Seafood and Scenery: The Best Oceanfront Restaurants in Santa Barbara

Seafood and Scenery: The Best Oceanfront Restaurants in Santa Barbara

Are you planning a trip to Santa Barbara and looking for a place to indulge in the freshest seafood while enjoying stunning ocean views? Look no further than the best oceanfront restaurants in Santa Barbara. In this article, we will explore the top spots for the best seafood in santa barbara with a view, with Broad Street Oyster Company taking the top spot.

1. Broad Street Oyster Company: The Best Oceanfront Restaurant in Santa Barbara

Located in the Funk Zone, Broad Street Oyster Company is a small restaurant with big flavors. With its outdoor patio overlooking the ocean, this restaurant offers a unique dining experience that combines fresh seafood and beautiful scenery. The restaurant's specialty is oysters, which are sourced from different regions and served raw or cooked with creative toppings. Other must-try dishes include the clam chowder and the lobster roll, which are made with high-quality ingredients and bursting with flavor.

2. The Lark: A Modern Twist on Seafood Classics

If you're looking for a more upscale dining experience, The Lark is the perfect spot. This restaurant, located in the historic Santa Barbara Fish Market building, offers a modern twist on seafood classics. Their seafood tower, which includes oysters, clams, shrimp, and lobster, is a popular option among seafood lovers. The Lark also offers a variety of vegetable dishes, making it a great choice for those looking for vegetarian or vegan options.

3. Boathouse at Hendry's Beach: A Local Favorite

The Boathouse at Hendry's Beach is a local favorite and for good reason. This oceanfront restaurant offers breathtaking views of the beach and the Channel Islands, along with a diverse seafood menu. From the classic fish and chips to the grilled octopus, everything on the menu is delicious and made with high-quality ingredients. The restaurant also offers a great selection of cocktails, making it a great spot for happy hour.

4. Santa Barbara Shellfish Company: A Casual Spot for Seafood Lovers

If you're looking for a casual spot to enjoy seafood, Santa Barbara Shellfish Company is a perfect choice. This seafood shack, located on the pier, offers a wide selection of fresh seafood, including crab, lobster, and shrimp. You can order your seafood steamed or grilled, and enjoy it with a side of garlic bread and coleslaw. The outdoor seating area offers beautiful views of the ocean and the harbor.

5. The Hungry Cat: A Seafood Lover's Paradise

The Hungry Cat is another great option for seafood lovers. With a menu that changes daily based on the freshest catch, this restaurant offers a unique dining experience that you won't find anywhere else. The restaurant's specialty is the raw bar, which offers a variety of oysters, clams, and crabs. The Hungry Cat also offers a great selection of craft beers and cocktails, making it a great spot for happy hour.

6. Moby Dick Restaurant: A Santa Barbara Classic

Moby Dick Restaurant has been a Santa Barbara institution for over 40 years. This oceanfront restaurant offers a classic seafood menu that includes everything from fish and chips to lobster tail. The restaurant also offers a great selection of steaks and pasta dishes, making it a great choice for those looking for non-seafood options. The outdoor seating area offers beautiful views of the ocean and the pier.

7. Brophy Bros. Restaurant & Clam Bar: A Seafood Institution

Brophy Bros. Restaurant & Clam Bar is another seafood institution in Santa Barbara. With a menu that includes everything from raw oysters to clam chowder, this restaurant offers something for everyone. The outdoor seating area offers stunning views of the harbor, making it a great spot to enjoy a seafood meal while watching the boats come in and out.

8. On The Alley: A Quick and Casual Spot for Seafood

On The Alley is a quick and casual spot for seafood located in the Santa Barbara Harbor. The menu includes classic seafood dishes like fish and chips, clam chowder, and shrimp cocktails, all made with fresh ingredients. The outdoor seating area is perfect for enjoying the ocean breeze while enjoying a meal.

9. Tyger Tyger: A Fusion of Seafood and Asian Cuisine

Tyger Tyger is a fusion restaurant that combines seafood with Asian cuisine. The menu includes dishes like seafood laksa and crispy fish tacos, all made with high-quality ingredients and bursting with flavor. The outdoor seating area offers beautiful views of the harbor, making it a great spot to enjoy a meal and watch the sunset.

10. Convivo: Italian Cuisine with a Seafood Twist

Convivo is an Italian restaurant that puts a twist on seafood dishes. The menu includes dishes like grilled octopus with roasted tomato and charred scallion vinaigrette, and spaghetti alle vongole with littleneck clams, garlic, and parsley. The outdoor seating area offers beautiful views of the ocean and the nearby mountains.

11. Bouchon Santa Barbara: A French Twist on Seafood

Bouchon Santa Barbara is a French restaurant that offers a twist on seafood dishes. The menu includes dishes like moules frites with white wine, garlic, and shallots, and pan-seared scallops with roasted garlic, butternut squash puree, and crispy kale. The outdoor seating area offers beautiful views of the ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains.

12. The Black Sheep: A Cozy Spot for Seafood

The Black Sheep is a cozy spot for seafood located in the historic Victoria Court building. The menu includes dishes like lobster ravioli and crispy shrimp tacos, all made with fresh ingredients and bursting with flavor. The outdoor seating area offers a charming atmosphere and beautiful views of the nearby mountains.

13. The Brewhouse: Craft Beer and Seafood

The Brewhouse is a brewery and restaurant that offers a great selection of craft beers and seafood dishes. The menu includes dishes like grilled salmon with roasted red pepper coulis and seared scallops with parsnip puree and apple-fennel slaw. The outdoor seating area offers beautiful views of the mountains and the nearby courthouse.

14. The Harbor Restaurant: A Seafood Feast

The Harbor Restaurant is a seafood restaurant that offers a variety of seafood dishes, including lobster tail, shrimp scampi, and clam linguine. The outdoor seating area offers beautiful views of the harbor and the boats docked nearby.

15. Shoreline Beach Cafe: A Beachside Spot for Seafood

Shoreline Beach Cafe is a beachside spot for seafood located in the Santa Barbara Harbor. The menu includes dishes like fish tacos and clam chowder, all made with fresh ingredients. The outdoor seating area offers stunning views of the ocean and the nearby mountains.

Conclusion

Santa Barbara offers a variety of oceanfront restaurants that combine delicious seafood dishes with stunning scenery. Whether you're looking for a casual spot to enjoy seafood or an upscale dining experience, there's something for everyone. Broad Street Oyster Company takes the top spot with its unique dining experience that combines fresh seafood and beautiful ocean views.