We came here because we were starving and the staff welcomed us in. For a Sunday afternoon during peak lunch hours, we were seated immediately! A little odd, but nice to be seated so quickly, I guess. The 6 of us got to sit out on the patio, and it was a really beautiful day out. Our server was really nice and got us everything we asked for. I would say that was the best part of our meal though... Between the 6 of us, we ordered some clam chowders, lobster rolls, seafood rolls, a crab Louie salad and the seafood tacos. The rolls were meh. The bread was pretty dry and the filling was lacking in flavor. It also had lettuce and celery in it... Which I don't think is typical for a seafood/lobster roll. The clam chowder had ok flavor, but wasn't well mixed, so there were some grainy lumps in it. All in all, it was a nice experience and we really enjoyed the fresh air and being able to watch the ocean from the patio, but I wouldn't enthusiastically recommend it to everyone. read more

Moby Dick Restaurant - Seafood Roll - American Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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I arrived at about 5:45 and there were few people in the restaurant. I ordered Cioppino and the fish and chips. The fish and chips was quite disappointing, dry, overcooked fish. The fries were crispy and pretty good on fresh coleslaw, also ok.. The Cioppino was alright but not good enough to earn a recommendation. The service was top notch though with the dishes arriving quickly. The waitress that served me was very nice and deserves commendation. The ambiance is very nice. Windows all around with a breathtaking view of SB and the sea. In all, I have to agree with the overall rating of 3 stars. The owners or mangers HAVE to sample the quality of the food they are serving. There are a thousand seafood purveyors and better breaded cod can be found. I would rather pay an extra $5 than pay $25 for subpar food. read more

Santiago was an amazing bartender! Great service the whole day. Made the right call to cut my brothers and I off when we needed it. Super nice guy all around! Also a great ambiance in the restaurant and bar area. Thank you again Santiago! read more

Not bad at all ... food was average.. we had the ceviche, shrimp with veggies and steamed mussels. My mussels were a little salty and I didn't get any bread to off-set the flavor. However, the portion was great. I'm told the shrimp was well seasoned. So it's worth the walk down. We had to ask another server for silverware after our food came, and our drink order was never taken. I think I could chalk that up to an inexperienced server. Happy hour is from 3-7 so come and try it for yourself. Since COVID19 there is limited eating at the dock. read more

Moby Dick Restaurant - Ocean views on the dock - American Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

The food, service and ambiance was great! Debbie was our server, and she greeted us warmly. Everything we ate was great, and we had a relaxing time in front of the water. read more

Moby Dick Restaurant - American Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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First let me say that the staff was incredibly friendly and worked with my shellfish allergy (allowing me to swap the shellfish In the pasta for the "catch of the day") and I truly appreciate that.... But Whew... the price range vs what you're actually served is a gap I cannot ignore. I know seafood is expensive but to me everything was $10-15 overpriced for what you actually received when it came to flavors/quantity. I unfortunately didn't take food pics (too distracted chatting with my friends) BUT I do believe the calamari was $17 and instead of getting the usual shareable basket of ringlets, they bring almost a "squid filet" looking thing. That had 5 pieces (there were 3 of us) and something about how small everything was made me feel a little..unimpressed. (Flavors were good though) Now to the pasta, one of the most expensive things on the list, i will just have to say that I PRAY and HOPE that the reason mine had just about 0 flavor, was because I swapped my shellfish for regular fish. But still goodness gracious, could I not get a little FLAVOR on my plate? Everything (including the fish they served on top) tasted like NOTHING. Without adding my own salt and hot sauce that meal would have been a complete bust. Will I visit again? Likely not. I just wasn't too impressed. The decor, waterfront view and polite staff are what warranted my need to put 3 stars...but if I was judging from my food alone.. def would be less stars. read more

Moby Dick Restaurant - Menu - American Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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The host was so nice, so glad she sat us outside on a beautiful sunny day! The service ended there. I went to the bathroom then my fiance went to the bathroom and we sat there for another 5-10 minutes before anyone came to our table to get our order. Fish tacos were cabbage and tortilla with very little fish, like a small thumbsized peice of fish. THe steak and fries were like a microwaved meal. The mai tai was juice... We stopped ordering fter these rolled out because it was a precursor for what to expect from the restaurant.. although I guess everyone orders the burgers... still would not be a place I would recommend other than great view and location. read more

