In 1977, a young Korean couple opened Santa Monica Pier Seafood right on the city’s pier. They ran the restaurant for 35 years before turning it over to their daughter and her husband, Greg and Yunnie Kim Morena, who gave it a revamped, modern look and renamed it The Albright—a nod to a nautical knot that symbolizes tying two paths (or, in this case, generations) together.
Forty years later, The Albright preserves the original restaurant’s casual, low-key vibe—appropriate for an eatery located steps from the beloved Santa Monica Pier Ferris wheel. Parents will appreciate the al fresco dining and the view of the ocean; kids will love the nearby games and rides.
The interior is appointed with industrial pendant lamps, communal picnic tables, and a chalkboard that highlights daily specials. While the atmosphere is laid-back, the menu emphasizes quality, local, and sustainable fish: Lobster rolls, Hawaiian poke, black tiger shrimp tacos, and fish-and-chips for grown-ups, and grilled cheese, corn dog bites, and chicken tenders for the kids.