A Foodie’s Guide to the Best Seafood in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a coastal city in California that boasts stunning views, rich history and culture, and of course, delicious seafood. Whether you’re looking for fresh catch of the day, succulent shellfish, or exotic delicacies like sea urchin and abalone, you’ll find plenty of options to satisfy your cravings in Santa Barbara.

In this blog post, we’ll share some of the best seafood restaurants in Santa Barbara that you should try on your next visit. From casual eateries to fine dining establishments, here are our top picks for seafood lovers.

Braod Street Oyster Company

If you are looking for a seafood feast in Santa Barbara, look no further than Broad Street Oyster Company. This restaurant, located on historic State Street, offers a variety of dishes that showcase the best of California's central coast.

Broad Street Oyster Company was founded by Christopher Tompkins, who started shucking oysters under a canopy near a wine tasting bar. His passion for fresh and sustainable seafood soon led him to open his own restaurant, where he serves lobster rolls, fish and chips, clam chowder, stone crab claws, uni pasta, cioppino and more.

But the star of the show is the raw bar, where you can find live oysters and sea urchin from different regions. You can enjoy them on their own or with toppings like uni and caviar for an extra indulgence. You can also order a seafood tower to share with your friends or family and sample a variety of shellfish.

To pair with your seafood, you can choose from craft beers and natural wines that complement the flavors of the ocean. The restaurant has a large patio where you can relax and enjoy the sunny weather and the lively atmosphere.

Broad Street Oyster Company is not only the best seafood restaurant in Santa Barbara but also a rip-roarin' good time' of a place. Whether you are a local or a visitor, you will love this gem of a spot that celebrates the bounty of the sea.

Brophy Bros. Clam Bar & Restaurant

If you want to enjoy seafood with a view, head to Brophy Bros. Clam Bar & Restaurant at the Santa Barbara Harbor. This popular spot offers a variety of seafood dishes, such as garlic baked clams, fish and chips, clam chowder, and oysters on the half shell. You can also order fresh fish from their market menu, which changes daily depending on what’s available. The restaurant has a lively atmosphere and a friendly staff that will make you feel welcome.

Lure Fish House

Lure Fish House is another great option for seafood lovers in Santa Barbara. This family-owned restaurant specializes in local and sustainable seafood, prepared with fresh ingredients and homemade sauces. Some of their signature dishes include cedar plank salmon, lobster roll, cioppino, and grilled mahi mahi tacos. They also have an extensive wine list featuring local and international selections. The restaurant has a cozy and elegant ambiance that’s perfect for a romantic date or a special occasion.

Santa Barbara Shellfish Company

If you’re looking for a casual and authentic seafood experience, check out Santa Barbara Shellfish Company at Stearns Wharf. This family-run business started as a wholesale lobster company in 1980 but later expanded to serve other types of shellfish as well. You can watch them cook your order right in front of you at their open kitchen counter. Some of their specialties include lobster bisque, crab cakes, shrimp cocktail, and grilled scallops^[5^. They also serve live sea urchin (uni)^[5^. which is harvested locally by divers^[1^. If you’re feeling adventurous, give it a try!

Santa Barbara FisHouse

Santa Barbara FisHouse is another waterfront restaurant that serves fresh and tasty seafood dishes. Located across from East Beach. this restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating with views of the ocean. You can choose from their menu of classic seafood favorites like calamari. fish tacos. crab legs. or grilled swordfish. or try something more exotic like Hawaiian poke bowl. blackened catfish. or coconut shrimp curry. They also have happy hour specials every day from 3 pm to 7 pm where you can enjoy discounted drinks and appetizers-.

Boathouse at Hendry's Beach

Boathouse at Hendry's Beach is another scenic spot to enjoy seafood in Santa Barbara. This restaurant is located right on the sand at Hendry's Beach (also known as Arroyo Burro Beach) , where you can watch surfers ride the waves while you dine . The restaurant serves breakfast , lunch , dinner , brunch , cocktails , coffee , desserts , etc. so you can visit any time of day. Some of their mouthwatering dishes include crab benedict , lobster mac n cheese , seared tuna salad , fisherman's stew , etc.. They also have live music every Sunday afternoon from 2 pm to 5 pm where you can relax with some tunes by local artists[7].

These are just some of the best seafood restaurants and dishes in Santa Barbara that we recommend for foodies. Of course, there are many more options to explore depending on your preferences and budget. But whatever you choose, we’re sure you’ll have a memorable culinary experience in this beautiful