12 Ventura Seafood Restaurants Serving Ocean-to-Table Perfection

Ventura’s sunny coastline offers more than just beautiful beaches – it’s home to some of California’s freshest seafood. Local fishermen bring their daily catch straight to harbor-side kitchens, creating a true ocean-to-table experience you won’t find anywhere else. From casual fish shacks to upscale dining rooms, these 12 seafood spots showcase the Pacific’s bounty in delicious ways that locals and visitors love.

1. Lure Fish House

Family-owned and passionate about sustainable seafood, Lure Fish House brings the ocean’s best to your plate. Their oyster bar features varieties from both coasts, shucked right before your eyes.

The restaurant works directly with local fishermen to ensure everything from their grilled fish to their famous cioppino features the freshest catch possible. Their warm wood interior creates a cozy yet upscale atmosphere.

Don’t miss their mesquite-grilled fish specials that change daily based on what’s available. Their commitment to quality extends to their homemade cocktail sauces and locally sourced produce that complement every seafood dish perfectly.

2. Brophy Bros.

Perched right on the harbor with stunning views of boats and sea lions, Brophy Bros. offers an authentic maritime experience alongside incredible seafood. Sailors and locals have made this spot their go-to for decades.

Their clam chowder consistently wins local awards, served steaming hot in sourdough bread bowls. The restaurant’s weathered wooden tables and nautical decor create a genuine dockside atmosphere that can’t be manufactured.

Seating can be competitive during sunset hours when the harbor views are most spectacular. Their seafood platters featuring locally-caught fish, scallops, and massive shrimp are perfect for sharing while watching fishing boats return with the day’s catch.

3. Andria’s Seafood

A Ventura Harbor institution since 1982, Andria’s transforms the day’s catch into unforgettable meals right on the waterfront. The restaurant’s fish market section lets you select your own fish to take home or have cooked on the spot.

Their fish and chips remain legendary among locals – perfectly golden and crispy outside, flaky and tender inside. Fishing boats dock just steps away, sometimes delivering fish directly to the kitchen.

Families appreciate the casual, no-fuss atmosphere and reasonable prices. Their homemade tartar sauce recipe is so popular they now bottle and sell it, while their seafood cocktails featuring locally-caught shrimp are refreshing starters before diving into their famous fried seafood platters.

4. Eric Ericsson’s Fish Co

Located right on the historic Ventura Pier, Eric Ericsson’s offers dining literally above the waves. The panoramic ocean views stretch from the Channel Islands to the coastline, creating a magical backdrop for every meal.

Their ceviche changes daily based on what’s freshest, always bright with citrus and local produce. The restaurant’s wraparound windows and beach-casual vibe make it perfect for special occasions without feeling stuffy.

Surfers often paddle right up to the pier before coming in for a meal. Their fish tacos deserve their famous reputation – simply prepared with quality ingredients that let the freshness of the seafood shine through, especially when paired with one of their signature margaritas made with freshly-squeezed lime.

5. Harbor Cove Cafe

Tucked away near the boat launch, Harbor Cove Cafe offers hearty seafood breakfasts and lunches with zero pretension. Fishermen, surfers, and families mix together at this hidden gem known mainly to locals.

Their lobster benedict has achieved cult status among breakfast lovers, featuring generous chunks of fresh lobster. The cafe’s beachfront location means you can enjoy your meal with your toes practically in the sand.

Kids love watching the harbor’s activity while parents appreciate the reasonable prices. Their fish sandwiches come on freshly-baked bread with homemade slaw, and the cafe’s friendly staff often remember regulars by name and order, creating a true neighborhood feel despite being in a prime tourist location.

6. The Jolly Oyster Ventura

Unlike traditional restaurants, The Jolly Oyster operates as a unique seafood stand in San Buenaventura State Beach park. They sell fresh oysters and clams that you can shuck yourself at nearby picnic tables or take home.

Sustainable farming practices make their shellfish some of the most environmentally responsible seafood available locally. Bring your own wine, picnic supplies, and shucking tools (or rent them there) for a DIY seafood feast by the ocean.

Weekend afternoons often feature impromptu gatherings of oyster lovers sharing techniques and sauces. Their Kumamoto oysters are particularly prized for their sweet, cucumber-melon flavor, while their Manila clams make for incredible steamers if you bring a portable stove to your beach picnic.

