Blue Water Grill Fresh Seafood, Coastal Traditions, and a Deep Respect for the Ocean
“The ocean provides the ingredients. Our job is simply to honor them.”
Just steps from the Pacific Ocean, Blue Water Grill has become one of Carlsbad Village’s favorite destinations for exceptionally fresh seafood.
From the moment guests walk through the doors, they’re reminded that this isn’t simply another seafood restaurant. It’s a place where the daily catch, the changing seasons, and the traditions of California’s commercial fishermen all come together on the plate.
Every meal tells a story of the sea.
Every fish has a journey.
Every guest becomes part of that story.
It’s one of the reasons we’re excited to welcome Blue Water Grill as one of the featured tasting locations on Carlsbad Food Tours.
Meet the Founders
Building a Different Kind of Seafood Restaurant
Blue Water Grill was founded in 1996 by Rick Staunton and Jim Ulcickas, who opened the original location in Newport Beach’s historic Cannery Village.
Although they came from very different backgrounds, they shared one vision.
Create a seafood restaurant built on authenticity, freshness, and long-term relationships with the people who harvest the ocean’s bounty.
Rick Staunton’s path to hospitality was anything but ordinary.
Originally from Sydney, Australia, Rick trained and practiced as a barrister before moving to California and eventually entering the restaurant industry. His passion for hospitality and thoughtful restaurant design became the driving force behind Blue Water Grill’s welcoming atmosphere and operational philosophy.
Jim Ulcickas grew up immersed in the restaurant business. His stepfather, Curtis L. Blake, founded the nationally recognized Friendly’s Restaurant chain, inspiring Jim’s lifelong passion for hospitality and entrepreneurship. After graduating from Dartmouth College with a degree in economics, Jim built extensive experience with major restaurant companies before helping launch Blue Water Grill.
Together, Rick and Jim created a restaurant where exceptional seafood and genuine hospitality always come first.
The Restaurant Story
Respecting the Ocean
Long before phrases like “dock-to-dish” became popular, Blue Water Grill had already embraced that philosophy.
Rather than purchasing seafood through anonymous suppliers, the restaurant developed lasting relationships with fishermen throughout California.
Knowing where the fish comes from—and how it was harvested—allows the kitchen to prepare each dish with the respect it deserves.
That commitment continues today.
The menu changes with the seasons, reflecting what’s freshest and allowing guests to experience the incredible diversity of California’s coastal waters.
No two visits are exactly alike.
And that’s exactly how the founders intended it.
Signature Dishes
Blue Water Grill celebrates the incredible variety of seafood found along the California coast.
Seasonal favorites often include:
- Fresh Swordfish
- California Halibut
- Spiny Lobster
- Albacore Tuna
- Yellowfin Tuna
- Local Seabass
- Mahi-Mahi
- Fresh Oysters
- Seafood Tacos
- Clam Chowder
One of the things I appreciate most is that the menu changes throughout the year.
Instead of forcing guests to order the same dishes year-round, Blue Water Grill encourages everyone to discover what’s freshest that day.
It’s a wonderful reminder that nature doesn’t follow a fixed menu.
Behind the Scenes
Sustainability Matters
At Blue Water Grill, sustainability isn’t a marketing slogan.
It’s a responsibility.
The restaurant prioritizes seafood recommended by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Program as “Best Choices” or “Good Alternatives.”
Every purchasing decision considers:
- Sustainable fisheries
- Environmental responsibility
- Ethical aquaculture
- Long-term ocean health
By working closely with trusted suppliers, Blue Water Grill helps ensure future generations can continue enjoying healthy oceans and responsibly harvested seafood.
Why We Love Them
Blue Water Grill perfectly complements the story we tell on Carlsbad Food Tours.
Our guests spend the afternoon learning about Carlsbad’s beaches, lagoons, fishing traditions, and coastal lifestyle.
Then they experience those stories through food.
Fresh seafood is an essential part of Southern California’s coastal identity.
Blue Water Grill brings that story to life in a way that’s approachable, delicious, and authentic.
It’s exactly the kind of restaurant we love introducing to visitors.
The Spirit of Coastal Carlsbad
Living beside the Pacific shapes life in Carlsbad.
People surf before work.
Walk the beach at sunset.
Watch dolphins offshore.
And gather with friends over fresh seafood.
Blue Water Grill reflects that lifestyle beautifully.
Whether you’re stopping in after a day on the water or celebrating a special occasion, the restaurant captures the relaxed spirit of Southern California coastal living.
