By Courtney Oldwyn published on April 3, 2017
Visitors from all over the world flock to San Juan Island in the summer mainly because, well, it’s an island! An island vacation means gorgeous sightseeing, wildlife (Orcas anyone?), long walks on the beach and of course, seafood.
San Juan Island is surrounded by the Salish Sea which offers up plenty of fresh seafood. Wild Salmon, Halibut, Rock Fish, Spot Prawns, shellfish and last but surely not least, our delicious local Dungeness Crab. Oddly enough though it can be a little tricky to find a fresh seafood meal around Friday Harbor. Here are a few tips for getting that delicious dining experience during your stay on San Juan Island.
North Sound Seafood at Roche Harbor Resort
This little “crab shack” is built right at the head of the main dock in the Roche Harbor Marina. The small, seasonal operation’s motto is Live, Local, Fresh and they’re not messing around!
They sell live Dungeness crab, spot prawns live or cooked, King Salmon, Halibut, local Oysters and other seasonal fish. Check out what is fresh caught during your stay at their website www.northsoundseafood.com.
Tops’l Sushi and Seafood Restaurant
If you enjoy sushi this is definitely the place for you. If cooked seafood is more to your liking this is still definitely the place for you! Dungeness crab and local spot prawn specials abound here in the summer months. You’ll want to drink the coconut broth that accompanies the local steamer clams dish and the baked black cod fillet caught by local fisherman Matt Marinkovich will melt in your mouth. Look for daily specials and view their menu on their facebook site under Tops’l Seafood Bar.
The cold waters of Westcott Bay, located near Roche Harbor on the island’s northern end, have long provided an incredible growing atmosphere for shellfish. After quite a few years of neglect, neew owners Erik and Andrea Anderson are bringing the oyster crop, clam bed and mussel nets back to life. The farm has a very casual, laid back vibe these days complete with picnic tables, campfire pits and a small shop. Bring your own drinks, an oyster knife and enjoy the absolute freshest shellfish San Juan Island has to offer. Get more details at www.westcottbayshellfish.com.
Friday Harbor Seafoods
Hidden just off the main dock in the Friday Harbor Marina is the the Friday Harbor Seafood Market. Not only does this little floating shop sell fresh fish, shellfish and crab by the pound, they also sell homemade salads, crab and shrimp cocktails and cooked, cracked crab to go. Before hopping on the ferry, a whale watching excursion or hitting one of San Juan Island’s many beaches for a picnic stop by the seafood market and pick up a fresh seafood lunch to take with you. Don’t forget to say hello to Popeye, Friday Harbor’s harbor seal mascot who spends her summer hanging around the marina hoping for someone to “accidentally drop” a fish into the water for her.
Our menu always offers a fresh salmon and halibut dish as well as many seasonal seafood appetizers throughout the year. Always cooked to order but our chef and accompanied by fresh, local vegetables our fish dinners are some of the best on the island, even if we do say so ourselves! Reservations are highly recommended. If you’re staying at one of our partner inns, The Tucker House or The Harrison House.
Of all the amazing things the San Juan Islands have to offer, our fresh, local seafood is one of the best. With these tips you’re sure to have a meal to remember.
Cheers!
Courtney ~ Local Blogger for the San Juan Island Inn Collection