Staff of Life is one of The 9 Best Places for Fresh Seafood in Santa Cruz.

1. Staff of Life

8.2
1266 Soquel Ave (Darwin), Santa Cruz, CA
Grocery Store · Eastside · 21 tips and reviews

Nancilou B.Nancilou Biscotti: best place to purchase local fresh fish in all of SC

Elliott D.Elliott D: I'm loving this open-air patio and artificial waterfall while I eat my lunch.

Brenna G.Brenna G: Ignore the annoying "low emission vehicle parking" labelled parking spots. everyone else does.

Johnny's Harborside is one of The 9 Best Places for Fresh Seafood in Santa Cruz.

2. Johnny's Harborside

7.2
493 Lake Ave (at Eaton St), Santa Cruz, CA
Seafood Restaurant · Eastside · 37 tips and reviews

Mark S.Mark Sturn: Delicious, fresh fish, and the puréed sweet potato on the Winter Fest plate was absolutely amazing.

Andrew W.Andrew Ward: Very noisy at dinnertime. Better for lunch

LaurissaLaurissa: Fish tacos were yummy and the sweet potato fries were outstanding. Portions are ENORMOUS though.

Stagnaro Bros. is one of The 9 Best Places for Fresh Seafood in Santa Cruz.

3. Stagnaro Bros.

7.2
59 Municipal Wharf (at The Pacific Ocean), Santa Cruz, CA
Seafood Restaurant · 38 tips and reviews

Lauren L.Lauren Langone: The sampler plate + martinis + fresh oysters on the half shell will make you feel like you're in Mad Men.

Morgan C.Morgan C.: Food is diner style - salty and overproduced Clam Chowder is adequate, but no where near awesome. The best is the Very Fresh Fish. Drinks are fine. Come for the service, not the food.

Morgan C.Morgan C.: Several different diners on the wharf I prefer Miramar or Gilda's for diner food here. For fresh fish I prefer Stagnaro Bros.

Crow's Nest Restaurant is one of The 9 Best Places for Fresh Seafood in Santa Cruz.

4. Crow's Nest Restaurant

8.3
2218 E Cliff Dr (at 5th Ave), Santa Cruz, CA
American Restaurant · Eastside · 112 tips and reviews

Bobbie N.Bobbie Nelson: The clam chowder and fresh fish dishes are wonderful. Get there on a Wendesday to see the sail boats races and sunset

Sue L.Sue Lux: Very nice place for lunch. We had the fish tacos and French dip which were tasty. Loved the flan for dessert! The view was superb!

Irene K.Irene Kimmel: Sunsets are beautiful and during the holidays the sail boats in the harbor are decorated and make it very festive.

Star Bene is one of The 9 Best Places for Fresh Seafood in Santa Cruz.

5. Star Bene

7.3
21245 E Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA
Italian Restaurant · 4 tips and reviews

SarahSarah: Charming little restaurant. Staff is so nice and welcoming! The empanadas are very good.

Morgan C.Morgan C.: Beautiful restaurant, covered open area, clean fresh bathroom, best of all - a very warm charming staff!

Sara S.Sara Stawarz: Amazing! Get a house salad! The dressing is to die for!

I Love Sushi is one of The 9 Best Places for Fresh Seafood in Santa Cruz.

6. I Love Sushi

7.6
516 Front St, Santa Cruz, CA
Sushi Restaurant · Downtown Santa Cruz · 25 tips and reviews

Avery J.Avery Jenkins: Some of the Best Sushi in Santa Cruz!!! Free Appetizers as soon as you take a seat along with some of the freshest Shashimi Salmon & Tuna that I've ever had. This place is a must if you love Sushi!!!

Thom G.Thom Gerdes: Challenge the owner to a sake bomb race. Bonus points: Beat him :-)

Greg R.Greg Rose: Try the Hamachi Sashimi

Hula's Island Grill & Tiki Room is one of The 9 Best Places for Fresh Seafood in Santa Cruz.

7. Hula's Island Grill & Tiki Room

8.3
221 Cathcart St (btwn Pacific Ave & Cedar St), Santa Cruz, CA
Restaurant · Downtown Santa Cruz · 80 tips and reviews

IS K.IS KLE: Can't get enough of this place. Hawaiian fish soup is amazing. Fish tacos, veggie burger, fish sandwich, plantains, fries - all great.

TaylorTaylor: Get a scorpion bowl...it always seems like a good idea.

Lizzy L.Lizzy Lapp: Hula's Happy Hour is amazing! Bottomless Mimosa's for $10 in 5 different flavors.

La Cabaña Taqueria is one of The 9 Best Places for Fresh Seafood in Santa Cruz.

8. La Cabaña Taqueria

7.5
2332 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA
Mexican Restaurant · Westside · 25 tips and reviews

Mel L.Mel Lindberg: California burrito!

Athonia C.Athonia Cappelli: The Azteca burrito is arguably the best vegan burrito ever. It is not on the menu but it's always on the special.

Athonia C.Athonia Cappelli: Vegan option: Azteca burrito with molé sauce for $6.50 total.

El Palomar Restaurant is one of The 9 Best Places for Fresh Seafood in Santa Cruz.

9. El Palomar Restaurant

7.6
1336 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA
Mexican Restaurant · Downtown Santa Cruz · 58 tips and reviews

Chuck D.Chuck Davison: Great little place in an old hotel lobby with lots of options. Tacos are good. Hand made tortillas and a hint of cabbage. Prawns are really baby shrimp. Asada has great flavor. enough w/ critic try it

Mitchell S.Mitchell Slep: Daily happy hour 5 to 9 at the Taco Bar

RicoRico: Say hi to Jeff. Best bartender.