LAGuide
Brooke Williamson's Favorite LA Spots For Chowder, Caviar, & Seafood
Top Chef winner Brooke Williamson loves seafood. For starters, it’s all over the menu of her Playa Del Rey restaurant Playa Provisions, which she opened with her husband Nick Roberts nearly a decade ago. But even with access to everything the ocean has to offer in her own kitchen, Brooke finds herself scouring Los Angeles for classics like trout Amandine, New England-style clam shack classics, and more dishes that scratch her seafood itch. If you’re looking for a true insider’s guide, look no further: Brooke Williamson has you covered below.
“For those times when you’re craving New England-style seafood, this is the place. From cups of “chowda” to Rhode Island-style clam cakes, Connie & Ted’s transport clam shack classics from the East Coast to the West Coast. I’m a big fan of their lobster roll, and they also have a great whole New England boiled seafood dinner on the weekend.”
“I love venturing to the South Bay area for a less-crowded beach option, and Quality Seafood in Redondo Beach is a great seafood spot. I’ve been going there for years for [their seafood market] and snacks. First, you can grab a bite to eat from their restaurant on the pier and sit at the little picnic benches outside. They have something for everyone—fried seafood, raw oysters, whole steamed crab, you name it. Then, before heading back home, I usually grab some fresh seafood to prepare at home, too. It’s a two birds, one stone kind of place, and we love it.”
“This is where my son Hudson and I go when we’re feeling bougie. It has a very old Hollywood feel, and the caviar service is exceptional. Petrossian is the crème de la crème for caviar service, and on those special occasions when you want something a little luxe, this is our spot. Hudson is also a big fan of their mac and cheese.”
photo credit: Newport Seafood
“On a day off, I love to [head to] the San Gabriel Valley, and go to the Chinese seafood restaurants. A recent favorite is Newport Seafood, which my friend Chef Jet Tila introduced me to. They have a great "get messy" lobster dish, and it’s fun to go with a group to get a little bit of everything to share.”
“This is a great little spot along the Marina with a focus on traditional American seafood. Think Oysters Rockefeller, shrimp Louie, crab cakes, trout Amandine: the classics. It’s the sister restaurant to the old-school steakhouse Dear John’s, and it has a similarly nostalgic vibe. That chopped Shrimp Louie Salad that’s prepared tableside is really delicious and fun, and Dear Jane’s also has great views of the marina. We love to ride our bikes over and get a table by the window!”
“A drive up PCH to Malibu is one of my greatest California loves, and Neptune’s Net is one of my all-time favorite seafood shacks. It’s located just past Zuma Beach, has great ocean views, and it’s been there forever. You can pick out your own seafood, have it steamed right there in front of you, and just enjoy all the things the coast has to offer. They also have a killer clam chowder.”
