Shoals Restaurant at the Cliff House Inn

Overall: 10/10

Food: 10/10

Service: 10/10

Ambiance: 10/10

Value: 9/10

Sep 15, 2020

Walt K.

Our first experience and the food, service, and ambiance were exceptional. Went on recommendation from others and well worth the experience. Will definitely return.

Overall: 10/10

Food: 10/10

Service: 10/10

Ambiance: 10/10

Value: 10/10

Sep 09, 2020

Leana G.

Enjoyed our brunch very much in the current Covid restrictions. The staff worked very hard and did an excellent job at providing courteous service. The food was delicious and we will definitely return for another meal very soon.

Overall: 10/10

Food: 10/10

Service: 10/10

Ambiance: 10/10

Value: 10/10

Sep 05, 2020

Christina G.

The setting can’t be beat .

Overall: 10/10

Food: 10/10

Service: 10/10

Ambiance: 10/10

Value: 10/10

Sep 05, 2020

Diana G.

Had a beautiful birthday dinner, with a gorgeous view and amazing food! Loved my seafood cioppino and boyfriend's pork chops, with a delicious Meoimi Pinot and Bohemia. Recommend bringing a wrap/ jacket to fully enjoy the crisp Ventura ocean sunset.

Overall: 10/10

Food: 10/10

Service: 10/10

Ambiance: 10/10

Value: 10/10

Sep 04, 2020

Franklin S.

Superior experience!

Overall: 10/10

Food: 10/10

Service: 10/10

Ambiance: 10/10

Value: 10/10

Sep 01, 2020

Tom M.

All wonderful!

Overall: 10/10

Food: 10/10

Service: 10/10

Ambiance: 10/10

Value: 10/10

Aug 28, 2020

Joseph L.

One of our favorite places to go for family celebrations

Overall: 10/10

Food: 10/10

Service: 10/10

Ambiance: 10/10

Value: 10/10

Aug 11, 2020

Kaleigh W.

Fabulous food as always. Great service. Lovely view. Pricey but width it. Can’t go wrong with anything on their menu. Even basic burger was divine! But def bring a mid wright jacket/sweater. Granted was having dinner at 7pm but table was close to the ocean and the fog and the wind was a little chilly. Glad I wore pants, long sleeves but some thing heavier than a shawl would have made it better.

Overall: 10/10

Food: 9/10

Service: 8/10

Ambiance: 10/10

Value: 8/10

Aug 08, 2020

Kathi F.

Love, love, love Shoals! It seemed a bit understaffed due to extra CoVid measures (we waited quite some time for our water and bread while the single bus boy was sanitizing tables after guests left) but, as always, the view and peacefulness there made up for any deficiencies. Seafood spinach salad was yummy!

Overall: 10/10

Food: 10/10

Service: 10/10

Ambiance: 10/10

Value: 10/10

Aug 08, 2020

Megan M.

Love the Shoals.

Overall: 10/10

Food: 10/10

Service: 10/10

Ambiance: 10/10

Value: 8/10

Aug 07, 2020

Kenneth and Elisa C.

As always, we had an amazing dining experience. They graciously allowed us to wait until the next table opened up at the ocean front, service was friendly, and food was outstanding.

Overall: 10/10

Food: 8/10

Service: 10/10

Ambiance: 10/10

Value: 10/10

Aug 02, 2020

Steve A.

Really enjoy the Shoals, good food, had the cocounut shrimp but was good but not excellent, scallops were fantastic.

Overall: 10/10

Food: 10/10

Service: 10/10

Ambiance: 10/10

Value: 9/10

Jul 28, 2020

Denni A.

Service was slow. Drinks were poor! No liquor in them. Food was awsome. All eggs came out perfect and hot!

Overall: 10/10

Food: 10/10

Service: 10/10

Ambiance: 10/10

Value: 10/10

Jul 25, 2020

James D.

Dining at Shoals was a wonderful experience! Due to the current circumstances, dinner was served outside on the patio, which made the ambience even better. The food, the service and the view were all spectacular! It was the highlight of our 8 day trip down the California coast. We definitely plan to stay at the Cliff House and dine at Shoals again in the future.

Overall: 10/10

Food: 10/10

Service: 10/10

Ambiance: 10/10

Value: 10/10

Jul 21, 2020

Nicole G.

We have been missing this place for so long. As always, the seafood is EXCELLENT and the staff is A++++. THANK YOU to Shoals for keeping us safe and serving us an amazing meal!!

Overall: 10/10

Food: 10/10

Service: 10/10

Ambiance: 10/10

Value: 10/10

Jul 17, 2020

Susan D.

Thank you for the great time!

Overall: 10/10

Food: 10/10

Service: 10/10

Ambiance: 10/10

Value: 10/10

Jul 15, 2020

Sally Z.

This restaurant is an absolute gem

Overall: 10/10

Food: 10/10

Service: 10/10

Ambiance: 10/10

Value: 10/10

Jul 06, 2020

Debbie B.

