Mersea's Seafood Restaurant

Mersea's Seafood Restaurant is at the end of the Harford Pier, offering a rustic setting to savor fresh seafood and ice-cold beer. 

Established in the early 1990s, this distinctive joint offers no-frills dining inside or out on the deck. Since the pier juts out into Port San Luis, you'll be dining with gulls, otters, and seals as your neighbors. 

As you'd expect, the menu is seafood-focused, but offerings are limited. Think off-the-boat fare like fried seafood, assorted salads and sandwiches, chowder, and a burger for land lovers.

While the setting is rustic with nautical themes, the restaurant is clean and well-maintained. It's the perfect spot to sip a craft brew and savor fresh oysters after exploring the Bob Jones City to Sea Bike Trail. 

A fun aspect of Mersea's is its event calendar, which includes live music and special themed nights. All these make Mersea's Seafood Restaurant a must-do for families, couples, and friends on an Avila Beach getaway.

Vibe

Walking onto Harford Pier, also known as the Port San Luis Pier, Mersea's looms like a gray ship. Its sign is easy to spot, and the eatery shares the area with fishermen, boat charters, and supply services.

At Mersea's Seafood Restaurant, the vibe is inviting and laid-back. The restaurant's exterior exudes charm, featuring wooden accents and large windows that perfectly frame stunning ocean views. 

The interior is airy, with a vaulted ceiling and off-white colors. Wooden booths and tables line the windowed wall, offering unobstructed views of the harbor. 

Even during busy times, the friendly staff ensures the atmosphere stays relaxed. Their genuine smiles and willingness to help reflect the restaurant's commitment to providing an enjoyable experience for every guest.

The outdoor seating area features rustic picnic benches that blend with the weathered deck and railings. Umbrellas at each table offer shade on sunny days or protect from sprinkles. As mentioned, outside dining lets you and the little ones spot gulls perched on the railings, otters, and seals playing in the water or basking in the sun on rocks. 

While Mersea's is not fine dining, you can't beat the waterside atmosphere and chill vibe. It's a go-to after a round of golf at the Avila Beach Golf Resort or a day shopping in Pismo Beach. 

Whether you settle in for a casual meal with friends or indulge in a special occasion with loved ones, Mersea's maintains an engaging vibe that feels lively and hospitable.

Mersea's Seafood Restaurant: Menu & Drinks

Mersea's Seafood Restaurant's menu offers fresh seafood prepared using simple recipes. 

The Clam Chowder is a popular choice, served in a creamy New England style or hearty red Manhattan version. Both are packed with tender clams and hearty potatoes and have the right amount of spices. The chowder is served in a cup, bowl, or bread bowl, making it a top pick on a foggy or chilly day.

The salad options are varied, giving vegetarians and seafood lovers plenty of options. Choose a Cobb, Mixed Greens, or a Ceasar, and add chicken and shrimp for an additional charge. The Louie Salad features mixed greens with tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, black olives, egg, and Louie dressing with rock crab or shrimp.

Moving on to the seafood options, the menu features fresh oysters on the half-shell, crab cakes, and steamer clams. Fried choices include fish and chips, fried shrimp, and a combo platter with fish, shrimp, oysters, calamari, & clam strips.

For a unique twist, try the Fish Tacos after a day paddling the bay with Central Coast Kayaks. Delicately battered fish is served in warm tortillas and topped with fresh salsa and creamy chipotle sauce, offering a delicious combination of textures and flavors. 

The full bar can craft cocktails or pour a pint of your favorite brew. Non-alcoholic options include soft drinks and tea. 

Mersea's Seafood Restaurant is an iconic eatery with classic fare and a rustic vibe, making it a must on your Avila Beach getaway.