The 10 Best Restaurants in Bodega Bay

Food
by WINECOUNTRY STAFF
on DECEMBER 29, 2015

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What’s a visit to Bodega Bay without a trip to a great restaurant where fresh seafood, caught only hours before, hits your plate? Don’t worry about vetting the area eateries: we’ve done the work for you. If you’re craving the briny bite of oysters or the sweet succulence of fresh crab, you’re in for the treat. Of course, if the pleasant gaminess of pheasant or the earthiness of mushrooms is more your style, fear not–all of these restaurants are top-reviewed for a reason.

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Restaurants / Bodega Bodega Bay

The Duck Club Restaurant at the Bodega Bay Lodge

With a focus on local fare in a fine dining setting and links to tons of area wineries, farmers and fishermen, Duck Club Restaurant offers up the finest Bodega fare in every glass, and on every plate, with selections of surf and turf emerging from the kitchen of Chef Jeff Reilly. Complimenting sweeping views of Bodega bay, an oversized indoor fireplace adds to the ambiance of this mainstay, where visitors flock for a glass and some warming conversation during the cooler months.

Insider Tip

Duck Club does several excellent dishes with Dungeness crab; they’re in season November through June.

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Restaurants / Bodega Bodega Bay

Terrapin Creek Cafe & Restaurant

Hanging around a “beach” town like Bodega Bay may leave you eager to find a casual eatery that doesn’t skimp on quality. Terrapin Creek brings fine dining to the table with a effortless, easy feel: small and intimate, the restaurant lacks the crowds or noise often found in the area’s more “touristy” spots, and diners are even welcome to bring their own wine (though the eatery does boast a reasonable, comprehensive list).

Insider Tip

The parking lot here is tiny, so check for extra spots across the street.

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Restaurants / Bodega Bodega Bay

Spud Point Crab Company

At Spud Point Crab Company, enjoy the catch of the day at an outdoor picnic table overlooking the gentle waves of the bay. Crab, chowder, fish and chips, and other quick, fresh, seafood–likely been caught within the last day or so–populate the menu, and your meal will come in paper cups or wrapped in parchment—presentation that’s short on frills, but through the ceiling in taste. The chowder has won numerous awards in the area, including the 2014 Bodega Bay Chowder Day top prize.

Insider Tip

There’s no doubt about freshness here; the owners of Spud Point use their own fishing boat (moored across the bay) to corral the clams, crabs, and fish they serve.

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Restaurants / Bodega Bodega Bay

Fisherman’s Cove

Bait, tackle, and... amazing grilled oysters? For those lacking in the patience to catch their own fresh fare, Fisherman’s Cove has a great menu to go along with their rods, weights and hooks. In addition to their Tomales Bay oysters, fried seafood and rich chowder are served seven days a week, and views of the ocean are right outside the window, a fitting backdrop for a freshly caught meal inside the fishing shop.

Insider Tip

Weekends and holidays can be busy at peak times, so grab lunch or dinner to go.

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Restaurants / Bodega Bodega Bay

Lucas Wharf Restaurant & Bar

Lazio Dock has always been a hub for local fishermen. In 1976, the dock was bought by the Lucas family—fishermen by trade and dock frequenters—who soon transformed it into the site of the Lucas Wharf restaurant. Today, this sea-washed eatery serves specialties like the creamy fisherman’s stew, crispy fish and chips and a spicy Bloody Mary, using some of the freshest ingredients Bodega Bay has to offer.

Insider Tip

If you’ve had it with seafood for this trip, don’t worry – the chicken is one of the most popular menu items at this waterfront hangout.

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Restaurants / Bodega Bodega Bay

Fishetarian Fish Market

If it’s peak season, expect a wait at this hole-in-the-wall eatery. But once you taste the award-winning chowder (available gluten free), it’ll all be worth it. Owned by Shane Lucas—son of the owners of Lucas Wharf—the daily catch is hand-picked every day for the freshest seafood experience possible.

Insider Tip

Try the Maui Wowie oysters. They come served with an addicting Asian-fusion sauce.

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Restaurants / Bodega Bodega Bay

La Bodeguita Mexican Grill

Those who have lived in or visited California often swear the Mexican food is the best this side of the border. La Bodeguita is a suitable place to test out the theory: with authentic Mexican food made the old-fashioned way—there’s a ton of fresh seafood like shrimp and fish, too–the vibe inside is casual and comfortable. No need to change out of your board shorts here.

Insider Tip

There’s a salsa bar, so slather your burrito, taco, or chili relleno with whichever suits your fancy.

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Restaurants / Bodega Bodega Bay

Roadhouse Coffee at Bodega Bay

For an early day on the road in need of a pick-me-up, grab a freshly made espresso and cherry scone from Roadhouse Coffee. This may not be the place to go if you’re in a super-rush, but for those who appreciate time to stop and smell the freshly ground beans, this is the spot—complete with plenty of books to read and comfy chairs for sitting should you decide to hang out for a while.

Insider Tip

For a dash of spice, order the Mexican Mocha, spiced with cinnamon and chili powder.

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Restaurants / Bodega Bodega Bay

The Birds Cafe

The comfortable home-style cafe is run by Melissa Freeman, who was inspired to start cooking and delivering her homemade meals after seeing her father eating sandwiches every night after her mother passed. The love carries over in each and every plate. Opt for the artichoke heart tacos, made with freshly breaded and fried artichoke hearts. There’s only outdoor seating, so stop by to stay if the sun’s shining.

Insider Tip

Check out the interior walls of the cafe when you order—they’re lined with production photos from Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds.

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Restaurants / Bodega Bodega Bay

Pelican Plaza Grocery & Deli

Stop by for beer, wine, fresh cut meats, cheeses, and specialty items along with great prepared dishes for a day at the beach. The team will happily prepare deli sandwiches, but we suggest trying the homemade crab salad. There’s no seating inside, so this is strictly a grab-and-go for those who plan to kayak, hike, or picnic for the day.

Insider Tip

This grocer boasts the largest produce selection in town, so grab some exotic squash or melon during peak seasons.

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