Half Moon Bay Restaurant & Day Trips Recomendations

[ssavar]

Planning on staying in Half Moon Bay area for 3 nights. My wife and I are looking for some restaurant and day trip recommendations. We're staying at Seal Cove Inn, any insights regarding the hotel?

Thanks!

[ML8000]

For a day trip, try Pescadero about 1/2 hour south on Hwy 1. There's Duarte's and a taqueria (Mercado & Taqueria De Amigos) inside a gas station and Haley Farm's (a goat cheese farm w/ tours and a shop). Also there's a couple small groceries with delis. On Sat there's a farmers market just south of Hwy 92.

[LarryW]

A cup of the best chai on the planet at Raman's makes for a great treat.

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Ramans Coffee & Chai
101 Main St, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019

[ROCKLES]

The Ritz Carlton has a great brunch if you are into that sort of thing. Princeton Harbor (Pillar Point) has a pretty cool beach (cold water though) and fishing boats, sailboats etc.. Cetrella Restaurant is nice.
Where are you coming in from? Are you from the local area, San Francisco is not too far away.

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Cetrella
845 Main Street, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019

[wolfe]

That great brunch might set you back about $88/person.

bout 5 miles north is Cafe Gibraltar.

http://www.cafegibraltar.com/

[ROCKLES]

How is Cafe Gibraltar? I see it has great reviews. maybe I should post this as a question for all.

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Cafe Gibraltar
425 Ave. Alhambra, El Granada, CA 94018

[artychokeasana]

I wish you would-I live within walking distance of Cafe Gibraltar (just moved to El Granada in January) but have only eaten there once so far. It was really, very not good that night. But the reviews are mostly excellent. So I should go back-but I am hesitant.

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Cafe Gibraltar
425 Ave. Alhambra, El Granada, CA 94018

[pamf]

I have been a fan of Gibraltar even back before they moved to their current location. Always found the food to be fresh and carefully prepared and the frequently changing menu to be intriguing. They offer many things that you do not often see at other places and always offer fresh seafood specials and a few things for vegetarians.

The last time I went, we were happy with our food, but felt the service was lacking warmth. Even with reservations, they originally wanted to put us at a cramped 2-top next to the host station (we were dining rather early and they place was almost empty). After requesting a more comfortable table, we were then rushed through the meal. Rather than a relaxing, celebratory dinner (it was my birthday) we were out in less than an hour. Still we really enjoyed the food.

I am also a big fan of Chef Ugalde's casual restaurant in downtown HBM, Chez Shea. Great for lunch or weekend brunch and casual dinners. The food is always good, especially for the price, and there is a lot of variety for groups on the menu. Nice little patio in the back when the weather is nice too.

Artychokeasana, I envy you living in EG. Every time I want to go out in that area it requires a trip over Devil's Slide and therefore I must be careful of how much wine I enjoy with my meals.

Back on topic. In the same area we have been enjoying Flavor, especially for their burger at lunch. Their dinner menu is completely different, haven't tried that yet. Love their small, carefully chosen wine list. Right at the entrance to the Princeton Harbor area, on the east side of Highway 1.

Finally went to La Costenara a few weeks ago and was very impressed. We just tried a couple of dishes at the bar, but they were great. Definitely going back to try more. They are a bit north of HBM in Montara, just before you get to Devil's Slide. They also have far and away the nicest view with a outdoor patio that is just above the beach.

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Chez Shea
408 Main St, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019

[artychokeasana]

That is a beautiful patio at La Costenara!
I have heard good things about Chez Shea several times now and it is about time for me to give it a try-thanks for reminding me of it pamf & pamf if you live in Pacifica have you tried Barolo? I have had to very good meals there with excellent warm generous service.-I'm waiting to have a few more and then am planning on doing a mini-review here.

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Barolo Restaurant
404 San Pedro Ave, Pacifica, CA 94044

Chez Shea
408 Main St, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019

[ROCKLES]

I have been there (Barolo) a few times. I always enjoyed it, but its small and unless you go early or reserve its hard to get a table. Food was always excellent.

[PCC]

I'm a big fan of Pasta Moon on Main St in HMB, not too far from Rt 92. It's comfortable, a reasonable value, delicious, and the owner and staff are lovely. I almost always stop there when I'm in HMB.

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Pasta Moon
315 Main St., Half Moon Bay, CA 94019

[artychokeasana]

What sort of foods would you like to eat, what sort of price range and ambience? Also for day trips are you interested in outdoorsy activities, cultural experience...other? There is a lot to do in and around HMB as the entire bay area is just across the hills...

[ROCKLES]

Sams Coffee Shop on Main and 92 is great for breakfast. hardy breakfast and locals love it.

[wolfe]

Some recent HMB threads.
http://www.chow.com/search?query=hmb&...