12 Oregon Seafood Feasts Making Coastal Christmas Dinner A Time-Honored Favorite
Christmas dinner along the Oregon Coast has become synonymous with one thing: phenomenal seafood pulled fresh from Pacific waters.
Families and visitors gather each December to celebrate the holidays with platters piled high with Dungeness crab, perfectly grilled salmon, and steaming bowls of clam chowder that warm you from the inside out.
From historic waterfront institutions to hidden gems perched on dramatic cliffs, these coastal restaurants have perfected the art of turning local catches into unforgettable holiday feasts.
Here are twelve exceptional spots where Oregon seafood and Christmas tradition come together in the most delicious way possible.
1. Local Ocean Seafoods
Walking through the doors at Local Ocean Seafoods feels like stepping into a fisherman’s dream where the catch of the day literally swims from boat to plate in record time.
Located at 213 SE Bay Blvd, Newport, OR 97365, this restaurant has earned its reputation as one of the Oregon Coast’s finest seafood destinations.
Their Dungeness crab arrives so fresh it practically winks at you from the plate, while halibut gets treated with the respect it deserves—simply prepared to let natural flavors shine.
Christmas dinners here become legendary family stories, the kind grandkids hear about for years.
Seasonal catches rotate based on what the Pacific offers each day, meaning your holiday meal showcases the absolute best available.
The open kitchen design lets diners watch skilled chefs transform raw ingredients into edible art.
Families return year after year, turning Christmas dinner at Local Ocean into a cherished tradition that rivals opening presents.
Every bite tastes like the ocean decided to dress up fancy for the holidays.
2. Mo’s Seafood & Chowder
Some restaurants become institutions not through fancy presentations but by serving honest food that makes people feel like they’ve come home.
Mo’s Seafood & Chowder at The Original Mo’s, 622 SW Bay Blvd., Newport, OR 97365 has mastered this approach since opening decades ago.
Their clam chowder has achieved near-mythical status among coastal visitors, thick enough to stand a spoon in and packed with tender clams.
Holiday crowds pack the casual dining room, creating a festive buzz that rivals any fancy establishment.
Classic seafood plates arrive generous and satisfying, the kind of meal that sticks to your ribs during cold December evenings.
Kids love the relaxed atmosphere where spills don’t cause panic and laughter echoes off wood-paneled walls.
Grandparents share stories of eating at Mo’s when they were young, creating multigenerational memories over bowls of steaming chowder.
Christmas dinner here feels less like dining out and more like joining Oregon’s biggest coastal family gathering.
3. Clearwater Restaurant
Elegance meets ocean spray at Clearwater Restaurant, where Christmas dinner transforms into an event worthy of your finest holiday outfit.
Positioned at 325 SW Bay Blvd., Newport, OR 97365, this upscale waterfront gem elevates seafood to artistic heights.
Plates arrive looking almost too beautiful to eat, with seafood arranged like edible sculptures that somehow taste even better than they look.
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the bay perfectly, giving diners a front-row seat to winter sunsets painting the water gold and pink.
Special occasions demand special settings, and Clearwater delivers ambiance that makes Christmas feel extra magical.
The menu showcases seasonal preparations that honor Oregon’s bounty without overwhelming delicate fish flavors with heavy sauces.
Couples celebrating anniversaries share tables with families marking another year of holiday traditions.
Every detail receives attention here, from folded napkins to the precise moment servers deliver each course, creating memories that last long after the final bite.
4. Georgie’s Beachside Grill
Panoramic Pacific Ocean views compete with heaping seafood platters for attention at Georgie’s Beachside Grill, though honestly, both deserve equal appreciation.
Located at 744 SW Elizabeth St, Newport, OR 97365, this restaurant understands that Christmas dinner should never leave anyone hungry.
Portions arrive generous to the point of absurdity, with crab legs cascading off plates and salmon fillets sized for lumberjacks.
Watching waves crash against rocks while cracking into fresh Dungeness crab creates a uniquely Oregon holiday experience.
The menu celebrates local catches without pretension, letting quality ingredients speak for themselves through straightforward preparations.
