Kim
SO good we are here both nights! The food is so fresh and delicious. They have a fantastic wine list (you can buy a bottle or glass while you wait for your table). We had many different dishes over the two nights- Gina’s Ciopinno, calamari strips, marinated mushrooms, escargot, clam chowder, scallops special, and steamers. The staff was so friendly and funny!! Get there early or be prepared to wait a bit. Try to catch the sunset (it’s magical). Can’t wait till we get to go back!!
John Prater
Incredible views, especially if you get a table near the oceanfront windows. Cozy fire pit outside and boardwalk along the bluffs above the beach help enjoy the likely wait for your table. Thought the sole was tasty, but definitely needed tartar sauce to add some flavor. Very helpful and accommodating staff. Those with kids or people who don’t like seafood, be prepared: there is no non-seafood option or kids’ menu at all, though the kitchen was able to cobble together a “veggie spaghetti” for someone in our party.
Ken W
No reservations allowed! The first batch of diners start queuing before the restaurant opens. I reached around 5.40, and left my name there and managed to get a table around 7.20
The food was delicious and the seafood was really fresh! The escargots were tender and super tasty. The breaded calamari was super tender and it wasn't overly oily. The highlight was the Cioppino which was super delicious. They served complimentary sourdough bread as well
Andy Baerst
They move through a lot of people, but I always feel welcome. As stated in every other review, if you want 1st seating, get there around 4:30pm and wait in line. Get there around 5:45pm and put your name in for 2nd seating (6:45pm’ish). Have a drink or take a walk. The list system is very efficient so there’s no need to stress.
Cash only is annoying, but they’re full nearly every time I go so it must be working for them. I wish they would allow for card and just add a service fee. At least that would give me the option. I understand that there’s a cash machine on-site, but it feels out of touch with reality to me.
I love the Cioppino. Everything is very good and the portions are generous.
Murad Jamal
I recently stumbled upon Sea Chest restaurant during my short stay in Cambria, California, and it turned out to be an absolute gem that exceeded all expectations. From the moment I stepped foot inside, I knew I had found something truly special.
The ambiance of Sea Chest is incredibly cozy, creating the perfect atmosphere for a memorable dining experience. The warm and inviting atmosphere made me feel right at home, while the subtle coastal touches added a charming touch that enhanced the overall ambiance.
The staff at Sea Chest were exceptional, going above and beyond to make our visit truly enjoyable. They were not only attentive and knowledgeable, but also displayed genuine friendliness that made us feel like valued guests. Their warm smiles and helpful suggestions made the experience even more delightful.
What truly set Sea Chest apart was the breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean. We were fortunate enough to witness a spectacular sunset while indulging in our meals, creating an atmosphere of pure magic. The combination of delicious food and a mesmerizing view made this dining experience truly unforgettable.
Speaking of the food, Sea Chest's menu boasts an impressive array of delectable seafood options, and I had the pleasure of trying their famous calamari steak. The flavors were simply exquisite, and the calamari was cooked to perfection. It was a dish that left me craving for more, and I could easily understand why it had gained such a reputation.
In addition to the calamari steak, I also tried the scampi with fresh sea scallops and shrimps. It was another outstanding choice, with the seafood being incredibly fresh and succulent. The combination of flavors in the scampi sauce was truly divine, leaving me with a palate-pleasing sensation.
Justin Hall
We have been coming here for years now it's such an amazing experience! The best seafood on the central coast in this small boutique restraunt looking at the ocean. Amazing wine list very well priced! It's cash only but I feel like that part of the allure
You wait in line when they open because there is no reservations. But it's so worth it we had the class casino was amazing and fresh! I had the calamari steak I had heard great things and it well lived up to the hype amazing tender lightly crusted with great flavor! My fiancé had the swordfish was a so tender and cooked to perfection. Great seasoning just all the way around great experience if you want the best seafood in the area look no further! They have amazing service as well!
Allen Wan
What a fantastic eating experience!
The staff were excellent, polite, attentive and informative.
Everything on the menu looked great (pictures/prices current as of May 2023).
The portions were very tasty and very filling. Entrees come with a house salad (lettuce, carrots, beets, croutons, tomatoes, sugar snap peas, onions, cucumbers) or cup of clam chowder. The market fish that we chose during our visit were the swordfish and the Alaskan halibut. Each came with roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables.
The desserts for the day were a gelato, raspberry sorbet and the usual dinner selections. We opted for the chocolate torte from French Corner Bakery (another Cambria establishment). It was delicious and not overly sweet.
We came at 15 minutes after opening and got the last seat. The entire meal start to finish was about 1.5 hours. Our entire section was seated before us, but pretty much everyone left at the same time.
Things to note:
- there are no reservations, so either get there early or prepare to wait. I don't believe they take reservations over the phone.
