Mersea's

Mersea's sits out on Harford Pier, over the water at Port San Luis. It's the one place in Avila where you eat surrounded by the harbor itself: fishing boats on their moorings, pelicans on the railings and sea lions barking from under the pier. The restaurant has seating inside and out on the deck, plus a bar, and it often has live music.

It's also the easiest way to get out over the water while the Avila Beach Pier is mostly closed for repairs.

What to order at Mersea's

The menu is seafood first. What people mention most is the fish and chips, the shrimp tacos, the clam chowder and the fried calamari, with a combination fried platter that reviewers call generous for the price. The fish comes from the same working harbor you're looking at, and there's a fish market on the pier if you want to take some home. See Fish Markets for those.

If seafood isn't your thing, there are sandwiches too. Check the menu on the restaurant's website, since it changes.

Getting to Mersea's

Drive west on Avila Beach Drive past downtown Avila Beach and Olde Port Beach to the end of the road. Harford Pier starts at the big Port San Luis sign. You can drive out onto the pier, where there's a little paid parking, or park near the base and walk out. Read the parking guide first.

If you walk, take your time. The views back toward Avila and across the bay are some of the best around.

Making an afternoon of it at Port San Luis

Mersea's fits well into a day at the harbor. Before lunch, walk the Harford Pier to see the boats unload, rent a kayak or paddleboard, or check the tide for the tide pools. After, take a sunset walk back along the pier as the lights come on.

For a quicker, cheaper bite at the base of the pier, try Fat Cats Cafe.