Mersea's Seafood Restaurant

3985 Avila Beach Drive Avila Beach, California 93424

Hours

Open daily 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

(805) 548-2290

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About

Mersea's Seafood Restaurant is at the end of the Harford Pier, offering a rustic setting to savor fresh seafood and ice-cold beer.

Established in the early 1990s, this distinctive joint offers no-frills dining inside or out on the deck. Since the pier juts out into Port San Luis, you'll be dining with gulls, otters, and seals as your neighbors.

As you'd expect, the menu is seafood-focused, but offerings are limited. Think off-the-boat fare like fried seafood, assorted salads and sandwiches, chowder, and a burger for land lovers.

While the setting is rustic with nautical themes, the restaurant is clean and well-maintained. It's the perfect spot to sip a craft brew and savor fresh oysters after exploring the Bob Jones City to Sea Bike Trail.

A fun aspect of Mersea's is its event calendar, which includes live music and special themed nights. All these make Mersea's Seafood Restaurant a must-do for families, couples, and friends on an Avila Beach getaway.

Vibe

Walking onto Harford Pier, also known as the Port San Luis Pier, Mersea's looms like a gray ship. Its sign is easy to spot, and the eatery shares the area with fishermen, boat charters, and supply services.

At Mersea's Seafood Restaurant, the vibe is inviting and laid-back. The restaurant's exterior exudes charm, featuring wooden accents and large windows that perfectly frame stunning ocean views.

The interior is airy, with a vaulted ceiling and off-white colors. Wooden booths and tables line the windowed wall, offering unobstructed views of the harbor.

Even during busy times, the friendly staff ensures the atmosphere stays relaxed. Their genuine smiles and willingness to help reflect the restaurant's commitment to providing an enjoyable experience for every guest.

The outdoor seating area features rustic picnic benches that blend with the weathered deck and railings. Umbrellas at each table offer shade on sunny days or protect from sprinkles. As mentioned, outside dining lets you and the little ones spot gulls perched on the railings, otters, and seals playing in the water or basking in the sun on rocks.

While Mersea's is not fine dining, you can't beat the waterside atmosphere and chill vibe. It's a go-to after a round of golf at the Avila Beach Golf Resort or a day shopping in Pismo Beach.

Whether you settle in for a casual meal with friends or indulge in a special occasion with loved ones, Mersea's maintains an engaging vibe that feels lively and hospitable.

Mersea's Seafood Restaurant: Menu & Drinks

Mersea's Seafood Restaurant's menu offers fresh seafood prepared using simple recipes.

The Clam Chowder is a popular choice, served in a creamy New England style or hearty red Manhattan version. Both are packed with tender clams and hearty potatoes and have the right amount of spices. The chowder is served in a cup, bowl, or bread bowl, making it a top pick on a foggy or chilly day.

The salad options are varied, giving vegetarians and seafood lovers plenty of options. Choose a Cobb, Mixed Greens, or a Ceasar, and add chicken and shrimp for an additional charge. The Louie Salad features mixed greens with tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, black olives, egg, and Louie dressing with rock crab or shrimp.

Moving on to the seafood options, the menu features fresh oysters on the half-shell, crab cakes, and steamer clams. Fried choices include fish and chips, fried shrimp, and a combo platter with fish, shrimp, oysters, calamari, & clam strips.

For a unique twist, try the Fish Tacos after a day paddling the bay with Central Coast Kayaks. Delicately battered fish is served in warm tortillas and topped with fresh salsa and creamy chipotle sauce, offering a delicious combination of textures and flavors.

The full bar can craft cocktails or pour a pint of your favorite brew. Non-alcoholic options include soft drinks and tea.

Mersea's Seafood Restaurant is an iconic eatery with classic fare and a rustic vibe, making it a must on your Avila Beach getaway.

Local Tips

Arrive early to secure a good table with ocean views.
Mersea's does not take reservations.
Check the daily specials posted on the massive blackboard.
Live music is on weekends; check their Facebook site for details.
Look for street parking and enjoy the walk on the pier to Mersea's.
Pack a jacket or sweater; the coastal breeze can be chilly in the evenings.

