Open Daily Lunch 11am-3:30pm Dinner 4pm-Close
Check Out Our Wine of the Month
Looking for the Perfect Gift? Click Here to Order a Gift Certificate. |
Walt's Wharf Restaurant
The History of Walt's Wharf
Back in 1970, if you wanted good fresh fish, you had to drive to Newport Beach, or San Pedro. That upset Seal Beach dentist Walt Babcock, and his wife, Mona, so they decided to open their own restaurant and fish market. Thus Walt's Wharf was launched. Walt used his own fishing boat to bring in fresh fish for the first few years, then utilized his contacts with other fishermen from the area so there would always be fresh fish at the Wharf.
Walt and Mona sold the restaurant in 1979 to devote themselves to their new purchase of 110 acres of farmland near Lompoc, in northern Santa Barbara County. The existing crop of lima beans were immediately pulled, and in their place was planted twenty-five acres of wine grapes. Then in 1984 they built a small state-of-the-art winery, Babcock Vineyards, and their son Bryan became the winemaker.
Meanwhile, the restaurant had closed, and Walt and Mona decided to reopen it. They installed a new grill with a live oak fire, replaced the fish market with a lively oyster bar, and committed themselves to making Walt's Wharf the best seafood restaurant in Seal Beach. By this time, Walt had begun growing organic vegetables and lettuces at the farm, which he delivered to the Wharf on a weekly basis. He also sought out local growers of specialty vegetables and lettuces to deliver to the Wharf when the farm's small supply ran out.
Walt's Wharf continues to serve the freshest fish and vegetables available. We make our own fresh pasta and desserts daily. Our outstanding wine list is fortunate to have a good selection of wines from Babcock Vineyards, where there are now 60 acres of vineyards, and Bryan Babcock has become a world class winemaker.
John Ryan, Walt's general manager, and Christopher Krajacic, our executive chef, join our entire staff in welcoming you to Walt's Wharf, where...
If it's fresher...It's still
swimming!