Top 12 Seafood Restaurants In Santa Monica, California

seafood restaurants in santa monica
Nicole
Nicole 
Updated
| 5 min read

Located west of Los Angeles, Santa Monica is a coastal town that is famous for its beach along the Pacific Ocean. There’s plenty of fun to be had in this oceanside town. The Santa Monica Pier is one of its most famous attractions and it features an amusement park and aquarium. Visitors who like to work out must visit Muscle Beach, a famous outdoor gym where you can spot people working on their physiques. To enjoy the sunny outdoors, visitors to Santa Monica also head to Palisades Park, which offers beautiful views over the coastline. And of course, being right on the sea, there’s plenty of excellent seafood to savour while you are enjoying your stay in one of the comfy vacation rentals. If you would like to have a mouthwatering trip, scroll down to find out more about the top seafood restaurants in Santa Monica, California.

1. Lobster & Beer

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The menu at this fish restaurant in Santa Monica is a delightful fusion of seafood bliss and craft beer heaven. Specializing in luscious lobster dishes, the restaurant serves up an array of mouthwatering options, from classic lobster rolls to gooey lobster mac and cheese. Each dish is crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients, promising an unforgettable night of dining.

Complementing the delectable seafood fare, the restaurant offers an impressive selection of craft beers, carefully chosen to enhance the flavours of the dishes. The inviting and relaxed ambience invites guests to indulge in a gastronomic journey like no other. Whether seeking a quick bite or a leisurely meal, Lobster & Beer guarantees a delectable seafood feast, perfectly paired with the finest craft beers, all amidst the charming coastal vibes of Santa Monica.

Lobster & Beer

Address: 530 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401, United States

Website: Lobster & Beer

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11:30am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11:30am - 10pm

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2. Crudo e Nudo

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

This restaurant boasts an enticing menu that celebrates the flavours of the sea with a contemporary Italian twist. As the name suggests, their menu highlights a selection of exquisite crudo dishes, featuring fresh raw fish delicately seasoned and presented to perfection. Expect an array of luscious oysters in Santa Monica’s Crudo e Nudo and delectable seafood offerings sourced from the finest ingredients.

Complementing their raw offerings, the menu likely includes a variety of handmade pasta dishes, showcasing traditional Italian recipes and innovative combinations. With a focus on simplicity and quality, each plate is a celebration of authentic flavours.

Crudo e Nudo’s dedication to using locally sourced and sustainable ingredients ensures a memorable dining experience. Their cosy and inviting ambience creates an ideal setting to enjoy the freshest seafood and Italian-inspired cuisine, making it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts and seafood aficionados in Santa Monica.

Crudo e Nudo

Address: 2724 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405, United States

Website: Crudo e Nudo

Opening hours: 12pm - 10pm (daily)

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3. Water Grill


Let’s start our list off with Water Grill, a high-end seafood restaurant that’s been open in Santa Monica since 1989. Its menu is updated daily, so you can order the freshest of the fresh fish. They’re known for their wide range of raw and chilled shellfish, with people raving about the oysters. And if cooked seafood is more your style, try the fish and chips or Chilean sea bass. And don’t forget the sides- we hear the mac and cheese is amazing.

Water Grill

Address: 1401 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA

Website: Water Grill

Opening hours: Sun - Thurs: 11am - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 12am

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4. The Albright

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The Albright is a staple of the Santa Monica Pier. The family-run joint has recently relaunched and boasts a menu full of seafood sourced locally. Inside, you’ll find communal tables and decor with pops of turquoise. Outside, they offer a sheltered seating area with fairy lights, creating a cozy, seaside atmosphere. On the menu, you’ll find classic seafood fare, the kind of stuff you’d expect to find on the Santa Monica Pier. From oysters to clam chowder and lobster to crab, there’s plenty to choose from. And to drink, enjoy a craft beer or California wine.

The Albright

Address: 258 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA

Website: The Albright

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 12pm - 9pm; Sat - Sun: 11am - 10pm

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5. Rusty's Surf Ranch


If you’re after a more laid-back vibe, head to Rusty’s Surf Ranch. With surfboards adorning the walls, this restaurant offers seafood and bar food, and on the weekends, you’ll find bands playing live shows. While you’re listening to a cover band, you can enjoy a plate of nachos and then indulge in some crab cakes. The dive bar has been a mainstay for those who grew up in the area, so you can feel like you’re enjoying part of Santa Monica’s history while you dine here.

Rusty's Surf Ranch

Address: 256 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA

Website: Rusty’s Surf Ranch

Opening hours: Mon - Thurs: 11:30am - 10pm; Fri - Sun: 11:30am - 12am

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6. Enterprise Fish Co.

Editor’s note: establishment is permanently closed

Enterprise Fish Co has been open for 37 years, and their aim has always been to serve up fresh fish. They’re known for grilling everything on their mesquite charcoal grill. Try the salmon or rainbow trout, all cooked on the grill. We also recommend trying some of the grilled vegetables; we hear great things about the Crispy Brussels Sprouts. They’re also known for having an excellent happy hour, where you can enjoy a few drinks and some light bites.

