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Best Seafood Restaurants in Santa Cruz

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8 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Cafe Cruz Rosticceria & Bar restaurant
1. Cafe Cruz Rosticceria & Bar
4.7
Exceptional(2029)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Soquel
Booked 40 times today
Cafe Cruz Rosticceria & Bar in Soquel is a beacon for seafood lovers, renowned for its quality and authenticity. The restaurant's nightly sustainable seafood specials, praised in reviews as "consistently delicious," highlight the fresh, local ingredients. Guests rave about the "delicious plate of grilled swordfish with gnocchi" and the "salad nicoise with a generous serving of seared ahi tuna," emphasizing the skillful preparation and innovative presentation. With a lively local atmosphere and an open kitchen where diners can witness the culinary "magic," Cafe Cruz offers a seafood dining experience that is both engaging and delectable, making it a must-visit destination for any seafood aficionado.
A photo of Ideal Bar & Grill restaurant
2. Ideal Bar & Grill
4.0
Excellent(302)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Santa Cruz
Booked 7 times today
Nestled in the picturesque Santa Cruz, Ideal Bar & Grill epitomizes the essence of Californian cuisine with its delightful array of local flavors and a scenic view of the Main beach and Municipal Wharf. Praised for its "award-winning clam chowder" and fresh seafood dishes, this family-friendly spot offers a sunlit deck for an immersive dining experience. Guests rave about the "delicious meal and attentive server" and the "phenomenal service" that make each visit memorable. Whether it's the beautifully prepared prime rib or the fresh oysters, Ideal Bar & Grill captures the fresh, innovative spirit of Californian culinary excellence, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists alike.
A photo of Pete's Fish House restaurant
3. Pete's Fish House
4.6
Exceptional(31)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Capitola
Booked 6 times today
A culinary celebration of California's coastal offerings, and a heartfelt tribute to the late Peter Orr. Founded by Sarah Orr and her mother Mary Ann Orr of Sunset Hospitality Group, Pete's Fish House embodies a deep-rooted passion for community and culinary excellence.Named in honor of Sarah's father and mentor, this restaurant is more than just a dining experience—it's a reflection of cherished memories and Peter’s larger than life legacy. Sarah explains, "I have been looking for a way to honor him, and this feels like the right way to do that."At Pete's Fish House, expect a menu that is inspired by the coastal waters and the bountiful local agriculture that Peter was deeply committed to, ensuring a true representation of our region's culinary heritage.
A photo of The Water Street Grill restaurant
4. The Water Street Grill
4.2
Awesome(301)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Santa Cruz
Booked 2 times today
Discover the delights of authentic seafood at The Water Street Grill in Santa Cruz, a local gem renowned for its commitment to quality and flavor. Celebrating over 20 years in the culinary industry, this family-owned establishment prides itself on serving seafood dishes that are both tantalizing and beautifully presented. Patrons rave about the freshness and culinary excellence, with one guest exclaiming, "the seafood fettuccine pasta with shrimp and salmon was delicious!" and another recommending the "garlic, lemon, butter pasta with shrimp" for its generous servings and exquisite taste. With its charming atmosphere and consistently praised service, The Water Street Grill ensures a memorable dining experience, making it a must-visit for seafood lovers.
A photo of Solaire Restaurant + Bar restaurant
5. Solaire Restaurant + Bar
3.9
Excellent(214)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Santa Cruz
Booked 4 times today
Solaire Restaurant + Bar in Santa Cruz is the epitome of a perfect breakfast haven, where the quality and authenticity of the cuisine shine brightly. Known for its innovative twists on local ingredients, Solaire makes each breakfast dish a delightful experience. Diners rave about the restaurant’s vibrant atmosphere and exceptional service, with one reviewer noting the breakfast as "very delicious, flavorful, and tasty." The attention to detail is evident, from the thoughtful plating to the unique menu that stands out in Santa Cruz. Whether it’s the poolside ambiance or the creative menu, Solaire is designed to impress and satisfy all your breakfast cravings.
A photo of Zelda's on the Beach restaurant
6. Zelda's on the Beach
4.4
Awesome(549)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Capitola
Booked 8 times today
Nestled in the scenic Capitola Village, Zelda's on the Beach offers more than just breathtaking views of Monterey Bay—it offers a culinary journey with its exceptional steak cuisine. Patrons rave about the quality of the dishes, with one diner exclaiming the steak was "cooked to perfection." This beachfront gem combines the allure of ocean views with the rich, authentic flavors of expertly prepared steak, ensuring a dining experience that is both delightful and memorable. Whether you're enjoying a meal on their sandy beachfront deck or inside their cozy restaurant, Zelda's commitment to quality and taste shines, making every steak an exquisite highlight of your visit.
A photo of Paradise Beach Grille restaurant
7. Paradise Beach Grille
4.2
Awesome(39)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Capitola
Booked 8 times today
Paradise Beach Grille in Capitola is a dessert lover’s dream, perfectly pairing its stunning Monterey Bay views with equally spectacular sweet treats. Known for their signature dessert, the Beach Blanket Breadalon, this restaurant has become a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth. One visitor exclaimed, "The best thing at this restaurant is the Beach Blanket Breadalon! Always order it!!" The high praise extends beyond just the food; the warm, attentive service complements the delicious desserts, making each dining experience truly memorable. Whether you’re there to catch a sunset or enjoy a cozy dinner by the outdoor fireplace, Paradise Beach Grille promises a dessert experience that’s as delightful as the scenery.
A photo of Margaritaville, Capitola restaurant
8. Margaritaville, Capitola
(0)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Capitola
Welcome to Margaritaville Capitola! Our restaurant has been welcoming guests to Capitola for over 30 years. In January 2015 the original owners sold the business to Sunset Hospitality Group, a Santa Cruz family owned and operated company. We completed a full remodel of the restaurant, reinvented the food and service and opened May 7, 2015. The new Margaritaville is dedicated to serving made from scratch Mexican seafood in a first class casual environment. Our dog-friendly heated patio is a great place to enjoy Baja fish tacos and raw oysters on the half shell. Our chile verde and chicken mole enchiladas are rooted in tradition. In addition we take pride in serving a variety of handcrafted margaritas made with fresh juice and local produce. Sunset Hospitality is grateful for the support of Capitola and looks forward to serving the community and visitors for years to come.

