13 Best Restaurants in The Oregon Coast, Oregon

This seasonal outdoor seafood-in-the-rough beer garden with a live-music stage and cornhole games sits directly on Winchester Bay, overlooking the marina whose fishing boats supply the fresh-caught, sustainable crab, bay shrimp, albacore tuna, and clams that appear on the short but sweet menu. Bands entertain the crowd many evenings, and families are welcome, along with well-behaved dogs. It's just outside Reedsport, in the heart of Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, and about midway between Florence and Coos Bay.

Have a seat at a picnic table overlooking Haynes Inlet at Oregon's largest oyster farm, which dates to 1981 and is located a few miles north of North Bend proper and fairly close to the Horsfall area of Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. At this picturesque, laid-back restaurant, bivalves are the star attraction and are available served raw, in a chowder with smoked bacon, in tacos, chicken-fried, and in po'boys. Salmon burgers, albacore ahi, and other fresh-caught fish are served as well, and you can also buy your seafood and other snacks to go from the on-site market and deli. 

At this sustainable fish market and sleek, airy grill with retractable windows that look out across picturesque Yaquina Bay, the operators purchase fish directly from the boats in the fishing fleet right outside. The menu includes such fish lovers' fare as grilled black cod with hoisin sauce and yakisoba noodles, panko-buttermilk-crusted oysters, and Fishwives Stew (a tomato broth stew loaded with both shell- and finfish), and the seafood is never deep-fried—even the halibut in the fish-and-chips is grilled.

Order at the food truck window and have a seat in the airy indoor greenhouse-style dining room at this fun and casual restaurant decorated with wind chimes, art glass, hanging plants, and funky folk art—there's seating outside in the courtyard, too. Located in a quiet neighborhood south of downtown and Youngs Bay, this laid-back seafood spot serves up sublime fish (halibut, cod, prawns, scallops, calamari, or oysters) and chips, plus po'boys, chowders, and burgers. Although they don't sell alcohol, you can bring your own.

Started in 1989 as a bait and tackle shop (which still exists next door), this casual short-order seafood spot has become a staple of Bandon's small but picturesque riverfront boardwalk, renowned for its crab cakes, fish tacos, crab and bay shrimp sandwich, and house-smoked salmon. Open only until 6 pm, it's a reliable bet for lunch or a very early dinner.

The detailed chalkboard menu of always intriguing nightly specials says it all: from the fresh, crab-encrusted halibut to classic duck-and-lamb cassoulet to Bill's Flaming Spanish Coffee, this is a place serious about fresh food and fine flavors. Originally located in the old Mapleton train station, moved in pieces and reassembled in Old Town Florence, the atmospheric tavern has a great view of the Siuslaw River and the Siuslaw River Bridge. In the summer diners can enjoy patio seating right at the water's edge. Reservations are strongly suggested.

In the same complex as the Cannery Pier Hotel, this stylish bi-level space has magnificent views of the river and bridge to Washington. Inside, high ceilings are supported by ancient fir timbers, and an extensive menu focuses on creative seafood and meat grills, including roasted, spice-encrusted duck breast with orange marmalade glaze, and seared wild local salmon with an arugula-strawberry salad and a star anise–balsamic vinaigrette. You'll also find more affordable burgers, pastas, and vegetarian options. 

Freshly caught seafood is the mainstay of this convivial restaurant in a creaky-floored, Victorian-era storefront in Florence's Old Town. Whether you opt for patio dining during summer or lounge seating in winter, the eclectic fare of pastas, burgers, salads, and seafood-packed stews is consistently well prepared, and a live jazz band provides some foot-tapping fun many evenings. For a light snack, try the peel-and-eat shrimp and a cup of chowder in the restaurant's stylish Zebra Bar.

This quirky and casual hole-in-the-wall in Port Orford excels at what it does: good old-fashioned fish-and-chips. With everything from shrimp to cod to clam strips paired with fries, the Crazy Norwegians serve it up with a side of pasta salad or coleslaw. Dine in at wooden tables with the mostly family crowd or take it to go to nearby Battle Rock Park.

The second-story lounge at Edgewaters Restaurant has some of the best west-facing views of the Coquille River and the ocean beyond—you can sometimes see migrating whales. With its tall ceilings, warm fireplace, and many windows, it's a great space to enjoy the array of fresh seafood, steaks, pastas, and creative salads. The main dining downstairs and outdoor patio are also appealing.

Sustainable, line-caught wild seafood—including albacore, cod, halibut, and, when in season, Dungeness crab—straight from the owner's boat is the draw at this festive weathered restaurant with colorful indoor and outdoor seating areas. Fish-and-chips of all stripes, including clam and salmon, are served, but the fish tacos and a sinful dish called slumgullion—clam chowder baked with cheese and bay shrimp—are the most popular choices. You can also buy fresh fish to go. There's a second location 15 miles up U.S. 101 in Seal Rock.

In a rustic 1915 building on the beach, this café, brightened with candlelight and fresh flowers, sits opposite Three Arch Rock, a favorite resting spot for sea lions and puffins. The seafood-intensive menu includes fresh and simple preparations of halibut, scallops, and salmon with lemon-herb butter, oyster burgers, and shrimp melts, and the meal's not complete without one of the homemade desserts.

Serving consistently well-prepared modern seafood fare, Tidal Raves uses local and sustainable fish and shellfish in preparations inspired by places far and near. A few steaks and vegetarian dishes round out the lengthy menu, which also includes such local classics as Dungeness crab cakes, panko-crusted razor clams, and rockfish and shrimp green curry with steamed peanut rice, and the inviting bi-level dining room has tall windows overlooking the ocean.