Restaurants

Half Moon Bay is home to some of the finest restaurants in California. Whether you’re looking for an elegant, romantic dinner or something that you can grab and take to the beach, Half Moon Bay restaurants have a wide range of options that will meet almost any expectation.

The Dining Guide below lists restaurants in Half Moon Bay, Moss Beach, Princeton, and El Granada. Please click on a food category from the “Dining Guide” or from our “Favorite Picks“. You can also simply scroll down the page.

Our Picks for Best Burgers in Half Moon Bay

The Barn

FARM TO BARN — The Barn tries to source all of its products from local farms. The end result is one of the better burgers in Half Moon Bay! This is a great place for burgers, fries, salads, etc. Friendly staff, good food, and an inviting, rustic ambiance. Keep in mind...

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Jersey Joe’s Coastside

Super family friendly, the burgers are tasty and the fries are hot and crisp—making them one of the best burger joints in Half Moon Bay. The restaurant hosts many children sport team celebrations. It can get busy, but the lines usually move fast. In addition to great...

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Half Moon Bay Brewery

Their burgers are good and the fries are tasty. What makes them truly great though is the Full Sail IPA and the beautiful views of the harbor and boats. They do get busy, so reservations are recommended. The have plenty of outside and indoor seating. Some areas have...

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Our Picks for Best Cheap Eats in Half Moon Bay

Taqueria Mordida

Tres Amigos is still a great choice, but we believe that Taqueria Mordida has faster service and better tasting food. Located in Strawflower Village Shopping Center (close to Safeway), the good food, fast service, and low cost make this an exceptional value and one of...

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The Garden Deli

Located in the San Benito House ─ The Garden Deli makes excellent sandwiches and a great garden setting to enjoy them! From the quick service, to the tasty home made breads, this is one of the best places in HMB for great inexpensive food. Please note that long lines...

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Taqueria Tres Amigos

Tres Amigos use fresh ingredients to create their marvelous burritos, nachos, tacos, etc. The menu is extensive! It has a casual atmosphere that is perfect for the whole family. Good service, yummy food, and inexpensive—at least for Half Moon Bay—make this a top...

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Our Picks for Best Breakfast in Half Moon Bay

Sam’s café

One of our breakfast favorites!  The restaurant has a large menu selection of tasty breakfast favorites. Weekends can be busy, so plan ahead.  A low key, moderately priced restaurant with good food and good service. Major rating websites rate Sam's Café between 4 to...

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Ketch Joanne & Harbor Bar

Good food, excellent service, and a cozy rustic ambiance make this an excellent choice for a low key, moderately priced restaurant. Major rating websites rate Ketch Joanne 3.5 to 4.4 stars our of 5. Address: 17 Johnson Pier, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 Phone: (650)...

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The Press

Great coffee and awesome sandwiches. We have also had breakfast at The Press several times and have never been disappointed. Major rating websites rate The Press 3.9 to 4.4 stars out of 5. We give them a solid 4.4 stars. Address: 107 Sevilla Ave, El Granada, CA 94018...

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Our Picks for Best Lunch in Half Moon Bay

It’s Italia Restaurant

It's Italia is back! They had a rough patch a year or two ago, but since the kitchen fire and the remodel, they are back on top as one of the best restaurants in Half Moon Bay. Great food. Great atmosphere (inside and patio), Great service. I'm not sure if this is the...

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Half Moon Bay Brewery

Their burgers are good and the fries are tasty. What makes them truly great though is the Full Sail IPA and the beautiful views of the harbor and boats. They do get busy, so reservations are recommended. The have plenty of outside and indoor seating. Some areas have...

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Our Picks for Best Dinner in Half Moon Bay

Mezzaluna

Located about four miles north of Half Moon Bay, Mezzaluna offers southern Italian dishes with a California flair. They try to source much of their high quality  meats, fish, and produce.

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Navio at The Ritz-Carlton

Whether you're enjoying a cheese burger and fries in the Conservatory Lounge, a decadent brunch in Navio -- their upscale restaurant, or enjoying a glass of wine and appetizers on their patio overlooking the Pacific Ocean, you will feel well served. The only downside...

