Literally the best NY steak I've had in my life! Grew up with amazing food in Orange County. I know this is more of a seafood restaurant, but everything I have ever eaten here is amazing! read more

The wife and I stopped by for a light dinner and shared the seafood platter. Lucky me, the wife likes her oysters cooked. I got to enjoy the platter dozen and she enjoyed the grilled half dozen. All together a great meal. Lacking ambience it gets a four. Service was great. read more

I expected a seafood restaurant in a seaside community to be much better than this. To start with the positive, the Margarita cocktail was excellent but unfortunately it was all downhill from there. We started with a king crab leg appetizer. It was $24 so I was expecting a generous portion. Instead it consisted of 2 crab legs and another smallish piece of crab. For some reason the consistency of the crab was mushy and it was extremely salty - like it had been soaked in salt. I've had fresh crab hundreds of times in my life and it was never like this. A complete rip off for $24. It was so bad that I wanted to refuse to pay for it but I was with a couple of other people and didn't want to embarrass them. We ordered the following 3 entrees - 1) fish and chips were tasty and the fries were good but the fish was extremely greasy with way too much batter, 2) lobster roll wasn't very tasty and the lobster portion was small, 3) Herb Crusted Petrale Sole which was okay, but not worth the $24 I paid for it, although the celery mash and mushrooms were quite good. For dessert we had creme brulee and the homemade ice cream both of which were very disappointing. We didn't even finish them. So bottom line is that this place was not that good and is way over priced. read more

Maybe more like 31/2 stars. Appetizers were fantastic. The charred octopus and grilled oysters with scallion sauce were delicious. The entrees were not so great. Went with something simple, fish and chips and polenta and prawns. The batter on the fish was thick and bread-like. Not crispy at all. Ended up taking the coating off and eating the fish only. The polenta was tasteless/flavorless. The prawns were small and looked anemic. If I were to go back and give them another try, I may stick to the appetizer portion of their menu and opt out of getting an entree read more

We dined here 2 nights after visiting their sister restaurant, Campground. Salt was a better experience and so I would go back there before paying premium prices at Campground. Service was excellent! Antonia was friendly and although busy, she checked in often. Raw oysters were fresh and delicious (although the smallest we have ever had), and the grilled were too (with a LOT of chimichurri sauce). Ahi poki was delicious too. Well balanced, flavorful, nothing overpowered the tuna which was in large dice. My seafood paella was super hot and flavorful with every piece of seafood cooked perfectly. Wish there was a bit more calamari, and the addition of scallops would have made it better. My partner's salmon dish was well cooked and grilled asparagus and celery root puree was all delicious, but it wasn't hot enough. I think it was waiting at the pass for mine to be cooked. Cocktails were good. Wish there was a more varied wine list, and more options on the food menu for seafood mains. Overall, good experience. read more

