JOHNNY’S HARBORSIDE

Fresh Local Seafood in the Santa Cruz Harbor

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  • Dinning in Santa Cruz

    For two decades, Johnny’s Harborside Restaurant has been a destination for exceptional seafood and inspired coastal cuisine. Overlooking the Santa Cruz Harbor, the restaurant offers the freshest local catch and a curated drinks menu.
    DIRECTIONS

  • Harbor Views & Cocktails

    Join us for happy hour daily from 3 to 5pm, where you can linger over a glass of wine or a craft cocktail while enjoying harbor views and a welcoming atmosphere that reflects the easy elegance of life by the sea.
    DRINK MENU
Close-up of a fried fish sandwich with lettuce, pickles, crispy onions, and sauce in a sandwich bun on a white plate.
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Johnny’s Harborside, located in the Santa Cruz Harbor, serves fresh, locally sourced seafood in a sustainable and community-focused setting.

Under new owners Ciera Kash & Michael Tomasello and with acclaimed chef Jeffrey Wall, formerly of Alderwood, Santa Cruz’s first Michelin Guide restaurant, Johnny’s continues to be a local favorite. Guests enjoy elevated coastal cuisine, a warm and inviting atmosphere, and a commitment to sustainable seafood and fresh, local ingredients.

A woman and man standing close together by a window, smiling at the camera, with a views of harbor boats in the background.

Customer Reviews

  • My favorite restaurant in Santa Cruz...

    “The most delicious food and the best flavor. My favorite restaurant in Santa Cruz by far!”

    Five Stars
    *****

    — Jennifer Young

  • What a gem!

    "We were looking for some seafood for our family, and were pleasantly surprised by the freshness and quality of the food! Also, great value and super hospitable staff. The fish and chips are generously portioned, and delicious. The grilled halibut with the corn risotto was excellent and devoured in no time. The fried brusel sprouts and calamari were appetizing and quickly enjoyed by all. The smoked beet and kale salad was scrumptious. We ended the meal with petite key lime pie in a mason jar which was “superb!” New chef and menu, an absolute must-go!"

    — C.L.R.

  • We started with the clam chowder and it was fantastic...

    It's been a while since I've been here, and I feel like I've really missed out. It's a fun location, with great views of the busy harbor. We started with the clam chowder and it was fantastic - just delicious in a way I find hard to describe - not too much and not cloying the way many chowders can be. I had the crab sandwich which was really nice, and my wife had the black cod over fingerling potatoes and it was just melt-in-your-mouth perfect. She finished with the petit key lime dessert, and loved it. We'll be back for sure.”

    — Graham Hine 3/29

  • I highly recommend this spot!

    “A great experience and surprise as one of the better culinary experiences of our visit. The chef clearly paid attention to details and nuances for his dishes. The flavors were balanced and the food delicious. I highly recommend this spot!”

    — Marc Tumerman 3/27

  • If you like looking at moored boats... you'll be very happy.

    "Have eaten here twice since the new chef took over the kitchen and loved our meals both times. The menu is a little limited but, I feel, it's better to concentrate on fewer items than try to offer a plethora of dishes. Service was exemplary with our wait person politely checking on us often. People rave about the views so, if you like looking at moored boats, fishing tackle and big plastic containers, then you'll be very happy."

    — J. King

  • Don't sleep on Johnny's!

    “We went in after YEARS following a terrible food/service experience there and were incredibly impressed. The clam chowder? Best in Santa Cruz. Fresh, brothy, clam-full and served in a pretty platter rather than a bowl which really classes up the experience. Kids meals are served with top-notch fries or a professionally-plated medley of sauteed seasonal squash and broccolini - not a sad, wet carrot stick in sight. Cocktails on point, and overall you can't beat a good meal overlooking the harbor lights on a foggy evening. TVs at the bar make this a nice spot to get a good meal while watching a game. Will return (to enjoy without kids next time!).”

    — K.H.