A review of Moby Dick Restaurant at Santa Barbara.com

Moby Dick Restaurant
220 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara
Phone: (805) 965-0549

Category: American, Seafood
Hours: Mon-Sun 7am-8:30pm, Summer: closes at 9:pm
Price: $10 - $20
Serving: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
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Reviews by the General Public

The BEST breakfast I had in California, 8/29/2010
Reviewer: Cristian from Italia
A great place, on the wharf. I had scrambled eggs, sausages, hashed browns, 3 stack pancake and bacon. Everything was just perfect! We where seven and all of us had a great breakfast. The waiter was so meticulous. Next time I'll spend some days in Santa Barbara, I'll go back to Moby Dick for sure.

excellent and poor at the same time, 8/1/2010
Reviewer: Eric from Santa Barbara, CA
My wife and I went to MD for the first time last night. 10 minute wait for a table and 10 minutes to get a waitress to take our order. We were ok with that. My wife had the swordfish. A bit overcooked, but overall it was ok. I had the surf and turf. My steak was ordered medium. It came rare. I can eat rare, so ok. But the only part of it that was hot was the sauce they put on it. The steak was cold. Lobster was excellent. Clam chowder and shrimp cocktail, both good. Service was bad. I had to flag someone down each time we needed a drink refill, more bread, butter and sour cream for my baked potato. Our waitress took out order and never returned on her own. Now the bill. Our waitress was more than willing to bring the bill, after I asked for it a second time. It was $72. I placed a $100 bill on the tray and when she came back, she asked if I needed change. Yes, I told her. I guess she thought she was worth a 40% tip, but not even close. So the change was brought back, neatly tucked between the 2 receipts. When I counted the money, it was $20 short. Our waitress had disappeared again, so I found the hostess. She found the manager. He came to the table and asked what was wrong. I told him $20 was mising. He just turned and walked off and found the waitress. She came to the table and just opened her wallet and pulled out a $20 bill and dropped it on the table. No apology from no one, no comment, nothing...

Reply to: linda huang from Santa Barbara, CA , 7/29/2010
Reviewer: MCD from Santa Barbara, CA
How could anyone not know what they ordered? When the waitress brought your meals ... you knew it was wrong ... why didn't you tell her? I'm sure you didn't offer to pay for the meal you ate? You probably ordered something less expensive & took advantage of the mistake. No wonder the manager asked you to leave! You wouldn't be welcome in any restaurant with your attitude. Don't blame the restaurant for your stupid childish behavior!

this place sucks !!!!, 7/28/2010
Reviewer: linda huang from Santa Barbara, CA
I had a bad experience here tonight !!!!! they brought us the wrong food and didnt let us know until we finished them. The manager came up and blamed us for eating someone else's food. I said they are responsible for bringing the wrong food. but he refused to apologize. I said they should deal with it. The manager came bk five mins later and said "u asked me to deal with it, ok ,u girls are done tonight ,u can take off." I was like why thats our fault and he just insist that he didnt do anything wrong, he thinks that we ate other people's food on purpose, come on!! those foods are nasty !!I I would never go back to the restaurant again, ever!

Terrible Lunch, 7/27/2010
Reviewer: Jerry M. Graham from Nipomo, CA
I've eaten at Moby Dick's on several occasions and by far this was the worse lunch I've ever experienced. My wife ordered "Fish & Chips" while I ordered the "Crab and Shrimp Salad". The fish was pre-breaded and appears microwaved. There was no hot, crispy deep fried texture to it. The fries were old by having that "collapsed" dry stale taste. I specifically asked the waitress if the crab on the salad would be Dungeness crab. After asking the chef I was assured that they use fresh Dungeness. I grew up in the San Francisco area I know Dungeness crab. A good Dungeness salad has leg segments as well as that almost sweet taste to it. Their crab had no segments nor any taste to it, much like canned crab would have. Several days later I spoke with the manager about our experience and she raised no objections to the areas I pointed out. At this point I would not eat there again.