Families appreciate the welcoming atmosphere where kids can watch the ocean between bites and adults can relax without worrying about stuffy dress codes.
Winter storms rolling in off the Pacific add drama to holiday meals, making diners feel cozy and grateful for warm restaurants.
Every visit reminds guests why Oregon’s coast remains unbeatable for combining natural beauty with exceptional seafood.
5. South Beach Fish Market
Not everyone wants to dine out for Christmas—some families prefer creating their own coastal feast at home with the freshest possible ingredients.
South Beach Fish Market at 3640 S Coast Hwy, South Beach, OR 97366 caters to these culinary adventurers with spectacular selection.
Display cases gleam with fish so fresh they were probably swimming that morning, arranged like jewels behind spotless glass.
Knowledgeable staff guide customers through selections, offering cooking tips and preparation suggestions that turn nervous novices into confident home chefs.
Dungeness crab, whole salmon, oysters, and seasonal shellfish wait to become centerpieces of memorable holiday meals.
Taking seafood home means creating your own traditions, whether that’s Grandma’s secret crab cake recipe or Dad’s experimental grilling techniques.
The market atmosphere buzzes with holiday excitement as locals stock up for Christmas Eve dinners and Christmas Day brunches.
Nothing beats the pride of serving seafood you personally selected, knowing it represents Oregon’s coastal bounty at its absolute finest.
6. The Wayfarer Restaurant & Lounge
Haystack Rock stands sentinel outside The Wayfarer Restaurant & Lounge, providing possibly the most iconic backdrop for Christmas dinner in all of Oregon.
Situated at 1190 Pacific Dr, Cannon Beach, OR 97110, this classic coastal establishment has welcomed holiday diners for generations.
December brings a special energy as locals and visitors converge to celebrate the season with ocean views and perfectly prepared seafood.
The restaurant captures that timeless coastal charm where weathered wood and nautical touches create instant comfort.
Menus feature Oregon favorites executed with care, from buttery crab to flaky fish that falls apart under gentle fork pressure.
Watching winter light play across Haystack Rock while enjoying Christmas dinner creates moments that photographs never quite capture adequately.
Families bundle up for post-meal beach walks, working off generous portions while breathing in salt air and gratitude.
The Wayfarer proves that some traditions endure because they get everything right—location, food, atmosphere, and that intangible feeling of belonging to something special.
7. Ecola Seafoods Restaurant & Market
Simplicity becomes sophistication when ingredients shine this brightly, a philosophy Ecola Seafoods Restaurant & Market embraces wholeheartedly.
Found at 208 N Spruce St, Cannon Beach, OR 97110, this dual-purpose establishment serves diners while also supplying take-home seafood.
Their Dungeness crab preparations have achieved cult status among those who appreciate letting stellar ingredients take center stage.
Straightforward cooking methods mean the ocean’s natural flavors dominate every bite, unmasked by heavy sauces or complicated techniques.
The relaxed winter atmosphere welcomes families seeking low-key Christmas celebrations without sacrificing quality or freshness.
Market shelves stock everything needed to recreate restaurant magic at home, from fresh catches to specialty seasonings.
Staff members share genuine enthusiasm for seafood, offering recommendations based on what arrived most recently from fishing boats.
Christmas dinner here feels like discovering a well-kept secret, the kind of place locals hope tourists never find but generously share anyway because good food deserves appreciation.
8. Tidal Raves Seafood Grill
Perched dramatically on cliff edges where ocean meets sky, Tidal Raves Seafood Grill offers views that make smartphones work overtime capturing the scenery.
Located at 279 US-101, Depoe Bay, OR 97341, this restaurant pairs breathtaking vistas with seasonal seafood that matches the dramatic setting.
Winter waves crash against rocks below while diners enjoy Christmas feasts safe and warm behind expansive windows.
The menu evolves with seasons, showcasing whatever the Pacific offers most generously during cold December months.
Watching storms roll in while cracking crab legs creates that perfect balance of adventure and comfort.
Photographers snap pictures between courses, trying to capture how light transforms water into liquid silver and gold.
Celebrations feel more significant here, elevated by location and cuisine working in perfect harmony.
