If you love fish and seafood, there’s no better place to get it than along California’s spectacular coastline. From tiny seafood markets with their own cafés to inviting dockside family-owned joints, to the most upscale seafood dining experiences, you will find it here. Come along as we explore seven of the most amazing coastal seafood restaurants in Northern California that will tantalize your taste buds and make indelible marks in your memory for years to come!
- Silver’s at the Wharf
Silver’s at the Wharf Facebook Page Located in Fort Bragg in the heart of the popular Noyo Fishing Village, Silver’s at the Wharf is one of the best coastal restaurants in Northern California.
A community staple since the 1950s, Silver’s serves up a wide array of fresh seafood fare.
Silver’s at the Wharf Facebook Page Menu items encompass crab and rock cod cakes, Bay Shrimp Louis salad, rock cod paupiettes, and garlic clam linguini, just to name a few. The Wharf, 32260 N Harbor Dr, Fort Bragg, CA 95437, USA
- Little River Inn
Little River Inn Facebook Page Located in its namesake town of Little River, it began as a family home built in 1853. After generations of descendants lived here it was eventually turned into an inn.
Diners here include those who are overnight lodging guests, as well as folks from around the area and further afield desiring a fantastic seafood meal.
Little River Inn Facebook Page Try the savory Cioppino made with shrimp, rock cod, clams, and calamari. Or opt for the light and flaky halibut served with heirloom tomatoes, Manila clams, and fresh herbs. Occasional specials include crab feed-themed entrees. Little River Inn, 7751 CA-1, Little River, CA 95456, USA
- Gualala Seafood Shack
John Chandler/Google Maps Be sure not to pass by Jr.’s Home Center in Gualala. This is where you will find the Gualala Seafood Shack.
The proprietors here say the seafood is “sourced directly from the ocean out back.”
Gualala Seafood Shack Facebook Page This Dungeness Crab Melt will capture your stomach (and your heart!). They also serve an amazing rockfish burrito, fried or grilled fish tacos, and fried calamari with a side of seaweed sauce! Gualala Seafood Shack, 38820 S, CA-1 Unit 104, Gualala, CA 95445, USA
- Lucas Wharf Restaurant & Bar
Lucas Wharf Facebook Page A trip to Bodega Bay would not be complete without a meal at Lucas Wharf Restaurant & Bar.
This family-owned and operated restaurant has been an area favorite since 1984.
Lucas Wharf Facebook Page Everything on the menu is fresh and made with love. If you have a hankering for fish, try the salmon tartare or a lightly breaded and grilled calamari steak. If you fancy surf and turf, the filet mignon and Atlantic lobster tail combination is sure to satisfy. Lucas Wharf Restaurant & Bar, 595 CA-1, Bodega Bay, CA 94923, USA
- Sea Harvest Restaurant & Fish Market
Sea Harvest Facebook Page Carmel is home to some of the best restaurants in the world and the seafood here is outstanding. Sea Harvest Fish Market & Restaurants, 100 A The, Crossroads Blvd, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923, USA
All of their seafood is sourced with a focus on sustainable fishing practices.
Sea Harvest Facebook Page Local residents and visitors alike come here again and again to enjoy the food and ambiance. Among their starters are classic seafood dishes like their delicately fried calamari and creamy clam chowder. Sea Harvest Fish Market & Restaurants, 100 A The, Crossroads Blvd, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923, USA
- Sea Chest Oyster Bar and Seafood Restaurant
Sea Chest Oyster Bar and Seafood Restaurant Facebook Page Ever since the Sea Chest Oyster Bar and Seafood Restaurant in Cambria first opened its doors in 1975, it has been an area favorite.
Delicious fish and seafood options here include soy ginger shrimp, combo scampi and bay scallops, seafood marinara, and steamed mussels.
Sea Chest Oyster Bar and Seafood Restaurant Facebook Page But where the restaurant really shines is with some of the most fantastic oyster dishes you can imagine: Oysters Rockefeller, Oysters Casino, oyster stew, and of course, raw on the half shell. Sea Chest Oyster Bar, 6216 Moonstone Beach Dr, Cambria, CA 93428, USA
- The Galley Seafood Grill & Bar
The Galley Seafood Grill & Bar Facebook Page You can’t go wrong with an establishment that has a fish philosophy. Here it is, “Only Naked Will Do.”
