Moby Dick Restaurant
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Man was I happy that we stopped in at this place. The place next door had a really long wait, and we tried it the day before anyways. We were extremely disappointed so we found ourselves over here on the wharf again and decided to try this gem. I was not disappointed! We had a wonderful server a gentleman who served us outside. He walked us through the menu wasn't pushy whatsoever and wasn't bothered by us asking 100 questions. He really made the experience, he very warm and personable well providing excellent service. We never had empty drink cups and we were promptly serviced. Even the manager was casually walking around from table to table making small talk and not being too much whatsoever but just checking in to make sure every customer was happy. We ordered the Alaskan crab, steak with mashed potatoes, Lobster tail, clam chowder and bread. Everything was so great and fresh it rocked my socks off no joke! Although the meal was a little expensive you get what you pay for and id go as far as saying I'd even pay more if I had to for a meal like this! I will be coming back to this place if I ever find myself in Santa Barbara again. If you want a nice meal with good service and plenty of options I would definitely come here over every other restaurant around the wharf. A+ service A+ food. It was so good that I had to thank the manager on my way out and let them know that my service and meal was just so good that I was so pleased.
Muu TeshimaMuu Teshima
00
Moby Dick Restaurant, located on the Santa Barbara Pier, is an absolute must-visit for seafood lovers. With its prime waterfront location, this spot offers incredible views of the harbor, mountains, and ocean, making it perfect for a meal with a view. You can relax and watch the boats go by while enjoying some of the freshest seafood in town. The menu is extensive, with a variety of seafood options to suit all tastes. Their clam chowder is a standout and has become a local favorite. Of course, the fresh oysters and fish dishes are also highly recommended. The portions are generous, and the flavors are spot-on. Whether you’re grabbing lunch or dinner, the food pairs perfectly with the breathtaking scenery around you. Established in 1959, Moby Dick has a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere that makes it an ideal place for a casual meal after exploring Santa Barbara. The staff is welcoming and efficient, ensuring a pleasant dining experience. If you’re looking for a relaxing seaside dining spot in Santa Barbara, Moby Dick Restaurant is a fantastic choice. It’s a classic, with a long history and one of the best locations in town!
Ramin HomyakRamin Homyak
00
To show others that all restaurants have issues, days can be good or bad. Sorry, but I am not going to hold back on this one....... Today, it's not so good; the bar tender was seen drinking shots with a customer, making mistakes, and dropping items. One item, the bar tender, dropped a dirty pan of food into the sink with wine bottles. That should have been sanitized, but no, just wiped off. Then, he gave me a drink with something I did not request, then forgot to give us water. Ok, bar explained, now, let's talk food. What the heck is with the Lobster Roll? The menu states Clarified Butter, but what I got was Mayo?? Really? I was excited to see a real Lobster Roll, but no restaurants in SB can get it right! IT'S A NO BRAINER... (Warm Lobster cooked in clarified butter, placed on a soft roll PERIOD, served with Clarified butter). NOT MAYO, CHIVES, GARNISH IN THE LOBSTER, NO SEASONING PERIOD. We need to taste the lobster in the roll. Food # 2, What's the deal with the Artichokes? Why are the chefs removing the heart of the Artichokes? That is the meat of the Artichokes, and I will never order this again until they stop ripping off the customers, removing the best part of the meal. As for our check, I should have checked the receipt, I paid 30% tip for a 153.34 bill =198.34. Do you think this was fair? To me as a local, it is respect for the business to correct the issues, so if and when I come back, I can have better bar service, my Lobster Roll, and Artichokes, etc.. ..........end of review.........2/23/2025 What a change from 2 years ago! More changes are coming according to the manager, but we had to visit the new Oyster Bar, which did not disappoint. One thing that chaps my Hyde, if you're a local and buy the Waterfront parking pass at now, $150.00 annual per year, you would think they are valid for parking on the Wharf. NOPE, NOT VALID! What gives SB City Waterfront Parking managers????
Michael WilliamsMichael Williams
00
Had our wedding anniversary today, the server was excellent it’s a shame that the food fell short on the standard who ever is the head chef needs to be fired or go back to the drawing board on the standard of the food they serve, I order the Fish and Chips I wish I didn’t order it. The fish beer batter was oily, burnt and the fish was very bland no flavor at all plus the portions of the fish was very small not the standard fish and chip size you would expect to get looks like trying to cut cost, the coleslaw what a joke, it look like they just put it together with no sauce and small piece of pineapple . It was not worth the price. We also order the sea urchin which was the main reason we were going to the restaurant as my husband hasn’t had it for a while, the server told as first they might not have any as the fisherman who catch it might not be ready. She came back and said they have some, what a joke for the price $34 I was expecting something bigger but got one small size urchin, which it didn’t have much meat. what a joke to serve an undersized sea urchin and charge $34 I guess we got charged for the ice it sits on. You guys are a ripoff which is sad and reading your review I wish I had read it first before going there, I will never go to a place that serve crap food and tasteless wouldn’t recommend this place over price, small portions and the food taste like crap. Even the locals are saying it which says a lot about the place
Petesa V.DPetesa V.D
00
I ordered a lobster roll and a cup of clam chowder soup. My boyfriend and I waited 30 mins to get our clam chowder. We had to wait an additional 10-15 minutes for our lobster rolls to come, but I didn't mind the wait until I realized a table behind us had gotten their order about 5-10 mins after they ordered (the restaurant was not busy). I was extremely excited to try it, but when I took a bite there was no flavor. It was extremely plain and light. No lobster flavor or anything. It was absolutely disappointing and I would not recommend this place to any family or friends. The lobster roll may seem like a great try as it was 17.95 but it was not worth it. I was not full after eating the roll and fries. The people working there were lovely, but I feel as if our table was forgotten. Mark Weins inspired me to try lobster rolls and as this was my first one, I just feel let down.
Annie SaechaoAnnie Saechao
00
Great food! Excellent and attentive service without being pushy. My partner had a Santa Barbara Peach cocktail, and I had a Long Drink Zero. We really liked our drinks! Honestly, we had eaten breakfast not long before and were just feeling peckish, so we ordered fish and chips to share, it was more than enough food for us! I love their battered fries, and the fish is nice and crispy on the outside and soft in the center = just perfect! 😄 The atmosphere is great! Can't beat being so close to to the water with views of the beach as well as the ocean! There were people kayaking and sailing, it just made for a beautiful view! The waiters were very attentive and polite! When we first came to Santa Barbara we came to this restaurant for this very meal and absolutely were craving the fish and chips- that's what brought us back! Definitely recommend!
Sabrina KeigleySabrina Keigley
00
Nearby Attractions Of Moby Dick Restaurant
Pier Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Harbor
MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation
The Eagle Inn
Chase Palm Park
Beachside Inn
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center
Hotel Milo Santa Barbara
Harbor View Inn
Villa Rosa Inn

