23 Best Seafood Restaurants in Santa Cruz

“Great service, great food“

“great service and awesome views. happy hour was great, margaritas. the fish and chips were delicious 😋“

“Calamari and chips. Only thing we order . 30 + years“

“From someone who really appreciates good food, I was totally blown away by this meal. Everything from the oysters to the salad, the cod, the mussels and the halibut ceviche were absolutely delicious!!! The service was attentive yet spacious, the atmosphere is lovely and the music and lighting is appropriately soft making for good table conversation.“

“We enjoyed the dinner specials recently. Arrived here right before New Years, 12-30. I hade the daily catch and my wife had the steak pasta. Delicious. My fish was petrale sole, mixed vegetables, rice pilaf. Wife’s steak pasta was flavorful and creamy. We sat at the bar so service wasn’t the best but still attentive. Will return tomorrow. HAPPY NEW YEAR“

“So happy to have Johnnys open for lunch and Taco Tuesday ❣️“

“Absolutely the best crab sandwich I’ve ever had!

Seaside Fish and Chowder at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a hidden gem that every seafood lover needs to visit. I stopped by on a whim and ended up having one of the most memorable meals of my trip.

Their crab sandwich is out of this world—sweet, fresh crab meat served on perfectly grilled sourdough from Sumano’s Bakery, crisped in butter until golden. The flavors were perfectly balanced, rich, and comforting without being heavy. You can taste the freshness.

The staff was friendly, the service was quick even with a crowd, and the location can’t be beat—right near the beach, with that classic Boardwalk vibe.

Highly recommend grabbing a crab sandwich (and maybe a bowl of chowder too!) and enjoying it while watching the waves. This place is a must-stop when you're in Santa Cruz!“

“Great part of Santa Cruz History Great Ride Food and Entertainment“

“The food was outstanding, we had the one of the daily specials and our server was very friendly.“

“Great clam chowder, decent prices, amazing view.“

“The staff is amazing! The food is amazingly fresh and flavorful. Hands down this Restaurant was a huge highlight of our vacation. Thank you for an awesome dinner, and making us feel right at home!“

“Absolutely fantastic Italian restaurant! The food was fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with high-quality ingredients. Every dish we tried — from the pasta to the desserts — was delicious and perfectly prepared. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and the service was attentive without being overwhelming. Great wine selection and authentic flavors that made the whole experience memorable. Highly recommend for anyone looking for amazing Italian food, and I’ll definitely be coming back!“

“We were there for a music event late Jan 2025. HH drink specials were tasty but was disappointed on how cold it was inside the restaurant. Both doors, front & back, were wide open during the entire evening show (48 degrees outside). Even the band mentioned how cold it was before beginning their set. All the customers wore jackets. Also, the harsh lighting was way too bright throughout the restaurant. I wanted my sunglasses on. Please read the room & tone down the lighting & warm the place up, then we’ll be back. Mahalo“

“We came here to eat breakfast and had the seafood omelette. The portions are massive and you can split one meal for 2. The food is good but not the best I’ve ever had. The atmosphere is pretty nostalgic and the workers are super friendly. I don’t think I’ve had better service anywhere else.“

“Food is Delicious, staff is always super friendly and accommodating, atmosphere is great- the decor in the restaurant is truly amazing. This is definitely one of the best Chinese restaurants in the area. We live in Aptos and this is our favorite.“

“This is a really good halal restaurant here in Santa Cruz. There isn't much of a halal restaurant here in Santa Cruz, and this has been a go-to for me recently. The owner is extremely nice and generous with the portions. Unlimited Chips, and there are a lot of exotic snacks.“

“幾個年輕有為的年輕人用理想來經營的用餐環境，大大推薦“

“Thank You Haley you have Outstanding Customer Service!! Thank You Pono the food was delicious and thank you for having your cooks wash their hands throughly!“

“First time checking this place out and I have to say I was really impressed with the pupusas! The chicharron con queso pupusas were delicious! I also really enjoyed the empanadas de platano. Definitely will be coming back soon :)“

“This place fire and smacks. Very good food and customer service. Modest pricing and a great meal/ experience overall. My friend recommended here and it did not disappoint. Big portions and welcoming atmosphere. Thank you Taqueria and staff for the cool experience/ hospitality.“

“Great food, great staff, great service!“

“This is the first time eating at this restaurant is craving noodles my sons been here before I was very happy with I got the noodles the little appetizers everything was perfect Fast at Service clean restaurant I will definitely come back you’re gonna try some different“

“I thought the food was pretty good for the price. Mezcal Paloma a bit underwhelming for the price- mezcal, grapefruit juice ( doubt fresh), salt. Exactly what I ordered, though. Kids portions are huge- could easily split. Only real complaint about atmosphere was noise level, kinda bright lighting near kitchen. We came after sunset, and I bet the view by day or sunset was spectacular. Our server Jesus was attentive, prompt, and friendly- perfect.“