San Luis Obispo County

California, United States

With its proximity to the Pacific, it’s no wonder that SLO CAL serves up such high-quality seafood. The ambiance of the Central Coast’s fish-centric restaurants runs the gamut from casual to upscale, but all of them reel in the finest catch available for their menus, and many also pride themselves on sourcing directly from the local fishing fleets. Here’s a look at just some of the alluring options you can try.

1049 Nipomo St
San Luis Obispo, CA

Its clever moniker says most of what you need to know about Ciopinot, a stylish eatery in downtown San Luis Obispo. The restaurant’s signature cioppino comes two ways: “Work” style where you do all the cracking, or the pre-shelled “No Work.” Other seafood favorites include...

899 Embarcadero
Morro Bay, CA

Though the ambiance trends towards upscale, the signature fare at The Galley Seafood Grill & Bar is nothing fancy – by design. This seaside Morro Bay restaurant prides itself on “naked” fish that’s simply prepared and grilled to perfection. Any sauces are served on the side, along with seasonal produce grown specifically for the restaurant. Other restrained culinary treatments are equally successful in presenting The Galley’s fresh seafood, especially the...

1001 Front St
Morro Bay, CA

Giovanni’s is a consistent favorite with locals and visitors alike, as evidenced by the long (but quick-moving) lines at both of its Morro Bay locations on the Embarcadero: Giovanni's Fish Market & Galley and Giovanni’s Takeout Express. The straight-forward menus are exactly what you want for a casual seaside meal. All manner of seafood and chips are available, plus...

3985 Avila Beach Dr
Avila Beach, CA

To say that Mersea's has a great ocean view is a bit of an understatement. If you were seated much closer to the water, you’d need a life jacket. Perched on the Harford Pier at Port San Luis, this comfortable spot serves up all the seaside favorites; from fish tacos to steamed clams, from crab cakes to...

1245 Embarcadero
Morro Bay, CA

Though very different in their settings, both locations of the Tognazzini’s restaurants pride themselves on serving the finest seafood, much of it sourced from the local Morro Bay fishing industry. The Dockside restaurant has indoor seating for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The adjacent Dockside Too offers al fresco dining on the deck outside its fish market, where you can...