The Best Places to Eat and Drink in Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay is home to a number of well known eateries as well as quite a few hidden gems frequented by locals. There are so many great restaurants in Half Moon Bay that its hard to choose which ones to highlight! Here are some of our favorites. If you are interested in browsing by cuisine, location or price, see our directory here*.
Jump down to top 5 hidden gems
Top 5 Most Popular Restaurants
Whether a tourist or a local, these are the must visit spots!

Flying Fish Grill is a local favorite offering delicious lunch and dinner entrees ranging from Fish and Chips, (which is amazing), Seafood Cioppino, Fish Tacos and Alaskan Halibut, to name a few. Start with a cheesy garlic bread appetizer or ceviche.
Complete with a full bar, enjoy your favorite drink with your flavorful meal. Flying Fish Grill is a must if you like casual dinning and good food.
Complete with a full bar, enjoy your favorite drink with your flavorful meal. Flying Fish Grill is a must if you like casual dinning and good food.

Sam's Chowder House boasts one of the best views in the area, overlooking Half Moon Bay Harbor and the open ocean. While most people know it for the chowder, locals love famous Lobster Roll. So good! Enjoy watching the sun set over the open ocean while sitting by a fire pit on the fabulous patio.

Half Moon Bay Brewing Company also boasts a great outdoor patio with fire pits overlooking the harbor. If you enjoy a cold beer you'll find a great variety there. Don't miss the fish tacos!

It's Italia is another local Italian restaurant, and if you are in the mood for Italian it will not disappoint. With an excellent cocktail and wine list and a fabulous outdoor patio with a fire pit, its a great fit for a casual meal or romantic evening. Our favorite? The gnocchi, its the best in town.

The Moss Beach Distillery is high on the cliffs overlooking the crashing waves. It has a dog friendly patio with firepits, and offers blankets for the humans and dog beds for your best friend. Don't miss the fish and chips!
Top 5 Hidden Gems
Want to know where the locals eat to get away from the crowds? Shhhh...don't tell anyone, we kinda want to keep these places to ourselves! But for you we'll share it.
Want to know where the locals eat to get away from the crowds? Shhhh...don't tell anyone, we kinda want to keep these places to ourselves! But for you we'll share it.

ARK North Indian Cuisine is perfect for those foggy Half Moon Bay days when you need a hearty meal to warm up. The Chicken Tikka Masala is thick, rich and excellent, as is the Matter Paneer. And of course the Samosa's can't be beat.

Old Princeton Landing is a great surf bar that boasts of an excellent music lineup, but locals know just how great the food is, too. The diverse menu includes the usual bar food, like wings and burgers, but you'll also find one of the best cod curries you'll ever taste. All their food is "dock to dish, ranch to restaurant, farm to fork."

The Press is the go-to breakfast and lunch place in the area. It opens early, 4 am weekdays, 5 am weekends, so even if you are looking to be first on the water you can have a hearty breakfast to fuel your morning. But breakfast is just the start, Check out the delicious grilled sandwiches and soups, perfect for the cool foggy days.

Asian Kings Kitchen is a local favorite for Chinese food. The food is consistently good, especially the fried rice, sweet and sour chicken and beef with broccoli. Its a go-to spot for a Friday night dinner, plus, free delivery!
*Recognizing that things are constantly evolving during COVID-19, we will do our best to keep the restaurant directory updated with information on where you can find takeout or restaurants with outdoor seating.
If you'd like to read more about the food scene in the area, please visit Terri's Taste of the Town blog!
If you'd like to read more about the food scene in the area, please visit Terri's Taste of the Town blog!