Staying Thirsty with nearly taken Lobster, Unwelcoming, 7/26/2010
Reviewer: Will from Santa Barbara, CA
After living here for 7 years, I finally decided to try MD's. My girlfriend and I decided since we had not been out for a while we should go, and I should try the special Surf and Turf (Lobster and Steak). I am not the type that you would see order that. Young, jeans, $10 shirt. The waitress scoffed at me as I handed her the menu. She brought my soup and my girl's salad dressing a while (I finished my soup, it was very good) before our appetizer, then our dinner arrived 3 minutes later. She forgot my girlfriend's drink. She had given her a soda before the appetizer, but then a Raspberry Margarita was asked for. We never got that. The Lobster was a touch under cooked, but the portion was good. The waitress though, with her attitude, primarily ignoring us as we sat near the in-wall corner of the outside area, and attempting to take half my meal away as I was eating, made me feel unwelcome, so we packed up her Shrimp Louie, the claws and legs and all but 2 bites of the steak and left. Took away 3 boxes. We were also misinformed about the appetizer. We ordered Salmon Cakes. We asked what was in them because at more than $13 I want to know if I'll like it. We were told only Salmon and breading. They had cucumbers and carrots, and the taste over powered. I took only one bite, my girlfriend took most home with us, there were only 2 of the cakes. Perhaps if the waitress would have admitted that she did not know and went to ask I would have enjoyed another appetizer, even if it was after my clam chowder. The lobster steamed well the next night, and the portion still large enough after mainly eating only the tail, for a great dinner at home, with a movie.

Fantastic, 7/12/2010
Reviewer: Heidi from Canoga Park, CA
We loved everything about the place! Being from the valley-it was a ocean fantasy eating out on the pier like that! The food was good, down home, traditional seafood. To be honest, I'm not a big seafood person so I stuck with fish and chips-but it was great! Loved the whole experience. We've been there a couple of times and can't wait to go back!

Great Place for a Casual, Unpretentious Meal, 7/8/2010
Reviewer: James from Huntington Beach, CA
After taking in all the glitz and BS of Montecito and snobbery of Santa Barbara, it was nice to find a place that was fast and friendly that served good quality "comfort" seafood at a decent price. The platter for two was great, and was just what the doctor ordered for two hungry travelers! Generous portions, fast service and beautiful views of the sea will bring us back again for sure!

Bar had limited brands, 6/30/2010
Reviewer: David from Los Angles, CA
This was my 2nd time here in as many as 6 months bringing friends from out of town,and again I was disatisfied with what they had to offer for liquor. Being a big Jack Daniels fan, I couldn't believe they didn't carry it. My friends order stoli, they didn't have,ordered grey goose they didn't have. My wife ordered Bacardi and coke still nothing. I'am not sure who does the ordering here but they should be replaced with someone who knows how to set up a decent bar. I thought the food and service was ok, but without having what we liked to drink, they for sure will lose my business.

Warned but didn't listen, 6/27/2010
Reviewer: Gary from Santa Barbara, CA
We were warned that "the closer you get to the water, the prices are higher and the quality of food drops." And then it did. Granted it was lunch and we ordered fish and chips and two fish sandwiches. No wine, no beer. The bill was $60 plus tip! The pieces of fish were paper thin; some was undercooked and some was over done. The chips/fries were tepid. And no, MD was not overly busy. Perhaps MB's other fish entrees are higher quality but we'll never know.

Lunch, 5/16/2010
Reviewer: Anna from Santa Barbara, CA
Well, this was my first time at this restuarant and I was pleased with the food. My only suggestion is that they give you more of it. For appetizers we ordered the crab, shrimp and ceviche. The ceviche was plentiful and full of flavor. However, the crab and shrimp appetizer was only a small mouthfull for both of us. For the price, I guess I expected a bit more. However, the service is great and I will definitely return as it does have a nice view.

