10 Best Restaurants In and Around El Granada for Every Occasion

best restaurants in el granada for every occasion
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El Granada, CA, a city unlike any other, offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and laid-back coastal living. But the allure goes beyond its picturesque hills and breathtaking views of the Pacific.

The culinary scene in El Granada is exceptional, with restaurants that embody the city’s eclectic taste and commitment to quality. Food destinations range from casual chic to upscale dining, and there’s a perfect spot to enjoy good food for every occasion.

In this article, we list the ten best restaurants in El Granada locals love and tourists must visit on their next travel to this amazing city.

a seafood plate with lobster restaurants in el granada
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1. Sam’s Chowder House

Sitting steps from the shore with front-row views of the Pacific, Sam’s Chowder House is one of the best El Granada restaurants that serve the freshest seafood.

The restaurant uses local, seasonal ingredients, supporting the region’s top local farms and artisans, including Suncrest Farms, Daylight Farms, and Point Reyes Creamery.

Must-Try:

  1. Captains’ Platter – Oysters, chilled shrimp, Ahi tuna poke, lobster ceviche, blue crab meat.
  2. Maine Lobster Ceviche – Lobster served in a tortilla shell with pineapple and passion fruit vinaigrette.
  3. Baked Oysters Rockefeller – Parmigiano, spinach, breadcrumbs. Prepared in the traditional style.

Reviews:

“This is an awesome destination restaurant. We traveled here from out of town and had a fabulous meal with a great ocean view. The service was excellent. I had the salmon with pickled cucumbers and cream cheese toast points for an appetizer. For my entre, I had a bowl of the clam chowder. My husband had the fish and chips. The food is AMAZING! The decor and ambiance of the restaurant makes me want to move to Half Moon Bay, so we can eat at this restaurant every week.”

– Robin Davidson

Restaurant Information:

2. Half Moon Bay Brewing Company

This laid-back family eatery perched on Pillar Point Harbor is one of the best restaurants in El Granada CA that serve the best clam chowder outside of New England.

Beautifully situated on the waterfront, this establishment offers a cozy setting and amazing view. Patrons enjoy dining alongside their four-legged companions on their dog-friendly patio, too!

Must-Try:

  1. Seared Ahi Tuna – Wild-caught, blackened Ahi Tuna seared with sesame seeds, served with vegetable egg roll, rice, and avocado mixed greens.
  2. Avo’s Portuguese Fisherman’s Stew – Seasonal mix of fresh fish, shellfish, and linguica (Portuguese sausage). Garlic broth with cilantro, fennel, tomato, red and green onion; with garlic bread. A family recipe created by co-founder and owner Lenny Mendonca’s “Avo” (grandfather in Portuguese).
  3. Smoked Monster Burger – 1/2 lb. all-natural Certified Angus Beef, smoked Gouda, Applewood smoked bacon, fried pickles, fried egg, smoked chipotle aioli, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle. Served on an Acme sesame bun.

Reviews:

“Love coming here whenever I’m in Half Moon Bay. Beautiful views and great food. Nadia was our server on our most recent visit, and she was phenomenal! One of the sweetest servers I’ve ever met. Our group had a vegetarian, a picky eater, and someone who doesn’t eat seafood. We all had plenty of options and left very satisfied!”

– Kate Garza

Restaurant Information:

a person holding a plate with salmon dish restaurants in el granada
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3. Miramar Beach Restaurant

This beachfront restaurant is an excellent place to witness El Granada’s spectacular sunset views as you enjoy the exquisite food and delectable wine from their copious cellar.

Indulge in the freshest seafood, the finest steaks, and Miramar’s world-famous seafood chowder. The restaurant also boasts a curated selection of domestic and imported wines to complement its culinary offerings.

Must-Try:

  1. Cajun Lobster Pot – Cold water lobster tail, Mexican prawns, Manila clams, and salmon with andouille sausage, potatoes, and corn.
  2. Organic Scottish Salmon – Loch Duarte salmon baked with honey mustard, served with vegetables and rice pilaf.
  3. Filet Mignon – 8oz USDA choice black angus beef tenderloin grilled and garnished with smoked tomato butter. Served with vegetables and your choice of a baked potato or mashed potatoes.

