Cioppino is that big, brothy seafood stew California is famous for, packed with crab, shrimp, mussels, fish, and a tomato base that begs for crusty bread. Some of the best bowls in the state come from restaurants sitting right on the water, where the view is almost as good as the food.
From foggy Bodega Bay down to sunny San Diego, these nine spots have built their reputations on this messy, wonderful dish. Grab a bib, bring an appetite, and get ready to plan a coastal road trip around a stew that tastes like the ocean itself.
1. The Tides Wharf & Restaurant, Bodega Bay, CA
Sitting right on the water at 835 Bay Hwy, this Bodega Bay classic pairs big bay-view windows with a menu built around the day’s catch. The multi-level dining room means you can usually snag a seat with a view of the boats.
The star here is the Tides Wharf Crab Cioppino, a house signature that regulars come back for again and again. The broth leans balanced rather than heavy, and it arrives with crisp sourdough for soaking up every last drop…