Enterprise Fish Co.

Address: 174 Kinney St, Santa Monica, CA 90405, USA

Website: Enterprise Fish Co.

Opening hours: Sun - Thurs: 11:30am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 11:30am - 11pm

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7. Blue Plate Oysterette


Blue Plate Oysterette offers a taste of New England on the west coast. This stylish seafood restaurant serves up east coast favorites like lobster rolls and, of course, oysters. But you’ll find California influence in the fish tacos and ahi tuna. The restaurant has been around since 2009, and it is located on Ocean Avenue. There are views of the ocean from the restaurant, and we can highly recommend trying to catch a sunset while you enjoy your dinner. It would make for a great romantic date spot!

Blue Plate Oysterette

Address: 1355 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA

Website: Blue Plate Oysterette

Opening hours: Sun - Thurs: 11:30am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 10pm

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8. Chez Jay


Chez Jay has been a staple in Santa Monica since the 1950s, and it still has plenty of its old school charm. With red checkered table cloths and framed pictures adorning its walls, you can imagine all the people who’ve gathered in this dive over the years. In addition to its vintage charm, Chez Jay is known for three things: steaks, seafood, and stiff drinks. On the seafood side of things, you can enjoy lobster tail or swordfish, and plenty more. And while you’re eating, keep your eye out for celebrities; it’s known as a hangout spot for the rich and famous.

Chez Jay

Address: 1657 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA

Website: Chez Jay

Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 9am - 2:30pm; Mon - Fri: 11:30am - 2pm, 5:30pm - 9pm

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9. Seasalt Fish Grill

Editor’s note: establishment is permanently closed

The owners of Seasalt Fish Grill set out to open up a restaurant that serves high-quality seafood but at inexpensive prices and with quick service. And that’s exactly what they do today. They’re committed to dishing out locally sourced, fresh foods. Their menu offers a wide variety, from seafood salads to fish tacos and grilled ahi tuna to fish sandwiches. Reviewers rave about the fish tacos, love the inexpensive prices, and are happy with the fast service. What’s not to like?

Seasalt Fish Grill

Address: 1422 5th Ct, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA

Website: Seasalt Fish Grill

Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 12pm - 9pm; Mon - Fri: 11am - 9pm

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10. The Galley


The Galley has been open since 1934 and it is appropriately decorated in a nautical style. Look out the portholes (windows), take a photo at the captain’s wheel, or dine on the patio which is done up with shells and fishing nets. As far as the menu goes, you can try crab cakes, shrimp scampi, or calamari. They even have a small vegetarian section; a rarity for seafood joints, so you can ask your veggie friend to join you. They’re also known for having an excellent bar, so after your meal, you can grab a stool and enjoy a nice drink or two.

The Galley

Address: 2442 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405, USA

Website: The Galley

Opening hours: Mon - Thurs: 5pm - 12am; Fri - Sat: 5pm - 2am; Sun: 1pm - 12am

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11. Herringbone Santa Monica

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Herringbone Santa Monica is an ultra modern joint. With wood floors, industrial furnishings, and a wall of lush green foliage, it’s like you’ve set foot in a hip catalogue. And it’s not just about the looks. They serve up fresh food, with a focus on line-caught seafood and produce which is locally sourced. Try a seafood pasta or king salmon. They’re also well known for their Oyster Hour, which features 1 USD and a selection of wines which pair well with oysters.

Herringbone Santa Monica

Address: 1755 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA

Website: Herringbone Santa Monica

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 4pm - 10pm; Sat: 10am - 2pm, 4pm - 11pm; Sun: 10am - 2pm, 4pm - 9pm

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12. The Lobster

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


We’ll finish off our list with one of the best seafood restaurants in Santa Monica: The Lobster. It’s got a perfect location, offering panoramic views of the pier and the Pacific Ocean. Not surprisingly, it’s known for its lobster, which you can get steamed, grilled, or poached, or even in the form of lobster mashed potatoes. But they offer plenty of other seafood options, including crab, gumbo, and pasta. It’s known for being a tourist hot spot, but considering the excellent view and excellent menu, it’s worth it.

The Lobster

Address: 1602 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA

Website: The Lobster

Opening hours: Sun - Thurs: 11:30am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 11:30am - 11pm

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Seafood galore in Santa Monica

Paella Mallorca
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Cayetano - used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Santa Monica offers a wide array of things to do and great places to eat. So, it’s no surprise that the seaside city has plenty of seafood restaurants to cater to every kind of foodie traveller. From modern and upscale to vintage dives, there are plenty of places to go that serve up the best seafood in Santa Monica. So, put your lobster bib on and prepare to dine on some excellent seafood.

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Frequently asked questions about seafood restaurants in Santa Monica


Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Nicole is an American expat living in London, England. When she moved from the midwest to London in 2012, it was her first time leaving the US. She has traveled steadily since then, making trips...Read more

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