Santa Barbara Must-Try Classic American Seafood 🦪

Santa Barbara Shellfish Company 📍 230 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, CA 93109 This seafood spot is a must-visit every time I bring friends or family to Santa Barbara! 🏖️ As the standout among the restaurants on Stearns Wharf, it truly outshines the others. Plus, its location right on the pier means you can enjoy stunning coastal views while dining outdoors. 🌊 Having eaten here over 5 times, I’ve compiled a quick ✅ red list and ❌ black list from their menu: ✅ Red List 🟢 Live Uni with Raw Scallop Santa Barbara uni is legendary! 🏆 The sea urchin is so fresh the spines are still moving when served—sweet, zero fishiness, paired with fresh scallops for an extra layer of umami! 🌟 🟢 Kumamoto Oyster Usually three types of oysters available (sold in half-dozens). Plump, sweet, and incredibly fresh! 🦪 🟢 Steamed Clams Though small in size, each clam is plump and flavorful. 🟢 Abalone Fresh abalone coated in egg wash, served with slightly firm Western-style rice. A decent main dish. ❌ Black List 🔴 Crab Cake Too greasy—overpowers the natural sweetness of the crab. 🔴 Stone Crab Not much different from other crab varieties, and definitely overpriced! 🥷💸 Their raw seafood is absolutely worth trying, but avoid the fried or boiled options—they’re not as impressive. Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 (4.5/5) #SeafoodLover #SantaBarbaraFood #CaliforniaRoadTrip #Uni #FoodieReview