Explore the gastronomic beauties of Santa Cruz. The seafood scene in Santa Cruz is as varied as it is mouthwatering, from charming beachside shacks offering the day’s catch to sophisticated restaurants that craft seafood harvests into culinary marvels.
Come along with us as we search far and wide for the best locations that have both residents and tourists smitten with the flavors of the sea. Prepare to go on a flavor-filled journey where each bite promises to be a unique adventure!
Firefish Grill
With breathtaking views of the ocean from every seat, Firefish Grill has a rich tradition of providing outstanding service, superb cuisine, and fresh seafood.
For both family get-togethers and romantic evenings, their kid’s menu and starters, spaghetti, steak, and seafood are excellent choices. A Seafood Croquette is one of their speciality dishes from the area, so get ready to fill your stomach.
It is served over risotto with seasonal vegetables and features a delicious blend of fried fresh salmon, crab, shrimp, jack cheese, and potatoes.
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Stagnaro Brothers Seafood
Family-run Stagnaro Brothers fish has been serving up fresh fish, providing kind service, and stunning views of Santa Cruz Harbor since 1937.
Every day, there are more than 20 different varieties of fresh seafood to select from, along with pasta dishes, steaks, and a kid’s menu. Their well-known clam chowder is flawlessly consistent and contains all the classic ingredients. Lala’s Medley, the house specialty, is not to be missed.
This Stagnaro classic features huge prawns, clams, and black mussels cooked in a broth made with butter, white wine, fresh garlic, and herbs.
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Aldo’s Harbor Restaurant
Since 1977, the Aldo family has been enjoying a wonderful seafood menu at Aldo’s Harbor Restaurant, which is inspired by their Italian ancestry.
This alfresco restaurant has a great seaside location and welcomes pets. You will put this restaurant at the top of your list of Santa Cruz’s best seafood restaurants after you taste it. They have a beloved Crab Eggs Benedict that will make your brunch more special.
This is served with your choice of fruits, hash browns, or Italian bread topped with hollandaise sauce.
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Johnny’s Harborside
Since its opening in 2005, Johnny’s Harborside, a seafood restaurant located in the charming Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor, has been dedicated to serving the freshest fish available.
Apart from an array of seafood options, you may savor their cocktails, house wines, and beers in a vibrant setting with amiable bartenders.
These are a few explanations for why it’s regarded as one of the top seafood restaurants in Santa Cruz.Savor the deliciousness of their Fish Tacos, which come with marinated slaw, fresh blackened fish, tortilla chips, guacamole, and cilantro lime aioli.
Cioppino is another dish that is a must-order.
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Dolphin Restaurant
The popular Dolphin Restaurant in Santa Cruz Wharf has been serving breakfast, lunch, and supper from 8 AM till closing time since 1963.
This is one of Santa Cruz’s greatest seafood restaurants, serving up your favorite traditional dishes like clam chowder and fish and chips.
Start ordering a bread bowl of their delicious clam chowder. Also, you have to get Snapper Florentine, which is a fan favorite. Sautéed with wine, lemon, onions, mushrooms, and spinach is the snapper. Remember to give your children their delicious corn dogs.
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To Conclude
So Santa Cruz, get in there! This gastronomic journey is sure to tempt your taste buds, with everything from family-friendly eateries serving up daily specials to waterfront dining boasting stunning views of the ocean.
Every seafood lover’s dream is fulfilled by Santa Cruz’s seafood scene, whether they’re craving fresh fish tacos or cioppino stuffed with shrimp. So gather your appetite and get set to explore Santa Cruz’s abundant marine life in a tasty way!