California, with its long coastline and easy access to fresh seafood, is home to some of the best seafood restaurants in the world. Whether you’re in the mood for juicy lobster, crispy calamari, or fresh oysters, California has something to offer every seafood lover. From casual seafood markets to luxurious dining spots with ocean views, California’s seafood scene is unmatched.
If you’re looking for a great seafood experience in California, here’s a list of the 23 best seafood restaurants in the state that will give you a taste of the freshest and most flavorful dishes. These spots offer everything from classic crab cakes to creative seafood tacos. Let’s dive in!
1. Water Grill – Los Angeles
Located in downtown Los Angeles, Water Grill is a top choice for seafood lovers. Known for its oysters, clam chowder, and fresh seasonal catches, Water Grill offers a high-end experience with excellent service. It’s a perfect spot for an elegant night out while enjoying fresh seafood.
2. The Crab Cooker – Newport Beach
For a relaxed, no-frills seafood experience, head to The Crab Cooker in Newport Beach. This place is loved for its fresh crab, shrimp cocktails, and tasty clam chowder. It’s perfect for anyone looking for delicious seafood in a laid-back atmosphere.
3. San Pedro Fish Market – San Pedro
If you’re a seafood lover, San Pedro Fish Market is a must-visit. Known for its huge seafood platters with shrimp, lobster, and fish, this market-style restaurant offers a fun, lively atmosphere where you can enjoy the best seafood California has to offer.
4. The Fish Market – San Diego
With its beautiful waterfront location, The Fish Market in San Diego is a great place to enjoy fresh seafood. It offers a variety of dishes such as ahi tuna, calamari, and crab cakes, all served with stunning views of the bay.
5. Scoma’s – San Francisco
If you’re in San Francisco, Scoma’s on Fisherman’s Wharf is a classic choice. Famous for its Dungeness crab, clam chowder, and fresh calamari, this restaurant offers a fantastic view and serves up the best of San Francisco’s seafood.
6. Geoffrey’s – Malibu
Geoffrey’s in Malibu is not just a seafood restaurant, but also a place with breathtaking ocean views. Known for its lobster bisque, fresh oysters, and seared scallops, it provides a luxurious dining experience. A perfect spot for a special occasion.
7. Santa Monica Seafood – Santa Monica
For a more casual seafood experience, Santa Monica Seafood is a local favorite. This restaurant offers fresh catches like ceviche and fish tacos, making it a great spot to grab a quick and delicious seafood meal.
8. The Fish Market – Santa Clara
Another Fish Market location in Santa Clara offers the same high-quality seafood as the San Diego restaurant. Whether you’re craving calamari, swordfish steaks, or clam chowder, the seafood here is always fresh.
9. Nobu – Malibu
Nobu in Malibu is a luxurious fusion of traditional Japanese flavors with California seafood. Known for its yellowtail sashimi and black cod miso, this restaurant brings a unique touch to the seafood dining experience. The views and ambiance are just as memorable as the food.
10. Hama Sushi – Los Angeles
Located in Little Tokyo, Hama Sushi is a hidden gem that serves some of the freshest sushi and seafood in Los Angeles. If you love sushi, don’t miss their exceptional nigiri and sashimi dishes, which are made with the best fish available.
11. Fish Story – Monterey
Fish Story in Monterey is perfect for a relaxed seafood meal by the water. Their menu includes oysters, clam chowder, and a variety of fresh seafood dishes, all sourced locally. It’s a great spot for anyone looking to try California’s freshest catches.
12. Pacific Catch – San Francisco
For a fresh take on traditional seafood dishes, Pacific Catch in San Francisco is the place to go. Known for its poke bowls, fish tacos, and clam chowder, it’s a modern spot with creative dishes that highlight California’s coastal ingredients.
13. The Lobster – Santa Monica
The Lobster in Santa Monica is a top seafood destination with stunning views of the beach. Known for its fresh lobster, lobster bisque, and grilled lobster tail, this restaurant provides an upscale experience with delicious seafood.
14. Bluewater Grill – Redondo Beach
With a wide variety of seafood options, Bluewater Grill in Redondo Beach is a favorite among locals and visitors. Whether you want shrimp cocktails or clam chowder, this family-friendly spot offers fresh and tasty seafood dishes.
15. Chart House – Los Angeles
For fresh seafood with a view, Chart House in Los Angeles is an excellent option. This restaurant offers seafood platters and unique dishes like miso-glazed seabass in a relaxing environment with stunning views.
16. Angler – San Francisco
Angler is a high-end seafood spot in San Francisco that emphasizes sustainability. The wood-fired fish and shellfish here are always fresh, and the seasonal menu ensures that only the best ingredients are used in each dish.
17. The Boathouse – Capitola
Located in Capitola, The Boathouse offers incredible oceanfront views and a delicious seafood menu. Whether you’re enjoying fresh oysters or seafood paella, this restaurant captures the best of coastal California dining.
18. The Oyster Bar – San Francisco
If you love oysters, you have to visit The Oyster Bar in San Francisco’s Ferry Building. Known for its raw bar and seafood chowder, it’s a must-stop for seafood lovers in the Bay Area.
19. Dory Deli – Los Angeles
Dory Deli in Los Angeles offers both a seafood market and restaurant, serving fresh fish and shellfish. Their smoked fish, seafood sandwiches, and fish tacos are perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
20. Tacko – Santa Monica
For a laid-back spot with delicious seafood tacos, Tacko in Santa Monica is the place to go. Known for its fish and shrimp tacos, as well as ceviche, this is an excellent spot to enjoy fresh seafood by the beach.
21. The Big Fish – San Diego
If you’re in San Diego, The Big Fish offers a range of tasty seafood dishes like grilled fish and seafood pasta in a casual setting. It’s a great spot for seafood lovers of all ages.
22. Mastro’s Ocean Club – Malibu
Located in Malibu, Mastro’s Ocean Club offers a luxurious seafood dining experience with stunning ocean views. Known for its premium dishes like lobster tail and crab cakes, this spot is perfect for a fancy seafood meal.
23. Puesto – San Diego
Puesto in San Diego puts a creative twist on Mexican seafood dishes. Their fish tacos and ceviche are fresh and flavorful, making it a fun and trendy spot to enjoy seafood with a little flair.
California’s coastal cities offer a variety of seafood dining experiences that cater to all tastes and budgets. From casual eateries to upscale restaurants with breathtaking views, these 23 best seafood restaurants in California provide fresh, high-quality dishes that showcase the best of what the Golden State has to offer.
Whether you’re in the mood for sushi, lobster, or clam chowder, you’ll find a place that suits your cravings. So, get ready to explore these delicious spots and experience the freshest seafood in California!
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