My boyfriend and I went for a date night thinking we'd try this place out. The clam chowder had been recommended by a local newspaper (The Journal), and we felt like it was worth a shot. First of all it was very very busy at 7:30pm on a Saturday so we were stoked we had made reservations. Their staging area is in a hallway and there were 2 separate groups of at least 4 people just waiting out there, leaning against the wall. Put some chairs out there, for crying out loud! Next, it was very loud! The din of the patrons talking made it nearly impossible for my date and I to hear each other on the first try. They might consider some soft surfaces around the room? Also, tbh, the decor was very casual which would be fine but the prices were that of a very upscale restaurant. No matter, I felt they were going for a breezy, seaside feeling. The waiter was nice, but waaaay too familiar and leaned over so much it made both me and my bf uncomfortable. He also forgot our drink order the first time. Apps: Took 45 minutes to get to the table after ordering! The clam chowder was a joke, more of a clam and cream broth/sauce with a couple of un-shucked clams, some potatoes and a few bits of bacon. Very disappointing, as my bf had just said before we went that he'd never had a clam chowder he didn't like. SALT wins! I got an appetizer of oysters. On the menu it said "Raw or Grilled Oysters $3". I'm thinking "2 oysters for $3, ok a little mores expensive than other local places but I'll bite". WRONG! It was $3 PER OYSTER! In this town that is just ridiculous! We have an entire oyster festival up here where oysters are $1 each, and that's a common price up here. So I get 2 raw, 2 grilled because one of each is just sad. The raw oysters' meat were about the size of a penny! I am accustomed to much larger oysters which, gratefully, the grilled were. That being said they were just OK and full of grit and broken shells. Nothing to write home about and definitely nothing to compel me to order more. Entrees: I got the paella, bf got the grass fed burger. First of all, my bf's burger came well before he was even finished with his clam chowder! He had only had the chowder for 5 minutes before they shoved his burger tray onto our tiny table. Not good if this place is trying to be fancy!! Paella was well seasoned but lacked the main ingredient that makes paella not just spicy rice with seafood, which is saffron. If they did use it, it wasn't enough. Also they used risotto rice (arborio), not the traditional long grain. For $25 it was a major rip off. Burger was good, overcooked but the tomato jelly's sweetness wasn't complimented by anything so it was just an odd flavor. Goat cheese would've been a good choice or something else salty. Loved the fries, but still not worth $16. There are better burgers for under $10 at the local truck stop, Toni's #1. All in all, the food was SUPER BORING! We ended up paying $80, and felt totally ripped off. I feel this restaurant panders to the local pot growers who make a ton of money and spend it in places like this because they can. Definitely not the kind and quality of food thats worth $80. read more

It was so good, we went twice in our 4 nights in the area. Don't miss the Octopus appetizer. We also loved the crab dip, scallop entree and seasonal vegetables. read more

Husband and I had another opportunity to eat out! Salt this time. The curry mussels--wow. So yummy! We had 4 each the raw oysters (delicious kumos) and the cooked oysters were larger and had a great flavor (I don't like the big ones in my mouth so I only had one). I had the amazing burger. My fries were super crispy and the burger had great flavor. I liked the little pickled cucumbers on the burger. He had the lobster roll. It was more like lobster salad than a true lobster roll but he said it was still delicious. We'd suggest they do something more special for the fries rather than catsup. The service was good--our server kept checking from afar to see how we were progressing without being intrusive. Only negatives is it IS loud in there but the busser said they are planning on some acoustic tiles to help. Pictures on the wall would make a difference for the sound issue but the decor is very lovely. Also, it took an awful long time for our second beverage and by the time they came we were done eating. The place was packed at 5:30 on a Friday. We will certainly go back again! EDIT 8/31/2017: We still really like Salt. They did try to buffer the sound issue. If they are busy, still noisy so we just go early and usually sit at the bar. Specials are always good as are the cocktails. read more

We had an amazing experience here while in town for a Celebration of life for my husbands aunt. We were exhausted yet wanted a nice place to get a great bite. I had the Crab BLT on a brioche bun with their shoestring fries. It's was amazing! Their calamari app is one of the best I've ever had and my husband lucky for me didn't want his onion off his steak, I slapped it onto my sandwich and lord have mercy was it taken up a notch. Our waitress Amanda was great, she knew everything perfectly and was able to answer each and every question. And when I make a highly inappropriate joke she let it roll off, no issue. Thank you guys again. read more

Phenomenal food, you most definitely get what you pay for, would absolutely go back again, my new favorite place to go when in town. I had the salmon, quinoa and green beans, AMAZINGGGGG!!!! read more

Entrees (Korean bowl, calamari, ahi tacos, grilled fish sandwich) were delicious across the board although a bit overpriced. Particularly the hush puppies which were a only OK and a dollar a piece. read more

Server was knowledgeable and great! Food was even bette! Highly recommend the Halibut ceviche, Poke bowl, and fresh salmon! Burgers was delicious too. read more

We had a great meal! Both of us had the seared halibut on special. It came with a relish of beets, fennel and red onion and parsnip puree. I had farro instead of parsnip. Both sides were delicious. The whole meal was delicious. The atmosphere is comfortable, loved the giant octopus tentacles on the opposite wall. Our server Antonia was extremely helpful. All in all a really nice experience. I would definitely eat there again. read more

This place is great. The fish tacos are wonderful and the salmon special is top notch. A little pricey but worth it.

