Eat Like a Local at These Seafood Restaurants in Pismo Beach

Pismo Beach is a classic beach town. The town is located on California’s famous coastline between San Francisco and Los Angeles. The beach has beautiful white sands, perfect for an evening stroll. When you stay in a Pismo Beach vacation rental, there’s so much in the area that you can do. You can have a laid-back or active vacation from Central Coast golfing to ATV dune riding. Shop the Pismo Beach Premium Outlets or sample from the area’s best wineries.

Do you want to feel like a local when you visit Pismo Beach? With so many excellent restaurants in the area, you’ll never run out of options! Here are the top 10 restaurants to help make you feel like a local!

crab legs on a plate
Photo from Shutterstock

The Oyster Loft

The Oyster Loft is so much more than a restaurant. This experience in service is paired with their exquisite taste and aesthetics of presentation. This restaurant has a more upscale feel because of its attention to detail. The oyster bar offers regional seafood dishes prepared with utmost caution. They want to make sure that every meal is perfect for their guests.

You can either dine inside or out on their patio. The patio offers impressive views of Pismo Beach. Enjoy their contemporary coastal cuisine while overlooking the beach. The Oyster Bar is the winner of Diner’s Choice in 2018 and has been named the most romantic restaurant in America!

Cracked Crab

While they serve fine food here at the Cracked Crab, you may dress casually to enjoy your dining here. You’ll have a large bucket of shellfish poured onto your table, and you’re given a mallet and crab crackers to devour it all. Every in-season dish is notated on the daily menu, including fresh fish options. Local farmers provide fresh produce for your favorite dishes all year round.

If you’re looking for something other than seafood, the Cracked Crab also serves steak and chicken. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, they can sauté up a vegetable dish for you as well.

Splash Cafe

The Splash Cafe is a local favorite in Pismo Beach. This beach-themed cafe was featured in Gourmet and Bon Appetit magazines. The clam chowder has been served to thousands and is loved by all! While they are famous for their clam chowder, Splash Cafe serves many other fresh seafood dishes. Customers love the salmon tacos and various sandwiches. You can dive into a basket of crispy fish and chips or share a plate of calamari. They also serve burgers, hotdogs, and salads! Local artist Lin Mercer created the murals inside and outside. The beach-themed artwork really helps bring out that beach vibe they strive for!

The Splash Cafe brings accurately depicts the personality of Pismo Beach. Stop in to feel that “Classic California” beach town vibe.

SeaVenture Restaurant

The SeaVenture Restaurant sits on the third floor of the SeaVenture Hotel. The restaurant has beautiful views from large windows and outdoor decks. Take in sunsets and stunning vistas of the Pacific Ocean while you dine on Pismo Beach seafood menus.

Chef Steven Smeets provides incredible contemporary coastal cuisine. He has seasonal menus prepared with local farm produce and premium meats. Every ingredient in each meal he prepares is of the highest quality. The wine list here is selected to include local wines from the area’s most famous vineyards. 

Plan Your Stay

With spacious rooms and up-to-date appliances, you get all the comforts of home right here in your rental. These Pismo Beach rentals are close to all of the fantastic attractions on the strip. So, what are you waiting for? Contact us today to get your Pismo Beach vacation started today!

Ventana Grill

Looking for a relaxed and coastal vibe? The Ventana Grill offers an atmosphere like none other. They channel the four elements to give each guest an enchanting view of the natural world.  Their coastal fusion cuisine provides an interesting take on traditional seafood menu items. The Ventana combines classic American dishes with Latin seafood variations.

Locals love the views from their seats as it overlooks Pismo. This upscale restaurant offers more than just seafood. You can also enjoy a wonderful chicken salad or a delicious steak.

Brad’s Restaurant

Brad’s is the oldest restaurant in Pismo Beach! This landmark restaurant was built and has been in operation since 1953. What was once the parking lot next to the restaurant is now a stunning patio. All patrons can sit out on the patio and enjoy their meal in the beautiful Pismo Beach weather. Brad’s has a reputation for fantastic seafood, clam chowder, and barbeque. Each of these menu options is a staple of Pismo Beach dining. While Brad and Helen have long since passed, Brad’s is still family-owned and operated. You’ll get that family vibe from the minute you walk in.

A few steps away from Brad’s is the Pismo Pier, a major tourist attraction in the area. You can walk the pier after a fantastic meal at Brad’s for the authentic local experience.

Pismo Fish & Chips Seafood

Holland immigrants Ann, Jack, and their daughter Janie Zechner built Pismo Fish and Chips Seafood from the ground up. In 2014, the restaurant was sold to a young couple who have kept the same recipes as the Zechners. They continue to make the same great chowder every day from scratch.

Locals love how the prices are low, and the food is fresh. The fried fish and seafood taste fresh every time. Their menu has a deep selection of drinks to pair perfectly with your meal. You’ll find well-breaded and seasoned, crispy fried fish.  See why the locals love Pismo Fish and Chips Seafood.

Ada’s Fish House

Ada’s is a family-owned and operated eatery. You can sit back and relax while enjoying the freshest seafood. They offer classic coastal-style dishes with East Coast influence. You’ll find steamed clams and lobster rolls cooked with Pacific Coast Halibut, grilled swordfish, and seafood pasta. Ada makes sure that they provide only the highest quality products for their customers. So, every day they make sure their fish is freshly caught.

Chef and owner Douglas MacMillan is constantly introducing new and exciting dishes. He makes sure that everything stays fresh and straightforward. All the wines on the wine list are locally sourced from nearby wineries.

Wooly’s

Wooly’s is the perfect place for adults and kids. It doesn’t matter if you’re with friends or family; you can gather here for food and drinks on the beachside. The open-air beachfront deck is perfect for a lazy beach day where all you want to do is sit back and enjoy the Pismo Beach air.

Locals love the relaxing vibe sitting outside for a super-casual lunch. Everyone loves their fish and chips, and they rave about the clam chowder. If you have a dog, they even have a dog menu! They’ll bring out a bowl for your dog to enjoy lunch right alongside you. Stop by and try their excellent fried seafood. Their cocktail menu is perfect for anyone looking to split drinks with friends. 

Fish dinner on a plate
Photo from Unsplash

Spyglass Inn Restaurant

Looking for a casual, family meal? The Spyglass Inn Restaurant is the perfect place for that! You can relax the afternoon away in the sun, enjoying the beautiful sunsets from their windows. You can see the clear starry night while listening to the sea crash below if you stay for dinner.

Locals love the halibut fish and chips and appreciate the impeccable service. Other locals rave about the lobster and shrimp tacos., but seafood isn’t their only specialty. You can also dig into a juicy steak. The Spyglass also serves breakfast, so stop by anytime to enjoy a meal from what could be your new favorite restaurant!

Book Your Pismo Beach Vacation Rentals with Beach Bum Holiday Rentals!

After you’re finished sampling these seafood restaurants in Pismo Beach, you need a place to stay! The Pismo Beach vacation rentals are the perfect place to relax the evening away. When you rent here in Pismo Beach, it’s like you’re right at home!