STEAK AND WHOLE MAINE LOBSTER, 4/18/2010
Reviewer: Mike hernandez from Santa Barbara, CA
I LIVE IN SB THIS IS MY SECOND OR THIRD REVIEW ABOUT MOBY I HAD A COUPLE OF FRIENDS FRON CANADA OVER AND I TOOK THEM TO MD JUST TO FIND OUT THAT THEY HAVE THIS AMAZING DEAL GOING ON SURF AND TURF (steak and lobster the whole lobster great) COMES WITH THE WORKS AND FOR ONLY 30 BUCKS THATS A GREAT DEAL AND U KNOW THE USUAL NICE VIEWS AND GREAT SERVICE, THE MANAGER MIGUEL WAS VERY FRIENDLY AND HE TOLD HE WILL KEEP THAT DEAL FOR AT LEAST ANOTHR 2 or 3 MORE WEEKS GUYS GO FOR IT.

Fall In Love Again, 3/11/2010
Reviewer: Sherrie from Sun City CA
This is a great place to dine. Enjoy your mate and just look in to each others eyes while having the best lunch or dinner. We prefer having dinner. I have seen so many celebrities at this place Dr. 90210. Yes, he was awesome and even came over to our table to talk. I felt grand. Even though they have celebrities dine there, they treat all customers the same. If the economy wasn't so bad and we had some extra money I would stay in Santa Barbara for two weeks and eat their each day....and enjoy the man of my dreams David Tucker my hubby. We love this place. Please don't read the bad reviews this place ROCKS! I kid you not. You will Love it, love it, and love it. :-)

GREAT VALENTINE'S DAY, 2/27/2010
Reviewer: Mike Rivera from Santa Barbara, CA
Now I'm a huge fun of that place. After velentines (I know it took me a while) excellent dinner I love moby's sooo much, how not to after a great experience and I really hope moby's have another great deal like that (half lobster, steak,clam choder, champagne and dessert) all of that for 60 bucks per couple? That was really nice considering the economicall situation that we are going thru! MOBY DICK JUST THE BEST WITH GREAT FOOD, SERVICE AND FENOMEMAL OCEAN VIEWS!!!!!

A Treasure on the Sea, 2/18/2010
Reviewer: Shelley from Santa Barbara, CA
I stopped going to Moby Dick's many years ago, after a bad experience of high prices and poor service. Boy, has it changed! The service is outstanding, the view magnificient, and the food very good, and reasonable. I loooked at the dinner specials listed in front, and they include salad, and a glass of complimentary house wine. Can you beat that? The Happy Hour looks like a bargain! I've been there now for breakfast, brunch, and dinner, and will continue to go back many times, especially with out of town friends .It feels expensive, but it isn't,so I can afford the tab

greatttt, 2/9/2010
Reviewer: wanda from Santa Barbara, CA
the food was really good!! i recomend the french fries, fried shrimp, clam chowder!!!!, and chicken linguini alfredo

Great Breakfast, 1/23/2010
Reviewer: BJC from Santa Barbara, CA
In the past I have been very disappointed with the food at Moby Dicks, but by my surprise it was very good this time. We decided to try it after two years of boycotting tasteless food and this time we had a very good meal. The service was great and was on there game for a early saturday morning. Best of all the place was super clean and even their kitchen was spotless. We will return for breakfast again.

frequent diners, 11/22/2009
Reviewer: deborah from Santa Barbara, CA
Our family often choses Moby Dick for breakfast. We love the specials and have never had a poor meal! The service is prompt and courteous. We love it.

Boring Food; Average Service, 9/25/2009
Reviewer: Cris from Santa Barbara, CA
The food for lunch was so un-flavorful and boring. The only taste the open turkey face sandwich had was the salt that I put on it. The fried seafood all tastes the same and is not worth the price you pay for it. I may try this place for breakfast, but not for lunch. Service was average, nothing good nor nothing bad.