Reviews:

“Very nice restaurant, insides deep brown wood. Our group sat outside with a view of the ocean. They had amazing clam chowder. It was nice and hot with a lot of clams. The portions are large, and we all shared them with our spouses. The captain’s platter is huge. It’s all fried seafood but really tasty.”

– Lemmie Klein

Restaurant Information:

4. Barbara’s Fishtrap

The unpretentious, weathered exterior of this beloved eatery exudes a charm that is both rustic and inviting. Perched on the edge of Pillar Point Harbor, this restaurant offers diners a panoramic view of the bustling port and a picturesque setting to enjoy a slice of coastal life.

Barbara’s Fishtrap’s menu is a celebration of seafood, featuring classics like fish and chips, clam chowder, and crab sandwiches. Each dish is prepared with simplicity, reflecting the rich maritime heritage of this quaint coastal town.

Must-Try:

  1. Italiano Style Pasta – Italian-style pasta. A delightful blend of flavors featuring al dente pasta tossed in a luscious sauce made from garlic, extra virgin olive oil, creamy butter, white wine, and a medley of fresh herbs.
  2. Ocean Finest Fish Dinner – Simply seasoned and broiled to perfection. Flaky white flesh melts in your mouth, kissed with a hint of butter.
  3. Scallops Tempura – A basket of golden-fried sea scallops, perfectly crisp on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth tender within. Served with house-made tartar and cocktail sauce.

Reviews:

“Where hole in the wall food place meets high end location. This place was wonderful find with fresh seafood and fish dishes. Friendly staff and million-dollar views of Half Moon Bay. We came on a Wednesday evening and were seating immediately, but I can only imagine the long waiting lines if you try to go on the weekend.”

– Eliad Goldwasser

Restaurant Information:

a breakfast plate with eggs sausage ham vegetables restaurants in el granada
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5. The Press

This cozy café is the perfect place to start your day with a hearty breakfast or meet with friends over a cup of coffee.

Everything on the menu is prepared with only the freshest ingredients and sustainable practices, from their freshly brewed coffee to the mouth-watering breakfast dishes.

Must-Try:

  1. Granada Grande – Eggs (any style) with your choice of sausage, bacon, chorizo, or ham.
  2. Steak and Onions – Hite cheddar, marinated tri-tip, grilled onions, and red pepper relish.
  3. B.L. Turkey & Cheese – Gorgonzola, roasted turkey, applewood bacon, arugula, and lemon aioli.

Reviews:

“Small coffee shop with lots of different coffee. Outdoor seating and limited indoor seating. Staff is fantastic. I love the biscuits and scones. Parking is on the street. Some people get thing to go.”

– Janice Weikal

Restaurant Information:

6. Mezza Luna

Nestled within the historic walls of the Princeton Inn, Mezza Luna offers a taste of Italy with a Californian twist in this picturesque location.

Prepare to be delighted with a unique fusion of southern Italian cuisine and Californian influences. Committed to quality, the restaurant only offers dishes crafted from the finest locally sourced meats, fish, and produce.

Must-Try:

  1. Farfalle Primavera – Bowtie-shaped pasta sautéed with seasonal mixed vegetables.
  2. Calamari Steak – Tender calamari steak sautéed with lemon, capers, and white wine.
  3. Agnello Scottadito – Grilled lamb chops in an Italian herb sauce.

Reviews:

“This was my first visit to Half Moon Bay beyond eating at The Ritz. I went on a second date and a long beach walk. After the beach and the trail, we ended up here. I was not disappointed. I find it interesting that this is yet another Italian restaurant that serves the off-menu item of Chicken Parmigiana. It was fresh. It was tasty but it was far from the best parm ever. Please don’t think I did not enjoy it. It just wasn’t anything that ‘wowed me’. The service was fine, and the restrooms were spotless. I would return and loved the views at sunset.”

– Chester Cunningham

Restaurant Information:

a fish dish on a white ceramic plate restaurants in el granada
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7. La Costanera

Situated on the coast just north of Half Moon Bay, this contemporary authentic Peruvian restaurant offers an exceptional culinary experience with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and coastal mountains.

The extensive menu showcases the vibrant and diverse coastal cuisine of Latin America. Whether you’re planning a romantic date night or a grand celebration, La Costanera is the perfect place to have a memorable dining experience.

