With such an extensive coastline along the Pacific Ocean, it is no wonder that we have a lot of great places to enjoy fresh seafood. Whether you are looking for incredible fish, crab, lobster, shrimp, or oysters, we have you covered. No matter where you are coming from, these are some of the best seafood restaurants in Southern California.

1. The Jolly Oyster, Ventura

The Jolly Oyster brings sustainable shellfish from its ocean farm to its long-standing food truck at the beach in Ventura. The specialty is local, raw, in-shell oysters and clams, complete with shucking lessons if you need them. Of course, you can also order a variety of dishes - from ceviche to tostadas to baked oysters - from the kitchen.

2. Malibu Seafood, Malibu

The iconic Malibu Seafood restaurant has long been a local favorite. The motto here is "The reason we don’t serve breakfast is we’re out catching lunch" and you can be sure that you will always find fresh, top-quality seafood cooked to order or sold by the pound. Its oceanfront location on the famed Pacific Coast Highway is a crowd-pleaser as well.

3. Fisherman’s Catch, Oxnard

From locally caught fish, crab, and lobster to creamy New England clam chowder and succulent coconut fried shrimp, this local hole-in-the-wall is always busy, and for good reason. Located on the edge of a beautiful Oxnard marina, Fisherman’s Catch is all about quality, catching much of what they sell themselves and assuring customers, "If we don’t eat it… We won’t sell it."

4. Andria’s Seafood Restaurant and Market, Ventura

Andria’s Seafood is a longtime icon on the water at Ventura Harbor. This community restaurant proudly supports local fishermen and features locally caught fish and seafood. You can get almost anything "and chips," including halibut, Alaskan cod, shrimp, calamari, scallops, clam strips, and oysters. Trying to avoid deep-fried goodies? Choose from grilled, sautéd, steamed, and stir-fried specialties.

5. Berth 55 Fish Market and Seafood Deli, Long Beach

You can’t get fresher than the live lobster and crab available at Berth 55. This fish market and seafood deli also offers a wide selection of grilled and deep-fried seafood plates, as well as huge combo platters, tacos, seafood soup, clam chowder. Shrimp, scallops, crab, lobster, and fish are also available by the pound.

6. Hook and Anchor, Newport Beach

Step up to the counter and order fresh grilled fish, Lobster Mac and Cheese, Garlic Parm Lobster Fries, Surf and Turf, Calamari Tacos, Fish Burrito, or any of the other delightful creations on the menu. Hook and Anchor is a fast-casual joint with a focus on flavor. The restaurant also has brunch and happy hour menus.

7. The Lobster Shack, San Clemente

An unassuming little spot in Old Town San Clemente, The Lobster Shack is known for its mouthwatering East Coast style lobster rolls - well, actually lobster, shrimp, and crab rolls - with a special lemon butter aioli. Can get enough lobster? Try the creamy, delicious Lobster Bisque!

8. Blue Water Seafood Ocean Beach, San Diego

Blue Water Seafood is a laid-back spot with ocean views where you can enjoy an extensive menu that includes their award-winning "Track Taco," stuffed with grilled wild Pacific shrimp marinated in chipotle butter, Bourbon Butter Jalapeño Lime Mussels, Sashimi, and huge variety of fish plates, salads, and sandwiches.

Our coastal locale gives Southern California a real advantage when it comes to fresh seafood. Have you been to any of the restaurants on this list? Which is your favorite? Do you have another go-to seafood spot in SoCal? We would love to hear from you in the comments! Also, check out more excellent restaurants along our beautiful coast.