Location

3985 Avila Beach Drive Avila Beach, California 93424

Frequently Asked Questions

If someone only had one day in Avila Beach, what should be on the itinerary?

Avila Beach is a small seaside town with a big-time charm that’s hard to condense into one day. But if we had to choose, our perfect day would start with breakfast and coffee at Fat Cat’s Cafe on Harford Pier. With classic breakfast food anyone would enjoy and located right next to the pier, it’s easy to walk off that delicious meal while enjoying the morning coastal air and listening to the sounds of the Pacific Ocean waves. You might even catch a glimpse of the local herd of sea lions. Being outside is a must, whether it’s walking the beach or taking a hike through the hills. Bob Jones Trail is highly recommended for people a leisurely biking/walking trail that goes from the land to the sea and can be accessed right from Downtown Avila.

After breakfast, take a drive down the famous Highway 1- a great way to experience the rich biodiversity of the central coast. Explore other nearby coastal towns like Morro Bay and Cayucos, each with its own unique charm.

However, the main thing to do in Avila Beach is relax. Spend time on the incredible beaches, get your toes in the sand, and enjoy the serene environment. Don’t miss the chance to shop the boutiques, go wine tasting, or dine at the ocean-side restaurants.

To wrap up the day, Mr. Rick’s offers a lively scene with great drinks and live music. One of the most popular places in Downtown Avila, hangout out with the locals and get a feel for what life is like in Avila.

What are the top 3 restaurants I should visit in Pismo Beach?

While exploring the culinary delights of Pismo Beach and its surroundings, there are three top-tier restaurants you simply must visit. Each offers a unique dining experience that’s a testament to the area’s rich gastronomic culture.

First up, venture a little south to Arroyo Grande to visit Ember, renowned for its commitment to seasonal fare and artisanal wood-fired cooking techniques. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, perfectly complementing a menu that’s both innovative and comforting. Each dish reflects the chef’s passion for farm-to-table philosophy and the rich agricultural bounty of California’s Central Coast.

Next, Nate’s on Marsh in San Luis Obispo is a gem that locals and visitors alike adore. This eatery prides itself on a creative menu that pairs classic comfort food with a modern twist. The ambiance combines casual elegance with a touch of historical charm, set within the vibrant downtown scene of San Luis Obispo, making it a delightful culinary stop.

Lastly, Ox + Anchor in San Luis Obispo is a modern take on the classic steakhouse, serving up prime cuts of meat alongside fresh, locally-sourced seafood. The chic and sophisticated decor sets the stage for an upscale dining experience. The wine list is as impressive as the menu, featuring local Central Coast vineyards and beyond, ensuring the perfect pairing for your meal.

Each of these restaurants is a destination in itself, promising not just a meal, but a memorable dining experience that captures the spirit of the region.

What are the biggest events in Pismo & Avila Beach area?

When vacationing in Pismo Beach, CA, there are two main events that are absolute must-sees, each offering a unique slice of what makes this coastal city so special. The first is the Monarch Butterfly Arrival, a natural spectacle that takes place from late October through February. During these months, Pismo Beach becomes a temporary home to thousands of vibrant Monarch butterflies. The sight of these delicate creatures fluttering en masse is truly mesmerizing and one of nature’s most beautiful displays. Visitors from all over gather at the Monarch Butterfly Grove to witness this annual migration, which has become a beloved and awe-inspiring sight in the community.

Another event steeped in local tradition is the Pismo Beach Clam Festival, a hallmark event since 1946. This festival is a celebration of the city’s clamming legacy, inviting locals and visitors to enjoy a weekend full of festivities. With a parade, live music, food vendors, and a clam chowder cook-off, it encapsulates the heartwarming community spirit and the gastronomic heritage of Pismo Beach. The Clam Festival not only pays homage to the city’s past but also offers a delightful experience for all ages, making it an unmissable event for anyone visiting Pismo Beach.