Seafood in Oxnard
Discover Oxnard’s top spots for fresh seafood, from harborfront restaurants to local favorites.
Fresh From Sea to Table
Set the Hook for Freshness
Oxnard’s location along the coast of Southern California makes accessing the freshest seafood on the coast a breeze. The region gives the best catches due to a rare mix of cold and warm ocean currents and nutrient-dense waters upwelling to the surface. This attracts a variety of fish species and makes Oxnard the perfect place to experience cod, halibut, white sea bass, calico bass, barracuda, rockfish and sheepshead. Stop by for a casual meal or impressive upscale dining on the waterfront and experience the harbor-to-plate freshness you have to taste to believe!
Fresh Coastal Flavors Served Steps From The Marina
Fisherman's Catch
Fisherman’s Catch at Channel Islands Harbor combines a full seafood restaurant with a working fish market, where visitors can purchase fresh fish and shellfish to take home or enjoy prepared dishes on site. Inside, a three-tiered live tank showcases lobster and crab, reinforcing the restaurant’s focus on freshness — reflected in its motto, “If we won’t eat it, we don’t sell it.” Guests can order from the quick-service counter, dine inside or enjoy harbor views from the patio while sampling favorites like New England clam chowder, fish tacos or the popular mahi mahi burrito. The recently renovated space also includes a full bar and TVs for major sporting events, creating a lively harbor front atmosphere.
Sea Fresh Restaurant
Since 1985, Sea Fresh has been serving up fresh fish. Originally opened in Ojai as a fish market, the company was brought onto the Marine Emporium landing and has been a staple in the Oxnard Seafood scene since 2000. Sea Fresh is a local favorite because they're family owned. The market, raw bar and grill has a counter-order portion for you to take it to go or enjoy in the restaurant. Their daily breakfasts include eggs benedict with your pick of blackened ahi, halibut, crab cake and shrimp. Dine indoors or out on the patio and if you're choosing the latter, feel to bring your furry best friends because they're pet friendly.
Local Fish Markets & No-Frills Favorites
Oxnard is home to several seafood markets and casual eateries where freshness comes first. These locally rooted spots range from family-run institutions to lively specialty kitchens, offering everything from live seafood selections and traditional chowder to Cajun boils and Japanese-influenced comfort dishes.
Ragin’ Crawfish
At Ragin’ Crawfish, chow down on seafood with an authentic southern twist. The Louisiana-style joint has all the Cajun favorites. Filets, crawfish or mussels seafood boil, and of course, po’boy sandwiches are made fresh to order and served with Ragin Special Sauce.
Hook, Line & Sinker
Visit Hook, Line & Sinker in Downtown Oxnard for their casual vibe or fresh fish market. Either way, you're leaving satisfied. The lobster bisque and ceviche are fan favorites, and the fresh fish always has a wide variety for you to choose from.
Otani’s Seafood
Otani’s Seafood is a family-owned business that’s been a part of the Oxnard community for five generations. Since 1908 the casual spot restaurant and market have served fusion Japanese American-style dishes in a quick and friendly, no-fuss setting. The family keeps it true to its roots, even following great grandpa Izzy Otani’s recipes for favorites such as clam chowder, teriyaki bowls, and chow mein at their 608 A street location; which is where the business has lived since they opened over a hundred years ago.
H.C. Seafood & Co.
H.C. Seafood & Co.’s rustic setting is ideal if you're looping for that local vibe. Enjoy your meal waterside at a New England-type village in Oxnard called Fisherman’s Wharf. As a true seafood market, you can order from the live menu and choose from the day's fresh live options. Other local favorites are the clam chowder and seafood platter.
Kanaloa Seafood
Since 1983, Kanaloa Seafood has offered responsibly sourced food to the Oxnard area. The name is a take on the Hawaiian word “Kina’ole” which means "doing the right thing, in the right way, at the right time, in the right place, to the right person, for the right reason, with the right feeling every time”. This is why they have the largest selection of responsibly sourced seafood. The cooked menus for Kanaloa features tuna melts, salmon burgers and clam chowder.
Baja Coastal Flavor Traditions
Oxnard’s culture is rooted strongly in Mexican culture. So, naturally the city is brimming with the generous portions and mouth watering flavors to match. From the beachside to the city street you can find ceviche, mariscos and seafood tostadas. From aguachiles bursting with citrus and heat to generous coastal plates, Oxnard offers plenty more to explore.
Julian Aguachilies
A popular family-owned spot in Downtown Oxnard known for bold mariscos flavors. Favorites include spicy shrimp plates, bright citrusy ceviche and shrimp tacos served on handmade tortillas.
Cabo Seafood Grill & Cantina
This lively Oxnard Boulevard restaurant pairs fresh seafood with Mexican classics in a colorful setting. Guests enjoy handmade tortillas, table-side guacamole and occasional live mariachi music.
