About This Spot

Walking up to Walt's Wharf on Main Street in Seal Beach, you instantly sense the gentle hum of a place that’s long been woven into the fabric of the community. The air carries a subtle salt breeze, mingling effortlessly with the warm buzz of familiar conversations and the steady clink of glassware. Inside, the atmosphere finds a sweet balance between casual and refined—a place where neighbors, longtime visitors, and newcomers gather without haste, savoring both the pace and the company.

The dining room’s inviting layout welcomes you as much as the attentive smiles from a staff who know the rhythm of the day and the stories behind the tables. There’s a comforting sense of continuity here, a welcoming embrace that reflects decades of memories while inviting fresh ones to be made. The approach to the menu feels thoughtful rather than rushed, with classic seafood and American dishes that honor local flavors and time-tested recipes.

Here, robust, oak-grilled artichokes share the table with a chilled seafood platter that feels like a celebration of the ocean’s bounty. It’s the kind of spot where a perfectly seasoned fish and chips melds with carefully crafted cocktails to create moments that linger. Whether you’re indulging in clam chowder that carries just the right hint of nostalgia or settling in for a sunset view paired with grilled salmon tacos that echo the coast’s vibrancy, each bite feels like a gentle nod to place and tradition.

The restoration of Walt’s Wharf brings a renewed warmth without sacrificing the casual ease that made it a beloved landmark. The familiar hum of friendly chatter, along with the thoughtful touches from a team who clearly care, invites guests to pause and appreciate the simple joy of a well-enjoyed meal. It’s the kind of neighborhood treasure where stories are shared, new friendships spark, and the day’s worries seem a little lighter once you leave.

What’s Available Here

  • IconOn-site services
  • IconTakeaway
  • IconDine-in
  • IconDelivery
  • IconGreat beer selection
  • IconGreat cocktails
  • IconGreat coffee
  • IconGreat dessert
  • IconGreat wine list
  • IconServes local specialty
  • IconLunch
  • IconDinner
  • IconSolo dining
  • IconWheelchair-accessible car park
  • IconWheelchair-accessible entrance
  • IconWheelchair-accessible seating
  • IconWheelchair-accessible toilet
  • IconAlcohol
  • IconBeer
  • IconCocktails
  • IconCoffee
  • IconComfort food
  • IconHappy-hour drinks
  • IconHappy-hour food
  • IconHealthy options
  • IconSmall plates
  • IconSpirits
  • IconWine
  • IconBrunch
  • IconLunch
  • IconDinner
  • IconDessert
  • IconSeating
  • IconTable service
  • IconBar on site
  • IconToilet
  • IconCasual
  • IconCosy
  • IconRomantic
  • IconTrendy
  • IconUpmarket
  • IconGroups
  • IconTourists
  • IconUsually a wait
  • IconAccepts reservations
  • IconCredit cards
  • IconDebit cards
  • IconNFC mobile payments
  • IconCredit cards
  • IconHigh chairs
  • IconFree of charge street parking
  • IconFree parking lot
  • IconPaid street parking
  • IconParking

Location & Hours

Monday 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Tuesday 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Wednesday 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Thursday 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Friday 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Saturday 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Sunday 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Guest Reviews

PPB of Knight 09 Jan 2026

After having been closed following a heartbreaking fire that destroyed this longtime cornerstone restaurant on Main St. in Seal Beach (since back when I was a kid, more than 50 years ago!), it was SO nice to see it back up and running again, while visiting my old hometown area. And the service and food did NOT disappoint... just as good as it always was. Friendly wait staff, excellent, quality, tasty food, and a really cool "open" kitchen design that allows you to walk right up and peer in the glass kitchen walls to see what's goin' on in there. Walt's clam chowder is an institution. Medium thick, amazing clam flavor, and the clams - HUGE, fresh, chewy clams, and LOTS of 'em! So good, especially when paired with the complimentary mini sourdough rolls! The shrimp/scallops (bay, smaller type, but still very tasty) was excellent, with a very rich, very garlicky parmesan cream sauce. SO very good, served piping hot and full of flavor! (Ok, full disclosure, the portions are HUGE... I "might" have forgotten to take a pic before I dug in because it looked SO good... so please imagine a portion about 20% MORE than the large amount of pasta already pictured here ;) . Prices are not by any means "value" or cheap here, but the food quality is worth it! Highly recommend supporting this Seal Beach institution again, now that they're back in full swing for about the past month. Welcome back Walt's!!

