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Diners' Choice: Seafood restaurants in California Central Coast

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Seafood cuisine in California Central Coast? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

A photo of Pono Pacific Kitchen restaurant

Pono Pacific Kitchen

4.9

4.9 (721)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Pismo Beach

About the restaurant

Pono Pacific Kitchen offers Pacific Rim cuisine that focuses on local favorites with a style of cooking and presenting dishes that combines ingredients, influences and techniques from not only Hawaii but also Asia, California and Mexico and the western coasts in general.

Top review

C

Christy

Dined 2 days ago

This has long been one of our favorite restaurants. Super fresh fish, inventive recipes, and super friendly staff!

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A photo of Georges Bank Scallops of a restaurant

Georges Bank Scallops

A photo of Blue Crab Cakes of a restaurant

Blue Crab Cakes

A photo of Gulf Blue Crab Cakes of a restaurant

Gulf Blue Crab Cakes

A photo of Bar Le Côte restaurant

4.9

4.9 (72)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Los Olivos

About the restaurant

Bar Le Côte is a stylish seafood tavern located in Los Olivos, California. Inspired by the daily catch of the Central Coast and the modern cuisine of Europe’s seaside capitals, our team prepares thoughtful maritime fare in a casual, social atmosphere.

We have very limited patio seating and do not allow dogs to dine indoors. If you would like to reserve an outdoor table please email us at info@barlecote.com and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

We hold a portion of our tables for walk-ins, however we do recommend a reservation to guarantee being seated. We give all reservations a 15 minute grace period before being released to other guests. Thank you for your understanding!

* Please note that ride shares and taxis can be hard to come by in the valley, especially later in the evening. We will always do our best to assist in getting you a ride, but please plan accordingly *

Top review

A

AdamVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Once again, everything was fantastic! I love the new additions

A photo of Passionfish restaurant

4.7

4.7 (7313)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Pacific Grove

About the restaurant

Passionfish offers a unique California dining experience with serious food and realistically priced wine in a fun and casual atmosphere. The ever-changing menu features the freshest, sustainable seafood, slow-cooked meats, organic greens, and delectable desserts, all complemented by an award-winning wine list priced nearly to retail. Passionfish is proudly owned and operated by Chef Meral Alpay and her son, Berk Guvenc. As pioneers in sustainable dining, Passionfish became the first restaurant in Monterey County to earn official ‘Green’ certification, reflecting their strong commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable seafood education.

Top review

F

FranVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Eclectic food choices and very accommodating with adjustments for allergies. The scallops were cooked perfectly and the Brussel sprouts were bright green and had yummy ham mixed in. The mixed greens salad was really good. The albacore had a nice sear. Get the biscuits!!!. And the mint coffee ice cream covered in chocolate. Great food without the tourists. Would definitely go back again when in the area.

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A photo of beet salad of a restaurant

A photo of Maple-Banana Bread Pudding of a restaurant

Maple-Banana Bread Pudding

A photo of alaskan halibut of a restaurant

alaskan halibut

A photo of Oyster Loft restaurant

4.7

4.7 (3717)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Pismo Beach

About the restaurant

More than a restaurant, Oyster Loft is an experience, where the excellent service is rivaled only by the flavor and beauty of our dishes, upscale cuisine and regional seafood dishes artfully prepared. Dine with sparkling views of Pismo Beach, and enjoy appetizers, seasonal main courses and indulgent sweets.

Oyster Loft boasts a menu rich with fresh fish. Our raw bar features a variety of oysters shucked on the half shell from both the east and west coasts. The menu also includes seafood dishes, shellfish preparations and a selection of meat to round out the offerings. The range of the menu offers you the opportunity to choose your dining experience.

Top review

T

TomVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Everything was fantastic I can’t wait to go back again

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A photo of Seafood Tower Reservation of a restaurant

Seafood Tower Reservation

A photo of Vista Steak and Seafood restaurant

Vista Steak and Seafood

4.7

4.7 (1920)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Pismo Beach

About the restaurant

Vista Steak and Seafood is located on the bluffs in Pismo Beach overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Featuring all natural hormone free steaks and fresh seafood, this coastal dining one of a kind restaurant has something that will sure to please everyone.

Reservations are highly recommended. We gladly accept reservations for parties of 6 or less via Open Table. Please call the restaurant directly for parties of 7 or more ~ 805-556-9000.

We will do our best to accommodate seating requests however we can not guarantee a specific table. Vista has no outdoor seating so please leave your fur babies at home.

Top review

B

Bob

Dined 3 days ago

We celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary at Vista and had a spectacular and memorable evening. Food was exceptional and we enjoyed every aspect of the ambiance and view. We were treated extremely well and the staff made us feel special on this joyous occasion.

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A photo of Ribeye of a restaurant

A photo of Fried Calamari of a restaurant

A photo of the C restaurant + bar restaurant

the C restaurant + bar

4.7

4.7 (1250)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Monterey

About the restaurant

Our family-friendly Monterey Bay restaurant is close to the Aquarium, situated over sapphire waters and immersed in the natural beauty of the California coast. The C restaurant features only seafood endorsed by Seafood Watch of the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The delicious Arctic Char featured on Executive Chef Matt Bolton's menus is similar to salmon in taste, texture and color, but is available year-round, and is rated a "best choice" by Seafood Watch.

