Guidebook for Half Moon Bay
Food Scene
Lunch time or before the dinner crowd is best. On weekends it's also a great idea to call your order in with enough time to get back to the Cottage or the beach to enjoy it. Too many great items to list. The Pacific Wrap is one of my favorites.
14 locals recommend
Flying Fish Bar & Grill
211 San Mateo RdLunch time or before the dinner crowd is best. On weekends it's also a great idea to call your order in with enough time to get back to the Cottage or the beach to enjoy it. Too many great items to list. The Pacific Wrap is one of my favorites.
Nice restaurant, if you want to have dinner on Main Street. As with most places in Half Moon Bay, it is less crowded during the week.
49 locals recommend
Pasta Moon
845 Main StNice restaurant, if you want to have dinner on Main Street. As with most places in Half Moon Bay, it is less crowded during the week.
Really great Fish n' chips. You can select and see the actual fresh fish that you wish to have. The batter & oil are all up to you. They have several to choose from. They also make great sandwiches. The atmosphere is very informal. If you want casual lunch, it's a great spot or take your treats back to eat at the Cottages or on the beach.
Fish 'n Frites
Really great Fish n' chips. You can select and see the actual fresh fish that you wish to have. The batter & oil are all up to you. They have several to choose from. They also make great sandwiches. The atmosphere is very informal. If you want casual lunch, it's a great spot or take your treats back to eat at the Cottages or on the beach.
Spice Me Thai Cuisine
500 Purissima StGranola's Coffee House
116 CA-1Fresh baked Gluten free goods & coffee.
Pizzeria West is a local pizzeria owned and operated by Dan. He uses organic ingredients for his pizzas and Calzones. He also has local, organic salads to go in a chilled case. The location itself is easy to get to from Main Street. The pizza is made quickly to order. It gets busy after 5pm. It is open for lunch as well. The seating is simple, self service.
Verrazzano Pizza
20 Stone Pine RdPizzeria West is a local pizzeria owned and operated by Dan. He uses organic ingredients for his pizzas and Calzones. He also has local, organic salads to go in a chilled case. The location itself is easy to get to from Main Street. The pizza is made quickly to order. It gets busy after 5pm. It is open for lunch as well. The seating is simple, self service.
This is definitely not up the street. It is included on the list because if you are here during the week, and want to take a short drive north with a purpose, you can stop here for lunch. Not recommended for dinner because of the lack of night time views. The scenery northbound and southbound from the highway is spectacular and you will be tempted to stop for photos along the way. The food is Peruvian. Unless you are like really big portions, I would suggest splitting gathering than having an entire dish or entree. Do not attempt this restaurant on the weekend. The coastal traffic will majorly detract from the experience and you have options in town that allow you to walk or drive.
61 locals recommend
Puerto 27 Restaurant
525 Crespi DrThis is definitely not up the street. It is included on the list because if you are here during the week, and want to take a short drive north with a purpose, you can stop here for lunch. Not recommended for dinner because of the lack of night time views. The scenery northbound and southbound from the highway is spectacular and you will be tempted to stop for photos along the way. The food is Peruvian. Unless you are like really big portions, I would suggest splitting gathering than having an entire dish or entree. Do not attempt this restaurant on the weekend. The coastal traffic will majorly detract from the experience and you have options in town that allow you to walk or drive.
The Moss Beach Distillery is literally a few minutes walk. It is the only Restaurant that overlooks the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve. There is a full menu with seafood choices. There is a full bar. The views are great. This is an easy choice if you don't want to drive but still want to go out. It is popular on weekends, call ahead to make sure you can get a table for dinner or lunch. You can also dine on the patio and order from the bar menu to avoid the wait.
If you are staying in HMB, the best way to 'do' the reserve is to check the tide report the day before to know when it's going to be possible to see the tide pools. If not you see the beach and ocean which is still breathtaking. Go early in the morning, make a reservation for the MBD for lunch or no reservation and hit the Terrace. --see Gran Amigo option.
83 locals recommend
Moss Beach Distillery
140 Beach WayThe Moss Beach Distillery is literally a few minutes walk. It is the only Restaurant that overlooks the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve. There is a full menu with seafood choices. There is a full bar. The views are great. This is an easy choice if you don't want to drive but still want to go out. It is popular on weekends, call ahead to make sure you can get a table for dinner or lunch. You can also dine on the patio and order from the bar menu to avoid the wait.
