Cayucos is one of my favorite little towns on the California Central Coast. I used to visit quite regularly when living in nearby Paso Robles.
There are a few things to do in Cayucos such as relaxing at the beach and going shopping at its antique stores. And don’t forget about its culinary scene!
Being a beachside town on the coast, you already know you’re gonna find yummy fresh seafood in pretty much every eatery. But there’s so much more to eat in Cayucos.
While you’ll have your share of seafood, guaranteed, you can also satisfy your sweet tooth, Mexican tacos craving, or enjoy a slice of pizza by the sea. Let’s check out the best restaurants in Cayucos.
Sea Shanty Cayucos
Sea Shanty is a family-owned and operated restaurant that serves some of the best seafood in Cayucos. Think shrimp cocktails, ceviche, crab salad or melt, calamari strips, the ultimate Cayucos fish tacos…the list could go on (almost) forever.
At Sea Shanty you can enjoy freshly caught seafood in any form you can imagine, and since they serve all meals from breakfast to dinner, if you’re not a seafood fan you can have the veggie burritos and pastries early in the morning, or indulge in their wide array of desserts.
Address: 296 S Ocean Avenue
Opening Hours: Daily from 8 AM to 9 PM. Closes at 10 PM during the summer
Martin’s Restaurant
Heading to Cayucos for some Mexican food? Odd enough, but entirely possible since there’s Martin’s Restaurant in town.
Martin’s Restaurant serves freshly made, cooked-from-scratch Mexican classics that will have you booking a trip to Mexico in no time, from delicious chilaquiles to tacos and burritos, guacamole & nachos, quesadillas, carnitas, and sandwiches.
There’s also a large variety of burgers to choose from which includes fish, veggie, or the classic cheeseburger, and some Italian flavors as well if you’re in the mood for traditional pizza and pasta.
Address: 49 S Ocean Avenue
Opening Hours: Daily from 8 AM to 9 PM
Schooners
Schooners is one of the favorite restaurants in Cayucos, California among the locals. Situated by the water with spectacular views of the pier, the location of this bar & grill and its very original seating areas, featuring a bar, very cool booths, and an outdoor space, is only half responsible for its success.
Being one of the best restaurants in Cayucos requires an astounding menu, and Schooners has it. There are specific dishes for lunch and dinner time, and the mouthwatering starters that should precede every meal include crab cakes, nachos with salsa, a raw bar, salads, and oysters (among others!)
Seafood, burgers, chips, and house specialties are some of the most popular dishes, but even if you’ve chosen somewhere else for your dining experience, you should still come to Schooners for a sunset drink; you’ll get one of the most beautiful sunset views of the area, over the pier and water.
Address: 171 N Ocean Avenue
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday from 11 AM to 9 PM, Friday & Saturday from 11 AM to 10 PM
Duckie’s Chowder House
Duckie’s Chowder House is a phenomenal counter-serve restaurant where you’ll find the best Clam Chowder in town. This seafood dish is a classic of the region, and couldn’t be missing from Cayucos!
Located in front of the bay, it offers an outdoor seating area where you can sit down to enjoy your delicious chowder served in a bread bowl, a seafood sandwich, or tacos.
If you’re in the mood for something else, popular dishes at Duckie’s include fish and chips, and the combination appetizer for a bite of everything.
Address: 55 Cayucos Dr.
Opening Hours: Daily from 11 AM to 8 PM.
Luna Coffee Bar
For a yummy, hearty Cayucos breakfast that fuels the rest of your day, head to Luna Coffee Bar. A large selection of sandwiches and burritos shares the menu with the morning favorites avo toast and granola & yogurt, as well as some quesadillas and a few specials.
Their coffee menu is very interesting, including several cold brews, alternative beverages such as matcha and chai lattes, and special hot-brew options. Gingerbread latte? Pumpkin Spiced latte? Vegan Coconut milk? Yup, all there.
Address: 84 N Ocean Avenue
Opening Hours: Wednesday & Thursday from 7 AM to 3 PM, and Friday to Sunday from 7 AM to 5 PM
Brown Butter Cookie Company
Be warned: You’ll be lost at Brown Butter Cookie Company if you’re one with a sweet tooth. The scent of freshly baked cookies will welcome you as soon as you step into the store, and if you’re lucky you’ll get to sample some before you buy.
All cookies are made with brown butter, which adds a very distinctive taste to the treats, and while you’ll be tempted to take with you a box of the original cookies, be sure to check out their bolder options such as the Citrus cookies, or Bourbon, Spices and Espresso ones.
Address: 801 12th Street
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday from 11 AM to 6 PM, Friday & Saturday from 11 AM to 7 PM
Cayucos Candy Counter
Still craving sweets? It’s a good thing Cayucos food also features a Candy Counter to satisfy all those sugary needs!
Chocolate bars, Jelly Belly, gelato, candies from times gone by, truffles, Taffy…To wash it all down? Hot chocolate or some coffee will do. This is truly a candy lover’s paradise, although be advised: things can get really, really sweet in here.
The Candy Counter can also be a great pit stop for some ice cream after your meal at some of the other restaurants in Cayucos, CA.
Address: 75 Cayucos Drive
Opening Hours: Thursday to Sunday from 11 AM to 5 PM
Cayucos Coffee
Coffee Lovers, let me break the good news to you. You’ll have your daily dose (or doses?) of coffee while in Cayucos, and it’s gonna be good. Cayucos Coffee serves a locally roasted, organic coffee that you can enjoy to its full potential with an espresso, or choose your favorite coffee style with their selection of regular or nut-based milk.
They also make their own syrups, which can come in the yummiest flavors (think pumpkin pie, cinnamon date, or lavender), or you could go bold and try their superfood lattes with matcha, turmeric, or beetroot. No coffee stop is complete without the pastries, and you’ll find those at Cayucos Coffee as well.
Not a coffee fan? A curated selection of organic teas, non-coffee latte blends and Kombucha might be just what you’re looking for.
Address: 155 N Ocean Avenue
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday from 6.30 AM to 1 PM. Saturday & Sunday from 6.30 AM to 3 PM.