El 30 Mariscos Mexican Seafood Restaurant
A casual, family-friendly restaurant serving authentic mariscos favorites. Popular dishes include shrimp and fish ceviche, shrimp empanadas and other fresh coastal plates.
La Vero’s Mexican Seafood & Bar
Known for its energetic atmosphere and expansive menu of coastal specialties. Guests can enjoy aguachiles, oysters, octopus and seafood platters alongside drinks and patio dining.
Bahia Del Mar
A family-owned restaurant serving Oxnard for more than 30 years. The welcoming spot offers classic Mexican seafood dishes like shrimp, oysters and lobster throughout the day.
Elevated Seafood Experiences
Oxnard offers upscale restaurants where ocean flavors are presented with polished technique and elegant surroundings. These destinations combine high-quality ingredients, thoughtful preparation and curated beverage programs, making them well suited for special occasions, date nights or travelers seeking a more elevated dining experience by the coast.
Ox & Ocean
Dining at Ox & Ocean is an evolutionary dining experience. Land, sea and libations converge on the Mandalay beach-front destination at Zachari Dunes inspired by Oxnard's plains and beautiful ocean. Serving poolside breakfast and an elevated dinner experience and exquisite, unique cocktails.
Waterside Restaurant and Wine Bar
Waterside Restaurant and Wine Bar offers live music and friendly service. Happy hour is on Tuesdays from 11am - 9 pm and is vegetarian friendly. With seafood artfully married into dishes unexpectedly like the Waterside famous Crabby Cake Benedict to classics like fish and chips, the waterside restaurant offers seafood classics and other options for groups with multiple pallets. There is a kids menu for kids and bottomless mimosas for kidless- adventures.
Moqueca Brazilian Cuisine
Moqueca Brazilian Cuisine is one of the top 25 Brazilian restaurants in America. The traditional Moqueca-cooked dishes are cooked in a clay pot in tomato, onion, cilantro, garlic sauce with Brazilian a special seasoning “urucum”. The pots are imported from the owner's home town in Espirito Santo and prepared. The food and environment are welcoming steps away from jet skiing at the Channel Islands Harbor. While you're there, try sizzling grilled skewers, seafood linguini and Brazilian Flan for the unforgettable taste of Brazil.
Larsen’s Grill & Steakhouse
Larsen’s Grill & Steakhouse’s upscale atmosphere features seafood, fish and steaks. Located at the Collection at RiverPark, the steakhouse has a boutique wine and martini lists and specialty cocktails. Have seared ahi tuna, macadamia crusted sea bass or chardonnay soaked salmon in a warm, elegant ambience for date night and special occasions.
Oxnard’s Coastal Food Culture
Protecting the Ocean While Feeding the Community
Oxnard’s coastal location, agricultural production, and cultural heritage are what makes up the amazing cuisine. The city’s closeness to The Channel Islands Marine Sanctuary and the cold Pacific currents support a healthy marine life ecosystem. In this area various marine fish live and migrate seasonally. From this ecosystem on the 1,100-mile California coastline, the fisheries and fishing communities find their daily catch.
Kanaloa is the first certified sustainable seafood company in the US. For over 40 years they have operated on the principle of “doing the right thing in the right way, at the right time, in the right place, to the right person…” and work to leave a minimal environmental footprint in the oceans.
Want to experience fishing on the California coast? Sportfishing is available and makes for a great experience while near the Channel Islands National Park.
Stay Close to the Waterfront
Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach
Stay close to the freshest catch when you're in Oxnard. Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach is the premiere beachfront resort. It’s a secluded oasis with spacious suites and breathtaking views. The resort resides on gorgeous sand dunes and grassy hills seated between Santa Barbara and Malibu. There's an inventive onsite restaurant, Ox and Ocean, luxury cabanas, a luxury pool to enjoy in addition to the suite-style rooms. Find blissful relaxation in preparation for your Oxnard adventure and convenience to wherever the day may take you.
Hampton Inn Channel Islands Harbor
Stay at Hampton Inn Channel Islands Harbor for spacious rooms that overlook the marina. With such easy access to the beach you and the family can easily start your day kayaking as soon as the sun pops up over the horizon. When you’re this close to the fun, it doesn't have to stop. Hampton Inn Channel Islands Harbor sets the hook for you to have the catch of the day and a marina view or see the sunset hand in hand on an evening stroll on a moment’s notice.
Best Western Oxnard Inn
Best Western in Downtown Oxnard is conveniently located off of US 101 for easy travel around the city. Venturing out into Downtown Oxnard, a walkers paradise, you are seconds away from some of Oxnard’s local seafood pillars. Cabo Seafood Grill & Cantina and Otani’s Seafood are moments away, make your choice and see Heritage Square on the way.
Find More Places to Stay
From coastal stays to convenient city locations, Oxnard offers a range of accommodations to match your visit. Browse more options and find the right place to call home during your stay.
Explore More Dining in Oxnard
Discover more restaurants across Oxnard, from harborfront seafood spots to international flavors and casual neighborhood favorites.
