If you live in the Los Angeles area or you are likely to take a trip to the area soon, you may be on the search for places that you can visit to enjoy some great tasting oysters.
Los Angeles is actually home to an abundance of seafood and oyster restaurants and stalls. From beachside locations to Downtown LA, you are sure to find some that appeal to you.
To make the task of finding the best oysters in Los Angeles easier for you, we have taken the time to review some of the best restaurants and services located in the area.
Though the initial selection is vast, we have narrowed them down and compiled a list of our top 8 picks. Continue reading if you would like to discover the best places to enjoy oysters in Los Angeles.
The Jolly Oyster Bar
9355 Culver Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232, United States
323-420-9155
thejollyoyster.com
As a small family run business, The Jolly Oyster specializes in Kumamoto and Pacific Oysters.
Those running the business are dedicated to serving their customers only the very best quality oysters, hence why they control the whole production cycle so that you can enjoy a real ocean experience.
Though their farm is located in Baja California, they have established a presence in three other Los Angeles locations.
The Shuck Shack is located on Ventura beach and is an ideal option for those looking to indulge in an outdoor eating experience.
The Jolly Oyster Bar located in Culver City not only prides itself on delivering excellent quality oysters but also an education to their customers regarding sustainable production.
You can also find them at the Alameda Produce Market in Downtown Los Angeles.
Aside from their popular Kumamoto and Pacific Oysters, they also offer the Jolly Oyster which combines characteristics of each as well as Manila Clams and Santa Barbara Sea Urchins.
Rappahannock Oyster Bar
777 S Alameda St #154, Los Angeles, CA 90021, United States
323-435-4004
rroysters.com/rappahannock-oyster-bar-los-angeles-ca.html
Situated in downtown LA, this is the first Rappahannock Oyster Bar to be located on the West Coast.
Those looking to satisfy their Oyster cravings on the go can make use of the take out service whilst those looking to sit down and relax can enjoy a dine in experience.
All menu items are locally sourced and responsibly farmed to promote sustainability.
Inside the bar, you can immerse yourself in the artistic energy and industrial style that captures the feel of Downtown LA. The Chesapeake Bay farmed oysters are from Rappahannock and co.
The menu consists of small and large portions and an expansive selection of seafood besides oysters.
The sharer's section of the menu is great for those who are dining with others, the oysters from the Raw Bar can be complemented with an impressive assortment of sauces, whilst the big plates are ideal for those who are in need of something a little more substantial.
Blue Plate Oysterette
1355 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401, United States
310-576-3474
blueplateoysterette.com
The Blue Plate Oysterette offers half shell or ceviche style oysters with a West Coast twist. Customers can choose between indoor and outdoor seating, both options allowing you to appreciate the idyllic beachside surroundings.
All menu items are freshly sourced and bought directly from fishermen. On weekdays, they host a happy hour deal between the hours of 4 and 6 pm where the oysters cost only $2.
The menu lists a chef’s choice which is accompanied by BPO sauces, along with an impressive selection of oysters, some of which are from the East Coast and others that are from the West Coast.
Customers can also enjoy the raw bar, whilst seafood lovers may wish to tuck into the seafood tower which consists of 1’2 Maine lobster, oysters, large prawns, crab claws, and cherrystone clams.
If you're feeling particularly daring why not go bigger with the ‘Mother of Pearl’.
Their menu isn’t solely restricted to oysters. Those who feel like venturing out and trying something different can choose from lobster dishes, salmon, muscles, clams, fish tacos, and much more.
L & E Oyster Bar
1637 Silver Lake Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026, United States
3236602255
leoysterbar.com
Whether you are looking to enjoy a sit down lunch or some delicious takeaway oysters, the L & E Oyster Bar is a popular choice.
Located in Silver Lake Blvd, you will be served fresh oysters which are shipped in daily.
Adopting an old school feel, this is a smaller bar that can seat a maximum of 50 people and because of this, you will find that it has more of an intimate feel.
Upon arriving at the restaurant, you will be informed via an illuminated sign of the selection of fresh oysters that are available that day.