Located at the upscale InterContinental The Clement Monterey hotel on Monterey Bay. Every table at the C restaurant has a view of the pristine and scenic Monterey Bay. Marine life sightings abound, including dolphins, whales, harbor seals and sea otters. Enjoy the parade of sea creatures and shore birds as you savor the finest in California regional cuisine.

Top review

E

Elizabeth

Dined on Jun 7, 2025

Excellent seafood. Good service. Loved the live music. Hubby had the best Old Fashion he’s ever had.

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A photo of Pacific Swordfish of a restaurant

Pacific Swordfish

A photo of Monterey Bay Calamari of a restaurant

Monterey Bay Calamari

A photo of Ribeye of a restaurant

A photo of Old Fisherman's Grotto restaurant

Old Fisherman's Grotto

4.7

4.7 (1757)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Monterey

About the restaurant

Nestled on the historic Fisherman's Wharf, overlooking the picturesque Monterey Harbor, Old Fisherman’s Grotto is a must-visit dining destination. Renowned worldwide for its exquisite cuisine, impeccable service, and charming ambiance, the Grotto offers a culinary experience like no other. Our menu showcases fresh seafood sourced sustainably, USDA prime beef, and an extensive wine selection with over 200 choices recognized by Wine Spectator Magazine. With a commitment to providing an intimate dining atmosphere, we enforce a zero-tolerance policy for excessive noise levels, ensuring a pleasant experience for all our guests. We kindly ask patrons to keep noise levels moderate to respect others' dining experiences.

Top review

T

Tiffany

Dined 5 days ago

The clam chowder in a garlic-toasted bread bowl was delicious! The wine list has excellent choices for reasonable prices, the best we found on our trip.

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A photo of Neptune's Platter of a restaurant

Neptune's Platter

A photo of Macadamia Crusted Halibut of a restaurant

Macadamia Crusted Halibut

A photo of Fried Calamari of a restaurant

A photo of Ada's Fish House restaurant

Ada's Fish House

4.7

4.7 (319)

$30 and under

Seafood

Pismo Beach

About the restaurant

Ada's Fish House is a family owned and operated establishment, boasting fresh fish and seafood in a relaxed atmosphere. Ada's offers classic coastal dishes with an East Coast influence such as crab cakes and lobster rolls with mouth watering specialties of Pacific Coast Halibut, local snapper, and seafood pasta. Ada's sources fresh seafood daily in order to provide the highest quality product to their customers. Executive Chef and owner, Douglas MacMillan, is always introducing new and exciting dishes - simple and fresh. A mostly local wine list and full bar await your arrival.

Top review

D

DallasVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Excellent meal with best tarter sauce ever! Served on the delightful outdoor patio. Will definitely go back and highly recommend!

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A photo of Clam Chowder of a restaurant

A photo of Cioppino of a restaurant

A photo of Scallops of a restaurant

A photo of Sardine Factory restaurant

Sardine Factory

4.7

4.7 (5095)

$50 and over

Seafood

Monterey

About the restaurant

Every city has that one can’t miss restaurant, where celebrities feel at home and every other guest feels like a celebrity. Since October 2, 1968, The Sardine Factory’s cachet has made dining in our historic Cannery Row setting a tradition for world leaders, sports heroes and entertainment icons. Our award-winning chefs prepare delectable creations of fresh, sustainable seafood and USDA Prime Aged Beef; winner of Restaurant Hospitality Magazine’s "Best Wine List in America" award. The Lounge’s live entertainment, Happy Hour and affordable menu are a casual alternative to our other dining rooms. Celebrating over 50 years under the same ownership and management! Voted "Best Restaurant in Monterey" by Monterey County Herald readers.

Top review

L

Lupe

Dined 1 day ago

My lobster tail and linguini was amazing, kids loved the Mac n cheese, everything was amazing

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A photo of Sardine Factory's "Sorbet on Ice Swan" of a restaurant

Sardine Factory's "Sorbet on Ice Swan"

A photo of USDA Prime Filet Mignon of a restaurant

USDA Prime Filet Mignon

A photo of Abalone Bisque of a restaurant

A photo of Mission Bistro restaurant

4.6

4.6 (548)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Carmel

About the restaurant

Located on Mission Street between Ocean Ave & 7th Ave, in Carmel California. Mission Bistro Restaurant is owned by Shaheen Alnuaimi. Our history-rich location is warm, charming, and above all cozy. We offer brunch, lunch, dinner, local, and import wines. Chef Matt Zimny sources from Monterey and Santa Cruz County farms and ranches with the goal of serving what is fresh and currently available. At Mission Bistro we do Seafood and Steaks right. Cheers!

Top review

M

Mike

Dined 5 days ago

Shaheen and his staff were wonderful! The food was delicious.

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