Fruits of the Sea
A roundup of Santa Barbara’s best spots to enjoy oysters
A top-tier oyster bar is step one in a revamp already under way at Moby Dick Restaurant.
Written by Gabe Saglie
Photographs - Lark: Haley Garces
The just-opened OYSTER BAR inside Moby Dick Restaurant is phase one of a comprehensive overhaul of the Stearns Wharf landmark. The former banquet room, with floor-to-ceiling windows, showcases sweeping Santa Barbara Channel views, along with six varieties of oysters from both coasts, including nearby Hope Ranch. Says CEO Karl Hutterer, “Oysters provide you with a sense of something fresh and delicious and something straight out of the sea.” They are on the lunch and dinner menus daily. 220 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, mobydicksb.com
WE WANT THE FUNK This eclectic Funk Zone hangout serves fresh oysters on the half shell, as well as wood-fired oysters with a sake-soy glaze. The So Shuckin’ Good pairs wood-fired oysters with parmesan, garlic, and cayenne pepper and adds toasted flatbread for dipping. 210 Gray Ave., Santa Barbara,
wewantthefunksb.com
THE LARK Chef Jason Paluska got addicted to oysters at age 5. Today he serves Eagle Rock Pacific oysters, his favorite, with a cucumber-lime granita for acidity and a borage flower “that actually tastes like an oyster and cucumber. It’s wild, and I love it.” 131 Anacapa St., Santa Barbara, thelarksb.com
BROPHY BROS. The wide-open harbor vistas here reel in the regulars, as do the oysters, served fresh on the half shell or with cucumber-lime relish. Oysters also appear on the Cold Combo, along with crab, shrimp, and ceviche. 119 Harbor Way, Santa Barbara, brophybros.com
KANALOA SEAFOOD MARKET The company, which is renowned for its sustainability practices, sells fresh oysters at its downtown Santa Barbara location or delivers them. The kitchen offers selections of classic and premium oysters daily on its open-air patio. 715 Chapala St., Santa Barbara, kanaloaseafood.com
BROAD STREET OYSTER CO. The downtown Santa Barbara iteration of this beloved California restaurant offers a rotating selection of oysters for dining in, pickup, or delivery. The Seafood Tower comes with a dozen oysters, along with fresh uni, shrimp, caviar, and several sauces. 418 State St., Santa Barbara, broadstreetoyster.com
