Situated just below San Francisco, this crescent-shaped ocean town offers much more to visitors beyond the widely acclaimed Maverick Surf Waves. With over 30 restaurants and other neighboring communities sharing the local pacific coastline, Half Moon Bay has a wide range of food options that are sure satisfy any picky eaters palate. From the oceanfront seafood, to downtown Italian, or even more inland with old-school American, all cuisine types are available and supported through amazing service, with differing views of the west at each location. So it’s time to get a happy hour menu and cocktail as we discuss the best places to eat in Half Moon Bay below.
Half Moon Bay Brewing Company
A classic first stop. Right along the Pillar Point Harbor Beach, you will find Half Moon Bay Brewing company only steps from the water. With both indoor and outdoor seating, you have the option to chose how you want to experience your views of the harbor depending on the weather. For the sunny days, you may want to enjoy the calm beach by choosing a patio table and ordering a mimosa to soak up the natural vitamin D by the water. For the overcast days, just grab an indoor window table to experience those same views of the harbor, just maybe this time with a hot beverage to warm you up. This is the perfect place for serene people watching, as you will be able to see all the harbor activity right in front of you as you eat. The menu is perfectly balanced with variety in both seafood and traditional items, making it so you can order steamed clams while also being able to share buffalo wings with the table. There is something for everyone, and it is also the perfect restaurant if you love to bring the furries on your beach adventures. The patio is open and welcome to dogs who are there to behave and take in the breathtaking views along with everyone else. So give Half Moon Bay Brewing Company a try, and you might discover a new local favorite!
Nick’s Rockaway
An obvious personal favorite, Nick’s Rockaway is only steps away from the ocean located in the small coastal town of Pacifica, 10 minutes away from Half Moon Bay. With a history dating back all the way to 1927, Nick’s has been a part of San Francisco culture for almost a century, where it has transformed into a modern icon that locals have grown to cherish. The restaurant’s traditional theme of cocktails, dinner, and dancing has also been sustained throughout its history, up to the modern day where every week there is live karaoke, dancing, and singing on Friday and Saturday. Similar to that of a Mel’s Diner, Nick’s is incredibly inviting in it’s overall presence with large bay windows that look out onto the ocean, and community oriented designs with a full bar and stage section that is separate from the main dining area. The menu has a plethora of both land and sea options, making it easier to cater to all age groups and taste requirements. If you are in the mood for an upbeat yet relaxing environment, Nick’s is the perfect place to experience the local culture of the Half Moon Bay area. So grab a beer and a table by the bar and be ready for some oceanside fun at Nick’s Rockaway.
It’s Italia
The perfect place for a classy evening dinner. It’s Italia is right on the main street of downtown Half Moon Bay, with an indoor section of wall to ceiling windows looking at the main street, and a secluded back patio overlooking the distant mountains. A very elegant atmosphere is present, with excellent service and more upscale dining choices. There are both land and sea options, however they are rather limited as each item is delicate in its preparation process. So it is not recommended for children and dogs as the intended consumer is an adult demographic that is more likely to appreciate the more selective menu choices. These selections range from unique high end cocktails, to flatbread pizzas, pastas, and even steak is offered on this primarily Italian menu. So if you’re looking for an incredibly relaxed and sophisticated location with menu’s that match, It’s Italia is the restaurant for you! Keep in mind the location is popular, and reservations often are required to ensure the best dining experience and It’s Italia. Order a Manhattan Cocktail and Mushroom Risotto then fully take in the classic ambience that is, It’s Italia.
Duarte’s Tavern
The best local food in town. If you are going to restaurants solely for the food, Duarte’s is your spot. Off of Highway One along the Pacific Ocean south of Half Moon Bay, you will find Duarte’s Tavern in Pescadero. The restaurant is completely local, using ingredients such as fruits and vegetables that are grown locally, with wines that come from the neighboring Santa Cruz Mountains. The bread is so fresh, full, and warm, it’s like taking a bite out of a cooked cloud from heaven, and that’s only the side starter bread. The overall menu varies by the day, so to experience what they have to offer is dependent on when you choose to make a trip to Pescadero, and it will not disappoint. More often than not they will have readily available land and sea options that will cater to any type of guest, and you can finish off your meal by asking for what local pies they have in house, and are so delicious each time. Once you are done with Duarte’s, walk two minutes down the old Pescadero main street and you will come across a bakery that makes the most delicious local bread. The options are incredibly popular, and always selling out so I’d recommend literally arriving at the bakery near opening to get the exact bread type you desire. Pescadero is such a hidden gem, so support this small coastal town by experiencing the locally grown and fresh food right where it is made.
Cameron’s Pub & Restaurant
Fun, Unique, and Upbeat. Cameron’s Pub is a go to for families and any individual looking for a karaoke style restaurant that is mainly community and theme oriented. As soon as you walk into the pub you are greeted by ceilings and walls full of interesting trinkets that make the restaurant seem like it is one whole collectible. There is not one space that isn’t covered with something related to the theme, and it certainly adds to the restaurant’s cool feel of an old English pub. The two story bus located out of the restaurant is only one prime example in the multitude of items that make the space its own character. Karaoke, open mic, and paint nights are also only some of the events that take place here on a weekly basis at the Pub, making it a popular night weekend spot on the weekends. So grab a beer, sing some karaoke, and check out the unique double-decker bus at Cameron’s Pub near downtown Half Moon Bay.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet oceanside table, or an upbeat karaoke bar, Half Moon Bay has it all, and with the views and menus to back it. These restaurants in the Half Moon Bay area are only a small percentage of the plethora of other options also available on the coastline. So make a trip to Half Moon Bay and try some of these local favorites and you may even discover some of your own along the way.