This historic seafood restaurant at the end of the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf was founded by Italian immigrants in 1913 and, more than 100 years later, it’s still family-run, along with a seafood distribution business and fish market. Every seat at the restaurant looks over Monterey Bay, West Cliff Drive and surf spot Steamer Lane, but the best views are on the ship-like second story. The menu mixes casual classics like fish & chips, fried calamari and clam chowder with Italian American seafood pastas and scampi.

Seafood, located at the far end of the wharf, has a rich Santa Cruz history. The Stagnaro family, originally from Italy, put down roots in Santa Cruz in the early 20 th century and opened a small seafood market and lounge in 1937. Today, Stagnaro Bros. operates a restaurant—where you can enjoy chowder and many seafood delicacies—plus the largest fish market in Northern California which sells fresh fish to cook at home.

Stagnaro Bros Restaurant is a popular option among the locals as it is known for consistently serving high-quality seafood staples, such as fish n’ chips and clam chowder. Former guests of the restaurant say that it is a reasonably priced option that has a fantastic vibe. Another benefit of dining at this restaurant is the impressive views of the Pacific Ocean

59 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA 95060+1 831-423-2180 See Menu. Perched on the Santa Cruz Wharf, Stagnaro Bros Seafood draws locals and travelers alike with its sparkling ocean views and the scent of grilling fish. My first visit had me lost in the bustle of fishing boats unloading their catch mere steps away—hard to get fresher than this.

Usually, if you want fresh seafood, you have to go to a fish market to pick your catch. Fortunately, Stagnaro Bros is both a fish market and a restaurant so you get the best of both worlds. If you want to keep things simple, just choose your favorite fish or crustacean, and they\’ll cook it to your liking.

Check out Stagnaro Bros., Riva Fish House, and Johnny’s Harborside for more classic seafood dishes (though Johnny’s Harborside as a Mediterranean and Asian influence), or places like The Crow’s Nest, Aquarius, and the Water Street Grill for seafood with a New American twist.

Almost at the very end is a restaurant and fish market called Stagnaro Bros. It is historic to Santa Cruz and features 20 different types of fresh seafood daily. You can even choose from the fast selection of dishes, like clam chowder, located outside and eat it on the spot.

Stagnaro Bros. is another excellent choice for dining on the Wharf, which has great bay views. The food is above average, though the service can be hit or miss depending on the crowds. The top picks here include Clam Chowder, Fish Tacos, and Seafood Tortellini.

Co-owner Sam Yanez has been in the building—which according to my informal survey is only eclipsed in Santa Cruz staying power by Stagnaro Bros. on the Wharf and Shadowbrook by Soquel Creek—since the 80s (!), when he started as a dishwasher.

There isn’t a bad dish in the house coming out of this expert kitchen, and the upstairs bar has some of the best views on the wharf. A feel-good eatery with a large selection of fresh seafood, steaks and pasta.

You can’t visit a California wharf and not get a bread bowl of clam chowder. Stagnaro Bros is a long-time local favorite, and its New England chowder is as iconic as the wharf itself.

Stagnaro Bros. features a menu with more than 20 different types of fresh seafood every day, as well as pasta dishes, steaks and a children's menu.