Pier Santa Barbara
4.6
(2.7K)Click for details

Santa Barbara Harbor
4.7
(863)Click for details

MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation
4.7
(740)Click for details

The Eagle Inn
4.9
(527)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Moby Dick Restaurant
Santa Barbara Shellfish Company
Brophy Bros.
Santa Barbara FisHouse
Chad’s Cafe
Finney's Crafthouse - Santa Barbara
Santo Mezcal
Loquita Santa Barbara
The Lark Santa Barbara
Bluewater Grill Seafood Restaurant Santa Barbara
Flor De Maiz

Santa Barbara Shellfish Company
4.5
(1.8K)$$
Click for details

Brophy Bros.
4.5
(1.7K)Click for details

Santa Barbara FisHouse
4.4
(1.4K)$$
Click for details

Chad’s Cafe
4.4
(1.2K)Click for details
Basic Info
Address
220 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, CA 93109
Map
Phone
(805) 965-0549
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Website
mobydicksb.com
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.2
(945 reviews)
Ratings & Description
Description
Family-friendly eatery serving fresh seafood, burgers & more with ocean views & daily happy hour.
attractions: Pier Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Harbor, MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation, The Eagle Inn, Chase Palm Park, Beachside Inn, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center, Hotel Milo Santa Barbara, Harbor View Inn, Villa Rosa Inn, restaurants: Santa Barbara Shellfish Company, Brophy Bros., Santa Barbara FisHouse, Chad’s Cafe, Finney's Crafthouse - Santa Barbara, Santo Mezcal, Loquita Santa Barbara, The Lark Santa Barbara, Bluewater Grill Seafood Restaurant Santa Barbara, Flor De Maiz
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