FireFish Grill
A casually refined seafood restaurant on the Santa Cruz Wharf, offering mesquite-grilled dishes, full bar, and stunning ocean views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
FireFish Grill
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A casually refined seafood restaurant on the Santa Cruz Wharf, offering mesquite-grilled dishes, full bar, and stunning ocean views.
"Spectacular ocean views and fresh seafood make this a must-visit on the Santa Cruz Wharf."
Weekday visits for seating
Visit on weekdays for quicker seating and to avoid long waits, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Check daily specials
Inquire about daily specials and fresh catches for the best seasonal seafood offerings.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Californian, Seafood
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Spectacular Ocean Views
Dine with breathtaking panoramic views of Monterey Bay, surfers, and sunsets. Perfect for a romantic dinner or family outing.
Fresh Maine Lobster Rolls
Indulge in the freshest, most flavorful Maine lobster rolls, a seasonal special that’s a must-try for seafood lovers.
Delectable Clam Chowder
Experience some of the best clam chowder, praised for its rich flavor and served in a hearty bread bowl.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Weekday visits for seating
Visit on weekdays for quicker seating and to avoid long waits, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Check daily specials
Inquire about daily specials and fresh catches for the best seasonal seafood offerings.
Request window seats
For the best experience, request window seats to enjoy the stunning ocean views during your meal.
Tips
from all over the internet
Weekday visits for seating
Visit on weekdays for quicker seating and to avoid long waits, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Check daily specials
Inquire about daily specials and fresh catches for the best seasonal seafood offerings.
Request window seats
For the best experience, request window seats to enjoy the stunning ocean views during your meal.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
FireFish Grill offers a dining experience with stunning ocean views and a menu focused on fresh seafood and Californian fare. While many praise the ambiance and certain dishes like the clam chowder and lobster rolls, some reviews note that the food quality doesn't always match the price. Service is generally considered friendly and attentive, though it can get busy during peak times.
"I recently visited Santa Cruz and came across Firefish Grill—it was such a treat! They had Maine lobster rolls as the special of the day, and I couldn’t resist. They were amazing—so fresh and flavorful! The staff was super friendly, the atmosphere was great, and the views of the ocean made it even better. Plus, there were sea lions everywhere, playing around in the water—it was such a cool bonus. Definitely a place worth checking out!"
Aimee Connor
"Customer service was great! Food was pretty good, beautiful view of the ocean. Fish was pretty good, batter was pretty crispy but a little soggy on the inside. Pork was cooked well, not too dry. Oysters were good, nice portion size. Caesar salad was good with homemade croutons."
Shavonda Micou
"Ok, hear me out. The service was awesome, Hunter had great recommendations and he deserves 5 stars. Don’t come after me for the rest of the review but I seriously get better lobster rolls in Colorado. The view was awesome, everyone I interacted with was great but yeah, the food was just mediocre.
The best part of it is that I think all the restaurants on the wharf are equally as mediocre and that’s ok, they’ll still serve 100s of customers a week!
Also, did you know that the 1980s movie, The Lost Boys was filmed at the Amusement park.
Also, no beer on tap and that makes me sad."
Ashley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Many diners rave about the clam chowder, fresh Maine lobster rolls (when available as a special), and various grilled seafood options. It's also worth checking the daily specials board.
Absolutely! The restaurant is situated on the wharf with every table offering expansive views of Monterey Bay, the coastline, and often, sea lions.
It can get very busy, especially during tourist season. Consider visiting on weekdays or booking a table in advance to avoid long waits.
Yes, the menu indicates gluten-free options are available.
The atmosphere is described as casually refined, with a focus on fresh seafood and mesquite grilling, complemented by the stunning ocean backdrop.
They offer a selection of specialty cocktails, including a Firefish Bloody Mary, Lemon Drop, and Pina Colada, as well as other classic drinks.
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The ultimate guide to seafood restaurants with a view in Santa Cruz County
Firefish Grill gets its name from the mesquite charcoal broiler in its exhibition kitchen, where guests can watch their oysters Rockefeller, salmon or halibut pass through flames before landing at a Monterey Bay-front table. The atmosphere is slightly more upscale than most of the other restaurants on the wharf, with a selection of cuts of steak with lobster tail or king crab legs alongside seafood Rockefeller ($32.95) and a fisherman’s pasta ($31.95), among other dishes from the land and sea. The sleeper hit is the seafood chowder ($28.95), which is made to order, stuffed with fresh seafood, and served with fried potatoes.
8 Best Restaurants on the Santa Cruz Wharf
Firefish is the place if you are looking for a casual sit-down restaurant for lunch or dinner with great food that’s perfect for family or friends. With specialty cocktails, fresh seafood cooked in California cuisine style, and unbeatable ocean views, it’s hard to go wrong. Be sure to check the board for fresh catches and daily specials.
Best Seafood in Santa Cruz, CA
25 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA 95060-5459+1 831-423-5200 See Menu. Firefish Grill sits right on the wharf, with every table framing the expanse of Monterey Bay. My most vivid memory here: the sizzle of their mesquite grill, smoky and inviting, carrying out over the water.
Best Seafood in Santa Cruz, CA: 11 Top Places! (2025)
25 Municipal WharfSanta Cruz, CA 95060(831) 423-5200 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Firefish Grill has a long history of fine dining, fresh seafood, and excellent service, with stunning ocean views from every seat.
A Guide to Santa Cruz Dining
It specializes in fresh, traditional seafood, steaks and homemade pasta dishes served California-cuisine style at very reasonable prices. Ocean views from every seat.
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