About

While there's nothing wrong with West Coast-style seafood restaurants, Ada's Fish House is a breath of fresh air. Its atmosphere and menu are reminiscent of eateries on the East Coast.

Ada's Fish House takes pride in sourcing the freshest seafood daily to ensure the highest quality for its patrons. The menu boasts mouthwatering specialties such as Pacific Coast Halibut, grilled swordfish, and enticing seafood pasta.

At the helm is renowned Executive Chef and owner Douglas MacMillan. You may have heard his name before, as he owns Rosa's Italian Restaurant and Vista Steak and Seafood. This resume lets you know you're in for a fantastic dining experience.

Chef MacMillan's inspiration for Ada's Fish House comes from his father's upbringing in Massachusetts. The result is a relaxing Boston fish house vibe and a restaurant he named after his grandmother.

While the decor is simple, it exudes elegance, making it perfect for a romantic dinner or an outing with the family.

With an award-winning chef curating the menu and a quintessential East Coast atmosphere, dining at Ada's Fish House should be at the top of your vacation to-do list.

Vibe

The facade of Ada's Fish House is unlike that of an East Coast eatery, with weather-beaten wood shingles, but it reflects a contemporary California style.

Ada's Fish House interior is cozy and best described as shabby chic meets industrial. Wooden shelves with metal piping as braces host art, spices, and other sundries. Reclaimed barn wood planks make one wall the focal point and sport tasteful art and industrial lamps with vintage bulbs.

Wooden tables and chairs dot the interior, offering a perfect balance of space for intimate meals and the ability to pull tables together for a big family. It's ideal for a relaxing meal after an afternoon at the Avila Beach Farmers Market.

A small outdoor patio offers al fresco dining with heaters to ward off chilly nighttime breezes. Whether you opt for indoor or outdoor dining, the vibes will create a memorable dining experience.

Ada's Fish House: Menu & Drinks

Chef Douglas curates a menu that offers classic seafood staples and creative culinary wonders.

Start your journey with the Fried Calamari with a roasted bell pepper sauce and house-made tartar sauce. The award-winning clam chowder is another favorite that exemplifies East Coast fare.

When you're ready for dinner, you can't beat the iconic Fish and Chips. For a crispy golden masterpiece, fresh cod is battered in Sam Adams beer (from Boston). For a taste of the sea's bounty, the Seafood Pasta is a creamy and delicious revelation. It features clams, mussels, fish, scallops, and shrimp cooked in a creamy tomato seawater broth and poured over linguini.

There are a handful of salads ranging from classic Cobb to a wedge. All can be updated with chicken, shrimp, or salmon, ensuring there's something at Ada's for every palate.

Chef Douglas sources the freshest ingredients, particularly seafood. The restaurant's daily specials reflect the "day's catch," which will appeal to seafood lovers. Land lovers will cherish the fact that the menu includes a 12 oz New York Steak and a roasted half chicken. And with a kid's menu, Ada's is family-friendly.

After a day exploring local landmarks or shopping at Ashtie's Beach Shack, raise a toast at Ada's. The full bar can whip up classic cocktails or signature libations, while the beer and wine offerings make pairing with a meal simple.

Ada's Fish House offers superb seafood in a relaxed environment to enhance your Pismo Beach getaway.

Local Tips

Utilize the free parking lot adjacent to the restaurant, especially during busy times.
Seating is limited; parties of 9 or more will be seated outside.
Be sure to inquire about the daily specials for unique and delightful surprises.
While the kid's menu is limited, the Fish & Chips is a hit with the little ones.
Consider making reservations, especially during peak hours.

Staging environment