We loved everything we ordered! The steamed clams are amazing. The decor is great, the space is funky (low ceilings though), bar is nice, cool cocktails, great service. I think it was worth the $$$. read more

I had such a great experience here! The service was very good, and the food was even better! I ordered the Frutti De Mar, and the scallops were the best I've ever tasted. I'd very much love to come back to this place in the future. read more

The food was average at best. Way over priced. My wife couldn't even finsh the clam chowder, too salty. Guess we should figured that out by the name. read more

On a recent trip to Arcata my boyfriend and I wanted to seek out new a delicious food experiences... we found just that when we happened upon Salt! Delicious food, great beers on tap and friendly service. The restaurant is a a little small but it makes for a cozy atmosphere and I LOVED the decor. We hope to return soon! read more

Very creative cuisine, excellent ingredients, amazing results! Tried burrata, raw oysters, grilled octopus, fish tacos, key lemon pie.. and panna cota... everything was perfect! Perfect service as well: good timing, no pressure... Highly recommended, one of my best seafood restaurant in CA!! read more

We are locals and have eaten at Salt since it opened years ago. What happened?? The menu recently has favored small dishes at EXORBITANT prices. While Salt is usually delicious (though sometimes the flavor combinations have been a bit strange or "hit or miss"), it is hard to justify $100 on dinner for two (no drinks) and still not feel full at the end. Our oysters were $4 each!! We can't even afford to come in for a casual dozen oysters anymore. Keep in mind that earlier that morning local oysters were being sold 2 blocks away at the farmers market for $9/dozen. The menu also used to have things like hamburgers, fish tacos, and fish & chips ... But now it only favors very small portions lacking in any bulk whatsoever. The cesar salad is about half the size it used to be. The raw bar menu servings are akin to mini appetizers for one person. The scallop entree was three scallops with fruit chunks ... thats it! The fish entree was literally just a chunk of fish with some fruit salsa on top with no sides at all ... And we are talking $30-$40 for both these entree's. My question, why can't they even chuck some rice in there or something so a person can feel full?? Rice isn't expensive!! I am really truly disappointed and sad about the direction the restaurant has chosen to go in. They may think it is "high end" to force people to spend hundreds of dollars on tiny servings in order to get a full meal but in reality it's just stupid. I hope they get a grip on what they are choosing to offer our community and improve the menu because there actually aren't many restaurant options, and this used to be one of our favorites. Would much rather go to Larrupins, Brick & Fire or Campground where you can spend just as much money but walk away feeling like you got an actual meal. Very truly sad. We miss Fole Douce and Abruzzi's (closed in the last couple years) very much and its a shame that Salt is now only one of two options in Arcata to get a "nice" meal out ... although ironically it's not so nice to feel like you just got cheated when you walk out of a dining experience. read more

Fresh and delicious food! Good service and a great vibe. We definitely recommend it if you are in Arcata!

I love you salt. I love the bartenders here too, especially Micheal Cera. Hahaha. I love fish tacos, and the mac n cheese, oysters, hell I love the whole menu! Seriously tho I love the fish tacos and mac n cheese, you won't find anything that yummy in the area. 100% my favorite place in the area, it's a cute spot, I like how you're still on the plaza but it feels pretty separated. TRY THIS PLACE IF YOU HAVENT ALREADY! read more

I love Salt for its unique cocktails, and delicious seafood. The oyster tray is the best in the area!

