Flying Dutchman

Open daily 11am - 9pm

The Flying Dutchman is one of Morro Bay's many classic waterfront restaurants. Dining is available both inside and out with wonderful views of Morro Rock and the harbor. The menu is varied enough to satisfy appetites of land-lovers and sea-farers alike. You'll find standard dishes such as fish and chips and a burger, as well as a few creative options like local sand dabs and a delicious seared ahi salad.

Our visit to the Flying Dutchman was during lunch and the restaurant was pleasantly bright (it was a sunny day) with lots of plants by the windows as well as fresh flowers on each table. The tables, with wooden benches and painted chairs, are set at an angle in order to maximize the view of Morro Rock. The decorative theme is one of pirates and Dutch
hospitality (read the story of the Flying Dutchman on the back of the menu) - you can even purchase a piratey t-shirt like the ones worn by the servers. (We stopped by during dinner time and noticed the atmosphere was similarly casual.)

My husband and I ordered the albacore tuna melt and the baja fish tacos. The albacore tuna melt was warm and "melty" with deliciously crisp grilled sourdough. The tuna salad was freshly made, but in my opinion the flavor of the tuna was overpowered by the abundance of celery. (If you are a celery lover, perhaps this is the sandwich for you.) The baja fish tacos were wonderful - and at $5.85 one of the least expensive items on the menu. The two tacos come alone (no sides) but a cup of chowder can be added for $3.25. Both tacos have two soft white-corn tortillas filled with beer-battered cod, crisp shredded cabbage, salsa, and a drippy, flavorful white sauce.

Menu prices range from $4.85 (house salad) to $14.84 for lunch and up to $24.85 for dinner (steak and shrimp scampi). Dinner prices include salad or chowder, potatoes or pilaf, and vegetable. Simple desserts are available (and easily accessible for customers who just want to pop in and grab a cookie or brownie to go). Giant cookies are priced at $1.50, brownies at $4 and apple dumplings at $5.25. For more information, check out their website at www.flyingdutchmanmorrobay.com.

Kids meals are available for those 12 and under. For $4.95 little buccaneers can choose from: fish and chips, grilled cheese, hamburger, hot dog, or chicken strips, all served with french fries. Unfortunately this review has no Kids' Opinion due to the fact that our children were at school enjoying their packed lunch and cafeteria mini corn dogs.

The Flying Dutchman is located at 701 Embarcadero in Morro Bay at the end of Pacific Street.