Tidal Raves understands that memorable Christmas dinners require more than just food—they need atmosphere, beauty, and that ineffable sense of being somewhere truly special on Oregon’s magnificent coast.
9. Gracie’s Sea Hag
Longevity speaks volumes in the restaurant business, and Gracie’s Sea Hag has been serving Depoe Bay locals and visitors for decades with consistent excellence.
Positioned at 58 US-101, Depoe Bay, OR 97341, this longtime favorite delivers hearty seafood in casual surroundings that immediately put guests at ease.
Winter weekends and holidays bring crowds who know exactly what they want: generous portions of fresh-caught fish prepared without fuss.
The unpretentious atmosphere welcomes everyone from fishermen still wearing work boots to families dressed in Christmas finest.
Menus feature coastal classics executed reliably, the kind of cooking that reminds you why simple preparations often work best.
Locals nod greetings to neighbors while tourists discover why this spot appears in every Oregon Coast guidebook.
Prices remain reasonable despite prime location, making Christmas dinner accessible without requiring second mortgages.
Gracie’s proves that restaurants don’t need fancy concepts or trendy gimmicks when they master the fundamentals of fresh seafood, friendly service, and welcoming spaces where everyone belongs.
10. The Crazy Norwegian’s Fish & Chips
Sometimes holiday traditions revolve not around white tablecloths but around perfectly crispy batter encasing tender fish that practically melts on your tongue.
The Crazy Norwegian’s Fish & Chips at 259 US-101, Port Orford, OR 97465 has perfected this art form to near-religious levels.
Portions arrive large enough to satisfy appetites worked up by winter beach walks and cold Pacific breezes.
The laid-back vibe attracts families who want Christmas dinner without formality, where kids can be kids and laughter flows freely.
Golden-fried seafood emerges from the kitchen hot and crispy, paired with sides that complement without overwhelming.
Simple preparations highlight quality ingredients, proving that fancy techniques aren’t always necessary for memorable meals.
Many coastal families have woven stops here into their holiday routines, making it as essential as tree trimming and gift wrapping.
The Crazy Norwegian understands that Christmas memories form around tables where people feel comfortable, relaxed, and thoroughly satisfied by honest food done exceptionally well.
11. Luna Sea Fish House
Ultra-fresh translates to flavors so clean and bright they taste like the ocean decided to bottle its essence for human consumption.
Luna Sea Fish House at 153 US-101, Yachats, OR 97498 sources seafood so recently caught that dishes regularly sell out during busy winter weekends.
Their crab, fish, and oysters arrive with that just-harvested quality that separates good seafood from transcendent experiences.
Smart diners arrive early for Christmas holiday meals, knowing popular items disappear faster than cookies left out for Santa.
The commitment to freshness means menus adapt based on daily catches rather than forcing fish that isn’t at peak quality.
Local fishermen supply much of what appears on plates, creating direct connections between ocean and table.
Yachats’ artistic community influences the restaurant’s creative yet approachable vibe where quality matters more than pretension.
Luna Sea reminds guests that Oregon’s coast offers treasures beyond scenic views—it provides access to some of the Pacific’s finest seafood prepared by people who genuinely care about excellence.
12. Bridgewater Fish House
Where the mighty Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean, Bridgewater Fish House serves generous seafood platters worthy of the historic location’s significance.
Situated at 20 Basin St, Astoria, OR 97103, this restaurant overlooks waters that have witnessed centuries of maritime history.
Christmas gatherings here feel grander somehow, as if the river’s stories infuse celebrations with deeper meaning.
Platters arrive piled high with multiple seafood varieties, designed for sharing and creating the communal joy that defines holiday feasts.
Astoria’s fishing heritage influences every aspect, from menu selections to the nautical touches decorating walls.
Families claim tables near windows to watch river traffic while working through plates of crab, salmon, and shellfish.
The combination of location, generous portions, and consistently excellent preparation makes Bridgewater a natural choice for celebratory meals.
Ending a coastal Christmas tour here feels fitting, as if the Columbia River itself blesses your holiday with abundance, beauty, and flavors that capture everything magical about Oregon’s seafood traditions.