Start standing in line at 5:00 p.m. The calamari is the best we have EVER had. The garlic bread is devine. The view is to die for. Sit at the bar for some fun. DO NOT MISS THIS RESTAURANT!!! more

Years ago I ate at the Sea Chest. I like seafood, and had seen lines outside of the restaurant many times on day trips to that part of the coast. My dining partner and I sat at the bar and thoroughly enjoyed our evening. I had Oysters Rockerfeller - I have been trying to find ones I liked as much... more

The atmosphere is quaint. Try to snag a chair at the bar and watch the chefs. If you get there right at opening you can get a table with an oceanview which is spectacular. The food was definitely Fresh and the catches of the day gave ample choices and a choice of how you wanted your dish prepared. We chose... more

My husband and I have eaten here several times when visiting Cambria. There is always a wait, but the little waiting area allows you to drink while you wait, and play some complimentary board games. We find sitting at the bar/grill fun, cool to talk with other visitors, and the cooks. The fish is fresh, but tends to be heavily... more

We recently went on a short trip with friends to visit the Hearst Castle and spent the night in Cambria. We decided to have dinner at the Sea Chest Oyster Bar. The best part of this restaurant is the view, unfortunately we did not have a table near a window and thus the restaurant just became an out of date,... more

I can't say I'd wait again, but the food was okay. Others must have really liked it as some drove from Monterey to eat there. Every one has different opinions so try it if you like seafood. I live in Maine and get really good seafood -expecially lobsters so I am spoiled. more

Not at all sure why this place is so popular. At the ravings of our hotel concierge, we canceled dinner reservations at another restaurant and waited for almost an hour with the rest of the idiots so that we could eat here before we left. It's a decent enough place, but hardly worth waiting in line for. The Calamari is... more

While visiting Carmel-By-the-Sea, a couple from Monterey suggested we stop by the Sea Chest in Cambria for a memorable meal. We arrived around 4:30pm. A line had formed, it was a breezey, chilly, late afternoon, but, the line insisted that if we didn't stay, we would find the line huge when we returned at opening. I found the decor comfortable.... more

For a restaurant that's located so close to the ocean, you would expect for the fish to have not been previously frozen. The staff is apathetic and a little surly, the food is bland and extremely over-priced. Skip this one and head to the black cat. more