Words & photography by Paulette Phlipot
Regardless of what route you take to reach the charming coastal town of Half Moon Bay, you’ll know you’re close when you spot farms featuring fields of artichokes, Brussels sprouts or pumpkins. The picturesque town, located just 45 minutes south of San Francisco, is best-known for its stunning beaches, world-famous pumpkin festival and Mavericks surf break. Yet equally impressive is the local food scene, which boasts a variety of restaurants, bars and distilleries that creatively incorporate the abundance of local food grown, raised and caught in or near Half Moon Bay.
PILLAR POINT HARBOR AREA
KETCH HARBOR PUB AND PELAGIC FISH MARKET & GRILL
The Pelagic cooperative hospitality group is a team of locals deeply involved in the Coastside community. A trio of businesses—Ketch Harbor Pub, Pelagic Harbor Grill and Pelagic Fish Market—offer a diverse array of seafood from the local commercial fishing fleet right outside their doorstep at Pillar Point Harbor.
They are among the few dining establishments with a special “landing permit,” allowing them to buy directly from the local commercial fishing fleet, which
provides direct revenue to the fi sherfolk and means that the seafood doesn’t spend time traveling. It couldn’t be any fresher. Pelagic is also a Seafood Watch Sustainability Partner. Their specialties include Polynesian Sweet Chili Teriyaki Fish Burritos, Kowloon Ferry Rice Bowls and a Pikes Place Salmon BLT. pelagichmb.com
Dungeness crab fresh boiled at Pelagic Fish Market
Fresh handmade tortellini at Mezza Luna
JETTYWAVE DISTILLERY & GIBRALTAR GEMS
Every dish and drink is a celebration of the vibrant colors and flavors that Half Moon Bay has to offer. The abundant planters throughout the comfortable outdoor dining space overflow with edible plants and ingredients used in both kitchen and cocktails. Both of their whiskies—Small Batch Bourbon and Maritime Single Malt—are crafted from California-grown corn and barley.
Chef Jose Luis creates memorable vegan soups that change weekly based on what is fresh and in season. Well loved dishes such as South African Bobotie Curry and Braised Short Ribs feature nearby-raised Markegard Grass-Fed meat. The Mediterranean-inspired menu includes perfectly seasoned vegetables and delicious seafood dishes sourced from the nearby boats. jettywave.com
MEZZA LUNA
Located in the historic Princeton Inn (circa 1906), this longtime Coastside gem offers southern Italian cuisine with a California twist. From date night to large family gatherings there is something for everyone on the menu. Housemade pasta is topped, layered and filled with what is fresh and available at the time from local farms. Mezza Luna is dedicated to sourcing locally whenever possible by purchasing fresh produce directly from Coastside’s Iacopi Farms and Giusti Farms, poultry from Pomponio Ranch and seafood seasonally from Mr. Morgan and other local businesses. mezzalunabythesea.com
OLD PRINCETON LANDING
Live music venue, tasty local beers on tap and menu favorites such as Anong’s Cod Thai Curry, Mr. Morgan Fish Tacos, Markegard Family Grass-Fed Burger and daily vegan soups. The OPL motto: “The closer the food source the better and healthier it is for all. From the purveyor to the customer and for the environment.” oplhmb.com
Dad’s Luncheonette menu staples—mushroom sandwich with soft egg and homemade organic potato chips
ON HWY 1
DAD’S LUNCHEONETTE
If there is a line outside this historic train caboose it’s worth the wait. You can’t go wrong with anything on this small but mighty menu that showcases the best of the coastal farms in the area. Don’t miss the homemade potato chips paired with the unforgettable hamburger and mushroom sandwiches—both featuring Dad’s Sauce and grilled Rosalind Bakery bread. The weekly soup and sweet are sure to complement your meal perfectly from start to finish. dadsluncheonette.com
REBYL COFFEE & FOOD
With the mission “To connect our Coastside community through food,” owner Ryan Salet couldn’t think of a better way to do that than to create a market that specializes in
Coastside products that functions within a coffee shop. Offering ready-to-go lunches like wraps and salads, breakfast burritos, bone broth on tap, take-home meals and fresh eggs, produce, meat and more all sourced from just about every local farm, ranch or bakery around. Santa Cruz–based Cat & Cloud coffee is used exclusively. rebylfood.com
COASTSIDE FARMERS MARKET HALF MOON BAY
Reopens April 5, 2025. coastsidefarmersmarkets.org
MAIN STREET
PASTA MOON
The beautiful setting on the south end of Main Street has established this beloved restaurant as a go-to for special occasions. Delicious fresh pasta, paired with a friendly coastal atmosphere and vast menu overflowing with fish, meat and produce (sourced from many local farms including Fifth Crow Farm) makes it the perfect spot for a delicious and fresh weeknight dinner just as well. Additionally, the cocktail menu features beverages crafted by local distillers and brewers. pastamoon.com
Markegard Family Grass-Fed Short Ribs with
a Jettwave Small Batch Bourbon Demi Glaze and Channa Ranch Polenta with Harbormaster’s Old Fashioned, Coffeetini and West Point cocktails.
