Abri Waterfront Restaurant sits right on Morro Bay’s waterfront with an unobstructed view of Morro Rock from the patio—the kind of view that makes you understand why people move to the Central Coast. The patio is genuinely sun-drenched in the afternoons, and they welcome dogs on leash to hang out at your table while you eat.

We brought our dog on a weekend lunch and watched the pelicans dive while we worked through their seafood. They source local organic ingredients, which shows in everything from the fish to the vegetables. The menu isn’t pretentious—straightforward preparations of fresh seafood, chicken, and steak, all executed well. You’re not paying resort prices either, which is refreshing for a waterfront spot with views this good.

The staff didn’t make a fuss about the dog, but they also weren’t indifferent. Someone brought water without being asked, and they cleared our table carefully knowing a dog was nearby. The patio has enough shade from umbrellas that you’re not cooking if you go earlier in the day, though late afternoon gets intense if you’re sitting in direct sun.

One thing to know: it’s popular, especially weekends. The patio isn’t enormous, so arriving right when they open for lunch (11:30am typically) gives you better odds of getting a table. The restaurant has both indoor and patio seating, but obviously you want the patio for the views and the dog. If you’re coming for dinner, sunset hits the rock beautifully around 7 or 8pm depending on the season.

The walk to get here is easy from downtown Morro Bay—you’re steps from the main waterfront strip where you can also walk your dog along the bay before or after eating. Parking is street parking along the waterfront, which can get tight on busy days but usually turns over fairly quickly.