Johnny's Harborside Restuarant Santa Cruz

Our partner and friend John Mesa passed away August 31, 2006 after a short fight with Pancreatic Cancer.

Without his vision and passion, Johnny’s Harborside would not have come to exist.

We raise a glass and toast our friend who will always be with us in our hearts and in our minds.

Jeff and Sheri Moise
& The Staff of Johnny’s Harborside

James Wilfong returns to the Santa Cruz area after seven years of an illustrious culinary career spanning Seattle, San Francisco and Sacramento.
A native of Southern New Jersey, Wilfong, like many other chefs, began his career in restaurants at an early age making pizza dough and washing dishes. He began his culinary endeavor serving as Sous Chef at Cloud 9 in Delaware. In 1998, he ventured west to California, landing his first job was as the lead line cook at the California Café in Los Gatos. It was at this restaurant he began his lifelong relationship with his friend and career mentor Chef Matt Fogarty. Two years later he became the Chef at the Ostrich Grill in Santa Cruz, California.
Wilfong’s background includes working at Fairmont Hotel as Executive Sous Chef in both San Jose and San Francisco, and in Seattle for Tamra Murphy at Brasa. It was in Seattle that he worked for celebrity chef Todd English in his restaurant Fish Club as Executive Sous Chef.
After almost ten years Chef James has come full circle. Most recently served as the Executive Chef/General Manager at California Café in Sacramento before returning to Santa Cruz to serve as Chef for Johnny’s Harborside.
“I am thrilled to be a part of Johnny’s Harborside and look forward to its unlimited potential,” said Wilfong. “I am very fortunate to have numerous mentors and coaches who took me under their wing, groomed me for excellence and exposed me to the world of culinary arts. My passion for food, along with the unconditional support and love from my family, drive me to perfect my craft. I am committed to growing on Johnny’s success and welcome the opportunity to bring my love of fresh food to the community.”

James Wilfong, Chef

Our Staff

John Mesa Sr., Owner

Johnny’s team uses fresh seasonal ingredients from local suppliers to offer an array of flavors. The spices and sauces that dress the various fresh fish and seafood are inspired by Mediterranean, Pan Asian, and California cuisines.

The incredible menu is perfectly paired with an amazing view of the Santa Cruz Harbor. For those looking to expand their culinary curiosity, $20 Gourmets are offered Monday & Tuesday nights.

The culinary inspiration at Johnny’s Harborside is sourced from the diverse backgrounds of each team member to offer an innovative menu with friendly service and a breathtaking view. Join us for lunch, happy hour, or dinner and become a part of Johnny’s “Harborhood”.







		Our partner and friend John Mesa passed away August 31, 2006 after a short fight with Pancreatic Cancer. Without his vision and passion, Johnny’s Harborside would not have come to exist. We raise a glass and toast our friend who will always be with us in our hearts and in our minds. Jeff and Sheri Moise & The Staff of Johnny’s Harborside James Wilfong returns to the Santa Cruz area after seven years of an illustrious culinary career spanning Seattle, San Francisco and Sacramento. A native of Southern New Jersey, Wilfong, like many other chefs, began his career in restaurants at an early age making pizza dough and washing dishes. He began his culinary endeavor serving as Sous Chef at Cloud 9 in Delaware. In 1998, he ventured west to California, landing his first job was as the lead line cook at the California Café in Los Gatos. It was at this restaurant he began his lifelong relationship with his friend and career mentor Chef Matt Fogarty. Two years later he became the Chef at the Ostrich Grill in Santa Cruz, California. Wilfong’s background includes working at Fairmont Hotel as Executive Sous Chef in both San Jose and San Francisco, and in Seattle for Tamra Murphy at Brasa. It was in Seattle that he worked for celebrity chef Todd English in his restaurant Fish Club as Executive Sous Chef. After almost ten years Chef James has come full circle. Most recently served as the Executive Chef/General Manager at California Café in Sacramento before returning to Santa Cruz to serve as Chef for Johnny’s Harborside. “I am thrilled to be a part of Johnny’s Harborside and look forward to its unlimited potential,” said Wilfong. “I am very fortunate to have numerous mentors and coaches who took me under their wing, groomed me for excellence and exposed me to the world of culinary arts. My passion for food, along with the unconditional support and love from my family, drive me to perfect my craft. I am committed to growing on Johnny’s success and welcome the opportunity to bring my love of fresh food to the community.” James Wilfong, Chef Our Staff John Mesa Sr., Owner Johnny’s team uses fresh seasonal ingredients from local suppliers to offer an array of flavors. The spices and sauces that dress the various fresh fish and seafood are inspired by Mediterranean, Pan Asian, and California cuisines. The incredible menu is perfectly paired with an amazing view of the Santa Cruz Harbor. For those looking to expand their culinary curiosity, $20 Gourmets are offered Monday & Tuesday nights. The culinary inspiration at Johnny’s Harborside is sourced from the diverse backgrounds of each team member to offer an innovative menu with friendly service and a breathtaking view. Join us for lunch, happy hour, or dinner and become a part of Johnny’s “Harborhood”.