Santa Barbara Shellfish Company

When scouting the area for dining options, sometimes "less is more" is the answer to your hunger pangs. Santa Barbara Shellfish Company exemplifies this saying with its vintage California fish-shack vibe, seafood-centric menu, and idyllic location.

Founded in the early 1980s, this seafood shack near the tip of Stearns Wharf has evolved into a full-service restaurant. With its deep connections with local fishermen, Santa Barbara Shellfish Company serves the freshest seafood. 

The inviting atmosphere on the pier allows guests to observe fishermen bringing in the day's catch. There's something magical about dining on fresh seafood surrounded by the ocean in the California sunshine. Such simplicity creates lasting memories that will transcend a typical meal. 

Seating options at Santa Barbara Shellfish Company include dining indoors at a table or around the bar. The quaint, rustic setting offers unobstructed views of the bay. Most patrons opt to dine on the deck at one of the umbrella-covered tables. 

The restaurant prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients to provide guests with the best of the Central Coast.

The vibrant, seaside atmosphere adds an irreplaceable layer to your dining experience, making Santa Barbara Shellfish Company a must-visit on a Santa Barbara getaway.

Vibe 

While the Santa Barbara Shellfish Company is a classic fish shack, don't picture a dilapidated building needing a paint job. The facade is vibrant and fresh-looking, with red trim around the roofline and windows standing in stark contrast to the gray walls.

Inside the cozy building, the decor is remodeled and maintains its 80s roots. The open ceiling is crisscrossed with wood beams painted the same soft gray as the wood walls. Maritime pictures and memorabilia dot the walls and add authenticity to the joint. Industrial-style lights add to the shack's vibe, while the bar area's contemporary look keeps the restaurant current.

The communal atmosphere and 360° ocean views add to the dining experience, especially when seafood is "what's for dinner." 

Al fresco dining awaits on the surrounding deck with umbrella-covered picnic tables. There's not a bad view anywhere outside, making it perfect for couples or families to refuel after visiting the exhibits and hands-on-displays at MOXI.

Combine the sublime atmosphere with mouthwatering dishes, and it's easy to see why Santa Barbara Shellfish Company is a top attraction on the Central Coast. 

Santa Barbara Shellfish Company: Menu & Drinks

The menu adheres to the "less is more" philosophy, focusing on serving the freshest and tastiest seafood.

One must-try is the acclaimed New England-style clam chowder. This creamy concoction balances the natural sweetness of clams with rich herbs, spices, and a touch of bacon. Customers rave about the generous portions in a cup, bowl, or bread bowl, making it a meal and not merely an appetizer. 

The Small Bite section of the menu offers flavorful choices that are ideal for sharing. The coconut shrimp with mango salsa is a top pick, as is the shrimp ceviche, crafted from a family recipe and served with tortilla chips. 

Another standout is the shrimp and lobster tacos. Corn tortillas are stuffed with sauteed shrimp or lobster, Spanish rice, and creamy salsa with avocado. The combination of flavors and textures makes the tacos a favorite at Santa Barbara Shellfish Company.

Take a bite of Italian-inspired fare with the Shrimp and Scallop Pasta. Fresh shrimp and scallops are sauteed in butter, garlic, shallots, and white wine. The seafood medley is served on linguini with sun-dried tomatoes, making it a pasta lover's dream come true.

After exploring the gardens, trails, and history at Lotusland, wet your whistle with a cold brew or glass of wine. With non-alcoholic beverages ranging from soft drinks to juices and Shirley Temples, there's something for everyone in your entourage. 

You'll discover "less is more" at Santa Barbara Shellfish Company with its stunning setting, seafood-focused menu, and beach vibe that will transform your Central Coast vacation.