Santa Monica Seafood

[jaschultze]

Where should I go for a seafood dinner on Sunday night? It will be me and my two chidlren (8, 12). We are visiting from Michigan and staying at the Le Merigot - JW Marriott. The kids like things like lobster, clam chowder, lobster rolls, fried calamari, and mussels.

Any atmosphere is fine, but casual is always good with kids. (Of course, they'd also love to see celebrities, but that's certainly not a prerequisite). A friend loves the Lobster (which I know is not popular on this board) and I've also had Blue Plate Oysterette and Ocean Avenue Seafood recommended on my other post. What would you all recommend?

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Ocean Avenue Seafood
1401 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Blue Plate
1415 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403

[Baron]

For a fine Italian and seafood restaurant, I can suggest I cugini - corner of Ocean Ave and Broadway. I had a great Dover sole the other night and my wife enjoyed her bodetto seafood stew. It's a class act but you can still dress casual since its at the beach. Not sure about a kid's menu but you can call and ask.

http://www.icugini.com/

[wienermobile]

I think you and you kids, if they're anything like mine, would be very happy at Blue Plate Oysterette, who could ask for more than fresh raw oysters, fresh fried clams, really good chowder and lobster mac and cheese. Relaxed and fun.
http://blueplatesantamonica.com/bpo/h...

[Cucinamore]

You might try Santa Monica Seafood on Wilshire and 10th St. in Santa Monica. It is basically a seafood store with a section of tables and an oyster bar. Very casual; terrific (and very very fresh) seafood.

[J.L.]

Disagree on freshness at SM Seafood on Wilshire... Much better seafood fare to be found at any of the 99 Ranch Market locations.

[AAQjr]

Unfortunately none close to Santa Monica. If you weigh selection and quality, SMSF is almost the only game in town. The japanese places are great, but with a very limited selection at West LA locations. Sad really.

[J.L.]

Well aware of the dearth of 99 Ranch Market locations on the Westside.

SMSF is not even on my list, it's that bad.

[grosenb562]

Having eaten at the Lobster many times and Blue Plate Oysterette for the first time on Sunday, and Ocean Ave Seafood a long time ago, I would recommend Blue PLate.

Ocean Ave is for old farts. The food was nothing special. Keep in mind I ate there when I was in my 30's and about 20 years ago.

Lobster is very noisy but you can have star sightings. I also like the food and the hip atomosphere.

Blue Plate is very casual with tables very close together. The wait staff is attentive and offers suggestions. I think for your age kids there is enough on the menu to find something they will like (Fish and chips, lobster roll with sweet potatoe chips). The food is tasty but not extrodinary. I would go back again for a meal.

And the winner is Blue Plate.

O

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Blue Plate
1415 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403

[Mateo R]

I agree that blue plate is the best choice within walking distance.

[Dommy]

Blue plate also has a fairly though out kids menu! :)

Sadly, I have yet to see a celebrity there... you might have better luck at Unami Burger in Fred Segal (Auston Kutcher was just waxing poetic about how ownderful they are) and oddly enough, I've seen several celebs at Joes Pizza (The cheapest place near by! LOL!)

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Fred Segal
500 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90401

[Phurstluv]

Dommy, dear, it's Ashton, maybe it was just a typo!!

[Dommy]

LOL! I admit, I have no idea, I don't follow celebrities... just saw it mentioned on twitter somewhere... :)

--Dommy!