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It’s Italia Restaurant

It's Italia is back! They had a rough patch a year or two ago, but since the kitchen fire and the remodel, they are back on top as one of the best restaurants in Half Moon Bay. Great food. Great atmosphere (inside and patio), Great service. I'm not sure if this is the...

read more

Dining Guide – Half Moon Bay Restaurants

American and Family Restaurants

Cameron’s Pub, Restaurant & Inn
1410 S. Cabrillo Hwy., Half Moon Bay, CA  (650) 726-5705
http://www.cameronsinn.com/

Ketch Joanne & Harbor Bar
Pillar Point Harbor, CA  (650) 728-3747
http://www.ketchjoannerestaurant.com/

Main Street Grill

This restaurant has been serving up breakfast for many years. Fast service, good food and reasonable prices make this a top pick for locals. Expect some waiting time on the weekends.

Major rating websites rate them 3.5 to 4.5 stars out of 5.

Address: 547 Main St, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Phone: (650) 726-5300

Mavericks Creperie

They specialize as crepes and all things breakfast. It is one of the best breakfasts in Half Moon Bay.

Major rating websites rate Mavericks Creperie 4.4 to 4.6 stars out of 5.

Address: 146 San Mateo Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Phone: (650) 713-5298
Website: http://maverickscreperie.com/contact-us/

Miramar Beach Restaurant

131 Mirada Rd., Half Moon Bay, CA  (650) 726-9053
http://www.miramarbeach.com/

Moonside Bakery & Café
604 Main Street, Half Moon Bay, CA  (650) 726-9070
http://www.moonsidebakery.com/

Moss Beach Distillery
140 Beach Way, Moss Beach, CA  (650) 728-5595
http://www.mossbeachdistillery.com/

Old Princeton Landing
460 Capistrano Road, Princeton By The Sea, CA  (650) 728-9103
http://www.oldprincetonlanding.com/

Sam’s Coffee Shop
210 San Mateo Rd., Half Moon Bay, CA  (650) 726-3167

Taste Cafe

A new restaurant that serves breakfast and lunch.

Major rating websites rate Taste Cafe a solid 4.5 stars out of 5.

Located in: Strawflower Village
Address: 50 Cabrillo Hwy N, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Hours: 8 to 2:00
Phone: (650) 712-1586
Website: https://www.ilovetastecafe.com/

Californian Restaurants

Navio at The Ritz-Carlton
One Miramontes Point Rd., Half Moon Bay, CA  (650) 712-7050
http://www.ritzcarlton.com/resorts/half_moon_bay/

Explorer1.com Review ─ Whether you’re enjoying a cheese burger and fries in the Conservatory Lounge, a decadent brunch in Navio — their upscale restaurant, or enjoying a glass of wine and appetizers on their patio overlooking the Pacific Ocean, you will feel well served.

Buffet Restaurants

Catering Restaurants

Creekside Smokehouse
280 Avenue Alhambra,  El Granada  (650) 712-8862
http://creeksidesmokehouse.com/

Chinese Restaurants

Asian Kings Kitchen

Major websites rate Asian Kings Kitchen 3.5 to 4.5 stars out of 5.

Address: 3048 Cabrillo Hwy N, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 
Phone: (650) 560-9898

China House
Address: 20 Stone Pine Rd Suite C, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 
Phone: (650) 712-3816

 

Deli

Cunha’s Market
448 Main St.,  Half Moon Bay  (650) 726-4071

Lighthouse Cafe & Deli
80 N Cabrillo Hwy, Ste M.,  Half Moon Bay, CA   (650) 726-3332
http://www.lighthousecafedeli.com/

Garden Deli – Located in the San Benito House
356 Main St., Half Moon Bay, CA   (650) 726-3425
http://www.sanbenitohouse.com/

San Gregorio Store
Hwy. 84 and Stage Road, San Gregorio  (650) 726-0565
http://www.sangregoriostore.com/

Fast Food Restaurants

French Restaurants

Chateau des Fleurs
523 Church St., Half Moon Bay, CA  (650) 712-8837

Italian Restaurants

It’s Italia
401 Main Street, Half Moon Bay, CA  (650) 726-4444
http://www.itsitaliarestaurant.com/

Mezzaluna
459 Prospect Way, Princeton, CA  (650) 728-8108
http://www.mezzalunabythesea.com/

Pasta Moon

See our review at https://explorer1.com/halfmoonbay/pasta-moon/.

