Seafood Lover's Paradise: Exploring the Oregon Coast Food Trail

If you love seafood, the Oregon Coast food trail is your paradise. Stretching along the rugged coastline, this trail offers some of the freshest and most delicious Oregon seafood. The Oregon Coast has become a hotspot for seafood lovers, from fresh-off-the-boat catches to mouthwatering dishes from talented chefs. 

The trail showcases everything from casual fish and chips stops to fine dining experiences featuring creative, seafood-focused dishes.

This coastal adventure is not simply about the food itself; it's about experiencing the local flavors and culture that come with every bite. Whether you're a local or visiting, the Oregon Coast food trail promises to give you a taste of the Pacific Northwest like never before. 

Let's look at some of the best seafood restaurants, local hotspots, and must-visit stops along this delicious coastal trail.

Discovering the Oregon Coast's seafood bounty

The Oregon Coast is rich with seafood straight from the Pacific, known for its freshness, quality, and sustainability. Coastal fishing communities bring daily catches like Dungeness crab, salmon, halibut, and oysters. 

Local seafood restaurants serve dishes that range from traditional crab boils to innovative, chef-driven creations. Thanks to the ocean's proximity, the fish you eat was likely caught that same day, ensuring unbeatable freshness and flavor.

Seafood restaurants you must try along the coast

No Oregon Coast food trail experience would be complete without stopping at some of the region's top seafood restaurants. These spots are famous for highlighting local ingredients and putting Oregon seafood at the forefront of their menus.

Local ocean seafood in Newport

Located on the waterfront, Local Ocean Seafoods is a must-visit for any seafood lover. Known for sourcing directly from local fishermen, their menu focuses on sustainably caught Oregon seafood. Dishes like their famous crab po' boy or roasted oysters bring the flavors of the coast straight to your plate. 

This seafood restaurant excels in offering fresh, simple dishes that let the seafood speak for itself.

The Schooner in Netarts Bay

If you're exploring the northern part of the Oregon Coast food trail, The Schooner in Netarts Bay is a seafood gem. The restaurant is known for its farm-to-table ethos, featuring locally harvested oysters, Dungeness crab, and fresh clams. 

Sit back and enjoy a plate of oysters while overlooking the bay, and you'll understand why this stop is a local favorite.

The Pacific Oyster in Bay City

For a casual stop with unbeatable seafood, head to The Pacific Oyster. Located near Tillamook, this spot has been a staple of Oregon seafood for years. Their no-frills approach makes them the perfect place to grab fresh oysters or clam chowder. Don't leave without trying their famous fried oysters, a crunchy and flavorful delight showcasing the Oregon Coast's best.

Unique seafood experiences along the Oregon Coast food trail

The Oregon Coast food trail isn't limited to traditional seafood restaurants. Many stops along the way offer hands-on experiences that give you a genuine connection to Oregon seafood. You'll discover everything from fish markets where you can buy the catch of the day to charter fishing experiences where you reel in your own dinner.

Oregon oyster farms

In Yaquina Bay, Oregon Oyster Farms offers a behind-the-scenes look at oyster farming on the coast. This unique experience allows visitors to learn about the process of growing and harvesting oysters. After your tour, head to their retail shop to sample fresh oysters on the half-shell or grab a bag to enjoy at home.

Garibaldi charters

If you're feeling adventurous, why not catch your own Oregon seafood? Garibaldi Charters offers fishing trips for salmon, halibut, and rockfish. 

Something is rewarding about catching your own dinner, especially when you know it's straight from the cold, clean waters of the Pacific. After your trip, head to a nearby seafood restaurant and let them prepare your catch.

Seasonal specialties you won't want to miss

Oregon seafood is abundant year-round, but each season brings its own specialties. If you time your visit right, you'll enjoy the freshest catches during peak seasons.

Dungeness crab

Winter and early spring are the best times to enjoy Oregon's famous Dungeness crab. You'll find this sweet, succulent crab on menus up and down the coast, often served in classic crab boils or as the star of a seafood platter. 

Many seafood restaurants along the trail offer whole crabs served simply with drawn butter, allowing you to savor the pure flavor of this Oregon seafood delicacy.

Salmon

Summer means salmon season on the Oregon Coast. Local fishermen bring in fresh Chinook and Coho salmon during this time, and it's celebrated by seafood restaurants all along the coast. Whether grilled, smoked, or baked, Oregon salmon is a treat not to be missed during your visit.

Razor clams

If you're exploring the Oregon Coast in the spring or summer, look for fresh razor clams. Digging for these clams is a popular pastime, and many locals head to the beaches during low tide to collect their share. If you're not up for clamming yourself, you'll still find plenty of seafood restaurants offering these tender clams in various dishes.

Sustainable seafood: A focus on the future

Oregon seafood stands out for its focus on sustainability. The Oregon Coast food trail highlights local businesses and fishermen dedicated to protecting the environment and the future of the fishing industry. 

Many seafood restaurants, like Local Ocean Seafoods and The Schooner, prioritize sourcing from sustainable fisheries, ensuring that every meal supports ocean conservation. Choosing Oregon seafood means indulging in responsibly harvested dishes that protect marine ecosystems for future generations.

Beyond seafood: Exploring other culinary highlights

While the Oregon Coast food trail is undoubtedly a seafood lover's paradise, the area offers plenty of other culinary delights to explore. Many stops along the trail showcase local produce, craft beer, and artisanal goods that highlight the diversity of flavors in the region.

Craft beer and wine

Pairing seafood with Oregon's booming craft beer scene is a match made in heaven. Many seafood restaurants feature local brews, often offering a perfect pairing for your meal. Whether you prefer a light, crisp lager with your oysters or a hoppy IPA with your salmon, Oregon's breweries have you covered.

Wine lovers are included, too. The Oregon Coast offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy wines from nearby Willamette Valley vineyards. Seafood and wine pairings are a popular choice at upscale restaurants along the trail, making your dining experience even more refined.

Local farms and markets

While seafood may be the star, the Oregon Coast food trail highlights the region's vibrant agricultural community. Many seafood restaurants source their produce from local farms, ensuring every dish has fresh, seasonal ingredients. Farmers' markets along the coast are also worth a stop, offering everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to handmade products from local artisans.

Plan your visit to the Oregon Coast food trail

Whether you're looking to feast on Oregon seafood or explore unique food experiences, the Oregon Coast food trail is an adventure worth taking. With its focus on fresh, sustainable seafood and local ingredients, this trail offers something for everyone. From casual seafood restaurants to upscale dining experiences, you'll find an abundance of Oregon seafood along the coast.

Get ready to savor the best seafood Oregon has to offer and create memories with every bite. The Oregon Coast food trail is a seafood lover's paradise that invites you to taste the freshness, explore the local flavors, and connect with Oregon.

Discover the unique flavors of Myril Eatery and Wine Bar 

Experience the vibrant flavors of Myril Eatery and Wine Bar Catering, where Chef Jen's great-grandmother Myril's bold spirit inspires each dish. Our marina-side catering blends Art Deco elegance with local ingredients, offering perfectly balanced small plates, hearty mains, and charcuterie boards bursting with regional delights.

Paired with our exceptional wine selection — featuring Oregon favorites and rare Old World finds — every meal becomes unforgettable. For non-wine drinkers, we craft signature cocktails, refreshing non-alcoholic options, and local brews.

Let Myril Eatery & Wine Bar elevate your next event with unforgettable food and drink pairings.