Santa Cruz's Best Fish and Chips [Updated 2025]

I’ve scoured the coastline, tasted every golden-battered morsel, and chatted with the passionate chefs behind these beloved dishes. After reviewing 12 top locations, I can confidently say I’ve uncovered the hidden gems and local favorites that make this seaside town a fish and chips paradise.

Whether you're a lifelong resident or just passing through, you deserve to savor the best of what Santa Cruz has to offer. With my insider knowledge and a discerning palate, I’m here to guide you to those crispy, flaky bites that’ll have you hooked—no pun intended! Let’s dive deep into this culinary adventure together.

Crow's Nest Restaurant

At Crow's Nest Restaurant, the fish and chips experience was nothing short of delightful! Nestled right by the harbor, the battered cod was perfectly crispy, offering a wonderful crunch with each bite. The accompanying fries were golden and fluffy, providing a perfect contrast. I appreciated their house-made tartar sauce, which added a zesty twist to this classic dish. The stunning views of the marina while I dined made the meal even more enjoyable. Overall, Crow's Nest offers a captivating combination of great food and scenery, making it a strong contender in my quest for the best fish and chips in Santa Cruz!

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Parish Publick House Westside Santa Cruz

Nestled in the heart of Santa Cruz, Parish Publick House Westside offers an unexpected delight with their fish and chips. The beer-battered cod is a crispy masterpiece—light yet rich, served with a side of perfectly seasoned fries. Each bite presents a playful dance of textures, while the tartar sauce adds a zesty kick that elevates the dish to new heights. The atmosphere is equally inviting, blending a cozy pub feel with a vibrant local vibe. If you're on the hunt for delectable fish and chips, this spot is a must-visit! Trust me; your taste buds will thank you.

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Back Nine Grill & Bar

At Back Nine Grill & Bar, I discovered a delightful take on the classic fish and chips. The crispy batter encased perfectly flaky cod, with a golden hue that beckoned with promise. Each bite was a harmonious blend of flavors, enhanced by their zesty tartar sauce—a match made in culinary heaven! The double-fried chips were crisp yet fluffy, elevating the dish even further. The relaxed ambiance and friendly service made my experience even more enjoyable. If you're on the hunt for outstanding fish and chips, this spot is certainly worth a visit. Dive in—you won’t regret it!

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Riva Fish House

At Riva Fish House, the fish and chips are a delightfully crispy revelation! The batter is golden perfection, clinging to flaky cod that practically begs for a side of tangy tartar sauce. As I savored each bite, the ocean breeze added an invigorating touch to my meal. I was especially impressed with the perfectly cooked chips: crispy yet fluffy inside. The ambiance is as inviting as the food, making it a perfect spot for a seaside munch. If you're on the hunt for a seafood treasure, Riva should be at the top of your list!

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Johnny's Harborside

Savoring the quintessential fish and chips at Johnny's Harborside was a delightful adventure! Nestled by the harbor, this vibrant spot serves a heaping portion of perfectly crispy fish, boasting a golden batter that envelops the tender cod inside. Each bite dances with flavor, complemented by their house-made tartar sauce, a zesty twist that elevates the dish. The fries are equally impressive—crispy yet fluffy, they're the perfect vehicle for that delectable vinegar drizzle. With stunning views and friendly service, Johnny’s isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience worth repeating! Don’t miss out on this coastal gem in Santa Cruz!

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Stagnaro Bros.

Stagnaro Bros. is a delightful gem tucked along the Santa Cruz Wharf. The fish and chips here are nothing short of exceptional—the batter is crispy and light, providing the perfect contrast to the tender, flaky fish within. As I savored each bite, the freshness of the catch was unmistakable, a testament to their commitment to quality. The fries, golden and perfectly fried, were a wonderful complement to the dish. With seaside views and a laid-back atmosphere, Stagnaro Bros. is an unmissable stop for anyone craving a delicious rendition of this classic fare. Don’t skip the tartar sauce!

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FireFish Grill

FireFish Grill in Santa Cruz truly elevated my fish and chips experience! The moment I stepped in, the lively atmosphere welcomed me like an old friend. The batter on the fish was perfectly crisp, enveloping tender, flaky cod inside. Paired with golden, hand-cut fries, each bite was a delightful crunch followed by a burst of flavor. Their homemade tartar sauce was a game changer, adding a zesty kick that tantalized my taste buds! If you’re searching for a tantalizing twist on this classic dish, you won’t want to miss FireFish—it’s a standout in the Santa Cruz culinary scene!

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Gilda's

At Gilda's, the fish and chips experience is nothing short of spectacular! The beer-battered cod is perfectly crispy, yielding a tender, flaky interior that dances on the palate. Served alongside thick-cut fries that are golden and seasoned just right, this dish is a match made in culinary heaven. What truly sets Gilda's apart is their homemade tartar sauce, a zesty compliment that elevates every bite. The atmosphere feels like a cozy beachside retreat, making it a perfect spot to enjoy this classic. For anyone seeking an unforgettable fish and chips meal, Gilda's is a must-visit destination in Santa Cruz!

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Café Cruz

At Café Cruz, the fish and chips are a delightful twist on a classic. The battered cod is golden and crispy, encapsulating a tender, flaky interior that's nothing short of divine. Paired with hand-cut fries that are perfectly seasoned, each bite is a celebration of textures. The tangy tartar sauce provides a zesty kick that dances on the palate. The charming atmosphere, combined with friendly service, makes dining here a joy. If you're on the hunt for fish and chips that elevate the experience, Café Cruz is a must-visit, promising satisfaction in every scrumptious bite!

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Scrumptious Fish and Chips Food Truck

Stepping up to the Scrumptious Fish and Chips Food Truck felt like a delightful adventure! Their tempura-battered fish was simply divine—crispy on the outside, yet tender and flaky within. Each bite delivered a burst of fresh flavor, perfectly complemented by their homemade tartar sauce. The chips were equally impressive—golden, fluffy, and not too greasy. The vibrant atmosphere and friendly service made the experience even more enjoyable. If you’re on the hunt for the best fish and chips in Santa Cruz, I wholeheartedly recommend giving this food truck a visit. You won’t be disappointed!

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Ideal Bar & Grill

Tucked away near the beach, Ideal Bar & Grill served up a true feast for the senses! The beer-battered cod was perfectly crisp, encasing tender, flaky fish within. Each bite sang with flavor, complemented by their zesty house-made tartar sauce. The golden fries were just the right amount of crispy, making for a delightful crunch. Atmosphere-wise, the relaxed vibe invited me to linger longer than intended. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, this spot deserves a top place on your fish and chips list. Ideal? Absolutely! Don’t miss it during your Santa Cruz adventure!

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The Water Street Grill

At The Water Street Grill, I found myself captivated by their crispy beer-battered cod—a delightful symphony of crunch on the outside and tender fish within. The fries were perfectly golden, seasoned just right, complementing the dish beautifully. Each bite felt like a seaside getaway, with a tangy tartar sauce that added zest. The casual atmosphere and friendly service made the experience even more enjoyable. While there may be stiff competition in Santa Cruz, this gem certainly holds its own. If you're on the hunt for exceptional fish and chips, look no further than The Water Street Grill!

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