If These Tables Could Talk…
“I’ve welcomed fishermen fresh from the docks, families celebrating life’s milestones, surfers still carrying saltwater in their hair, and visitors discovering California seafood for the very first time. Every plate I serve carries a little piece of the Pacific.”
Cherimarie’s Reflection
One of the things I love about Blue Water Grill is that it reminds guests how connected Carlsbad is to the ocean.
Our coastline isn’t just beautiful.
It provides food, recreation, wildlife, and a lifestyle that’s unlike anywhere else.
When our guests enjoy fresh seafood here, they’re tasting something that reflects the character of our community.
That’s one of the reasons Blue Water Grill fits so naturally into the Carlsbad Food Tours experience.
Then & Now
Then
For generations, California fishermen supplied local communities with fresh seafood harvested just offshore.
Their knowledge of the ocean helped build coastal towns like Carlsbad.
Now
Blue Water Grill continues that tradition by working directly with fishermen and serving responsibly sourced seafood that reflects the changing seasons and the richness of the Pacific Ocean.
Did You Know?
- Blue Water Grill was founded in 1996.
- The original restaurant opened in Newport Beach’s historic Cannery Village.
- Founder Rick Staunton originally practiced law in Australia before entering the restaurant industry.
- Founder Jim Ulcickas grew up in a restaurant family connected to the Friendly’s restaurant chain.
- Blue Water Grill works closely with California fishermen and supports sustainable seafood practices.
- The restaurant is a featured partner on Carlsbad Food Tours.
Restaurant Quick Facts
Cuisine: Fresh Seafood
Founded: 1996
Founders: Rick Staunton & Jim Ulcickas
Location: Carlsbad Village
Known For: Fresh seasonal seafood, sustainable sourcing, California coastal cuisine
Carlsbad Food Tours Stop: ✔ Yes
Family Friendly: ✔ Yes
Outdoor Dining: ✔ Available
Reservations: Recommended
A Seat at the Table
If you could share a seafood dinner at Blue Water Grill with anyone—past or present—who would it be and why?
Perhaps it would be a California fisherman whose dedication inspired generations of coastal communities.
Or someone who taught you that the best meals begin with respect—for nature, for craftsmanship, and for the people who bring food to our tables.
Sometimes the best conversations happen over the freshest catch of the day.
Our Legacy
Blue Water Grill reminds us that Carlsbad’s story is inseparable from the Pacific Ocean.
Through sustainable seafood, strong relationships with fishermen, and a commitment to exceptional hospitality, the restaurant honors both the traditions of California’s fishing communities and the beauty of our coastal home.
Every meal is a celebration of the sea—and a reminder that respecting the ocean today helps preserve it for generations to come.
Story Connections
This story connects with:
- Carlsbad Village
- Carlsbad Boulevard
- Historic Highway 101
- Agua Hedionda Lagoon
- Carlsbad State Beach
- Carlsbad Food Tours
- Things to Do in Carlsbad
- Best Restaurants in Carlsbad
Explore More Carlsbad Stories
Continue exploring Carlsbad’s coastal history and culinary scene:
- Carlsbad Village – Discover the heart of Carlsbad’s shopping, dining, and coastal culture.
- Agua Hedionda Lagoon – Learn how Carlsbad’s lagoon has supported recreation, wildlife, and coastal life for generations.
- Carlsbad Boulevard – Explore one of Southern California’s most scenic oceanfront drives.
- Historic Highway 101 – Discover the highway that helped shape Carlsbad’s restaurant and tourism industry.
- Best Restaurants in Carlsbad – Explore more of Carlsbad’s vibrant culinary scene.
- Things to Do in Carlsbad – Plan your perfect coastal getaway.
- Carlsbad Food Tours – Experience Carlsbad’s stories one bite at a time.
Discover Carlsbad with Carlsbad Food Tours
History is best experienced where it happened.
Join Carlsbad Food Tours for an award-winning culinary walking tour through Carlsbad Village, where you’ll enjoy locally owned restaurants while discovering the fascinating stories, historic landmarks, public art, and hidden gems that make our coastal community so special.
Eat Like a Local. Feel Like a Local.
Collection
Restaurant Storybook
Reading Time
6 minutes
Best For
✔ Seafood Lovers
✔ First-Time Visitors
✔ Couples
✔ Families
✔ Coastal Cuisine Enthusiasts
Location
Carlsbad Village
Story Themes
Coastal Living • Sustainable Seafood • Hospitality • Community • California Fishing • Ocean Conservation