Great meal. Took my youngest daughter for dinner. And was very impressed with what has become of the old Hunans. Sad to loose our only good Chinese food. But it's a great trade off. read more

The clam chowder was wonderful! The crab sandwich was pretty good. The deep fried shrimp was good. The cole slaw was yummy. The view was excellent.the service was friendly. read more

Salt blew away all of my expectations. Salad was full of lovely local greens, in a perfect vinaigrette - tossed, as it should be. The Hamachi was so good, I nearly cried - had to have a second order - mint, vanilla, pears, what dreams are made of. Cocktails on point. The space is beautiful - I wish I could make my house look like this. Service was excellent - everyone seemed intent on providing a quality experience. I can't wait to see what the changing seasons bring to the menu! Land, sea, raw, exactly what we needed to represent our beautiful Redwood Coast. I'm so grateful to have this culinary resource in the community. We were in desperate need of Salt. Whether you're a Humboldt local or visiting from afar, you must visit Salt. If restaurants had groupies, I'd definitely qualify. I'll probably be there every week.... Don't judge me. Is it Friday yet? read more

We stumbled upon Salt wandering Arcata during our weekend getaway. The food was fantastic but the service was out of this world. Impeccable cocktail menu. Robert was an awesome server - funny and friendly and knowledgeable. And efficient! read more

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I know it is a fish house but if you don't like fish and you are invited to eat there with fish lovers order the cut of the day you will not be disappointed. Pricey but they use quality ingredients. Service was excellent! read more

Great bloody marys. But the first time I went I was served bad mussels. They smelled horrible, tasted even worse. Should have never left the kitchen. read more

The fish in the fish and chips was excellent however the fries were not very good (very thin and not crispy). The atmosphere was very enjoyable! This should really be a 3+ rating. read more

The menu blew me away, everything is amazing! I loved the cocktails and grilled oysters! It's a very cute restaurant with a well curated menu. Service was excellent as well. read more

Oh my goodness this restaurant is amazing, the service and food is a must try, trust me I love oysters and the oysters here the are some of the best I've had. Great staff! read more

Very high expectations for this place. I went to dinner after a recent menu change. Settled on the Paella. Although the food tasted fine, only having 2 shrimp seemed underwhelming. Staff didn't seem to care about my concern saying the menu item was new. Bartenders werent, how do I say it....they weren't all that cordial either. It's a nice place to eat, but I will explore others before I go back.... read more

I LOVE Salt! It's the place I want to go in Arcata when I want a nice meal. I like to take people here that are visiting from out of town or even a date night. The only drawbacks are that it can take awhile for everything (our dinner took 2 hours but we did order drinks and app's) and it can be noisy. Otherwise, love it! Try the fried brie! It could possibly be the best thing ever. read more

Happened to stumble in here during oyster fest and was absolutely blown away by the food, drinks, and service! We came with a party of 4 and, although it was reservation only for oyster-fest, we were able to snag a table after a short wait. Owners were there helping out and ensuring everyone was having an awesome time which is always a huge plus! Oysters and apetizers were amazing as well as the cocktails. Our server was attentive and helped us choose a bottle of wine and our entree's. The food was outstanding and we had a blast! Overall an incredible experience. Will be back for more!!! read more

Their version of Moscow mule - very good. Clam chowder one of the best I have ever had and grilled octopus was excellent - service was also very good read more

Employees told us we would have a table in 20 min and would call us, they didn't call or answer phone until 9pm, then answered at 9:01 and told us they were closed now, "sorry, I guess if you didn't receive a call you didn't make it". read more

This place has such a cute and fun atmosphere, it's a great place to meet up with friends with fun drinks and fresh fish.

extremely disappointed. last time I went here was over two years ago. and the good was delicious and the service was fantastic. fast forward to now and the people working had a weird vibe. not friendly like before. I did have a delicious drink and appetizer. but when the meals came we were very disappointed. I got the ahi tuna tacos that were picked with sour cream and guac. a bit sickening if you ask me. I would have preferred a normal ahi tuna tacos witj lime and avocado. my boyfriend got the trout. which came with potatoes and beans. the cheapest sides ever. the trout was small and had tons of bones. we could have made a far better meal at home. the trout was 28 dollars. it should have been 14! I gave a 9 percent tip though but I did not find the service to friendly and the food was very expensive for not being very good. read more

Amazing food!! The mixed drinks are super good and unique in flavor. The staff are friendly, and we ate at the bar, so I can say they were nice. Anyways, if you're looking for great food and exquisite drinks, this is the place to be. read more