Capitola’s Wharf House Restaurant

Fine Food and Friendliness over the Monterey Bay

By Noel Smith

Whenever we walk out onto the Capitola Wharf, we marvel at the scenery, the freedom of being over the waters of Monterey Bay and the unexpected appearance of the myriad of wildlife that populates on and in the waters, and the skies over the bay. There is also the added expectation of reaching the end of the wharf where awaits the friendly atmosphere and marvelous menu of the Wharf House Restaurant.

There is something special about a place where the customers keep coming back over the years (which makes them a “local” no matter how far they have come for the food, libations and view). And how do you explain the fact that staff has worked there 5, 10, 15 years and even more. (Maria, the chef, has been there for the past 17 years!) This is definitely a place for you to check out for a host of reasons.

The owner Willie Case fell in love with the location and bought the business over thirty years ago in 1984. “What makes it really special is our live music on the top deck during the summer. We book a variety of listenable local Blues, Classic Rock, Soul and R&B groups for people to enjoy while looking out over the bay. In the summer the top deck opens at 12:30 p.m. with service for dining and music from 1:00 to 5:30 p.m.”

2016 Opening Weekend April 9 and 10. Live Music On The Upper Deck. Dance to the music of the most popular bands in the Santa Cruz and Monterey Area or just relax and enjoy a fresh seafood lunch with an assortment of burgers, sandwiches, clam chowder and fish and chips.

Whether it’s winter or summer the sunrises, sunsets, and the moonlight shining on the water are spectacular… and then there is the food! The first thing you will notice about the menu is whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner, are the reasonable prices. The second thing is the variety of offerings specializing in seafood and California style cuisine.

Another surprise is the fully stocked bar and the extensive wine list. And for the weekend breakfast and brunch crowd, the Wharf House’s Bloody Mary’s are renowned. In fact for those who want to start their day watching the sun rising up over Monterey Bay with the twin stacks at Moss Landing in the distance while savoring breakfast, I can’t think of a better way to start the day.

I asked the staff what was the craziest experience they have had working at the Wharf House. The Day manager Kristy told of the time she was taking breakfast orders when she spotted a whale in the distance headed directly for the wharf. She told her customers, and then had to go get the orders from the Kitchen. When she returned with her arms full with breakfasts, the restaurant was totally empty! Everyone had gone outside to see the whale. When it got close, the whale made a right turn toward the beach, then turned around heading back out to sea alongside the wharf and while passing close by the boat launch, “blew” showering those watching along the rail with spray and whale breath. “It was amazing,” said Kristy, “Only here could something like that happen.”

Whether it’s prawns or pasta, filet or Fisherman’s Delight, it’s worth ordering along with your favorite soup, salads or sides. But what makes it special is the service. During the day Kristy is running the show while at night it’s Patty that is in charge. These ladies along with Chef Maria, server Ashley and rest of the Wharf House crew with ensure you of the best of service and attention to make your walk to the end of the Capitola Wharf worth the trip.

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Wharf House Restaurant, 1400 Wharf Road at the end of the Capitola Wharf Capitola, California 95010. Phone: 831.476.3534. Website: www.wharfhouse.com

Hours: 8 a.m. to CLOSING for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Happy Hour Monday-Friday, 3-6 p.m.