MomSkoop
Oregon’s rugged coastline hides some of the most amazing seafood spots in America. Family-owned shacks and weathered restaurants serve up fresh catches that locals have loved for decades. Many of these places started as simple fishing operations and grew into beloved community treasures. Get ready to discover the legendary seafood joints that make Oregon’s coast a foodie paradise.
1. South Beach Fish Market – South Beach, OR
Fresh-caught Dungeness crab practically jumps from boat to plate at this bustling waterfront market. Fishermen dock their boats just steps away, ensuring everything tastes like the ocean breeze. The market doubles as a casual restaurant where families crack shells together at picnic tables.
Local fishing families have run this operation for over thirty years. Their famous crab cakes contain chunks so big you can see the ocean in every bite. Weekend crowds form long lines, but the wait rewards you with some of Oregon’s finest seafood experience.
2. Tony’s Crab Shack – Bandon, OR
Weathered wooden walls tell stories of countless fishing adventures at this beloved Bandon landmark. Tony started serving crab from a tiny shack in 1987, and locals immediately knew something special was happening. His secret seasoning blend transforms simple steamed crab into pure magic.
Generations of families return year after year for Tony’s famous crab sandwiches. The portions are so generous that most people need two hands and plenty of napkins. During summer months, sunset dinners on the deck create memories that last forever.
3. Luna Sea Fish House – Yachats, OR
Perched above crashing waves, Luna Sea offers dining with a view that stops conversations mid-sentence. Chef Maria combines traditional recipes with creative touches that surprise even longtime seafood lovers. Her clam chowder has won awards three years running at the Oregon Coast Chowder Festival.
Storm watching season brings extra excitement as diners watch nature’s power through floor-to-ceiling windows. The halibut fish and chips arrive golden and flaky, paired with hand-cut fries that disappear quickly. Reservations fill up weeks ahead during peak season.
4. Gracie’s Sea Hag – Depoe Bay, OR
Don’t let the quirky name fool you – Gracie serves some of the most elegant seafood on the Oregon coast. Her tiny restaurant seats only twenty people, creating an intimate atmosphere where every meal feels like a dinner party. Reservations disappear faster than high tide.
Gracie personally greets each table and explains the day’s fresh catches with infectious enthusiasm. Her signature cioppino contains at least six different types of seafood swimming in rich tomato broth. Many customers drive hours just to experience Gracie’s warm hospitality and incredible cooking skills.
5. Sea Baron Fish & Chips – Garibaldi, OR
Golden batter crackles as it hits hot oil at Sea Baron, where fish and chips reach artistic levels. The Yamamoto family has perfected their recipe over four decades, creating a light coating that never overwhelms the fresh fish inside. Their secret involves a special flour blend imported from Japan.
Rockfish, lingcod, and salmon rotate as daily specials depending on what local boats bring in. The hand-cut fries cook in small batches, ensuring each order arrives piping hot and perfectly crispy. Fishing guides regularly stop by to fuel up before heading out to sea.
6. Local Ocean Seafoods – Newport, OR
Sustainability meets incredible flavor at this pioneering Newport restaurant that sources everything within fifty miles of shore. Owner Laura Anderson works directly with fishing boats to ensure the freshest possible seafood while supporting local fishing families. Her commitment to ocean health shows in every carefully prepared dish.
The menu changes daily based on what boats bring to dock that morning. Albacore tuna sashimi melts on your tongue, while locally-caught salmon showcases the pristine waters of the Pacific Northwest. Educational displays teach diners about sustainable fishing practices and ocean conservation efforts.
7. Netarts Ocean Goods – Netarts, OR
Hidden in the tiny village of Netarts, this gem combines a seafood market with a casual restaurant that locals guard like a precious secret. The building looks unassuming from outside, but inside, magic happens daily. Fresh oysters from nearby Netarts Bay taste like pure ocean essence.
Owner Mike personally digs clams at low tide and shucks oysters to order while sharing stories about bay ecology. His oyster shooters topped with cocktail sauce and horseradish wake up every taste bud. Many visitors discover this place by accident and return annually for their seafood fix.
8. Mo’s Restaurants – Various Locations
Mo’s clam chowder has achieved legendary status across the Pacific Northwest, with recipes passed down through three generations of the same family. What started as a single Florence restaurant has grown into multiple locations, but each maintains the original’s commitment to quality. Their chowder contains more clams than broth, exactly how Mo intended.
Thick sourdough bread arrives warm with real butter for dipping into that famous chowder. The original Mo’s location in Florence still draws pilgrims from around the world seeking the perfect bowl. Long-time employees share stories about celebrities who’ve stopped by for their chowder fix.
9. Pelican Brewing Company & Fish House – Pacific City, OR
Craft beer and fresh seafood create perfect harmony at this Pacific City landmark where brewing tanks gleam behind the bar. The Pelican combines a working brewery with a full-service restaurant that showcases local ingredients. Their fish tacos pair beautifully with hoppy IPAs brewed on-site.
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame views of Haystack Rock while diners enjoy beer-battered cod and award-winning ales. The brewery’s signature Kiwanda Cream Ale complements delicate seafood flavors without overwhelming them. Summer evenings bring live music and crowds of locals celebrating another beautiful Oregon coast sunset.
10. Bridgewater Fish House – Florence, OR
Elegant dining meets coastal charm at this Florence restaurant where white tablecloths and candlelight create romance beside the Siuslaw River. Chef Robert trained in French kitchens before returning home to showcase Oregon seafood with sophisticated techniques. His salmon Wellington has become the signature dish that defines fine coastal dining.
Fresh flowers on every table complement artfully plated seafood that looks almost too beautiful to eat. The wine list features Oregon vintages selected to pair perfectly with local fish and shellfish. Anniversary dinners and special celebrations find their perfect setting in this refined riverside location.
11. Ecola Seafood – Cannon Beach, OR
Fresh crab and steaming clam chowder warm hearts at this Cannon Beach favorite where tourists and locals mingle over shared seafood platters. The restaurant’s location near the famous Haystack Rock makes it a natural stop for beach explorers. Their outdoor seating fills quickly during summer months.
Generous portions of fish and chips satisfy hungry families after long beach walks, while their seafood cocktails provide elegant options for special occasions. The chowder recipe has remained unchanged for twenty-five years, earning loyal fans who return annually. Sunset dinners offer magical views of one of Oregon’s most photographed coastlines.