Cici (Butterfly) 03 Jan 2026

Delicious food from the moment you entered the restaurant, you get welcome super friendly ladies and the waitress was amazing. I had this salmon and it was just delicious. The drinks atmosphere waitress and service. It’s top notch. I will come back here again the best of my family. I love it all around excellent place and the food is tasty 100% recommend this to everyone.

CARLOS MARTINEZ 13 Dec 2025

Great place to take your date for dinner and or go for lunch and just have good food. This place just reopened in 09/2025. Their menu got a bit smaller. The food is good but used to be better. I do have to say that their pot of class is pretty darn tasty. Yhe fish and chips is a must. The fish seemed very fresh and was well seasoned. The steak was okay (expected more UMPH since they actually have an open flame grill) and their cooks need to do a better job on getting the right steak temperature. This place has a variety of wine and full bar to get any drink that you want. The bar scene is great. The atmosphere is nice on both floors. I do wish that they would bring back their grilled banana split... Parking is tiny and street parking can get busy. Staff is friendly. Prices are high for what you get. The restaurant is housed in downtown seal beach which gives you an opportunity to walk, shop and hit the beach 2 blocks away.

Charles Wahlstrom 06 Dec 2025

It was nice to see Walt's Wharf open for business again. We enjoyed some great food (Trout Amandine, Shrimp Scampi, Ono and Scallops). The cocktails were nicely crafted (watermelon margaritas, jalapeño margaritas, Moscow mules and old fashions). Service was timely, even though busy and our server was pleasant and helpful with suggestions. Welcome back Walt's Wharf! Give them a visit - I'm sure you'll enjoy.

Kendle Hanson 22 Nov 2025

The newly restored & beautifully remodeled Walt's Wharf reopened in Seal Beach this week! Our waitress, Jennifer, was outstanding! She was friendly, and in tune with every need we had. Compliments to the chef for the famous grilled artichoke a & delicious lunch. Thank you to the Babcock family for your efforts and commitment to Walt's Wharf and this community.

Ron Sokol 24 Sep 2025

There are a few restaurants where being there is part of the pleasure. Walt’s has a vibe however silly that may read. Friendly. Inviting. Comfortsble. Welcoming staff. Then you get to the service and food. To me this is a very special place. Food is excellent. Timing is excellent. Staff is quality. Prices are not cheap. You pay some. But the experience is very positive. Wines and beers are diverse. Just one of those places you look forward to coming back and feel warm smiles about.

Rosemary Hernandez 23 Sep 2025

Had lunch at the reopened Walt's Wharf. Beautifully refurbished. Had an easy time getting a table at lunch on a Friday. The staff is so nice. Our waitress, Katie was excellent. We had the albacore melt and the grilled Mahi Mahi sandwich. Both were very good. The Mahi Mahi was fresh. I wanted to try the chowder to see if it was the same. I will go back because my meal was filling.

Elizabeth Bigham 17 Sep 2025

All I can say is bravo Walts Wharf!! What a come back! I grew up in the area and have been going since I was a kid. Went with my family last week and it was even better than I remembered. Clam chowder was fantastic, some of the best I've ever had (and I live on the east cost now!). Everyone in my family ordered something different and each entree was super tasty. I definitely plan on going back the next time I'm in town. And special shoutout to our waitress - my grandma is super hard of hearing, and she was very patient and kind with my grandma, making the whole experience much easier for her. So thanks Walt's Wharf for an amazing evening and delicious food!

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