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The service was incredible if I was rating in service alone I'd give 10 stars Carah was wonder attentive and helpful The food was so so the overcooked halibut was sent back and a new one served up with no complaints showered it was just ok the clam chowder soup was more like goop and lacked clams I will give a thumbs up to the baked garlic parm cheese oysters read more

Santiago was my bartender tonight and he was the best I've had in a long time, super personable and respectful. He made our day trip to the wharf with it. Thank you Santiago read more

Great time Moby's with quick bite Platter plate, salads and wings. Thank you staffs, will come again. Margarita Hisbiscus is a must-try! read more

Moby Dick Restaurant - Margarita hisbisbus - American Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Absolutely wonderful on every level. Sure, being on Stearn's Wharf it's positioned as a tourist spot. But the food is illogically, unfairly delicious. Favorites: Lobster bisque, clam chowder, Oyster Bar ceviche tostadas ... every bite was delightful, the freshest ingredients, perfect shrimp, perfect halibut, perfect mango pieces, perfect corn tostadas ... and the kindest, most attentive service. Can't wait to make another trip from LA to SB to visit Moby Dick read more

Don't bother ordering the "steamers" mussels and clams in broth with garlic bread. $19. There were exactly 7 mussels which were tiny and tough inside and 7 clams. I expected a larger portion of shellfish for that price. The broth was delicious and so was the garlic bread but seriously lacking in shellfish. read more

Moby Dick Restaurant - Steamers - large plate - small portion of shellfish. - American Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I honestly don't understand how this establishment has any negative reviews. I had the pleasure of enjoying fresh oysters, expertly mixed cocktails, wonderful service, and a beautiful Saturday sunset at the restaurant's oyster bar. Our party of seven also had three children who weren't overlooked; indeed, the staff went out of its way to make sure they were happy as well. I haven't explored their menu beyond the drinks, oysters, and apps, but if you're in the mood for any of those things, you won't regret visiting Moby Dick's. Plus, being on the pier, its view can't be beat. read more

Amazing food and staff! The staff were very attentive and super friendly and the sunset on view of the water was amazing!!

Had an excellent dinner here last night! Visiting with my family, before our sunset cruise. Service was great, even after our cruise when I had to use the ladies' room, they allowed me to do so. Our party of five had the calamari, seafood nachos, the whole fish, the 2lb crab, a Cesar salad and fish & chips! Oh!...and the margaritas. All of it was great, and the full party of five agrees. Never empty glasses, attentive service, with knowledgeable staff. This will definitely be on the list when I return. We easily found parking on the pier and dined before our sunset cruise, which boarded steps away. read more

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Great food, parking on the pier is free for the first 90 minutes and $1.50 every hour after so if you don't want to walk too much, parking isn't too bad! Steven was our server and he was fantastic. Always on it, checked in with us and read our minds with to go containers. There was outdoor seating and indoor seating with fantastic views. The atmosphere here was lovely. I would love to come back when I haven't stuffed myself all day for a romantic night out. I absolutely loved their clam chowder and their vegan burger was fantastic. Honestly, I am sad I wasn't able to finish my own food after the clam chowder. No complaints and I loved this place. read more

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Great place right on the pier overlooking the water. Ordered the clam chowder which was delicious and hearty. The seafood tacos were really tasty, served with rice and sauce. The seafood sandwhich was ok but still decent. Seat outside, enjoy your meal with the ocean around you. Hope you see some whales like we did! read more

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Came here because the restaurant we originally wanted to go to was too crowded, however we were very pleasantly surprised!, This is an older restaurant with pretty standard seafood menus but ocean front view is very nice. We order their hamburger and it was average, however the fries are very nice. The seafood stew however was wonderful, it was higher priced but it was enough for two people to share. They did not have bread on their menu but upon inquiry our waiter brought us a plate of nicely toasted sourdough bread which was great! The combination of this spread and the seafood stew was wonderful. I would highly recommend that. So not a great looking or famous spot but not disappointing at all! Our waiter was wonderful, fast, polite, and very accommodating. I love small surprises like this one. read more

