A longtime family of Santa Monica restaurateurs are hoping to find their own pearl of a business with the opening of the West Side Oyster Club in June in the former home of Blue Plate Oysterette, a beloved 16-year establishment that closed at the end of 2025. The highly anticipated new restaurant comes from longtime Santa Monica residents and Albright owners Greg and Yunnie Morena.
The new seafood concept sits at the intersection of casual and luxury, offering high-quality seafood and ingredients built for takeout and fast-casual service. Menu items include lobster rolls, po'boys, fish and chips, seafood platters, caviar, chowders, salads, oysters and more. The beverage program features beer, wine and craft cocktails, including an oyster shooter — an oyster with a housemade spicy Bloody Mary mix and a choice of vodka or gin.
David Alvarez of Studio Alvarez designed the new look. Whites, blues and neutrals create a simple, clean effect both inside and out. The exterior evokes a traditional seafood house, while the interior pays homage to Santa Monica, with photos of surf and skate culture, a California flag, a life jacket, a skateboard, a "Dogtown and Z-Boys" poster and more adorning the walls.
West Side Oyster Club represents the next chapter of the Morenas' legacy. "Our family has been in Santa Monica and serving the community seafood on the Pier since 1977," Greg said. This restaurant, he said, "comes from that heritage and asking ourselves a simple question: what next?"
Yunnie's parents opened The Albright nearly 50 years ago and passed their knowledge to the Morenas when the couple took over in 2013. With careers spanning fashion, skating, hospitality and finance, the Morenas said they're excited to apply what they've learned at The Albright to this newest venture. "The Albright on the Pier taught us that a restaurant is much more than a building — it's an experience with honest food and excellent hospitality," Greg said.
While The Albright showcases the spirit of the Santa Monica Pier, the Morenas want West Side Oyster Club to reflect the city's seaside culture. It's a "different experience, same values: honest seafood, excellent hospitality, and a deep connection to this community," Greg said.
Ingredient sourcing matters as much at West Side Oyster Club as it does at The Albright, with sustainability at its core. Having grown up in Santa Monica, the Morenas were exposed to environmental nonprofits such as Heal the Bay and Sustainable Works, which shaped their commitment to caring for the place they call home. "Sustainability is part of our DNA, thanks to Santa Monica," Greg said. That commitment shows up in reduced single-use materials, recycling, lower food waste, responsible sourcing and a seasonal menu. "At the end of the day, as we build something meant to last another 50 years, it's our responsibility to respect our ocean — the foundation of our future," Greg said.
The Morenas remain optimistic about the future of Santa Monica and their business, despite the reduced patronage, employment laws and safety concerns that Blue Plate Oysterette owner Jennifer Rush cited as factors in that restaurant's closure. The couple said they look forward to being part of the continued change they've already seen in the area. "We believe deeply in the future of Santa Monica, and WSOC is our way to double down," Greg said. "If more local businesses continue investing in Ocean Ave. and Santa Monica, our city becomes stronger, for everyone."
West Side Oyster Club is located at 1355 Ocean Ave. It is open from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Sunday, and 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Lila Victor, Special to the Daily Press