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From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Mahnaz
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined today
    Review for Pete’s Fish House Restaurant: I had the pleasure of dining at Pete’s Fish Restaurant yesterday, and it was an absolute delight! From the moment we walked in, the warm and welcoming atmosphere made us feel right at home. The menu offered a fantastic variety of fresh seafood options, and everything we tried was cooked to perfection. The fish was tender, flavorful, and clearly of the highest quality. The sides were equally impressive, complementing the dishes beautifully. The service was impeccable—friendly, attentive, and genuinely invested in ensuring we had a great experience. It’s rare to find a place where both the food and the service exceed expectations, but Pete’s managed to do just that. If you’re looking for a seafood spot that delivers on flavor, freshness, and hospitality, Pete’s Fish House Restaurant is a must-visit. I can’t wait to return and try more from their amazing menu! Highly recommended.
    More info
    Pete's Fish HousePrice: Expensive• Seafood• Capitola
    •
    4.6
  • Diane
    San Francisco Bay Area •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Mussels were fantastic! Steak cooked to perfection!
    More info
    Cafe Cruz Rosticceria & BarPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Soquel
    •
    4.7
  • Lisavip
    Los Angeles •49 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 2, 2024
    Where to start!? We were in town for Family Weekend at UCSC and had the small family dog with us. The staff was absolutely wonderful in accommodating us, making us comfortable. They were fun, funny, warm, and attentive. The food was fantastic (or college student was craving home cooked) and every app, meal and dessert was delicious. And large wine pours! We almost returned the next night it was so good and we enjoyed ourselves so much. 10 stars!
    More info
    The Water Street GrillPrice: Moderate• American• Santa Cruz
    •
    4.2
  • Deevip
    Sacramento / Sacramento Valley •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Sep 21, 2024
    We made reservations, which made selecting a good table by the window easier. The server promptly took our drinks orders so we could take advantage of the last few minutes of Happy Hour, which was kind. Three of us had the fesh halibut with a pineapple relish served on fragrant rice with a bed of lightly sautéed kale. The fish was well prepared and moist. We found the menu to offer a good selection of food, and the service and ambience were pleasant. I have stayed near the restaurant many times but never eaten here. I will be back!
    More info
    Ideal Bar & GrillPrice: Moderate• Californian• Santa Cruz
    •
    4
  • Nick
    California Central Coast •3 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on Aug 16, 2024
    It was elegant and good energy. Drink menu was creative and well executed and the food was really good. I think one knock I might have is that their menu was very limited (5 main entree options). It’d be nice to see a few more options, that’s all. Similarly the wine list was very limited which isn’t in line with the overall quality of the restaurant
    More info
    Solaire Restaurant + BarPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Cruz
    •
    3.9

Discover best Seafood restaurants in Santa Cruz

Discover a delightful array of seafood dining options in the picturesque Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos area of the San Francisco Bay Area. Renowned for its fresh, ocean-to-table offerings, this region caters to seafood aficionados with a variety of exquisite dishes that highlight local ingredients and culinary expertise. From savory clam chowder to rich, stuffed salmon, the restaurants here offer a captivating dining experience that showcases the best of coastal cuisine. The dining scene in Santa Cruz is vibrant and diverse, providing a perfect backdrop for both casual and sophisticated palates. Each establishment prides itself on exceptional service and a commitment to quality that ensures every meal is memorable. Whether you're enjoying a meal with a scenic beach view or tucked away in a cozy nook, the seafood restaurants in this area promise an enchanting and satisfying culinary journey.

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