The oysters can be enjoyed cooked or raw and come in a portion of half a dozen or a dozen.
Though the menu may be pretty short, it is certainly varied. There is a selection of snacks and sides to choose from such as olives, clam chowder, onions rings, shrimp cocktail, and much more.
Aside from this, there are sandwiches available and burgers too. It is worth noting that their online menu is prone to change.
Found Oyster
4880 Fountain Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029, United States
323-486-7920
www.foundoyster.com
If you and your friends are looking for a stylish restaurant to consume some great tasting oysters, this could be the place for you.
Whilst customers can sit indoors, the Boat deck patio area has an Eastern feel that is likely to be appreciated by those who prefer to dine outdoors.
You can enjoy an immersive experience when you visit this restaurant as your oysters are shucked in front of you.
Many would agree that the best way to enjoy oysters is raw and the Found Oyster bar has all of your catered to.
This section of the menu consists of Little Namskaket Oysters, as well as other seafood including Littleneck clams, caviar, crab cocktail and peel and eat blue prawns.
Those looking for something bigger can tuck into the Baywatch platter or the Overboard platter.
Furthermore, diners can also choose between a varied selection of other dishes such as scallop tostada, clam chowder, grilled whole fish, and much more.
Water Grill
544 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90071, United States
213-891-0900
https://www.watergrill.com/la
If you are situated in Downtown LA or Santa Monica and are craving a taste of the ocean, why not make a visit to the Water Grill restaurant.
Whilst they were originally located in Los Angeles, they have since established a presence in Santa Monica too. Though it may be a little pricey, customers can choose from a vast selection of around 20 types of different oysters.
All items from the raw bar are served with fresh horseradish, mignonette, cocktail sauce, and relish.
The oysters have been sourced from different locations around the country with a section dedicated to those from the East and another for those sourced from the Pacific.
They are also available in half a dozen or dozen portions. You are certainly spoilt for choice with this menu. Aside from oysters the restaurant also offers sushi, chilled shellfish, salads and sandwiches, whole fish, and iced shellfish platters.
The Oyster Gourmet
317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013, United States
310-570-0682
theoystergourmet.com
With a modern stand located inside Grand Central Market, the Oyster Gourmet offers a range of oysters and seafood.
Customers who want to take a taste of the sea home can make use of their new pick up service, but the seating surrounding the hut caters to those who want to enjoy a sit down dining experience.
The menu consists of a variety of oysters which are freshly shucked and served on a bed of ice.
They are also complemented with a lemon and cocktail sauce, mignonette, and horseradish. Those who are trying them for the first time are advised to opt for the portion of 6 varied oysters.
EMC Seafood and Raw Bar
3500 W 6th St #101, Los Angeles, CA 90020, United States
213-351-9988
https://www.emcseafood.com/
The EMC Seafood and Raw Bar is possibly one of the most popular seafood restaurants in Los Angeles. They have a happy hour every day from 4-7 pm where customers can purchase their oysters for only $1.
The interior of the restaurant oozes an upmarket appeal and although it is likely that you will have to queue, it will be worth it when you get to try some of their delectable oysters.
Thanks to the extensive menu, all of your seafood cravings are catered to. The raw bar is full of a selection of oysters and carpaccio.
If you're feeling particularly hungry you can treat yourself to a starter before delving into your oysters. They also serve shellfish, salmon, seabass and they also offer an assortment of meat dishes.
Final Thoughts
There are many places to eat some great oysters in Los Angeles.
Whether you are looking to enjoy an immersive experience in a sit down restaurant or a takeout service, you are bound to find somewhere that accommodates all of your oyster and seafood cravings.
Most also have extensive menus that consist of a varied selection of seafood items. Whilst some solely focus on selling oysters, others offer other fish dishes, appetizers, and bigger plates too.
A great thing about most of these restaurants is that they promote sustainability and will typically source their oysters and seafood from local fishermen. Because of this, you have a better awareness of where your oysters have come from.