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The wait wasn't too long, about 30 minutes. We were sat outside and it was pretty sunny so we asked the manager who was outside as well if we could move an umbrella closer. She said "no I won't take this other tables umbrella". Well...they were already in the shade with 3 umbrellas. We had one umbrella and were in the direct sun, so I found that pretty rude. We asked our server and he nudged it just a bit our way and it was perfect. Like come on lady, it wasn't that hard. Our server was awesome (I think his name was Elan or Alan). He really made up for the continued rude behavior of whoever this manager was (she was an old lady wearing a teal shirt). She always had some snarky comment and hovered over our table. The food was good. The view was beautiful. I just wish that lady would've left us alone to eat in peace. read more

Disappointed. We walked in and were told to wait about ten minutes. No problem. They never asked for our name. Others walked in and were told about 15-20 the manager asked for their name so I kindly said "I never gave you my name and don't want to get skipped over" she replied with "I'm not the hostess" and proceeded to take the other' guests name. She offered us the bar for immediate seating. We took her up on the offer. Sat at the bar at least 5-10 minutes without being acknowledged by anyone. The manager brought it to the bartender's attention and he was extremely rude and disrespectful to her and literally walked away as she was talking. She was apologetic but why would I spend money on a place that's clearly got internal issues. We got up and took our business elsewhere. One star from me and explains the 3 star rating. read more

Very nice! Dog friendly! They bring water for your dog even before you make order! Oysters very fresh and beautiful view!

First time here! Super impressed, food was really delicious. The ambiance was beautiful being able to talk, eat and enjoy a great view was really nice to do. Chefs kiss all the time !! read more

Moby Dick Restaurant - Oysters - American Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Thought the clam chowder was good, view was good, staffs were courteous until . . . . MOLD SPOTTED ON MY SOURDOUGH one server didn't say much except would you like anything else? Then when I couldn't flag down to server to pay and hurry out the other server who I paid my bill with did apologize for it. Fingers crossed that I don't blow up my toilet tonight. read more

Moby Dick Restaurant - Mold on sourdough - American Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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We were in Santa Barbara for a wedding but I broke my foot a week ago. We drove out on the Stearns Wharf pierso I wouldn't have to walk far. We stopped in for a quick drink. We had great service by our waitress, Lee. Drinks are good and moderately priced. The view is beautiful! We didn't have any food so no recommendations there. read more

Moby Dick Restaurant - Cocktails - American Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I will come back to Moby Dick again when visit Santa Barbara next time. Place is clean, even the bathroom is clean! Fish was grilled perfectly. My chowder was really delicious. My server was very friendly and helpful. Thank you. read more

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Today I came into Mobys oyster bar for drinks and some apps, and the bartender Jorden exceeded my expectations. Not only were the drinks and food amazing but after telling the bartender Jorden about my drink preferences he's made me a custom cocktail without even looking at a recipe book....that's how you know he is an AMAZING and thoughtful bartender. Overall, service was top tier with an unforgettable sunset. This is my new spot I will be visiting much more often read more

The food and service was OK nothing to be wow about but it is a nice view if you get the seats next to the window. The lobster roll was a joke. Don't get that lobster roll. I wouldn't mind visiting the restaurant again if I'm around just to have some cocktails and appetizer. read more

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Came to SB for an anniversary and decided to check out this spot on the wharf. Super quick seating and friendly staff. We had the baked oysters, fish and chips, clam chowder and ceviche. All were super good! Definitely give this spot a shot. Amazing views as well! read more

Absolutely AMAZING!! Price wasn't bad as other customers were saying at all because the food was delicious!! Best filet I've ever had with a seafood pasta that was to die for! Plus I had grilled asparagus with a Romesco Sauce! "so much more than pesto" really outstanding! Dessert we had bread pudding & that was perfect! Our server was amazing too! Definitely will be back SOON! I'm a chef from the Central Valley & I 100% approve & appreciate this food & service! Thank you read more