Diners enjoy only the highest quality fish and seafood here, including ahi tuna, Pacific rockfish, and cod, just to name a few.
The Galley Seafood Grill & Bar Facebook Page Imagine digging into these outstanding bacon-wrapped sea scallops with a Polynesian buerre blanc and grilled pineapple. Oh man! The Galley Seafood Grill & Bar?, 899 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, CA 93442, USA
When it comes to fresh fish and seafood, there’s no denying that you’ll find some of the best along California’s spectacular coastline. And there are plenty of places to find a new favorite spot!
Silver’s at the Wharf Facebook Page
Located in Fort Bragg in the heart of the popular Noyo Fishing Village, Silver’s at the Wharf is one of the best coastal restaurants in Northern California.
Menu items encompass crab and rock cod cakes, Bay Shrimp Louis salad, rock cod paupiettes, and garlic clam linguini, just to name a few.
The Wharf, 32260 N Harbor Dr, Fort Bragg, CA 95437, USA
Little River Inn Facebook Page
Located in its namesake town of Little River, it began as a family home built in 1853. After generations of descendants lived here it was eventually turned into an inn.
Try the savory Cioppino made with shrimp, rock cod, clams, and calamari. Or opt for the light and flaky halibut served with heirloom tomatoes, Manila clams, and fresh herbs. Occasional specials include crab feed-themed entrees.
Little River Inn, 7751 CA-1, Little River, CA 95456, USA
John Chandler/Google Maps
Be sure not to pass by Jr.’s Home Center in Gualala. This is where you will find the Gualala Seafood Shack.
Gualala Seafood Shack Facebook Page
This Dungeness Crab Melt will capture your stomach (and your heart!). They also serve an amazing rockfish burrito, fried or grilled fish tacos, and fried calamari with a side of seaweed sauce!
Gualala Seafood Shack, 38820 S, CA-1 Unit 104, Gualala, CA 95445, USA
Lucas Wharf Facebook Page
A trip to Bodega Bay would not be complete without a meal at Lucas Wharf Restaurant & Bar.
Everything on the menu is fresh and made with love. If you have a hankering for fish, try the salmon tartare or a lightly breaded and grilled calamari steak. If you fancy surf and turf, the filet mignon and Atlantic lobster tail combination is sure to satisfy.
Lucas Wharf Restaurant & Bar, 595 CA-1, Bodega Bay, CA 94923, USA
Sea Harvest Facebook Page
Carmel is home to some of the best restaurants in the world and the seafood here is outstanding.
Sea Harvest Fish Market & Restaurants, 100 A The, Crossroads Blvd, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923, USA
Local residents and visitors alike come here again and again to enjoy the food and ambiance. Among their starters are classic seafood dishes like their delicately fried calamari and creamy clam chowder.
Sea Chest Oyster Bar and Seafood Restaurant Facebook Page
Ever since the Sea Chest Oyster Bar and Seafood Restaurant in Cambria first opened its doors in 1975, it has been an area favorite.
But where the restaurant really shines is with some of the most fantastic oyster dishes you can imagine: Oysters Rockefeller, Oysters Casino, oyster stew, and of course, raw on the half shell.
Sea Chest Oyster Bar, 6216 Moonstone Beach Dr, Cambria, CA 93428, USA
The Galley Seafood Grill & Bar Facebook Page
You can’t go wrong with an establishment that has a fish philosophy. Here it is, “Only Naked Will Do.”
Imagine digging into these outstanding bacon-wrapped sea scallops with a Polynesian buerre blanc and grilled pineapple. Oh man!
The Galley Seafood Grill & Bar?, 899 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, CA 93442, USA
Have you eaten at any of these outrageously good California coast seafood restaurants? If so, we’d love to see your photos and hear about your experiences there.
If you’re looking for somewhere in between to burn off all of those calories, how about a hike in San Francisco’s beautiful Glen Canyon Park?
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