10 California Pier Restaurants Serving Fresh Seafood With A Side Of Ocean Breeze
California’s coastline stretches over 800 miles, offering some of the most breathtaking ocean views in the country.
What better way to enjoy those stunning vistas than while savoring incredibly fresh seafood at a pier restaurant?
From San Francisco to San Diego, these waterfront eateries combine delicious dishes with the salty sea air and the soothing sounds of waves crashing below your feet.
1. The Albright
Santa Monica Pier comes alive when you step into The Albright, where seafood meets sophistication in the most delicious way possible. Executive Chef Thomas Ortega crafts menus that change with the seasons, ensuring every bite celebrates California’s bounty.
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the Pacific Ocean like a living painting. You’ll spot surfers catching waves while you’re cracking into Dungeness crab or slurping oysters on the half shell.
The restaurant’s name honors Santa Monica’s founder, and the establishment honors that legacy by sourcing ingredients from local fishermen and farmers. Weekend brunch here is legendary, especially when paired with their signature bloody Mary bar featuring horseradish that’ll clear your sinuses faster than a cannonball dive.
2. The Lobster
Perched at the entrance of Santa Monica Pier since 1923, The Lobster has witnessed nearly a century of California history. This isn’t just dinner—it’s a front-row seat to one of the world’s most famous beaches.
Their Maine lobster arrives fresh daily, but don’t sleep on the local catches either. Halibut, sea bass, and salmon get star treatment from chefs who understand that great seafood needs minimal fussing.
The outdoor patio becomes pure magic during golden hour when the sun dips into the Pacific. Seagulls might eye your plate with jealousy, but the attentive staff keeps them at bay while you enjoy your meal in peace and oceanic glory.
3. Pier Market Seafood Restaurant
San Francisco’s Pier Market delivers that authentic fisherman’s wharf experience without the tourist trap vibes. Fishing boats bob in the harbor just steps away, and chances are your dinner was swimming this morning.
The menu reads like a greatest hits album of oceanic delights. Clam chowder comes in sourdough bread bowls that could double as edible helmets, while fish and chips arrive golden and crispy enough to make any British person nod with approval.
Counter service keeps things casual and budget-friendly, perfect for families who want quality seafood without the fancy prices. Grab a picnic table outside and watch sea lions bark their approval from nearby docks while foghorns provide the soundtrack.
4. Crab House at Pier 39
Right in the heart of San Francisco’s most famous pier sits this crustacean paradise where crabs reign supreme. Tourists and locals alike crowd the tables, united by their love of butter-dipped seafood and spectacular bay views.
Dungeness crab gets roasted in garlic—a preparation that’ll haunt your dreams in the best possible way. The aroma alone could probably guide ships to shore better than any lighthouse.
Picture windows showcase Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge, giving your Instagram feed serious upgrade material. The sea lion colony barking below adds entertainment between courses, though they’re probably just demanding their own seafood platters. Pro tip: wear a bib and embrace the messy, glorious experience of proper crab eating.
5. Stagnaro Bros. Seafood
Since 1937, the Stagnaro family has been feeding Santa Cruz from their iconic spot on the municipal wharf. Four generations later, they’re still doing it right, proving that some recipes and traditions deserve to last forever.
Their cioppino—an Italian-American seafood stew—could warm the soul of even the grumpiest sea captain. Loaded with clams, mussels, shrimp, and fish, it’s swimming in tomato broth that begs for sourdough dunking.
The restaurant maintains a strong connection to local fishing, though it no longer operates a full charter business as in earlier decades. Watch pelicans dive-bomb for their own catches while you tackle a plate of calamari so tender it practically melts. Old-school charm meets consistently excellent seafood in this Santa Cruz treasure.
6. Riva Fish House
Riva Fish House has been a staple of the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf for decades, offering laid-back, oceanfront seafood dining with unbeatable views of Monterey Bay. The atmosphere is casual and friendly, perfect for families, groups, or anyone craving classic California coastal fare.
The menu leans into approachable favorites: grilled fish platters, hearty clam chowder, fried calamari, shrimp, and fresh fish tacos. Plates are generous, prices are reasonable, and the scenery turns every meal into a mini seaside escape.
Diners can watch sea lions and harbor wildlife right from their tables, making it a quintessential Santa Cruz wharf experience.
7. Old Tony’s
Redondo Beach’s historic pier hosts this no-nonsense seafood joint where the focus stays firmly on fresh fish and good times. Tony’s has been a local favorite for decades, and one bite explains why regulars keep coming back like salmon to their spawning grounds.
Fish tacos here achieve near-mythical status—perfectly grilled or fried fish tucked into warm tortillas with all the fixings. The halibut sandwich runs a close second in the popularity contest, especially when paired with crispy fries and a cold drinks.
Casual vibes reign supreme, with plastic baskets and paper-lined trays keeping things refreshingly unpretentious. Fishermen walk past with their daily catches while you’re enjoying yours, creating that authentic pier experience that fancy restaurants can’t replicate no matter how hard they try.
8. Redondo Beach Crab House
When you’re craving a seafood feast that requires bibs, mallets, and zero pretension, Redondo Beach Crab House delivers in spectacular fashion. This is hands-on dining at its finest, where getting messy is part of the fun and nobody judges your butter-splattered shirt.
Snow crab legs arrive by the pound, steamed to perfection and begging to be cracked open. The garlic noodles have achieved cult status among regulars who order extra portions to take home—if they can resist eating them all first.
Live music on weekends adds to the party atmosphere, while the harbor views remind you why California living is pretty spectacular. Sunset timing is crucial here; arrive early to snag patio seating and watch the sky transform into cotton candy colors.
9. Firefish Grill
Firefish Grill sits prominently on the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, known for its panoramic windows overlooking the Monterey Bay and its signature mesquite-grilled seafood.
The restaurant specializes in dishes like grilled salmon, halibut, prawns, and calamari, along with comforting favorites like steak, seafood pasta, and chowder. The open-flame mesquite grill gives many of their dishes a smoky depth that sets them apart from typical beach-town seafood spots.
Guests can enjoy a relaxed, slightly upscale atmosphere while taking in sweeping views of the coastline, fishing boats, and the boardwalk. It’s a top pick for visitors who want both classic seafood and a true wharf-side setting.
10. Gilda’s on the Wharf
Gilda’s on the Wharf is a long-running, family-owned restaurant located on the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, serving traditional seafood and Italian-American comfort dishes since the 1960s.
Known for its friendly, old-school charm, Gilda’s offers everything from fried seafood combos and clam chowder to prime rib, pasta dishes, and grilled fish.
The restaurant’s location provides easy views of the bay, where visitors can often spot sea otters floating in the kelp and fishing boats returning to harbor. Gilda’s also features rotating daily specials that locals swear by, making it a dependable wharf favorite for hearty meals and classic coastal nostalgia.