Love the location, food was excellent and wait staff was very friendly and efficient!

Overall: 10/10

Food: 10/10

Service: 10/10

Ambiance: 10/10

Value: 10/10

Jul 05, 2020

Claudia R.

The best 4th of July ever!

Overall: 10/10

Food: 10/10

Service: 10/10

Ambiance: 10/10

Value: 10/10

Jun 29, 2020

Andrea C.

Love the setting and service here. During this trying time they are practicing safe distancing and cleanliness, without sacrificing the food and service. We sat outside and had perfectly chilled wine, and the steamed clams were divine. We also had a seafood spinach salad that didn't skimp on the seafood - 3 perfectly cooked scallops and 3 jumbo shrimp. One small complaint - too much dressing on the salad, but we were out of practice asking for light dressing, so our fault. Definitely recommend!

Overall: 10/10

Food: 10/10

Service: 10/10

Ambiance: 10/10

Value: 10/10

Jun 27, 2020

Christine C.

We had a lovely time, lovely food and adequate service. No offense to our server, he gave good service but he was the only server for quite a few tables. Lastly, while the property is stunning, the building and restroom could use a little sprucing up.

Overall: 10/10

Food: 10/10

Service: 10/10

Ambiance: 10/10

Value: 10/10

Jun 27, 2020

David C.

We were socially distanced And we were very pleased with the service we received

Overall: 10/10

Food: 10/10

Service: 10/10

Ambiance: 10/10

Value: 10/10

Jun 25, 2020

J. Michael R.

The food and the service were both top-rate. We were seated as soon as we arrived at our reservation time. We enjoyed an unhurried meal, with attentive service. I have no suggestions for improved service.

Overall: 10/10

Food: 10/10

Service: 10/10

Ambiance: 10/10

Value: 10/10

Jun 25, 2020

Mena A.

Excellent as always!

Overall: 10/10

Food: 10/10

Service: 9/10

Ambiance: 10/10

Value: 10/10

Jun 22, 2020

JoAnne T.

They had just reopened after the Corona virus shutdown. The food was delicious, they seemed to have the guidelines under control. It was Father's Day Brunch, they were very busy even with the reduced amount of tables. There were several large parties including mine. They probably should have had another waiter on duty that day, the wait staff were running like mad and doing an admirable job under the circumstances. We had a wonderful time. This is a favorite place for our family to meet and it did not disappoint.

Overall: 10/10

Food: 10/10

Service: 10/10

Ambiance: 10/10

Value: 10/10

Jun 19, 2020

SHAYNA N.

With everything that's been going on in this crazy world, our Shoals experience was a delightful break. We ate on one of the tables on the lawn and as always the view was lovely. I had the local mussels - they were delicious, plump and perfectly cooked. Hubby had a burger, which he always loves (I get his salad! Bonus for me with the basil lemon vinaigrette.) With hubby's delicate health we were pleased to see that the staff was following current regulations for public health and safety - wearing masks, cleaning properly. It was a lovely and much needed outing for us. Thank you for doing such a great job!

Overall: 9/10

Food: 7/10

Service: 9/10

Ambiance: 10/10

Value: 9/10

Sep 10, 2020

Robin K.

The service was warm. We love the ambiance here. We were disappointed by the choice of red wines by the glass. The Meiromi Pinot noir that we chose to go with the New York steak was not Freshly opened and was substandard. The steak and potatoes were too salt and garlicky. The clams and mussels were divine. Thank you!

Overall: 9/10

Food: 9/10

Service: 10/10

Ambiance: 9/10

Value: 7/10

Sep 08, 2020

Chris F.

Went for Sunday brunch the experience was very comfortable the staff was friendly and accommodating food was very good The view was phenomenal had a table outside no more than 20 ft from the water awesome ambiance

Overall: 9/10

Food: 9/10

Service: 10/10

Ambiance: 10/10

Value: 10/10

Aug 08, 2020

Susan P.

A beautiful location, and the first restaurant we’ve felt comfortable enough to visit since the pandemic started. The staff were very nice, the food is good, and the social distancing,mask requirement , and fresh ocean breeze made it very relaxing.

Overall: 9/10

Food: 10/10

Service: 8/10

Ambiance: 10/10

Value: 9/10

Aug 04, 2020

Kathleen R.

The food was absolutely delicious, cooked to perfection, large portions and beautiful presentation. The service was slow because there was only one server and bus boy. View was beautiful.

Overall: 9/10

Food: 8/10

Service: 9/10

Ambiance: 10/10

Value: 8/10

Aug 03, 2020

Janine S.

Lovely place, want to keep it a secret ha-ha

Overall: 9/10

Food: 10/10

Service: 10/10

Ambiance: 10/10

Value: 10/10

Jul 12, 2020

Kathleen M.

The wait was a bit long even with a reservation but that was due to inconsiderate people socializing at the tables way after the bill was paid and tables were cleared. We very much appreciated the staff, gently, mentioning to a few that they might move to the lounge chairs by the pool. Thank you for that! Excellent service and delicious food.