GREAT CHANGE!!!!!!!!
Reviewer: Miguel Hernandez from L.A.
MY WIFE AND I DECIDED TO GIVE ANOTHER CHANCE TO MOBY DICKS AFTER READING IN A LOCAL MAGAZINE (although we live in LA) THAT THE MANAGEMENT HAD BEEN CHANGED, AND WE WERE SURPRISED, FRIENDLY SERVICE AND NOW I CAN SAY THAT THERE IS FRESH SEAFOOD, I HAD THE HALIBUT AND MY WIFE HAD ONE OF THE WEEKLY SPECIALS THAT WAS THE FILET MIGNON STUFFED WITH CRAB MEAT. DEFINETLY WE'LL GO BACK TO MOBY DICK. BY THE WAY GREAT VIEW.

AMAZING HOSTESS!!!!!
Reviewer: Cherise from Santa Barbara, CA
this place had great service and the BEST hostess ever! She was very kind and beautiful and she gave us the best table in the house! I would say she was better than the other, snotty hostess. The food was good too, the view spectacular, I would DEFINATELY go back again :)

amazing!!!
Reviewer: carol from santa clarita, CA
My family and I love the view food and drinks! The restaurant is amazing and never disapoints well worth the stop! Eat here annually and never had a dissapointment.

Fairly Good Food, Excellent View and Service
Reviewer: Glenn from Buellton
The food was not great but the service and view were. They had available seating with no wait right on the water, kid friendly meals and fairly good food. The server(same guy as mentioned below?) was really amazing. Great view of the ocean. You pay for the view. Its easier seating than Shellfish.

Night on the Wharf
Reviewer: Rob from Fullerton, CA
This restaurant is located on Stearns Wharf, so any logical and reasoned individual can naturally assume some basic things. 1- Its going to be EXPENSIVE. 2- The weather is going to be "coastal". 3- It is going to be a "tourist trap". 4- Your server might (choose from one of the following) a. Have a limited English vocabulary, b. Be a starving UCSB student, or both a and b. OK, so now are we all on the same page and by the way, if you live in Los Angeles County or anywhere in the Valley, your reviews don't count anyway. This place was good, both my lovely wife and I had the fish and chips, so I won't try to lead you astray by having expectations of the most AMAZING fish and chips on the planet! I did love how HOT everything was, and the fries (chips) were really good! The bread was also really yummy and the server was cool too, and I could understand him, which is always a plus!!! About the server, he let us know that the dish also came as a half order (with only two breaded filets instead of four) and we both went for that! It was enough and I left the restaurant filled and happy! I am not ashamed to have said that I ate here!

It's our Friday breakfast place!
Reviewer: Sharon from Santa Barbara, CA
We come here every Friday, and love it! The views are relaxing, and Salvadore always makes sure we are well taken care of, even when he's not our waiter! We love him! I have heard it's not too good for dinner, so we don't go, but for breakfast, it's our spot. Thanks Salvadore!

Waste of a great location
Reviewer: nate from Santa Barbara, CA
DO NOT BELIEVE JOHN'S REVIEW BELOW MINE!! I've lived in S.B. for 31 years and for as long as I can remember Moby Dicks has had awful food. Trust me, locals are waiting for this place to close down so we can get a decent restaurant in this beautiful location. MOBY DICKS IS A TOTAL TOURIST TRAP!! As a local I hate to admit it but Brophy Bros. is so much better than this chum bucket. If you don't believe me go waste your money at Moby Dicks, I would rather eat frozen Gorton's fish sticks.

TO ALL WHO COMPLAIN
Reviewer: JOHN from Santa Barbara, CA
I'M A REGULAR PLEASE DON'T RUIN THIS MARVELOUS RESTAURANT'S REPUTATION. JUDGE YOURSELF. IF YOU READ MOST CUMPLAINTS ARE BASED ON PRICE....... IF YOU DONT HAVE ENOUGH FOR A MEAL DONT GO OUT AT ALL.

