8 California Seafood Spots Locals Walk Right Past & 8 Tourists Line Up For

California’s coastline serves up some of the freshest seafood in the country, but not every stop lives up to the hype. While some spots draw crowds of camera-toting visitors, others remain beloved secrets known mostly to locals.

Tourists planning their next adventure and residents eager to uncover hidden spots all share one goal: finding the places truly worth the drive.

This guide highlights the seafood eateries worth standing in line for, and the lesser-known ones that deserve just as much love.

1. Anchor Oyster Bar: Castro’s Hidden Pearl

Tucked away in San Francisco’s vibrant Castro district, this tiny, under-30-seat counter spot has been serving spectacular seafood since 1977. Most tourists never notice it while wandering through the neighborhood.

The cioppino here is legendary – a rich tomato broth swimming with local shellfish and fish. During Dungeness season, locals know to swing by for the freshest catch prepared simply and perfectly.

Their oyster selection changes daily based on what’s best from nearby waters.

2. Hook Fish Co.: Surfers’ Secret Seafood Shack

Beachgoers might walk right past this unassuming Outer Sunset spot that resembles a surf shack more than a culinary destination. The focus here is transparent boat-to-table sourcing that locals appreciate.

Grilled local fish plates come with seasonal vegetables and rice, making for a satisfying post-surf meal. Their fish tacos feature the day’s catch, often caught the same day.

The poke bowl rivals anything you’d find in Hawaii, with perfectly seasoned chunks of fresh fish atop warm rice.

3. El Pescador Fish Market: La Jolla’s Double-Duty Delight

Half market, half café, El Pescador is where La Jolla locals pop in while running errands. The unassuming storefront hides seafood treasures inside.

I discovered this gem years ago when a local friend insisted we skip the touristy waterfront spots. Their crab and shrimp “El Pescador” sandwich changed my understanding of what seafood between bread could be.

The grilled local catch plate offers whatever was swimming that morning, prepared simply to let quality shine.

4. Mitch’s Seafood: Point Loma’s Dockside Dream

Sitting right on the fishing docks of Point Loma, Mitch’s embodies the fisherman’s-dock canteen vibe that locals treasure. The menu changes based on what boats brought in that day.

Counter service keeps things casual and prices reasonable despite the premium ingredients. Fish tacos here feature whatever’s freshest, often still swimming just hours before hitting your plate.

Outdoor tables offer harbor views without the tourist markup found at similar spots.

5. The Jolly Oyster: Ventura’s Beachside Bivalve Bonanza

This outdoor shack steps from Ventura’s sandy shores offers a DIY picnic vibe that travelers often miss. Locals bring coolers, wine, and picnic supplies to create their own seafood feast.

The raw oysters here come from sustainable farms and taste of pure ocean. The grilled options get a quick flame treatment that enhances their natural sweetness.

My family stumbled upon this place during a coastal road trip, watching locals arrive prepared with tablecloths and wine glasses while we improvised with paper towels.

6. Pier 46 Seafood: Paso Robles’ No-Frills Fish Haven

Hiding in a Templeton shopping center near Paso Robles wine country, this zero-frills market and grill serves seafood that rivals coastal spots. Wine tourists zoom past, never knowing what they’re missing.

The fish tacos feature perfectly grilled fish topped with cabbage slaw and house-made sauce. Their chowder achieves the perfect balance of creamy richness without overwhelming the seafood flavors.

The fresh case offers take-home options for visitors staying in rentals with kitchens.

7. Santa Monica Seafood: The Wholesaler’s Hidden Café

Many visitors racing to Santa Monica Pier completely overlook this wholesaler-backed market and café. The unassuming exterior hides seafood expertise that supplies many top LA restaurants.

Oysters here arrive from around the world, expertly shucked and served with minimal fuss. The poke bowl features chunks of sashimi-grade fish that melt in your mouth.

Beyond ready-to-eat options, their market section lets you take home the same premium seafood that high-end restaurants serve.

8. Fish Shop Pacific Beach: San Diego’s Create-Your-Own Paradise

This casual neighborhood hang with three San Diego locations offers a build-your-own seafood experience that locals love. The Pacific Beach spot stays packed with residents while tourists flock to more famous waterfront options.

The choose-your-fish, choose-your-marinade concept lets you customize tacos, sandwiches, or plates. Their Cajun shrimp boil specials transport you straight to Louisiana without leaving Southern California.