Must-Try:

  1. Pescado a lo Macho – Seasonal roasted fish over seafood stew (mussels, clams, calamari, and shrimp), mixed mushrooms in a mild rocoto-paprika sauce, and served with coconut rice.
  2. Churrasco – Grass-fed Creekstone Black Angus 16oz steak, aji amarillo sea salt butter, watercress salad, and grilled lemon.
  3. Arroz Chaufa – Chinese-inspired Peruvian fried rice with prawns, ribs, egg, scallions, rocoto aioli, and salsa criolla.

Reviews:

“This place was very accommodating for a party of 15. Our server was a young man who was extremely attentive and patient with us. The food was delicious! The Cebiche sampler was great for the appetizers. We also got oysters on the half shell, and apart from being tasty they were cleaned well and not sandy. Drinks were equally as good and had a great wine selection. We all got churros for dessert, and they did not disappoint. I would recommend this place for a nice dinner as a date or with family.”

– Melina Rochin

Restaurant Information:

8. Ketch Harbor Pub

Ketch Harbor Pub is a cherished gastronomic destination for the coast side communities, popular for its modern twist on traditional dishes deeply rooted in the history of Princeton Harbor.

This harborside dining spot has been a local favorite since 1975 and continues to delight locals and visitors alike with culinary offerings that celebrate the essence of the coastal community.

Must-Try:

  1. Dungeness Crab Benedict – House classic for five decades. English muffin, crab, tomato, and Hollandaise.
  2. Clam Chowder – New England-style chowder with bacon.
  3. Crispy Seafood Combo – Prawns, scallops, local cod, coleslaw, tartar sauce, Chef’s cocktail sauce. Served with fries.

Reviews:

“Food was great, we sat outside for breakfast and the drinks were delicious as well. I chose the Crab Eggs Benedict, and I can see why they are famous for it. The service could have been better, the server was not as attentive as we hoped, didn’t ask us for refills and we had to track down someone for the check after waiting a long time after we were done eating. I would still come back for their food, however.”

– Melina Rochin

Restaurant Information:

a person holding a delicious sandwich restaurants in el granada
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9. Spangler’s Market & Deli

Spangler’s is the place to go to for freshly made sandwiches, picnic provisions, and snacks to pack before heading to one of the nearby trails or beaches.

There are a few picnic tables out front to enjoy the ocean view while enjoying their scrumptious sandos.

Must-Try:

  1. Cubano Sando – Roasted pork loin, shaved ham, Swiss, house pickles, and Dijon on baguette.
  2. Candied Tri Tip Sando – Havarti, arugula, pepperoncini, and chipotle aioli on ciabatta.
  3. Meat Loaf Sando – Caramelized onion, bacon, cheddar, and Carolina BBQ sauce on sliced sourdough.

Reviews:

“Great stop for your trip to the beach. Small market but full of everything you need from snacks, drinks, and their deliciously tasty sandwiches!! Great price for a huge Sammie too!”

– Jonathan Kong

Restaurant Information:

10. Sushi On Main Street

Formerly called Sushi Main Street, Sushi On Main Street has been a hallmark eatery since 1986.

This establishment prides itself on preparing the freshest Japanese traditional infusion food and providing a memorable dining atmosphere for guests.

Must-Try:

  1. Unagi Don – Unagi over rice with daikon pickles and cucumber.
  2. Lounging Jade Dragon – Sauteed scallion and Japanese pepper, spinach, burdock, cilantro, and daikon radish sprouts topped with avocado.
  3. Salmon Aburi – Torch seared marinated salmon on the outside of an avocado tempura roll, shiso, and cucumber.

Reviews:

“This is a well-established, great restaurant for Japanese sushi style food. The service was good, the food excellent and the location very convenient. Since it’s not on the main street parking is easy.”

– Art de Werk

Restaurant Information:

best restaurants in el granada and around for every occasion
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Conclusion

There you have it – the best restaurants in El Granada for every occasion!

If you’d like to know more about this charming coastal town, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at (650) 629-9898 or email us at teamtapper@gmail.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Miramar Beach Restaurant is the best spot to indulge in the freshest seafood in El Granada.

The Press is the perfect café to start your day with a hearty brunch.

Yes, Half Moon Bay Brewing Company has a pet-friendly porch where you can enjoy your meal with your furry companion.

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