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Gorgeous day on Stearns Wharf and lunch at Moby Dick was the perfect way to take it all in. We ordered the fried seafood meal for two which had a great sampling of haddock, shrimp, calamari, clams (disappointed that they were strips and not whole) onion rings and french fries. Service was excellent. I hope to come back another time to try some of their cocktails. read more

Moby Dick Restaurant - American Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I do not recommend eating at MOBY DICK's! It's Dirty and Overpriced! Where's Gordon Ramsey when you need him? Let's say that Ramsey would take one look around the MOBY DICK'S turn & walk out. His eyes would lock on the dust piles covering the steel anchor & the cobwebs in the stained glass hanging above the table where we sat to have our meal, much less he would have choked when the bill came for our lunch order of (1) fish & chips (1) crab cakes & a regular bowl of clam chowder NOT the fancy Bread Bread Bowl (2) iced teas = $104.00 never again will we go back! I recommend a Gordon Ramsey makeover! On our way out, I brought the cobwebs and dust to Debbie, the manager's attention. She replied with a scoff, "Well, there's bird poop on the outside also." I said that I didn't mind what the birds did on the outside but I did mind what I sat with on the inside! I do not recommend this restaurant! read more

Went to the end of the dock and got service from a young lady named Marlen, she was amazing! Definitely made up for the last experience. If you ever go here ask for Marlen as your server! read more

Food is gross and also the people working are super bratty. Honestly a tourist trap. Nice view tho

Good to find a Breakfast place if you are on Stearns Wharf in the morning hours and hungry, outside tables socially distant. Little pricy Bloody Mary $16 but you get shrimp and bacon .. Very good restaurant coffee, very rare usually. Basic breakfast fare. Would like to get 2 slices of toast with bacon and eggs, one won't do it. Added 1 star for great coffee! read more

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Really friendly, attentive and hard working staff, but terrible food. Honestly, Red Lobster offers better quality and taste - you're really paying for the location/view and to not have to wait in line for Santa Barbara Shellfish. read more

Moby Dick Restaurant - Steamed Seafood Platter - seafood tasted old which caused the broth to taste weird - American Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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:( For the location I'm surprised how plain and bland the food was. Can't go wrong with drinks right? But this place can. Bf and I were pre gaming before we hit downtown and wanted a drink and a snack Went for the garlic cheesy bread - it was 0/10. Some frozen Texas toast would have been better. Two cock tails and it tasted like dirty water. We took a few sips and left it at that. I guess it's the view that attracts this place. Service was good though, outdoor waiter was so kind and at tentative. read more

Ok, to be fair, we didn't eat here, but here me out. We went in for breakfast and it was in the middle of this crazy winter storm (you know the one that flooded CA? Yes, that one.) We thought watching ocean get all worked up would be an excellent way to enjoy the weather. Our server seated us at a table with a lovely, dramatic view and we put in an order for coffee and tea. Then, that's when we realized it was 11:30 and they stop serving breakfast at 11am. We just couldn't head straight to lunch. Our stomachs were craving breakfast. To the restaurant's credit, they kindly canceled our drink order which I know they had already started and took it in great spirits when we headed out. I appreciate that sort of understanding. read more

1st time visiting Reservation made via open table Window view overlooking the beach Indoor outdoor seating available Charm to get to via old wooden rickety pier Order seafood roll - seafood chill but well seasoned came with french fries freshly fried and add clam chowder that was flavorful not to rich that was soothing Angus hamburger cooked perfectly to specifics Very juicy fresh french fries toasted bun Moby dick rum - drink will creep up and Moby Dick ale complimented the meal Only con service was a bit lacking but otherwise great food, portion, and views. read more

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Service was good, but we took a 7 pm reservation on a Friday night, it was the last seating! Say what?? Ok the food was blah!!! Caesar salad had too much dressing, lobster bisque not good, wine list sucked and then they were out of the best shot at a good glass of wine. Crab cakes get a 1.5 stars out of 5, I could eat them but far from the best. Nothing tasted fresh! Completely disappointed! Ambiance is too rustic and not as nice! read more

Moby Dick Restaurant - Lobster bisque and chicken wings (probably from a box)! - American Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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All of the staff was wonderful and quick with all of the food. The food and drinks were delicious. Highly recommend!!