Mom-&-pop eatery offering a locally focused menu of seafood, steaks & burgers in a comfy space.
kate mw
Great food in Manzanita. A bit on the pricier side but definitely worth it. We got the halibut burger, tsunami burger, and vegetarian pasta. They were able to make the vegetarian pasta vegan which was super nice.
… moreLaura Comiskey
Ate at Big Wave Cafe on 2/28/2026 for lunch. The food served was some of the worst I have ever been offered. Ordered a simple lunch a veggie burger with melted Swiss cheese and French fries along with ice tea. The burger was so under cook it crumbled and the slice of Swiss Cheese was hardly, partially melted. I ate the fries. Drank the tea paid and left. Upon our arrival no paper towels were stocked in the Women’s Room. Paper towels upon our notifying the staff were replenished. Definitely a disappointing $50.00 lunch. My spouse had the same meal with a beef patty and a soda. Do not recommend the eatery.
Laura Comiskey
Sherwood, Oregon
… moreSasha Faulk
The atmosphere is light and bright, casual and full of patrons. Our waitress was adorable and sweet and did a fantastic job. The food was generally good, I would just say that the seasoning is not quite there. The seasoning may be suited for the older generation who prefers a bit more bland. That being said, everything was cooked properly and there is salt and pepper on the table. Great restaurant for families, large groups, small groups, parties of two. We had the peanut butter pie for dessert and it was to die for.
… moreB.A. Gypsy
Fresh & Delicious! For those saying the prices are high: cheap fish ain’t good and good fish ain’t cheap. The prices are average for the product: fresh fish, not frozen nuggets with steak fries. Speaking of fries, Big Wave serves beer battered style fries! Delicious! Instead of running the mill coleslaw, a side of seaweed salad! Perfect touch. Tatar sauce was upscale too. Grilled halibut was perfect and tender as was the Wild-caught Salmon. Clam chowder was thick and average tasting. Salad was greens, not romaine or iceberg. Excellent quality for an average of $30/person with plenty of food. Definitely worth the stop.
… moreGabe Davis
Food was excellent. Didn’t realize the price point when I pulled in, just needed to eat with medication while driving home from backpacking. I knew I was under dressed pretty quick, because the hostess looked like I was lost and needing directions. If I could give 5 stars to just my server, I would. They tucked me in the back, and no one besides him would make eye contact. After ordering, I told him no rush and enjoyed the first running water in a few days in their very nice bathroom. I’ve never seen an auto paper towel dispenser in that tax bracket. 1 wave of the hand spit out 18 inches. I knew I shouldn’t be in barefoot sandals, so I swapped to my nicest crocs and smoked in the parking lot. Food was on it’s way to the table same time as me, and it was amazing. Kinda shocking and impressive they committed to the messiness of the Tsunami Burger. Might have been post trail hunger, but it was really top notch. After finishing and pushing everything to the other side of my table, no server checked on me or notified my server. I was literally slouched into the wall watching baseball on my phone. Inning and a half later… after making sure they didn’t pool tips, I settled up and 50% tipped my very enjoyable waiter. He’s the younger of the 2 dudes I saw, great beard. I’d consider returning because it’s a really great burger and fries, but dressed appropriately? It’s not great being treated like you shouldn’t be there.
… moreMerry “Merrycyclist”
Clean and comfortable, Big Wave cafe can be counted upon for standard American dining in a casual uncrowded setting. If one wants a reliaby good standard hamburger, plate of calamari, or Shrimp Louie, Big Wave is a fine choice. Expect solid food, comfortable seating, and reliable service (if not overwelmed due coastal seasonality.) One big plus, located on the highway, there is plenty of parking and the restaurant is fully accessible for wheelchairs.
… moreDylan Magierek
We came here the other night for my wife’s birthday. We drove over from Rockaway Beach since Rockaway really didn’t have any decent restaurants open and we’ve been here before and enjoyed the food. It is a little pricey – more than most restaurants in this area – but it has a large seafood selection, prime rib and steak and a few burgers.
My son got a burger with fries. He really didn’t care for the taste of the meat and thought the burger was very messy. It did look good from my side of the table and I like how it had everything on it. Adding a slice of cheese cost $2.50 (yikes!)! The fries were good! My wife got the coconut prawns with rice and a really good salad. She really liked the vinaigrette that she got on it. I believe it may have been a raspberry vinaigrette. I got the 10 ounce prime rib special which came with a baked potato and a delicious salad. I really liked the prime rib. It was cooked perfectly and had au jus for dipping. But the potato seemed like it had been cooked earlier and probably sat in a warmer for a while, so the skin was pretty inedible and the shrunken potato inside left a lot to be desired.
… moreSkyler B
Every time I go to the beach I always have to stop here. The waiters are really awesome too! They have amazing food! the steak is so great every time I get it and big shout out to the cooks! Definitely would recommend having the family or friends come and try their food out and the selection of beverages they have too! definitely won’t regret it!
… moreKathleen Ford
This used to be one of my favorite places to eat. We would bring friends and family here when they came to visit. The last few times the food quality has not been good. The filet was so tough and the clam chowder still had a raw flour taste. The manager appeared unkempt, in poor fitting shorts and a stretched out polo that needed a good washing. He was abrupt and when helping to clear a table, they made so much noise. We thought everything had fallen on the floor. The atmosphere used to be so casual and cool. Great music, nice energy. Now it’s very uncomfortable. The portions seemed small for the price. My brother had the halibut and he mentioned how small the piece of fish was. It was embarrassing to have brought him there for a nice experience of fresh coastal food. The only thing that seems to not have changed is the marionberry vinegarette. I will no longer be going there or recommending The Big Wave
… moreM. M.
This place has quickly become one of our favorite Oregon Coast restaurants. We’ve eaten here a few times, and we’ve always had great amicable service, and great food quality. Fresh ingredients, dishes are professionally and tastefully prepared and arranged. Excellent oysters and halibut, loved the fillet mignon, enjoyed the breaded oysters and the calamari!
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