Review: Sea Venture, Pismo Beach

Finding new restaurants is wonderful part of traveling. As a foodie, it’s important that I don’t “waste” my calories on food that is just not worthy. So I always ask locals or hotel management for recommendations – not just one person, but several. Since we were staying right on the coast, we wanted to continue that glorious theme. I asked about restaurants with an ocean view that were also romantic. The Sea Venture was one option that was suggested by several people.

*Sea Venture outside view: photo by Richard Bilow; courtesy of ETG;*

The restaurant is situated on the third floor of the Sea Venture Hotel. What a great place to watch the sunset, and a great place for a romantic dinner. The large dining area presented an exceptional panoramic view. We arrived in time for Happy Hour and decided to check out some of the bar specials. We were not terribly hungry, so we ordered several smaller dishes in order to taste a broader selection.

I began my meal with a glass of Edna Valley Vineyard Chardonnay (2017). I usually prefer reds, but was craving seafood. This central coast Chardonnay has a delicate aroma of green apple and lemon. Its full flavor offered hints of fruit, plus an oaky finish. Really delicious.

*Shrimp Tacos; Sea Venture; photo by Richard Bilow; courtesy of ETG;*

From the bar specials portion of the menu, we decided on the Coconut Shrimp Tacos (avocado, cilantro, lime, green onion, cabbage, jalapeno oil, sesame dressing). This was quite a large portion. The crunch of the tasty shrimp coating added a nice textured balance, while the mild accents of the coconut, lime, cilantro and green onions mingled together to create a well-rounded dish.

Next we enjoyed the Tuna poke (avocado, seaweed, crispy wontons, jalapeño oil, wasabi cream), which was so fresh and flavorful. The wasabi cream offered a hint of spice, to the subtle tender tuna and the crispy wontons were a perfect companion.

*Tuna poke; Sea Venture; photo by Richard Bilow; courtesy of ETG;*

We also enjoyed a Caesar salad which featured not just garlic croutons, and parmesan shavings, but also tomato, egg and avocado. I will say, I relish a “classic Caesar,” however I loved the combination of the hard boiled eggs, which added protein, as well as the tomato, and avocado.

*Caesar Salad; Sea Venture; photo by Richard Bilow; courtesy of ETG;*

I’m so glad I ordered the signature dish “The Sea Venture” (shrimp, scallops, clams, mussels, fish, sausage, saffron rice, tomato fume). This was so tasty. The fish featured in this dish is seasonal, we enjoyed sea bass, which was filled with flavor. The scallops were my favorite…so delicately cooked along with the rest of the seafood, with a spicy bite of sausage. The flavors were exquisitely matched to the savory saffron rice. The sauce (tomato fume) came in a carafe and poured over the dish at the table. It was beautifully presented.

*The Sea Venture Entrée; photo by Richard Bilow; courtesy of ETG;*

I was impressed with the cuisine of Chef Casey Walcott. He is a central coast local and has been working at restaurants and in catering since he was very young. He graduated from California Culinary Academy and worked with his mentor Chef Laurent Grangien for over four years prior to becoming the chef at Sea Venture.

I will be back next time I am in Pismo Beach. Be sure to pop into the Sea Venture. Enjoy some romance, with a fantastic view while rewarding your taste buds at the same time. Sea Venture, 100 Ocean View Avenue, Pismo Beach 93449; https://www.seaventure.com

This was part of ETG’s ongoing series about the California coast. On this particular weekend jaunt, we visited Santa Maria and Pismo Beach…read my full article HERE on our Stories Section of ETG.