The 12 Best Seal Beach Restaurants


With the staggering amount of Seal Beach restaurants that pop up when you search for something to eat in the area, it can feel like an overwhelming task to find the right restaurant to satisfy your cravings.

But have no fear, we are going to make your life a little bit easier. Our local guide has handpicked the 12 best restaurants that Seal Beach has to offer.

Here’s a list of the best Seal Beach restaurants:

The Boathouse on the Bay

boathouse on the bay

One of the best restaurants in Seal Beach, the Boathouse on the Bay can be found right next to the legendary Ballast Point Brewing Company.

It’s a steakhouse and seafood restaurant that also serves sushi, sashimi, and oysters. Generous portions are paired with a beautiful view over the bay that can’t be beat.

It definitely has a better reception than its busy craft brewing neighbor, with table service and excellent waiters to go with it.

The heightened prices keep things classy, while live music adds a lively vibe. Fear not, there are also vegetarian options available. 

190 N Marina Dr Long Beach, CA 90803

ILIOS Mediterranean Cuisine

ILIOS Mediterranean Cuisine

Arguably the best Greek restaurant in Seal Beach, Ilios comes from successful Palm Springs restaurateurs.

Sit inside or out and dive into their juicy chicken, authentic hummus, and tangy yogurt sauces.

The platters come highly recommended, as you can have a little taste of everything. And don’t worry, there’ll be plenty to go ‘round. Not to mention their have unlimited pita bread.

Their menu pairs well with an extensive beer and wine list. Finish off with the highly recommended cheesecake.

131-1/2 Main St, Seal Beach, CA 90740

Spaghettini Italian Grill and Lounge

Further inland towards Los Alamitos is the best-rated restaurant in Seal Beach and for good reason. Their Sunday brunch is known by locals and patrons as one fo the best in Orange County.

Sunday brunch is 4-courses and comes with a plethora of wonderful options including pastas, seafoods, pizzas, salads, appetizers, pastries and of course a generous selection of champagnes and wines.

Their pizza, pasta, and fish dishes are to die for. Don’t forget to order dessert as well as a coffee to pair with their vanilla cake.

If you’re looking for dinner and a show, they have a special show room in which you can book a table in advance for live music entertainment.

If you’re looking to save a bit, they have Happy Hour deals throughout the week on both food and cocktails.

3005 Old Ranch Pkwy, Seal Beach, CA 90740

Crema Cafe

Crema Cafe - Seal Beach

Crema is a homey and family-friendly restaurant that really feels like part of the community and it boasts some of the best breakfast and brunch in Seal Beach.

They have delightfully delicious options for breakfast including french toast, omelettes and crepes and if you’re in the mood for lighter fare, they have plenty of wonder pastries to chose from. Don’t leave here without getting one of their croissants. They are absurdly deliciou8s.

It tends to be a busy spot, especially on the weekends, but the wait is definitely worth it.

322 Main St Seal Beach, CA 90740

Catrina Cafe

Catrina Cafe is a light, bright and airy spot that offers delicious Mexican inspired fare for breakfast and lunch.

It’s a must try for generous portions of morning meals, sandwiches, and more. Indulge in your sweet tooth with churro style waffles with lechera whipped cream or snack on something savory.

If you are in the mood for something more significant, you can’t go wrong with one of their loaded breakfast burritos and if you are feeling decadent, get their

The staff is friendly and the prices are reasonable, making Catrina Cafe one of our favorite Seal Beach restaurants.

330 Main St Ste F Seal Beach, CA 90740

Avila’s El Ranchito

Avila’s El Ranchito Mexican Restaurant

Avila’s is one of the best Mexican restaurants in Seal Beach. Open for lunch and dinner, this family-owned restaurant has been serving Seal Beach since 1966.

Pair chingolingas, enchiladas, flautas, or tacos with margaritas inside or out. Even the tortilla soup comes fully loaded, topped with enough chicken it can count as a full meal.

A local favorite, they’ve been praised on their beer list and portion sizes. Avila’s is the best of old school Mexican food in Seal Beach.

209 Main St, Seal Beach, CA 90740

Old Town Cafe

Old Town Cafe - Seal Beach

The Old Town Cafe is a little hole-in-the-wall restaurant that is serving some of the best breakfast and brunch in Seal Beach.

They have tons of options for breakfast and there is no wrong order here. Whether you are in the mood for chilaquiles or eggs Benedict or omelettes, you can rest assured that whatever you order, it will be simply delicious and will satisfy whatever craving you had.

There is usually a line on the weekends during prime breakfast hours, so be prepared to wait, but also know that this place is worth the wait!

137 Main St Seal Beach, CA 90740

Jane’s Corndogs

Jane’s Corndogs - Seal Beach

Located just a couple minutes from the sand, Jane’s Corndogs is the perfect place to grab a quick bite to eat before heading off to the beach.

Walk up and order at the window for the best corndogs in town. They make your classic, fresh hand-dipped turkey corndog, but also offer a cheese stick (a corndog with cheese inside!) and chili cheese fries.

Quench your thirst with fresh squeezed lemonade and finish off with 1 or 3 sugary churros. They’re open late to suit your fast food cravings.

907 Ocean Ave Seal Beach, CA 90740

Rocharin Thai Bistro

Rocharin Thai Bistro

Rocharin is the best Thai restaurant in Seal Beach and a restaurant that I find myself coming to at least once a week.

While you can’t go wrong with anything on their menu, their papaya salad, pad Thai, boat noodle soup, bbq pork noodles and their curries keep patrons like me coming back for more.

600 Pacific Coast Hwy, Seal Beach, CA 90740

Yucatan Grill

Arguably the best Mexican restaurant in Seal Beach, Yucatan Grill is a place with a permanent wait, but it’s well worth it (and not too long!).

They offer an extensive menu that can sometimes make decisions difficult to narrow down.

They’ve manage to keep their prices low so that there’s no pressure – order the albondigas soup and an enchilada! Plus, they have a full bar that offers over 100 different tequilas.

Like we said, extensive. Pop in for their Taco Tuesday special and choose between 10 different mouthwatering corn tortillas filled with their best flavors.

550 Pacific Coast Hwy Ste 111 Seal Beach, CA 90740

Finbars Italian Kitchen

Finbars Italian

For a casual Italian dining experience, visit Finbars. They claimed Business of the Year 2020-2021 and have often been voted best Italian restaurant in Seal Beach.

Their menu boasts recipes that have been passed down for three generations, all of which can now be tailored to vegan/vegetarian palates.

They also have gluten-free options. The chicken piccata, lasagna, and chicken parmigiana are some hearty classics you can expect.

There are weekday happy hours and they offer lunch specials. You can dine in or order take out, just don’t forget the cannolis!

1041 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Seal Beach, CA 90740

Nick’s Deli

Nicks Deli - Breakfast Burrito Orange County

Nick’s Deli serves up one of the best breakfast burritos in Seal Beach and in all of Orange County.

Open from 7 in the morning, they offer chunky breakfast burritos that they serve all day (so you don’t have actually wake up early) as well as about 20 other flavors.

All the food is served piping hot and extra big. Try the chorizo breakfast burritos or the albacore melt.

Have we mentioned the breakfast burrito? People can’t get enough of it! Note that there are no vegan options.

223 Main St Seal Beach, CA 90740

 

Best restaurants in Seal Beach:

Mariska Lee

Mariska is a recovering attorney who gave up her professional job to discover new perspectives of life while traveling in a 2009 Ford Transit. She has been living the van life for 3 years and has not looked back since.

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