Ocean Conscious Restaurants
Fourteen practices that actually matter
Every restaurant in the directory is scored on the same fourteen practices, grouped into four categories. Each practice carries a weight, because avoiding polystyrene and offering a reusable-cup discount are not the same size of change.
Plastic Reduction
Efforts to reduce use of single-use plastics.
- Free of Single-Use PlasticCounts 1.0 times toward the Plastic Reduction score
They’ve committed to eliminating all single-use plastic or so-called “bioplastics” that still pollute our environment.
- Free of Styrofoam/PolystyreneCounts 1.0 times toward the Plastic Reduction score
This business doesn’t use harmful Styrofoam (polystyrene) for takeout or packaging — great for the planet and your health.
- Free of Plastic BagsCounts 1.0 times toward the Plastic Reduction score
You won’t find plastic bags here — they offer paper, reusable, or compostable alternatives instead.
- Concessions are free of PlasticCounts 0.8 times toward the Plastic Reduction score
Snacks, sides, and grab-and-go items are served without plastic — even in quick-service areas.
Foodware
Reusable and sustainable foodware options.
- Offers Only Reusable FoodwareCounts 1.2 times toward the Foodware score
All dine-in food and drink is served with reusable plates, cups, and utensils — no waste, just taste.
- Single-Use Items Upon Request,Counts 0.8 times toward the Foodware score
They don’t hand out disposable items unless you ask — reducing waste while still giving you a choice. #StopTheStuff
- Offers Paper StrawsCounts 0.8 times toward the Foodware score
They’ve ditched plastic straws in favor of paper ones or offer reusable alternatives — a small change with big impact.
Waste Management
Waste management actions like recycling and composting.
- Has CompostingCounts 1.0 times toward the Waste Management score
Food scraps and compostable items are sent to compost, not the trash — a cleaner, greener choice.
- Has Proper RecyclingCounts 1.0 times toward the Waste Management score
This business separates recyclables and disposes of them responsibly — helping reduce landfill waste.
Sustainability
General sustainability efforts.
- Energy Efficiency Efforts In PlaceCounts 0.9 times toward the Sustainability score
They’ve taken steps to reduce energy use — saving power and lowering emissions.
- Supports Seafood SustainabilityCounts 1.0 times toward the Sustainability score
Only sustainably-sourced seafood is served here — protecting our oceans and fisheries.
- Water Conservation Efforts in PlaceCounts 0.9 times toward the Sustainability score
From the kitchen to the restrooms, they take care to conserve water where possible.
- Offers Vegetarian and Vegan OptionsCounts 0.8 times toward the Sustainability score
Offering plant-based meals that are better for you and the planet.
- Provides a Reusable Item DiscountCounts 0.7 times toward the Sustainability score
Bring your own cup or container? You’ll get a discount — rewarding sustainable habits!
How the weights add up
Each category contributes a share of the final score, and each practice contributes a weighted share of its category. Meeting more practices also earns a breadth bonus — a restaurant doing ten things well is meaningfully different from one doing seven.
The full scoring methodRestaurant certification data is sourced from the Surfrider Foundation’s Ocean Friendly Restaurants program. Learn about the program.