The Hidden Gem Seafood Spot In Southern California's Surfside Seafood, Has Out-Of-This-World Food
By Natasha Kayes|Published December 07, 2022
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Natasha Kayes
Author
I was born and raised in sunny Southern California and will never tire of the West Coast, although I spent several years living in Southeast Asia, about as far from California as you can get. Wherever I am in the world, I love straying from the beaten path, experiencing local life, and discovering hidden gems - camera in hand. The beach is my happy place and when I am not there (or writing), you will usually find me baking, watching movies, and cuddling my pugs. I have traveled around the country and around the world, and it never, ever gets old. Being able to combine my passion for travel and my love of writing is nothing short of a dream.
One advantage of being in a seaside community is the availability of fresh seafood, and this is no less true along the coast of California. From tiny coastal towns to bigger cities lying along the shores of the Pacific, restaurants benefit from local fishing operations. While little-known outside of the immediate area, locals absolutely love this seafood restaurant in Southern California and its extraordinary food.
Surfside Seafood is a local institution located right on the sand in the laid-back beach community of Port Hueneme, about one hour from Los Angeles.
This little-known gem of a restaurant and the adjoining bait and tackle shop have been serving locals in the community for years, many of whom are happy regulars.
There is quite often a line to order at the counter, which is just inside the front entrance. Once you step inside, make your selections from the extensive menu and place your order. Grab your drink and any condiments you want, then head to a table where your freshly prepared seafood meal will be brought to you.
In the mood for tacos? Choose from locally-caught Halibut, Ahi tuna, salmon, Alaskan white fish, crispy breaded fish, shrimp, beef, or chicken, all topped with fresh pico de gallo and avocado.
Among the many options on the menu, many locals come for the fish and chips made with local halibut and served with piping hot fries. Of course, this is just one of many choices. You can also enjoy local halibut in tacos, charbroiled, in a salad, or on a ciabatta sandwich.
If fresh Halibut is not your thing, not to worry. There are plenty of other fish options, as well as tri-tip, bacon, chicken, and other non-seafood choices.
Rich, creamy homemade New England-style clam chowder is prepared fresh in-house every morning. Order it in a sourdough bread bowl; you will not regret it.
An excellent selection of bottled drinks is available for purchase to complement your meal choice, including wines, imported and domestic beers, hard ciders, sodas, juices, energy drinks, and more.
Dine inside - great when the weather gets chilly - or step out onto the patio and grab a table along the wall. Large glass panels provide a handy windbreak and allow for stunning beach views, and classic California sunsets, while you dine.
Evenings on the patio at Surfside Seafood bring more than colorful sunsets. Warm yourself by the large fire pit and listen to live music performed by talented local artists.
The restaurant has live music every Wednesday, most weekends, and many other special performances.
Seafood is not the only specialty on the menu. End your meal, or stop by on a warm day, for some delicious soft serve. Choose from classic vanilla or the ever-popular Dole Pineapple Whip, a creamy, sweet, and ever-so-slightly tart frozen fruity treat.
The outdoor patio provides panoramic views of the shore, the gentle waves, and the Channel Islands off the coast. After enjoying your out-of-this-world meal, take a walk on the beach or along the long fishing pier that sits just behind the restaurant.
What do you think? Would you like to eat at Surfside Seafood? Share your thoughts, and your favorite seafood restaurant, with us in the comments. Check out another collection of hidden gems in SoCal.
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