The Bayside Cafe, in Morro Bay, California.
Enjoy a waterfront view from every seat
Walking or boating along the waters of Morro Bay’s Marina, the smell of bacon sizzling on the grill wafts toward you in waves. The smells take you to Bayside Cafe, located off the Embarcadero at the back of the bay inside Morro Bay State Park.
Cozy tables sit along a glass wall inside and there are a few outdoor tables on patio; every seat boasts a perfect view of the bay. Just across the street from the State campground, Bayside Cafe is the restaurant every camper dreams about.
Low key and relaxed, diners often show up in beach cover-ups and camping attire. Bring your dog and sit outside under the heat lamps, watching the fog roll away while enjoying an early lunch or see the sunset during dinner.
Morro Bay from Black Hill.
Something for everyone on lunch & dinner menus
Each recipe has been crafted out of a love for the perfect bite. Founder and Cal Poly grad Dawn Borst started Bayside Cafe in 1986 out of necessity, recognizing the need for a place to grab a quick meal after being out on the water all day.
The location of the cafe is ideal – it sits right where the boats dock. She originally started the restaurant as a “walk-up” and created each recipe herself. Today the place has expanded to a sit-down-style restaurant, but her unique recipes remain the same and Dawn is dedicated to serving the freshest food to each and every customer.
A delicious and healthy dinner of Salmon and salad at the Bayside Cafe.
The lunch menu is extensive, with plenty of delicious options. From seafood and burgers to Mexican specialties, the whole family will eat well regardless of who wants what. Want to share a few appetizers among your group? Try the shrimp cocktail and calamari strips. Or maybe you’d like a bowl of chowder – a meal in itself if so desired.
The dinner menu at Bayside Cafe is a bit more romantic. Chicken Marsala, tender slow roasted tri-tip, and blackened ahi are just a few of the choices, and the entree list is a perfect variety of both surf and turf.
Dessert heaven
Locals have long discovered that a trip to Bayside is more than the mouthwatering main courses – the homemade desserts are a must-try. Chocolate Oblivion and Tres Leches Cake are just two of the delights that leave diners wishing for more.
Take a moment to enjoy the sun setting on the water as you relax after a great meal and even better experience. Perhaps the best part about dining at Bayside Cafe is the feeling that even if you are just visiting the area, you are treated like a local. Smiling employees, delicious food, and a laid back atmosphere are the perfect combination.
Mix all this in with a large dose of relaxation and you will have a hard time leaving, guaranteed.
Bayside Cafe, located at 10 State Park Road directly across the road from the Morro Bay State Park Campground, is open for lunch Monday through Wednesday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. with extended hours until 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. Dinner hours are Thursday and Sunday 4 – 8:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 4 – 9 p.m. ; closed for dinner Monday through Wednesday. For more information, call (805) 772-1465 and check out menus at Bayside Cafe.
