Santa Cruz dinner with water view

[MrKotter]

I'm heading out to San Jose for a trade show and plan to hit Santa Cruz on Saturday night. Any ideas for a decent dinner spot on the water? Preferably seafood, but the menu needs some land lubber options as my co-worker is not a fish eater. Thanks!

[PolarBear]

Aquarius at the Dream Inn.

http://www.aquariussantacruz.com/menu...

[emglow101]

Rivas long time owner Janet Stagnaro has sold. Not what It used to be. As far as food on the wharf, Gildas is my go to not because of the food but what this family has provided for Santa Cruz. Bobby (Big boy) Stagnaro and son run the restaurant. I like the club sandwich for lunch. The view from the Crows Nest looking across the harbor at the Santa Cruz wharf is my favorite. Saturday night can be noisy. Good food and great service with a view. Seafood, steaks. pasta, and the salad bar. Music upstairs in the evening. Don't forget the cocktails.. Have fun.

[hill food]

there used to be an open air bar at the foot of the pier to the South with the most amazing but simple barrel vaulted roof - anyone remember the name? still there? I want to reproduce it someday over a patio.

(their wine was jet fuel but it was a cool place)

[caldance]

We still really like Riva's and go there regularly for fresh, simply prepared fish with a great view.
The restaurant with the very unique ceiling is Ideal Bar & Grill.

[hill food]

cool thanks! I google imaged it and found a detail. but I haven't been there in 12 years and didn't eat there then so I am not recommending it to the OP as I have no perspective. well maybe for drinks. unless of course the OP is a mid-century-modern beach architecture geek who likes to study construction details while quaffing (but enough about me).

[caldance]

hill food: The very cool roof is a "lamella." I only know this because my husband designs stuff like this. I also haven't eaten at Ideal in many years.
www.modern-architecture.com

[caldance]

Since your co-worker is not a fish eater, maybe the Crow's Nest at the harbor would be a good option. Make reservations.
Riva's is the best seafood with a view, but it doesn't have a lot of non-fish options.
No reservations and cash only at Riva's.
Hope you have fun in Santa Cruz.

[MrKotter]

Those were 2 at which I was looking, and I was leaning towards the Crow's Nest. Thanks!