CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: fresh, raw oysters and clams; sidewalk seating outside Blue Plate Oysterette; fresh fish and cold beer served daily; lobster roll.
WHEN ONE THINKS of the Hamptons, visions of charming roadside snack shacks come to mind—fresh oysters, steamers and lobster rolls, all at their best when complemented by a cold beer. When one thinks of Santa Monica, images of sand and endless ocean certainly appear, but delicious shacks serving the freshest catch of the day? Not so much. That is, until now. Blue Plate Oysterette—the sister restaurant to the beloved Blue Plate on Montana—has an Ocean Avenue location and the perfect amount of East Coast vibe meets California cool (naturally, fish tacos make an appearance on the menu).
“I created the menu a year ago and was looking for a perfect spot,” says Jennifer Rush Morton, Blue Plate Oysterette’s owner. “When I saw this location, I knew it would be the perfect place for the concept. I wanted it to feel like it had been there a while— beachy and comfortable. You can stop by in shorts or head there for a fun night out.”
Go classic with New England clam chowder, fish and chips or oysters Rockefeller. Or get creative with oysters ceviche-style, mussels in tomato-ginger sauce, coconut brown rice or a Cali take on a lobster roll (taken up a notch by tarragon and lemon zest).
“People say to me the Westside needed a place like this,” says Morton. “I kind of created it out of a need for the food I really love, and I believe in the Westside.” We believe in Blue Plate Oysterette. 1335 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, 310-576-3474; blueplatesantamonica.com
