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Sea Chest Oyster Bar

6216 Moonstone Beach Dr, Cambria, CA 93428-1804
(805) 927-4514
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Ranked #6 of 40 restaurants in Cambria
Price range: RM69 - RM91
Cuisines: Seafood
Good for: Local cuisine, Special Occasion Dining, View
Dining options: Dinner, After-hours, Dessert
Restaurant details
Good for: Local cuisine, Special Occasion Dining, View
Dining options: Dinner, After-hours, Dessert
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346 reviews from our community

79% Recommend
    186
    88
    37
    22
    13
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
Trabuco Canyon, California, United States
1 review
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2013 NEW

I echo what many others have written about the wait. I would add that while we waited for more than an hour, we watched many locals breeze right in and get seated immediately, which is odd for a place that won't take reservations. The wait staff obviously knew these people and were quite friendly with them. Meanwhile as we sat... More

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St. Moritz, Switzerland
Top Contributor
158 reviews 158 reviews
55 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 80 cities Reviews in 80 cities
237 helpful votes 237 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 May 2013

This is a very rustic place, rather expensive. No drinks (except wine and beer), no reservation, no credit card and just seafood, but very fresh and good preparation. We could observe wales with babies from our dinner table.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Long Beach, California
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
6 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 May 2013

The Sea Chest is a GEM on Moonstone Beach. We arrived, were warmly welcomed and sat in the small bar awaiting our table. Just had time for a glass of wine and we were seated. Service at the Restaurant is Excellent. The wait staff are real professionals. We had clams casino, the best ever and shared the small cioppino wonderful.... More

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washington, dc
Senior Contributor
28 reviews 28 reviews
17 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 May 2013

This restaurant was highly rated, so maybe we were expecting too much. The service was great, but the food (cioppino and scampi) was ordinary. They don't take reservations or credit cards.

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Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
16 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2013

It was recommended by the hotel. They do not take reservations or credit cards. Cash only. We split the Halibut and added an extra soup. People arrive early, bring their wine. They drink their wind and socialize in the parking lot. They do not charge a corking fee, so you can bring your wine in. Prices were inline with other... More

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Rancho Cucamonga, California
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
5 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2013

There are so many GREAT things about the Sea Chest, of course the food, but the staff is family & the pride they show in representing the restaurant is exceptional. We frequent the Sea Chest every time we visit Cambria & enjoy any selection off the menu but to be sure, the Calamari is king. Sitting @ the oyster bar... More

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Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2013

Stopped here since it had been so touted in guide books and on TripAdvisor. And yes, there is a line comming out the door along with the yummy aroma of garlic butter. The wait was 30-45 minutes. All entrees were priced $25-$30. This does not include appetizer (av.$10) or drinks. Also, they do not take credit cards. Cash or check... More

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Westlake Village, California
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
11 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 May 2013

Cash or check only! In April on a Wednesday we took a chance and got in line at 5:30 when they opened and were lucky enough to get a table. I am so glad we did. Fabulous clam chowder; grilled salmon salad and sole with fantastic veggies and potatoes. Wonderful pinot grigio to go with. So fresh. The only problem... More

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morro bay
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 April 2013

everything is THE BEST!! Menu,staff, ambiance, view. As a 20 yr. resident this is my absolute favorite!!

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Seal Beach, CA
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
15 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
26 helpful votes 26 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 April 2013 via mobile

Fresh fish, oysters, clams, yum! Love this place, even standing in line outside having happy hour with other peeps waiting. We ate here two out of three nights, our server, Mary, was the best! We stay on Moonstone Beach and can walk to dinner here. Can't say enough good things about it - just a fun place with outstanding seafood... More

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