7. Spencer Makenzie’s

Starting as a food truck and growing into a local institution, Spencer Makenzie’s serves what many consider the best fish tacos in Southern California. Their casual counter-service approach keeps prices reasonable without sacrificing quality.

The Giant Fish Taco challenges even the heartiest appetites, while their famous “Spencer Sauce” adds the perfect kick to everything. Outdoor seating creates a lively atmosphere where families and beach-goers refuel after a day in the sun.

Their annual End of Summer Throw Down cornhole tournament has become a major community event. The restaurant’s commitment to sustainable seafood means you can feel good about their ahi poke bowls and grilled fish plates, which feature seasonal catches prepared simply to highlight their natural flavors.

8. Boatyard Pub

Sailors, fishermen, and locals gather at this authentic harbor pub where seafood meets comfort food. Sports games play on TVs while conversations about the day’s catch flow as freely as the local beer.

Their lobster mac and cheese transforms a classic dish into something extraordinary with generous chunks of fresh lobster. The pub’s nautical decor features actual boat parts and fishing gear donated by regular customers over the years.

Happy hour specials make their fresh oysters and peel-and-eat shrimp irresistible bargains. The relaxed atmosphere welcomes everyone from families to fishing crews just off their boats, while their seafood stew loaded with local catch warms up foggy Ventura evenings with its rich tomato broth and hint of saffron.

9. On The Alley

True to its name, this casual spot is tucked down an alley near the harbor, serving boat-to-plate seafood with minimal fuss. Morning visitors might catch fishermen delivering the day’s catch directly to the kitchen door.

Their lobster rolls come Connecticut-style (warm with butter) or Maine-style (cold with mayo) – both equally delicious. The restaurant’s order-at-the-counter approach keeps things moving quickly, perfect for grabbing lunch before heading to the beach.

Seagulls eye your food from nearby perches, adding to the authentic harbor experience. Their seafood chowder fries – a mountain of crispy fries topped with creamy chowder, bacon, and fresh clams – have developed a cult following among locals who know to ask for extra napkins with this gloriously messy harbor specialty.

10. The Greek Mediterranean Steak and Seafood

Mediterranean traditions meet California’s fresh seafood at this family-owned establishment. Greek fishing techniques passed down through generations influence their perfectly-grilled whole fish dishes.

Their seafood is prepared simply with olive oil, lemon, and herbs that enhance rather than mask the ocean flavors. The restaurant’s blue and white decor transports diners to a seaside taverna in Santorini.

Weekends often feature live Greek music and occasionally impromptu dancing between tables. Their grilled octopus, tenderized using traditional methods and charred to perfection over open flames, converts even skeptics into fans, while their seafood souvlaki skewers featuring local catches alongside traditional Mediterranean vegetables offer a perfect fusion of Greek tradition and California freshness.

11. El Jarocho Seafood

Authentic Mexican seafood traditions shine at this colorful family-owned spot. Their Veracruz-style fish preparations feature tomatoes, olives, capers, and herbs in combinations that have been perfected over generations.

Weekends bring special seafood soups like their famous caldo de siete mares (seven seas soup) loaded with seven types of seafood. The restaurant’s vibrant decor and friendly service make everyone feel welcome, whether you speak Spanish or not.

Their seafood cocktails served in giant goblets are meals in themselves. The aguachile – featuring raw shrimp “cooked” in lime juice with cucumbers, onions, and fiery chiles – showcases their commitment to bold flavors and traditional preparations, while their whole fried fish with garlic sauce demonstrates how simple techniques can create unforgettable flavors when starting with ultra-fresh ingredients.

12. Orozco’s de Ventura

Family recipes from coastal Nayarit, Mexico create seafood magic at this unassuming restaurant. Their ceviche tostadas topped with avocado have developed a dedicated following among locals who appreciate authentic flavors.

The restaurant’s casual atmosphere belies the serious culinary skills in the kitchen. Their seafood chile rellenos – poblano peppers stuffed with shrimp, crab, and cheese – offer a unique twist on a Mexican classic.

Handmade tortillas accompany every meal, perfect for sopping up the last bits of sauce. Their camarones a la diabla (devilishly spicy shrimp) challenges heat-lovers while their seafood molcajetes – stone bowls filled with bubbling hot seafood stew – arrive at the table still sizzling, releasing aromatic steam that fills the air with garlic, tomato, and seafood essence.