- it is CASH ONLY. There is an ATM on site if you need it.
I would highly recommend this place and look forward to coming back in the future.
Holly Collins
Great experience! I walked in at 7:45 and got seated right away in the front room. I was solo and it was Sunday night. Last time I was here I had the Swordfish (so good, like a meaty steak). This time I got the Mahi Mahi with soy ginger sauce. Nice and flaky, perfectly cooked. The sauce was light and balanced, not too overwhelming. Huge portion with the salad, roll, and all the veggies and potatoes I was stuffed! I'll be back for sure!
Samantha McCormick
What can you say, it's a classic. Well worth the wait. Found out that if you're open to eating late, you can show up after 8 o'clock and they will seat you as long as you're there before 9. We only waited about 15 minutes by getting there at 8:45. Highly recommend sitting at the bar so you can watch the chefs (and simply turn around for a priceless view).
Rich M
UPDATE - We stopped by here on vacation on 11/24/23 - amazing as usual. We heard they're closed for the month of December. I also wanted to drop photos this time - got in line at 3:48, had live music the last hour and got seated right at 5:30. Calamari Appetizer, Shrimp Scampi and some great drinks! Amazing, once again! Read my pro-tips below
Wife and I have officially been coming here for 25 years now....from our first anniversary in 1997 till last weekend for our 26th! GREAT food, GREAT service, GREAT place! There are quirks - only open at 5:30-9ish, Cash ONLY, no reservations and there WILL be lines. Pro Tip: wait till the line goes in and gets seated, then walk right in and place your name in. On Friday, we got a table right away at 6:00pm, on Saturday, we placed our name in at 6:15pm and came back at 7pm and got seated right away. Basically when they seat everyone initially, there will be no tables till the second serving, at about 7pm.
Maria Theadore
Now I know why people wait in line! Awesome servers. The owner Steve greeted us! And the FOOD!! Chef Marco knows what he's doing! What a lovely evening with old and new friends!
Ivanna S
The food was good. Cash only so bring like $60 to $100 a person depending on how much you plan to eat. We were two people with a couple glasses of wine and paid $160 including tip. It's a wait but that is kind of their thing. The service was great, very attentive staff. It's a bit loud though so you won't like it if that's not your thing.
Edward Van Deventer
This is a 5 star restaurant for sure! Fresh and delicious seafood. No Steaks or chicken or pork. Seafood! Amazing! Cash only. Really, bring cash money, they don't accept anything else. Definitely worth the wait and price. Give this place a try, you won't regret it.
Update June 2022: Still amazing! I should mention that there are no reservations and a line forms early. At 4:08 pm there were already at least 20 people ahead of us and they open at 5:30 pm. Bring a chair if you don't want to stand. They are okay if you bring wine to enjoy while waiting. You just can't take open containers into the restaurant.
Update February 2023: Everything is super fresh and cooked perfectly. Staff are hard working and friendly and service oriented. Do yourself a favor and try this place.
Update June 2023: I should add that in addition to the regular menu items they have a board that they post when they open listing the fish selections for that day. And if you want something done a certain way, ask. They are very flexible as long as it's reasonable. Did I mention awesome staff! What are you waiting for, go get in line!
Anne
Superb service, credit to Emily and to Jeff who worked so hard on a very busy night! Top notch restaurant with excellent seafood & wine, right by the sea. Be prepared to wait for a table, but it’s worth the wait:)
Jeannine G
Wonderful little gem !!! The first setting is at 5:30. We got there and missed the seating, but the bar had a seat available. So, we had a couple of drinks and relaxed. Once we were seated, the service was great!! It's a small place but beautiful !! It was wonderful ! It is a must do !!!!
Bernadette Rebite
We ordered CA white sea bass and swordfish. Both are excellent! But we both liked the swordfish more than the sea bass. It is cooked just right and it has no fishy after taste. The ambiance is simple, cozy, and casual. Most of the dining tables have the view of the ocean. Service is fast and everyone is friendly. A few things to remember: this is dine-in only, no take outs, cash only.
Amy Movafaghi
Such a cute and cozy place! It’s very small and the wait time is around one hour. The food was amazing! We loved the East Coast Oyster the most! The calamari stripes and the big platter of seafood marinara.
We didn’t like the chowder nor the clam pasta! Also they only accept CASH which is not on favor of everyone.
Daisy Tapia
We had the steamed clams and the cioppino. Both were incredibly delicious!
We put our name down for the wait list and in the meantime drove up to see the elephant seals. We got back and proceed to wait indoors with a glass of wine. The ambience is cozy and the food was worth the wait. Both the hostess and our server were incredibly nice. The place is cash only and there is an ATM inside.
I cannot wait to come back and have another amazing meal here!
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