If you are staying in HMB, the best way to 'do' the reserve is to check the tide report the day before to know when it's going to be possible to see the tide pools. If not you see the beach and ocean which is still breathtaking. Go early in the morning, make a reservation for the MBD for lunch or no reservation and hit the Terrace. --see Gran Amigo option.
This is a tiny place that is not at all pretentious. It is modest, but the super quesadillas and other dining options at this tiny Mexican food spot are popular with locals as well as folks who travel through the area and know of it's well earned reputation. It does get quite a line on weekends during lunch or dinner time. If you want to eat at anything other than a picnic table, then you will need to take your order to go. People go to Gran Amigo for food not ambiance. It does however work really well if you are going to tour the Fitzgerald marine reserve. Bring a couple of lunch bags that are spill proof. Get lunch at El Gran Amigo, take it down to the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve (200 Nevada Ave. Moss Beach, CA 94038) and dine al fresco. Best to pack wipes or use the picnic tables at the northern end of the reserve where the Ranger's Station is. This is the only spot for bathrooms on the reserve.
16 locals recommend
El Gran Amigo Taqueria
2448 Cabrillo HwyThis is a tiny place that is not at all pretentious. It is modest, but the super quesadillas and other dining options at this tiny Mexican food spot are popular with locals as well as folks who travel through the area and know of it's well earned reputation. It does get quite a line on weekends during lunch or dinner time. If you want to eat at anything other than a picnic table, then you will need to take your order to go. People go to Gran Amigo for food not ambiance. It does however work really well if you are going to tour the Fitzgerald marine reserve. Bring a couple of lunch bags that are spill proof. Get lunch at El Gran Amigo, take it down to the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve (200 Nevada Ave. Moss Beach, CA 94038) and dine al fresco. Best to pack wipes or use the picnic tables at the northern end of the reserve where the Ranger's Station is. This is the only spot for bathrooms on the reserve.
Peet's Coffee
142 San Mateo RdYes. We have one. We also have a local option as well : )
We support the Ritz-Carlton. They are our largest employer in Half Moon Bay followed by the Soil Farm. Unlike the Soil Farm, you can actually have a wonderful lunch, dinner or other event at the Ritz. If you have never been, you can go at no cost by parking in the lot about an 1/8th of a mile up. You can stroll the grounds or visit the shop at no cost. Another almost free way is to have coffee or tea at the Ritz and enjoy the wonderful service and atmosphere. The parking is discounted when you dine. They validate and you get a reduced parking rate. If you would like lunch or dinner, be sure to make a reservation. There are ongoing events which make this the best way to enjoy the Ritz.
45 locals recommend
The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Half Moon Bay
1 Miramontes Point RdWe support the Ritz-Carlton. They are our largest employer in Half Moon Bay followed by the Soil Farm. Unlike the Soil Farm, you can actually have a wonderful lunch, dinner or other event at the Ritz. If you have never been, you can go at no cost by parking in the lot about an 1/8th of a mile up. You can stroll the grounds or visit the shop at no cost. Another almost free way is to have coffee or tea at the Ritz and enjoy the wonderful service and atmosphere. The parking is discounted when you dine. They validate and you get a reduced parking rate. If you would like lunch or dinner, be sure to make a reservation. There are ongoing events which make this the best way to enjoy the Ritz.
San Benito House Deli is very well recognized for their outstanding sandwiches. They also have an outdoor patio and garden with local musicians who play. It also is perfectly located to allow for a leisurely stroll down Main Street.
30 locals recommend
San Benito Ale House
356 Main StSan Benito House Deli is very well recognized for their outstanding sandwiches. They also have an outdoor patio and garden with local musicians who play. It also is perfectly located to allow for a leisurely stroll down Main Street.
Italian restaurant, owned and operated by a wonderful Italian family with a passion for restaurants. Pizza Primavera is my favorite. Best thin neapolitan pizza in the area. Best Cioppino south of San Francisco. Check out their web site.
11 locals recommend
VIA UNO Cucina Italiana & Bar
2810 Cabrillo Hwy NItalian restaurant, owned and operated by a wonderful Italian family with a passion for restaurants. Pizza Primavera is my favorite. Best thin neapolitan pizza in the area. Best Cioppino south of San Francisco. Check out their web site.
Essentials
New Leaf has everything you will need to cook great meals at home. Lots of organic produce & products. They also have a great beer & wine selection, bakery & excellent juice bar. They also have a very large body care section with great lotions & hand made soaps.
