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Washington State’s oysters are among the best in the US

By on January 29, 2013
Washington State's oysters are among the best in the US

Washington State's oysters are among the best in the US

Oysters have long been a chosen dish for travelers looking to have a romantic evening out, and those visiting the coast of Washington State are able to enjoy the shellfish fresh from the Pacific Ocean. The area situated along Willapa Bay and Columbia River, which border the state’s Long Beach Peninsula, feature some of the most delicious oysters in all of the U.S. In fact, one in four oysters in the U.S. is harvested from Willapa Bay, where oyster beds have been painstakingly cultivated for several generations, which makes the region a must-visit for travelers who appreciate the delicacy. 

“While we enjoy Willapa Bay oysters year round, the flavor, texture and plumpness are best right now [in winter],” said Andy Day, the executive director of the Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau.

The 28-mile stretch of land is home to a number of top restaurants like Jimella & Nanci’s Market Cafe and Pelicano Restaurant, and most of these establishments serve up fresh oysters prepared in a variety of ways. If you’re not sure how you’d like to dine, consider a stop at the three-course “Oyster Frenzy” dinner that takes over Jimella & Nanci’s on Thursday nights or head to the 42nd Street Cafe, which offers oysters all day long and cooked several different ways based on the meal. 

Even if oyster’s aren’t at the center of your favorite seafood dish, the proximity of the Pacific Ocean and other waterways means that there is plenty of fresh fish to go around. Salmon, halibut, tuna, crabs and clams are all found on menus throughout the area, and they serve as the main ingredient for several tasty dishes at world class restaurants along the Long Beach Peninsula.Â