OCEAN + SALTY AIR + FRESH SEAFOOD = MY REASON FOR LIVING

Two Restaurants That Keep Me Coming Back to the Oregon Coast

There’s nothing better than a weekend on the Oregon Coast. The ocean and salty air. Cool mornings and warm afternoons under the sun. And, of course, the food.

I love the coast so much that my husband and I spent a full week there decompressing and relaxing after our wedding. I went to celebrate graduating from interior design school last year. And when I first moved to Portland and couldn’t afford to rent a place for the weekend, I took as many day trips as possible. The coast is the palace that always brings me back to life.

Over the last few years, my husband and I have found our go to restaurants for when we’re in the Lincoln City/Newport area. These two food spots have become our non-negotiables: Pelican Brewery at Siletz Bay and Local Ocean in Newport.

Pelican Brewery: A Reliable Coastal Staple

We usually stop at Pelican Brewery both on the way to and from the coast. With multiple locations along the Oregon coastline, it's become our go-to spot no matter which part we visit.

As someone who typically doesn’t like breweries, it’s a big deal that this one has become a favorite. Most breweries stick to the same heavy, uninspired menu, but Pelican offers lighter options and plenty of fresh seafood, which makes all the difference. I don’t drink beer, so I can’t speak to their brews, but they do make an excellent gin and tonic.

My usual order is the crab mac and cheese. The first time I had it was at the Cape Kiwanda location, and I nearly melted into the bowl of perfectly gooey cheese and tender crab folded together into pasta bliss. I rarely get an appetizer when I order this because I want to indulge every single bite.

Local Ocean: The Best of Oregon Seafood

Now for the most delightful little restaurant and seafood market in Newport: Local Ocean. Started by a fishing family and located next to a harbor full of fishing boats (and often sea lions!), it sources all its seafood from 30 local boats and proudly labels each market offering with the name of the boat it came from. After dinner, my husband and I walked around the harbor until we found one of the boats listed on the market signs. It was such a charming, ocean to table moment.

Local Ocean is all about showcasing the best of Oregon’s seafood and it shows in every single dish. When I first came here to celebrate graduating from design school, I went all out. We sat in the upstairs dining room with a perfect view of the harbor and sunset. I started with the roasted garlic and Dungeness crab soup, which was rich, savory, and topped with a beautiful garnish. I loved it so much I didn’t want to get to the bottom of the soup bowl.

I followed it with the crab cake after my husband gave me a mischievous side eye and said, "should we also get the crab cake," and I didn’t hesitate to say “yes”. I'm so glad I did, because it turned out to be one of the best crab cakes I’ve had in my life. Perfectly seared with a golden brown top and crispy edges, creamy tartar sauce, and just the right acidity from a lemon wedge. It’s the dish that sold me on coming back here every chance I get.

Then came the main course: grilled halibut and peaches. A seasonal special, and truly one of the most memorable dishes I’ve ever eaten. The fish was flaky, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth tender, served over juicy peaches and creamy mozzarella. Truly heavenly.

We finished with the Taza de Crema Con Chocolate, a salted dark chocolate fudge-like mousse with mixed berries, roasted pistachios, and honey whipped cream. It was decadent, summery, and the perfect way to end the night.

On our most recent trip, we reserved a table in the upstairs dining room again (always the best view), and arrived early to walk the harbor. Two sea lions were lounging nearby, striking what looked like a synchronized pose just for us.

This time, we went lighter on appetizers, while of course ordering the crab cake, my husband got the tempeh tacos, and I went for a surf and turf moment: steak with mashed potatoes, asparagus, and a side of shrimp.

I ate every single bite.

While the steak was slightly overcooked for my taste (more medium than medium-rare), it still satisfied my craving. The asparagus had a great char and perfect texture, a balance I rarely get cooking at home. But the mashed potatoes were the standout: creamy, garlicky, and deeply comforting. I’d order this dish again just to have those.

Oh, and the shrimp. I almost forgot about them. (which tells you everything you need to know). Served in a light, unexpected broth, they were decent but didn’t complement the steak at all. When I think surf and turf, I picture charred shrimp alongside steak, both seasoned with herbs and finished with a squeeze of lemon. This wasn’t that. I probably won’t order this combo again at Local Ocean and will stick with the halibut and peaches.

If you find yourself anywhere near the Lincoln City/Newport stretch of the Oregon Coast, these two restaurants are absolutely worth the stop. The ocean alone might be reason enough to keep coming back, but when you add in unforgettable meals made by people who care deeply about their community and how they serve it, it’s the kind of experience that makes me want to stay on the coast forever.