Fresh Dungeness crab, plucked straight from the Pacific Ocean, is a Sonoma County point of pride. Find the best the season has to offer in these Bodega Bay restaurants.
When you enter the town of Bodega Bay, a small fishing village on Sonoma County’s coastline, you’re immediately greeted by large boats heading out for their daily catch. The local fishing community prides themselves on thoughtfully harvesting this coveted crustacean, which helped to award Dungeness crab a sustainable seafood rating of “Best Choice” bythe Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch.
Crab season traditionallyruns from early November through late June, with the height of the season being in the winter months.For the freshest Dungeness crab in the sea,head to one of these four restaurants in and around Bodega Bay.
Spud Point Crab Company, Bodega Bay
Located directly across the street from Spud Point Marina, you’re guaranteed the sweet, succulent crab you’re eating at Spud Point Crab Company is dock-to-door fresh. In fact, nearly everything on the menu is caught by owner Tony Anello and his son Mark. Stop by Spud Point to watch as Tony cooks the fresh Dungeness crab in a boiler right outside the store, where you can buy it by the pound and take it back to your hotel. Or sweeten a beautiful day with a lovely meal; take a seat at one of the outdoor tables and dig into crabcakes, crab co*cktail, or crab sandwiches.
The Boat House, Bodega Bay
Just as you round the curve on the northern end of the Bodega bend, you’ll be greeted by crowds converging at this tiny roadside shack. Dungeness crabs are hauled in daily by owner Captain Rick Powers and are used in a variety of butter-kissed dishes, including crabcakes, sandwiches, and more.
At this popular spot, it can be a challenge to snag one of the tables overlooking the bay, but we’ve got a local’s tip for you–place your order at the counter, get it to-go, then clamber back in your car and head to the beach for an al fresco feast.
The Tides Wharf Restaurant, Bodega Bay
Set at Inn at the Tides on Highway One, the ocean views here are just as spectacular as their house speciality: local crab. At this casual coastal eatery, you’ll find Dungeness crab in nearly every dish, including omelettes, salads, and more. And, January through March, the menu features a sumptuous crab feast, which includes chilled Dungeness crab with sauces, clam chowder, pasta, green salad, and warm French bread.
River’s End Restaurant & Inn, Jenner
Touted as one of the “Most Romantic Restaurants in America” by The Daily Meal, this cozy eatery is perched on the edge of the bluffs, offering pristine views of the Russian River entering the Pacific Ocean. Along with the view, their eclectic, internationally inspired menu has been wowing visitors for years. But locals know River’s End is also one of the best places for Dungeness crab. While their specialty is a fresh Dungeness crabcake, chef Martin Recoder is also famous for his annual five-course crab-tasting menu during harvest season.
Find more seafood restaurants in Bodega Bay.
