Johnnys Harborside - Santa Cruz (CA)

5 /5 Charlene Larson Rotandi: 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 brussel 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!

1 /5 Nikolai L.: I was there with my wife, at ~06:00 PM, on 8th October 2025, order two half dozen of oysters, one regular and one premium, just to compare what is the difference. I’ve tried and actually eat on of the regular oyster which occurs with weird taste, and appear smelly. I give one more try, and was not impressed with second oysters either. I decided not to eat the remaining part of the dish, as I was very suspicious that the cook is not assessing the oysters for the quality and I don’t want myself become poisoned. I mentioned to the waiters that the oyster has weird taste and smells. The waiter feedback was a question on how many of the oysters I experience smelly and offer to replace the exact amount of the smelly oyster with new one. I assume she want me to give another try :)))) This message is for the new customer to beware on the quality assurance to be done by the customer. Do not fully relay on cook. By the way, even with my negative experience. I paid full charge of the dishes and the restaurant not acknowledge they mistake and not offer the discount.

4 /5 Jeff Walker: The place is beautiful and well-located. The service was very good, and the food overall was ok. We ordered the halibut dish with rice and bok choy. Honestly, I was expecting more flavor. The rice was good, but the fish was tasteless, and the bok choy had a burnt taste. We also had the clam chowder, which was very good and flavorful, and the house salad was also excellent. As for the halibut — which came as a recommendation — I wouldn’t recommend it, considering also the price $$$, though maybe it was just an off day.

4 /5 Weslynn Finfrock: I am a self professed Caesar salad snob. Harborside’s Caesar was excellent! It was very fresh and perfectly dressed. I haven’t had a Caesar that good in a long time. The clam chowder was very tasty with a nice creamy texture but was shy on clams. Would I order it again? Absolutely. Is it the best clam chowder I’ve ever had? That would be a no. On the whole, our entire meal was very pleasant, and we would not hesitate to enjoy another meal there!

5 /5 Kate Sadovenko: Delicious fresh fish and seafood! Tasty salad and bread. Amazing view. Good service. Recommended