Overall: 9/10

Food: 8/10

Service: 7/10

Ambiance: 10/10

Value: 9/10

Jul 07, 2020

Christina L.

My salmon was spectacular!! Unfortunately, John the birthday boy's steak was under-cooked: a little gristle. The location and ambiance is second to none. some rude guests, but Shoals can't control that. Still we plan to return for birthdays and special occasions! We drive up from LA. Always feels like a vacation!

Overall: 9/10

Food: 9/10

Service: 7/10

Ambiance: 10/10

Value: 8/10

Jun 25, 2020

Jody S.

Perfect SoCal outdoor dining experience, poolside on the ocean. Nice wines. Great food.

Overall: 9/10

Food: 9/10

Service: 10/10

Ambiance: 8/10

Value: 8/10

Jun 22, 2020

Anson W.

Nice experience. Inn could use updating.

Overall: 8/10

Food: 8/10

Service: 9/10

Ambiance: 7/10

Value: 8/10

Sep 09, 2020

Mindy C.

Bathrooms are very much in need of work. Parking was a challenge. Ants on our dinner table. Food and service were great!

Overall: 8/10

Food: 9/10

Service: 9/10

Ambiance: 8/10

Value: 8/10

Aug 27, 2020

Cathy L.

Beautiful view, great service with very limited staff and excellent food. Now that all dining needs to be outside they need to replace all the lights that are burnt out, and add lighting on the left side. It was very dark. The tables are also weathered and stained. Throw those white tablecloths from inside on them at night to improve the ambiance to feel like fine dining to match the upscale menu and prices. We dined twice for lunch and twice for dinner.

Overall: 8/10

Food: 10/10

Service: 10/10

Ambiance: 10/10

Value: 8/10

Aug 11, 2020

Frank A.

The slots in the outside table had food in some. They came a cleaned out most, but missed some. Suggest that you issue a tool to help clean slots. We will be back. Coconut Shrimp is still excellent +.

Overall: 8/10

Food: 9/10

Service: 8/10

Ambiance: 8/10

Value: 8/10

Aug 09, 2020

Donna A.

View was beautiful, food was delicious and very friendly and attentive staff!

Overall: 8/10

Food: 7/10

Service: 10/10

Ambiance: 10/10

Value: 10/10

Jul 30, 2020

Josephine S.

Beautiful place to have dinner. The view of the ocean, well enjoying dinner was so magnificent.

Overall: 8/10

Food: 9/10

Service: 7/10

Ambiance: 10/10

Value: 8/10

Jun 23, 2020

Stacey B.

We love this place. But as usual they were understaffed. Very busy on Father’s Day. Many large parties and only 2 servers. So other than not having enough staff, we enjoyed our brunch.

Overall: 8/10

Food: 9/10

Service: 8/10

Ambiance: 6/10

Value: 8/10

Jun 22, 2020

ganea l.

Dinner was delicious, including the appetizer, entree, and dessert. The service was also very good. Of course, the ocean view with the lovely pool in the foreground, helped the ambiance a great deal. Guests, both inside and out, were obviously happy to be enjoying a night out, breathing the fresh sea air and stretching their arms. The only issue with the place is it’s warn out physical space. New carpeting, and a fresh paint job would help immensely.

Overall: 7/10

Food: 9/10

Service: 7/10

Ambiance: 7/10

Value: 7/10

Sep 14, 2020

Catherine S.

Food was very good. Had to wait nearly an hour after our reservation time to sit down at our table. A comped beverage would have been appreciated, but no. Place is a bit shabby but the ocean view is beautiful.

Overall: 7/10

Food: 10/10

Service: 7/10

Ambiance: 9/10

Value: 10/10

Sep 02, 2020

Anna M.

This is second time visiting and there was a delay with getting initial order in for beverages and appetizers. Seemed like more servers were needed. Got great customer service from chef/kitchen server instead. He was quick and touched based with us regarding delay.

Overall: 7/10

Food: 10/10

Service: 10/10

Ambiance: 6/10

Value: 10/10

Jul 14, 2020

Marilyn S.

The meals were delicious and priced right. The service was very good. You should know that I made reservations using your on line service the day before - but we were not on the reservation list when we arrived. Of most concern, was a complete lack of enforcement of mask-wearing when guests were arriving, leaving or using the restroom. Because we were seated next to the gate, numerous people - including the many members of the wedding party - were walking right by us without masks. The lack of enforcement will likely keep us from coming back until this is over.

Overall: 7/10

Food: 7/10

Service: 6/10

Ambiance: 10/10

Value: 8/10

Jul 04, 2020

Michelle M.

They didn't have our reservations when we arrived. They were able to accomodate but was not impressed with not having it expecially since we were staying at the hotel for a few nights. Been coming here for many years. so that needs some work to correct this issue. Otherwise still a lovely restaurant and the pear goat cheese salad is why I come back again and again.