56 locals recommend
New Leaf Community Markets
150 San Mateo RdNew Leaf has everything you will need to cook great meals at home. Lots of organic produce & products. They also have a great beer & wine selection, bakery & excellent juice bar. They also have a very large body care section with great lotions & hand made soaps.
If you are looking for a more conventional grocery store, Safeway is just across the street from New Leaf.
416 locals recommend
Safeway
2020 Market StIf you are looking for a more conventional grocery store, Safeway is just across the street from New Leaf.
There are 2 pharmacies in town for your convenience. They are both in shopping centers less than a mile from the cottages.
CVS
60 Cabrillo Hwy NThere are 2 pharmacies in town for your convenience. They are both in shopping centers less than a mile from the cottages.
Rite Aid
170 San Mateo RdThis pharmacy is steps away from New Leaf in the same shopping complex.
Everything Else
Has many things you might need for a day at the beach that you might have forgotten at home.
Twice As Nice
210 San Mateo RdHas many things you might need for a day at the beach that you might have forgotten at home.
Fun. Quirky, a little over the top with a bit of local history. This is a fun place to stop if you head south down the coast and go inland. They also have live local music during the day. You can also get postcards with fun or irreverent messages.
32 locals recommend
San Gregorio General Store
7615 Stage RdFun. Quirky, a little over the top with a bit of local history. This is a fun place to stop if you head south down the coast and go inland. They also have live local music during the day. You can also get postcards with fun or irreverent messages.
Oddyssea
617 Main StBest described as a curiosity & crafts environment for kids.
You might be tempted, but unless you have room and your area allows it, you are probably just better off admiring the chicks and ducks and other agricultural related items.
6 locals recommend
Half Moon Bay Feed & Fuel
331 Main StYou might be tempted, but unless you have room and your area allows it, you are probably just better off admiring the chicks and ducks and other agricultural related items.
Parks & Nature
Wonderful & just steps away. Walking north will take you to the nesting area for Snowy Plovers. Keep going further and you can cross the bridge and up the coastal trail to Princeton and beyond.
It's generally more quiet on Holidays if you walk south along the trail or Sand, from Francis Beach towards Poplar beach and beyond.
If you stay on the paved trail, you will continue past Poplar beach onto an open space preserve where birds of prey hunt.
10 locals recommend
Francis Beach
Wonderful & just steps away. Walking north will take you to the nesting area for Snowy Plovers. Keep going further and you can cross the bridge and up the coastal trail to Princeton and beyond.
It's generally more quiet on Holidays if you walk south along the trail or Sand, from Francis Beach towards Poplar beach and beyond.
If you stay on the paved trail, you will continue past Poplar beach onto an open space preserve where birds of prey hunt.
Beautiful and legendary. Read up on the area and the contest before strolling out to the area. Maverick's and the contest is held very far off shore, but the views of the shore are beautiful and worth a visit. You can drive to Princeton and park there for a really long stroll or, you can park near the base of Pillar point if you prefer a walk solely on the trails with views of the beach.
61 locals recommend
Mavericks Beach
Beautiful and legendary. Read up on the area and the contest before strolling out to the area. Maverick's and the contest is held very far off shore, but the views of the shore are beautiful and worth a visit. You can drive to Princeton and park there for a really long stroll or, you can park near the base of Pillar point if you prefer a walk solely on the trails with views of the beach.
This is an amazing place for people of all ages. Keep in mind, if you have limited mobility, you need to stay at the Northern end where the Ranger's station is. There is a semi- inclined entry point there. Go to fitzgeraldreserve.org for more info. It isn't in Half Moon Bay but it is simply amazing. You can stay on the bluffs and get amazing views from the enchanted forest.
76 locals recommend
Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
200 Nevada AveThis is an amazing place for people of all ages. Keep in mind, if you have limited mobility, you need to stay at the Northern end where the Ranger's station is. There is a semi- inclined entry point there. Go to fitzgeraldreserve.org for more info. It isn't in Half Moon Bay but it is simply amazing. You can stay on the bluffs and get amazing views from the enchanted forest.
Drinks & Nightlife
Has view of Princeton Harbor, but mostly tourists. Locals during the week.
70 locals recommend
Half Moon Bay Brewing Company
390 Capistrano Rd Has view of Princeton Harbor, but mostly tourists. Locals during the week.
Hop Dogma Brewing Co.
270 Capistrano RdLocals. No view, but has music.