315 Main Street, Half Moon Bay, CA  (650) 726-5126
http://www.pastamoon.com/

Juice and Java

Starbucks
Half Moon Bay  (650) 726-5753

Japanese Restaurants

Sushi Main Street
696 Mill Street, Half Moon Bay, CA  (650) 726-6336
http://www.sushimainst.com/sushi/

Mediterranean

La Costanera Restaurant
8150 Cabrillo Hwy., Montara Beach, CA     (650) 728-1600
http://www.lacostanerarestaurant.com/

Mexican Restaurants

El Gran Amigo
2448 Cabrillo Hwy., Moss Beach, CA  (650) 728-3815

Happy Taco
184 San Mateo Rd. (Hwy. 92), Half Moon Bay, CA  (650) 726-5480

Spanishtown
515 Church St.., Half Moon Bay, CA  (650) 726-7357

Taqueria La Mexicana
250 Cabrillo Hwy N., Half Moon Bay, CA  (650) 726-1746

Taqueria Mordida
80 Cabrillo Hwy N, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019

Explorer1.com Review ─ Tres Amigos is still a good choice, but we believe that Taqueria Mordida has faster service and better tasting food. Located in Strawflower Village Shopping Center (close to Safeway), the good food, fast service, and low cost make this an exceptional value and one of our top picks for Mexican fast food in Half Moon Bay.

Tres Amigos
200 N. Cabrillo Hwy., Half Moon Bay, CA  (650) 726-6080

Pizza Restaurants

Fog City Pizza
1410 Main St.,  Montara, CA   (650) 728-5672

Harbor Pizza
65 Alhambra Ave., El Granada, CA  (650) 726-3501

It’s Italia
401 Main Street, Half Moon Bay, CA  (650) 726-4444
http://www.itsitaliarestaurant.com/

Pizzaria del Sol & Café
2350 Carlos St., Moss Beach, CA  (650) 728-5151

Seafood & Steaks

Barbara’s Fishtrap
281 Capistrano Road, Princeton  (650) 728-7049

Duarte’s Tavern
202 Stage Road, Pescadero, CA  (650) 879-0464
http://www.duartestavern.com/

Flying Fish Grill
99 San Mateo Rd., Half Moon Bay, CA  (650) 712-1125
http://www.flyingfishgrill.net/

Half Moon Bay Brewing Company
390 Capistrano Ave., Pillar Point Harbor, CA  (650) 728-2739
http://www.hmbbrewingco.com/

Explorer1.com Review ─ Located in the Half Moon Bay Harbor, the good food, fast service, and moderate price make this a good family value.  It has plenty of indoor and outdoor seating with harbor and ocean views.

Half Moon Bay Joe’s
2380 South Cabrillo Hwy., Half Moon Bay, CA  (650) 560-9260

Ketch Joanne & Harbor Bar
Pillar Point Harbor, CA  (650) 728-3747
http://www.ketchjoannerestaurant.com/

Miramar Beach Restaurant
131 Mirada Rd., Half Moon Bay, CA  (650) 726-9053
http://www.miramarbeach.com/

Moss Beach Distillery
140 Beach Way, Moss Beach, CA  (650) 728-5595
http://www.mossbeachdistillery.com/

Princeton Seafood Company
#9 Johnson Pier,  Pillar Point Harbor, CA  (650) 726-2722
http://www.princetonseafood.com/

Sam’s Chowder House

They serve sustainable ocean fresh seafood that is reminiscent of a New England style seafood house. They were voted “Best Seafood in the Bay Area” by the San Francisco Bay Area A-List, and named “Top Three Outdoor Dining Spots in the Bay Area” by San Francisco Magazine. 

Major rating websites rate Sam’s Chowder House 3.5 to 4.6 stars out of 5.

Address: 4210 CA-1, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Phone: (650) 712-0245
Website: https://www.samschowderhouse.com/

San Benito House
356 Main Street, Half Moon Bay, CA  (650) 726-3425
http://www.sanbenitohouse.com/

Thai Restaurants

Spice Me Thai Cuisine 

Major rating websites rate Spice Me Thai Cuisine 4 to 4.4 stars out of 5.

Address: 500 Purissima St, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Phone: (650) 560-0076

Vegetarian Restaurants