I’ve been coming here since college, when my roommate’s dad – a commercial fisherman – gave it his rare seal of approval.

9. Swan Oyster Depot: San Francisco’s Century-Old Counter

This tiny Polk Street institution with just 18 stools has been serving seafood since 1912, creating lines that start forming before opening. Anthony Bourdain’s endorsement only increased the wait times.

The half-cracked crab comes perfectly prepared and ready to devour. Their seafood cocktail features bay shrimp and crab atop a tangy cocktail sauce.

The sashimi plate, an off-menu favorite, showcases the freshest fish with just a drizzle of olive oil and a crack of pepper.

10. Hog Island Oyster Co.: Ferry Building’s Waterfront Winner

Occupying prime Ferry Building real estate with stunning bay views, this oyster bar attracts constant crowds of visitors seeking the quintessential San Francisco seafood experience.

The raw oysters, many grown in their Tomales Bay farms, arrive perfectly shucked and arranged. Their grilled cheese sandwich might seem out of place, but paired with tomato soup, it’s become an unexpected signature.

The shellfish platters overflow with oysters, clams, mussels, and more – perfect for sharing while watching ferries cross the bay.

11. Scoma’s: Fisherman’s Wharf Classic Since 1965

Nestled among Fisherman’s Wharf tourist traps, Scoma’s stands out with its “Pier to Plate” philosophy and old-school charm. Visitors happily wait for tables at this San Francisco institution.

The cioppino combines Dungeness crab, clams, mussels, and fish in a robust tomato broth. Sand dabs, a local specialty fish, get a light flour dusting and quick sauté with capers and butter.

White-jacketed servers navigate the bustling dining room with practiced efficiency, adding to the classic San Francisco experience tourists seek.

12. Phil’s Fish Market: Cioppino That Drew Bobby Flay

After relocating from Moss Landing to Castroville, Phil’s continues drawing pilgrims seeking its famous cioppino – the same dish that beat Bobby Flay in a Food Network showdown. The new inland location hasn’t deterred the faithful.

The seafood pasta overflows with shrimp, scallops, and fish in a light garlic sauce. Fried combo plates satisfy those seeking classic California fish shack fare with a quality upgrade.

I once drove three hours just for their cioppino, joining a line of license plates from across the country doing the same.

13. Malibu Seafood: PCH Pit Stop With Ocean Views

This casual seafood shack perched on Pacific Coast Highway attracts constant weekend crowds seeking fresh fish with spectacular ocean views. The no-frills picnic tables fill quickly with tourists and celebrities alike.

The fish and chips feature whatever’s freshest, coated in a light batter that stays crisp. Grilled daily catch plates offer a healthier option with simple seasoning that lets quality shine through.

The adjacent market sells fresh seafood for home cooks brave enough to try matching their preparation skills.

14. Neptune’s Net: Malibu’s Movie-Famous Biker Stop

Featured in countless films, including “Fast and Furious” and “Point Break,” this PCH landmark draws motorcyclists, tourists, and locals seeking seafood with a side of people-watching. The weekend crowds are legendary.

Two separate counters serve different menus – one for fried seafood baskets and another for fresh options. The clam chowder provides warming comfort on foggy coastal days.

The massive shrimp plate satisfies hearty appetites after a day of surfing or driving the coast.

15. Brophy Bros: Santa Barbara Harbor’s Crown Jewel

Perched above Santa Barbara’s working harbor, this second-floor restaurant draws lines for its combination of fresh seafood and postcard-worthy views. Tourists happily wait for tables facing the water and mountains beyond.

Oysters arrive freshly shucked and glistening, perfect with a cold local beer. The beer-boiled shrimp maintain their snappy texture while absorbing just enough flavor from the brewing process.

We celebrated my sister’s graduation here, joining the queue of patient tourists and finding the harbor views worth every minute of our 45-minute wait.

16. Santa Barbara Shellfish Company: Wharf’s End-of-Pier Reward

Located at the very end of historic Stearns Wharf, this tiny shack rewards those who brave the tourist-filled pier with spectacular seafood and 360-degree ocean views. The compact size means lines form quickly.

Sea urchin, when available, comes served in its spiny shell – a purple-orange delicacy tasting of pure ocean. The lobster roll features generous chunks of sweet meat with minimal filler.

Clam linguini combines perfectly cooked pasta with briny clams in a light wine sauce that captures Santa Barbara’s Mediterranean climate and seaside location.