Sea Chest Oyster Bar - Cambria, California

Mir M.

El restaurante es amplio y muy acogedor para disfrutar una deliciosa cena con gran variedad de platillos y cada noche cambian las sugerencias del chef, lo que nos dan diferentes opciones. Son abundantes los platillos, asi que si vas con hambre es perfecto. Las meseras son muy amables y estan al pendientes de los comensales, los platillos llegan a la mesa en perfecta temperatura al igual que las bebidas, la carta de vinos es amplia y diferentes precios. No alcance a probar el postre pero se veian muy ricos.
Algo muy importante para este lugar es llevar efectivo, no aceptan tarjetas de credito.

Victor S.

Muy buenas ostras y pescado fresco hecho.delante tuya.

Cecilia P.

El mejor restaurante del Central Coast

Alvaro M.

Deliciosa comida marina!

Veronica G.

This was honestly one of the best meals I have had. The staff was beyond friendly and helpful. We Sat at the bar where Francisco attended us. He was very friendly, fast and helpful. It was nice to sit at the bar and watch the kitchen shuck oysters and cook up our meals. We had bread, oysters, calamari, swordfish and the shrimp scampi. The rockefeller oysters were my favorite out of the two we tried, but everything was over the top delicious! You will not be disappointed by this gem!

Anthony E.

The Sea Chest Oyster Bar: A Pearl of a Dining Experience in Cambria

At The Sea Chest Oyster Bar, the early bird doesn’t just get the worm—they get the oyster. And trust me, it’s worth it.

This place is so legendary that there’s a line out the door before they even open. We arrived an hour early, and even then, we were 30th in line. If that’s not a testament to its reputation, I don’t know what is. But waiting here isn’t a chore—it’s part of the experience. With breathtaking ocean views right from the parking lot, we had front-row seats to one of Cambria’s most stunning sunsets before we even stepped inside.

A Treasure Chest of Flavors

We started with shrimp cocktail and oysters, both absolute gems. The oysters, fresh and briny, tasted like they were plucked straight from the tide moments before landing on our plate. Then came the clam chowder—phenomenal. Rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, it was the kind of chowder that makes you close your eyes for a moment just to savor it.

For my main course, I dove into a shrimp marinara dish, and let me tell you—this was seafood done right. The shrimp were cooked to absolute perfection, nestled in a sauce that was bold, balanced, and beautifully robust. Pairing it with a bottle of wine only elevated the entire experience.

The Setting: Where Class Meets the Coast

Dining at The Sea Chest feels like stepping onto a classy pirate ship, where the only treasure worth plundering is what’s on your plate. The ambiance is warm and inviting, with an intimate, coastal charm that perfectly complements the stunning ocean views. Our table faced west, giving us a direct view of the sun dipping below the horizon as we enjoyed our meal. It doesn’t get more picturesque than that.

Shucking Amazing Service

From start to finish, the staff was exceptional. Our server handled everything with precision and grace, and the kitchen staff absolutely nailed every dish we ordered. It’s clear that this isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a well-oiled machine that delivers a five-star seafood experience every single night.

The Verdict? Worth Every Shell.

I always ask myself if a place provided real value, and without a doubt, The Sea Chest delivered. The food, the atmosphere, and the overall experience were worth every minute of the wait. If you’re ever in Cambria and don’t mind standing in line for buried treasure, this is a must-visit.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — Five stars, no ifs, ands, or shells about it.

Kerri F.

We love this place. We eat at least two of our four nights stay every time we come to Cambria. Things to know ahead of time. Yes you should line up at least half an hour to an hour before the restaurant opens at 5:30. Bring some wine and enjoy the sunset. They don’t take reservations, so please be prepared to wait outside ahead of time. They only take cash. Can’t tell you how many times out of habit we put our guard down and then had to remind ourselves otherwise. They are closed on Tuesdays. So make plans to go elsewhere. Very sad driving by Tuesday night and seeing it dark. But everybody needs a break.Food is fantastic. The calamari is out of this world. Everything on this menu is out of the world. Enjoy.

Suzanne D.

Local fresh fish and local wine, what’s not to like here. No reservations and no credit cards should not keep you away. The staff are friendly and attentive. My water glass and sour dough bread basket were never empty. The sea bass and mahi mahi were flaky and cooked perfectly. Dinners come with clam chowder or salad and steamed vegetables. This place is a gem. Highly recommend.