Don't Waste the Time
Reviewer: Cheryl from Clay, Kentucky
On a recent trip to Santa Barbara, we came upon the Moby Dick at the pier. We waited some time to be seated, when seated it took 15 mins for someone to take the order for our drinks and appetizer. We recieved the fried shrimp...COLD. Then We watched other people be seated, order and even receive their dinner, while we waited for our order. After 25 mins of watching this we asked about our order, they had no idea. We immediately left after no resolve. It might benefit the resturant to have trained help, and a supervisor who would over look the work of the waiters, to be sure service is timely and all patrons are served within a reasonable time.. not 40 mins for appetizer.

Wonderful Lobster and Crab
Reviewer: Nicole from Santa Barbara, CA
I've been there twice after having saving up to buy lobster and crab, two of my favorite foods. Both times I had the same wonderful waiter and sat at a cute little table right next to the water. You really can't beat the location and service, our waiter was very kind and the 2nd time we came in he remembered us! I was embarrased because my boyfriend LOVES lobster and made a huge mess on the table. As a waitress I am usually grossed out or annoyed when people leave their dirty napkins and crumbs all over but our waiter just laughed when I apologized and said he was just glad we enjoyed the food. Moby Dick's mails out 20% off coupons, take that with you for an added bonus. Their lobster is fresh and delicious, ask for garlic butter, much more flavorful than regular butter. Their crab legs are plentiful and delicious. This is truly one of my favorite seafood restaurants, not too snotty like other quality places but they give you the same quality service.

EXCELLANTE!!!!
Reviewer: patti from la verne, ca
This place was the perfect place to go for a really nice romantic evening. Great service!!! We only had appetizers and drinks but they were superb!!! The drinks were great. We loved it. would highly recommend it for THAT and go back.

CANNED CHICKEN SOUP!!!!!!
Reviewer: Gabe from Santa Barbara, CA
I ordered the linguini with clams for lunch today, which was allegedly supposed to be served with salad (iceberg city) and garlic bread (aka Texas Toast, as sold for $2 a loaf at albertson's) but the creme de la creme of insult and injury was when I realized that the "linguini" in broth I was being served was nothing other than watered down CANNED CHICKEN SOUP, with tiny chunks of chicken and small little chunks of carrots. I don't want to come off as "overly negative" but charging $20 for a can of campbell's soup you are trying to pass off as linguini is pretty low. Now I know why this place only attracts tourists.

30 minutes for a dinner and a oilpastel sketch
Reviewer: Karl Klink from Dusslingen Germany
Best was the view,food average, service did what they could,Atmosphere was allright.It was the first time but it�s to far away from Europe to come here often.But the oilpainting I made from to view an the atmosphere brought the painting in an exposition of a German art award which made the Moby Dick pier restaurant more well known in Germany.

Warning: Do not attempt if you have taste buds!
Reviewer: Nicole from San Luis Obispo, CA
There were eight people in our party, and not one dish tasted good, all were overcooked. Most tasted worse than a frozen Lean Cuisine. The use of a heat lamp for an extended amount a time really dries out the top of the food, and is not appetizing and makes for poor presentation. And if I am going to pay $20 for a plate, and have to sit in a plastic chair outside, I would expect real lettuce (not iceberg) and better dressing (not bottled). The best thing they have to offer is their service, however it nor the view makes up for the less than mediocre food.

Disgusting...Do not waste your time eating here.
Reviewer: jim drath from Santa Barbara, CA
The best thing this place has going for it is the location. I am sure at one time this was "the place to go for seafood" but not anymore. My wife and I spent 3 days in Santa Barbara and had Greek, Indian, and our last meal was at the Moby Dick for our anniversary. My wife ordered the Alaskan King Crab, the shell was like rubber and the meat was tastless mush that they drowned in garlic butter. I order the fish and chips...The worst I have ever had...dry and over cooked. And it came from a box!

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