy, casual deli with indoor seating and a small grocery section stocked with Louisiana staples.
Vibe: Funky and welcoming — think checkerboard floors, Mardi Gras flair, and a laid-back crowd. Nice deserts such as a pecan pie, banana pudding , Market Section
Groceries: Louisiana hot sauces, spices, and rare regional products
Drinks: Root beer, French beer, bourbon, and house-made lemonade, oysters such as reasonably priced half on half oysters and shrimps, called Little Jewel Deluxe. Amazing crawfish mac and cheese. po’Boys
Spicy Creole Jambalaya
Red Beans & Rice
Crawfish Mac & Cheese
BBQ Shrimp Po’ Boy
Oysters
Crescent City Fried Oyster Po’ Boy
Served on New Orleans-style French bread
“Dressed” with shredded cabbage, tomatoes, pickles, red onions, mayo, and hot sauce
Mixed Seafood Gumbo
Includes oysters, catfish, crawfish, blue crab, shrimp, and andouille sausage
Served with Louisiana long grain white rice
Cajun Clam Chowder
Garnished with bacon bits, oyster crackers, hot sauce, and red onions
BOAT HOUSE HERDNAM BEACH
2040 Harbor Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
If you’re looking for a scenic spot near the water in San Diego with solid seafood and steak options, the Boathouse on Harbor Island is a great pick. Comfortable and inviting, wide selection on menu. Good views, Overlooks San Diego Bay and the marina, offering elegant yet cozy waterfront dining.
They offer Shooters Oysters Blue Point oyster with wasabi citrus ponzu, Raw or Rockefeller Oysters – the best, Fresh baked oysters with spinach, Pernod liqueur, and parmesan
Stuffed Salmon — filled with crab and shrimp
Lobster Duo — often paired with filet mignon
Southwestern Chicken Pasta — with Cajun cream sauce
Calamari, crab cakes, and oysters — frequently recommended by guests
Steaks & Pasta: Filet mignon, prime rib, and creamy pasta dishes
Desserts: Apple pie, cheesecakes, and brownies
MONSIER MARCEL GOURMET
6333 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90036 (inside The Original Farmers Market)
Monsieur Marcel Gourmet Market & Bistro in Los Angeles is a French-inspired culinary destination offering gourmet groceries, fine wines, and a charming bistro with authentic French cuisine — including fresh seafood and oysters. The eatery combines a gourmet market, cheese shop, wine shop, and French bistro in one elegant space.Cozy and Parisian — with outdoor seating, intimate lighting, and a European-style market vibe.
Monsieur Marcel is perfect for a leisurely lunch, a romantic dinner, or stocking up on French delicacies.
Oysters: Often featured raw on the half shell or as part of seafood platters. Selection varies seasonally.
Seafood Dishes:
Lobster Ravioli — rich and creamy
Salade Niçoise — with seared tuna and anchovies
Bouillabaisse — traditional Provençal fish stew
Escargots — classic French snails in garlic butter
Seafood Charcuterie Boards — sometimes include smoked salmon, shrimp, and oysters
Gourmet Market
Imported Goods: French cheeses, charcuterie, chocolates, sauces, and pantry staples
Wine Shop: Curated selection of French and Californian wines
Fish Market: Offers fresh seafood including oysters, mussels, and seasonal catches
HOLBOX
3655 S Grand Ave #C9, Los Angeles, CA 90007 (inside Mercado La Paloma)
Culinary gem, Holbox is a Michelin-starred Mexican seafood restaurant in Los Angeles, celebrated for its vibrant coastal flavours, sustainable sourcing, and casual counter-service charm. Gilberto Cetina, also known for Chicken Itza, brings Yucatán coastal cuisine to life.A casual seafood counter in a bustling community food hall — unpretentious yet refined.
Raw Oysters: Served on the half shell with house-made mignonette and salsas
Oyster Shooters: Occasionally featured with mezcal or citrus ponzu
Sourcing: Emphasis on local and sustainable shellfish from California waters
Aguachile de Camarón: Raw shrimp marinated in lime with cucumber, red onion, and chile
Tacos de Pulpo: Grilled octopus with black garlic aioli on heirloom corn tortillas
Tostada de Erizo y Callo: Sea urchin and scallop tostada with avocado and chilli oil
Grilled Lobster: A standout dish, often served whole with chilli-lime butter
Ceviches & Crudos: Featuring local, sustainable seafood with bold citrus and chilli flavors
RAPPAHANCOCK OYSTER BAR
1318 E 7th Street, Suite 154, Los Angeles, CA 90021 (ROW DTLA)
Rappahannock Oyster Bar is a stylish seafood restaurant located at ROW DTLA in Los Angeles, offering sustainably sourced oysters, shellfish, and coastal-inspired dishes in a modern, industrial-chic setting. Nestled in LA’s Warehouse District, near the Arts District and Little Tokyo.Exposed wood, concrete interiors, and live plants create a rustic yet elegant vibe. brings East Coast oyster culture to LA with a West Coast twist — perfect for seafood lovers seeking fresh, sustainable fare in a stylish setting.
Oyster Highlights
Raw Oysters: Fresh selections like Barcat, Olde Salt, and Rochambeau — served on the half shell with mignonette and lemon
Fried Oyster Tacos: A fan favorite — crispy oysters with slaw and house sauce
Oyster Chowder: Creamy Barcat oyster chowder with bacon and herbs
Sourcing: Ethically fished and responsibly farmed oysters from Rappahannock River in Virginia
🐟 Other Seafood Favourites
Lobster Roll: Buttered brioche with claw and knuckle meat
Lobster Mac & Cheese: Rich and indulgent
Shrimp Tacos: Grilled or fried with fresh toppings
Crab Cakes: Often featured as specials
howdys-sonrisa-cafe-malibu
bluesalt-fish-grill-redondo-beach
Moonshadows,Malibu
COSA NOSTRA, PALLISADES
Notable Seafood Dishes
The menu features a mix of fresh fish, shellfish, and seafood-infused pastas:
Entrées (Secondi):
Branzino alla Livornese: Mediterranean sea bass sautéed with cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and spinach.
Salmone alla Griglia: Grilled salmon served with a lemon caper sauce and steamed broccoli.
Sogliolette: A traditional sole dish.
Pastas & Risotto:
Linguini alle Vongole: Fresh Manila clams in a white wine sauce.
Spaghetti Neri: Squid ink spaghetti with large prawns and jumbo crab meat in a light cherry tomato sauce.
Pastas & Risotto:
Linguini alle Vongole: Fresh Manila clams in a white wine sauce.
Spaghetti Neri: Squid ink spaghetti with large prawns and jumbo crab meat in a light cherry tomato sauce.
Fettuccine Gamberetti: Tender shrimp tossed with arugula and heirloom cherry tomatoes.
Seafood Risotto: A medley of shrimp, calamari, clams, and mussels in a light tomato broth.
Appetisers (Antipasti):
Calamari Grigliati: Grilled calamari.
Cozze: Fresh Mediterranean mussels served in either a tomato or white wine sauce.
Octopus Carpaccio: Thinly sliced octopus served with microgreens and a lemony dressing.
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