Oceanfront Dining in Avila Beach
After two hours of kayaking, a delicious lunch at Mersea’s on the Pier in Avila Beach, California, was much needed.
Mersea’s is located on Harford Pier in Port San Luis Harbor, just steps away from Avila Beach Paddlesports. We easily could have walked over after kayaking, but we decided to drive. I was experiencing a bit of seasickness, and at that point, I needed to coat my stomach immediately.
Sitting on the pier, just feet away from where we had spent the last two hours kayaking, was the perfect way to unwind. The ocean breeze flowed through the restaurant, the views stretched across the water, and we were greeted with warm smiles.
In a time when good customer service, genuine hospitality, and simple kindness sometimes seem to have been lost, Mersea’s has it all. And I believe that kind of atmosphere comes from the top. The staff and management were amazing.
When we arrived, we were taken to our reserved outdoor table, where glasses of water were already waiting for us. Our table overlooked the ocean, giving us a front-row view of the same beautiful Port San Luis Harbor we had just explored by kayak.
What We Ate at Mersea’s in Avila Beach
With a wide range of dishes to choose from, we were advised to start with the white New England clam chowder and garlic bread.
The house-made clam chowder and garlic bread were delicious. The chowder was creamy, flavorful and filled with clams. We honestly could have filled ourselves up on nothing but garlic bread and clam chowder, but we still had our entrées coming.
Before we arrived, I had fully intended on ordering fish and chips. Fish and chips are pretty much my go-to lunch whenever I am on California’s Central Coast.
But then I started hearing recommendations.
I was told the Caesar salad, crab cakes, and fish of the day were all delicious.
Of course, I had to try them as well. I indulged on a little of everything.
My son, on the other hand, is not much of a seafood lover, so he went with a chicken sandwich and French fries.
Although we were dining for lunch, we were also in town celebrating his 21st birthday. So, naturally, he awkwardly ordered a sangria.
Let’s just say he is still getting used to liquor.
He is currently leaning toward drinks where you can’t taste the alcohol.
I am suggesting no alcohol.
The Hospitality Is What Made Mersea’s Memorable
The food was delicious and the atmosphere was beautiful, but the people behind it all are what made our lunch at Mersea’s on the Pier truly memorable.
I watched how accommodating they were to everyone who entered the restaurant.
Someone needed to know where the restrooms were.
Someone wanted to know if they could sit at a certain table.
Staff members stopped to have real conversations with locals and visitors.
Nothing seemed forced. They weren’t simply taking orders, delivering food and moving on to the next customer. There was a warmth to the way people were treated.
As someone who was in town celebrating milestone birthdays with my son, it made a difference. Although we spend time on the Central Coast, this was our first time visiting the San Luis Obispo area, and somehow, we didn’t feel like visitors.
At one point, I mentioned that I was experiencing seasickness and asked if they had ginger ale.
Before I could truly focus on how embarrassing it was to admit that two hours of kayaking had made me sick, the drink was already at my table.
It was a small gesture, but those are the moments I remember.
Great Customer Service Still Matters
In business, it is always said that the people you see at the front represent the company. They are often your first impression, and sometimes they become the reason you decide whether or not you will return.
At Mersea’s, the people I had consistent interaction with were, Mike, Kyla and Delaney, who represented Mersea’s extremely well.
Good hospitality isn’t just about getting an order right.
It’s how you’re greeted.
It’s noticing when someone needs something.
It’s answering a question without making someone feel like they’re bothering you.
It’s making tourists feel welcome while still knowing and engaging with your locals.
It’s the little things.
Mersea’s got the little things right.
Is Mersea’s Worth Visiting After Kayaking in Avila Beach?
Our dining experience at Mersea’s was amazing for so many reasons.
We had just spent two hours kayaking through Port San Luis Harbor, and being able to come off the water and enjoy clam chowder, garlic bread, fresh seafood and an oceanfront lunch just steps from where our kayaking adventure began made the afternoon even better.
But what I will remember most is how we were treated.
There are restaurants with beautiful views. There are restaurants with good seafood. There are restaurants sitting right on the water.
Mersea’s had all three.
But it also had something you can’t put on a menu: genuine hospitality.
For anyone searching for where to eat after kayaking in Avila Beach, a seafood restaurant on the water near Port San Luis Harbor, or simply a casual oceanfront lunch in Avila Beach, Mersea’s is worth adding to your day.
Come for the view.
Definitely try the clam chowder and garlic bread.
But pay attention to the people.
They are what made our experience memorable.
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