Photo courtesy of Brophy Bros.
Briny and bare or dressed to impress: Santa Barbara is a treasure trove for oyster lovers. From oceanfront raw bars and hidden seafood shacks to upscale restaurants with creative flavors, the local seafood scene is overflowing with spots where oysters steal the show. Whether you’re planning a splurge-worthy feast, a casual happy hour slurp or a DIY dozen from the market, this guide breaks down the best places in town to get your oyster fix.
Oyster-Centric Restaurants
These are the places where oysters are the main attraction. Go here when you’re serious about slurping.
Clark’s Oyster Bar on Coast Village Road offers a rotating selection of at least ten oyster varieties at all times, featuring picks from both East and West Coasts. For something bright and balanced, try the dressed oyster with cucumber and honey vinaigrette, mint and crispy shallots. The Santa Barbara uni and oysters Rockefeller are also standout options for a more sumptuous bite.
For oysters with a beachfront view, head to The Oyster Bar inside Moby Dick Restaurant. During “oyster hour,” enjoy fresh oysters on the half shell for $2.25 each or $12 for a half dozen — best paired with a seat by the window and a crisp glass of Santa Barbara County white.
Tucked behind craft cocktail; bar Shaker Mill on State Street, Broad Street Oyster Company is a cult favorite with a casual, modern seafood shack feel. Order the chef’s selection of oysters alongside the eatery’s famous lobster roll for a well-rounded selection of seafood bites.
Iconic Seafood Institutions & Must-Try Spots
Santa Barbara legends that always deliver a fresh oyster fix alongside other coastal classics.
Santa Barbara FisHouse along Cabrillo Boulevard boasts a well-rounded seafood menu and a robust list of oyster varieties like Kumamoto, Blue Point, Kusshi and more.
Located at the end of Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara Shellfish Co. pairs near-panoramic ocean views with freshly shucked oysters, both baked and on the half shell, and other under-the-sea delicacies.
Brophy Bros. is a waterfront staple that offers oyster shooters (with or without alcohol), oysters Rockefeller as well as oysters on the half shell amid its bustling two-story restaurant overlooking the Santa Barbara Harbor.
One of Santa Barbara’s most popular restaurants, Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach embraces the definition of oceanfront dining with a killer raw bar, offering a rotating selection of oysters and other fresh bites.
The Ellwood at Goleta Beach is an upscale, beachfront destination worth the visit to Goleta alone. With a rotating selection of oysters, there’s nothing like indulging on an ice-cold plate of fresh-shucked varieties while soaking in the sunset at Goleta Beach Park.
Local Fish Markets
For the oyster enthusiast who wants to DIY with the freshest local catch.
Kanaloa Seafood is a favorite located just a bit off the beaten path, in the heart of downtown — perfect for taking oysters to-go. This Chapala Street eatery also shucks and serves oysters fresh on the spot inside the market.
Santa Barbara Fish Market’s two locations, one in the harbor and one in Goleta, are known for top-tier freshness and variety when it comes to oysters (and other seafood). The market sources a majority of its seafood from local fishermen and from sustainable businesses from around the country.
Happy Hour & Oyster Deals
Budget-friendly, social and fun — these are your go-to spots for discounted (but just as delicious!) oysters and a good time.
Finch & Fork, located inside the Kimpton Canary Hotel, offers $1 oysters during its daily happy hour. Pair those with a $10 glass of white wine or martini and you’re in for a very happy hour indeed.
On Mondays, Rare Society on State Street has $1 oysters with a bit of a spicy kick on the menu in this steakhouse-meets-modern-lounge setting. Sundays through Thursdays at Dusk inside Drift Santa Barbara, enjoy buy-one-get-one Baja oysters topped with house mignonette and micro cilantro paired with $10 craft cocktails. Blackbird inside Hotel Californian offers $2 West Coast oysters every Thursday paired with the restaurant’s seasonal mignonette.
Across from East Beach and inside Mar Monte Hotel, Costa Kitchen & Bar offers a rotating selection of four-for-$15 oysters and $5-$13 drinks during happy hour, creating the perfect setting to back and enjoy the view.
Unique & Elevated Flavors
These restaurants put a culinary spin on oysters with inventive garnishes and unexpected zest.
Known for next-level flavors and thoughtful presentations, The Lark in the Funk Zone serves West Coast oysters on the half shell topped with cucumber granita, lime and basil.
Spanish-inspired cuisine pairs excellently with fresh shellfish. Gala, a chic and sophisticated bistro just a few blocks from State Street is always creative with its small plates, including its oysters. Here, Beau Soleil oysters are on the menu — served chilled with the restaurant’s signature apple cucumber mignonette or hot with parmesan and herbs.
The Palace Grill, an unassuming local staple that serves Creole-style dishes, has one of the most decadent oyster starters in town. Aptly named the Oysters Palace, this savory appetizer includes six oysters baked in the half shell with crawfish tails, mushrooms, green onions and a mouthwatering jalapeño beurre-blanc.
