The most recommended: seared black cod. The seared black cod I had was nothing short of spectacular. Cod remained wonderfully moist and flaky. Each bite melted in my mouth, releasing layers of subtle, buttery flavors that cod is renowned for. Accompanying the black cod was a serving of polenta, which was a delightful new experience for me. The polenta was incredibly soft and creamy, with bits of corn kernels that intriguingly resembled the texture of fish roe. Its gentle, comforting flavor balanced beautifully with the fish. Alongside, the spinach was prepared to juicy perfection, maintaining a vibrant green color and a fresh, slightly earthy taste that paired excellently with the rest of the dish. This combination not only highlighted the seafood's freshness but also brought a satisfying richness to the meal.
Bruce M.
Superb seafood, fresh daily. Best fish dishes I have ever eaten! Sides greatly complement the main course. Great service, friendly servers, relaxed atmosphere and excellent view of the harbor. Prices are high but you get good value for your money. I highly recommend Johnny's to any seafood lover!
Slawomir B.
This place used to be great few years back now it is just an overpriced shell of itself. The food we were served was unpalatable soggy fish of no taste and lots of sand on the mushrooms. It took really long time to get the food and once it came it was just plainly bad. The place also seems to be not very well maintained and looks like it could use a good cleaning and an update.
James P.
I should have posted this last fall. Regardless, more people have had issues since. Mine was simple. Went there with the same group of friends I've gone with many, many times before for their happy hour, did what we always did before, ordered cocktails, then happy hour snacks, me sliders. I've had them many times, another cocktail, then "check please". On the check there were two additional $1.00 entries. Having eaten there many times, this was awkward. I asked what the two charges were for, the waitperson said, "mustard" and two small slices of "onion", which I asked for when I ordered the sliders. I had to ask for the mustard and the onion after I got my order, which I asked for when I ordered! Me and my friends were flabbergasted! Come on, charging for "condiments"?! I won't go back!
Ken M.
Food was good and service was good. Great view . We had the fresh halibut and was really enjoying.
Max S.
The clams was ridicules , no pasta , for $29. huîtres presentation bad, service not good
Sue Krevitt
My recommendation! tasty seafood, great views of Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor, friendly waiters, plenty of metered parking (bring coins: $2 hour), pleasant decor/atmosphere. Bring a sweater...kinda cool in winter. We enjoyed eating lunch here!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Fresh Fish
Douglas Myers
Very cozy and laid back seafood bar and grill with great selection of fresh fish, beer and drinks, and awesome service!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Graham W.
Fresh fish items always posted on the board, and you can have each three different ways. Good selection of standalone items including pasta, oysters and cioppino. Prices are on the generally high side, but you get what you pay for in fresh off the dock. Some friends have experienced service as "grumpy" and inconsistent, but it is Santa Cruz after all. Good ambiance, no annoying music and low lighting (bring your phone's flashlight if after dark).
Julia G.
Went to Johnny's for a large birthday gathering and they provided great service for our party of 15! All the food tasted really fresh. Fish and chips were yummy, fish tacos could have used more spice/sauce/flavor.
Amazing food!! Service was Excellent! Such a cool restaurant!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Steak, Fresh Catch
Susanne Millar
This fresh fish restaurant is right on the harbor in Santa Cruz and fresh fish is brought in from the boats right there.I had the fish tacos and they were fantastic very generous portions! There's a nice view of the harbor and the restaurant is upstairs so despite the fact you're in a parking lot it is a good view.They had a Humble Sea and Santa Cruz Mountain Brewery on tap.The person serving us was either the manager or the owner and was super nice and helpful and they were really flexible about fish and food substitutions.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fish Tacos, Fish & Chips
Bob b.
The Ono was amazing. Superb preparation of white fish, flaky with a rich taste, and a generous portion too. The service was very good.
Susan J.
Great service, fantastic food and wonderful views!! We always get the special and we have never been disappointed!!
Angie I.
For the price we would rate this a C minus clam chowder was OK but not as hot as I like my Soup to be. Crab crusted salmon was very good probably the best dish we had and the steamed clams left much to be desired. The $13 Margarita was good, but small. $100 bucks for lunch way too much. Unfortunately, our server forgot the clams leaving us to eat the salmon before the clams showed up. They also never filled our water.
The most recommended: seared black cod. The seared black cod I had was nothing short of spectacular. Cod remained wonderfully moist and flaky. Each bite melted in my mouth, releasing layers of subtle, buttery flavors that cod is renowned for. Accompanying the black cod was a serving of polenta, which was a delightful new experience for me. The polenta was incredibly soft and creamy, with bits of corn kernels that intriguingly resembled the texture of fish roe. Its gentle, comforting flavor balanced beautifully with the fish. Alongside, the spinach was prepared to juicy perfection, maintaining a vibrant green color and a fresh, slightly earthy taste that paired excellently with the rest of the dish. This combination not only highlighted the seafood's freshness but also brought a satisfying richness to the meal.
Superb seafood, fresh daily. Best fish dishes I have ever eaten! Sides greatly complement the main course. Great service, friendly servers, relaxed atmosphere and excellent view of the harbor. Prices are high but you get good value for your money. I highly recommend Johnny's to any seafood lover!
This place used to be great few years back now it is just an overpriced shell of itself. The food we were served was unpalatable soggy fish of no taste and lots of sand on the mushrooms. It took really long time to get the food and once it came it was just plainly bad. The place also seems to be not very well maintained and looks like it could use a good cleaning and an update.
I should have posted this last fall. Regardless, more people have had issues since. Mine was simple. Went there with the same group of friends I've gone with many, many times before for their happy hour, did what we always did before, ordered cocktails, then happy hour snacks, me sliders. I've had them many times, another cocktail, then "check please". On the check there were two additional $1.00 entries. Having eaten there many times, this was awkward. I asked what the two charges were for, the waitperson said, "mustard" and two small slices of "onion", which I asked for when I ordered the sliders. I had to ask for the mustard and the onion after I got my order, which I asked for when I ordered! Me and my friends were flabbergasted! Come on, charging for "condiments"?! I won't go back!
Food was good and service was good. Great view . We had the fresh halibut and was really enjoying.
The clams was ridicules , no pasta , for $29. huîtres presentation bad, service not good
My recommendation! tasty seafood, great views of Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor, friendly waiters, plenty of metered parking (bring coins: $2 hour), pleasant decor/atmosphere. Bring a sweater...kinda cool in winter. We enjoyed eating lunch here!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Fresh Fish
Very cozy and laid back seafood bar and grill with great selection of fresh fish, beer and drinks, and awesome service!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Fresh fish items always posted on the board, and you can have each three different ways. Good selection of standalone items including pasta, oysters and cioppino. Prices are on the generally high side, but you get what you pay for in fresh off the dock. Some friends have experienced service as "grumpy" and inconsistent, but it is Santa Cruz after all. Good ambiance, no annoying music and low lighting (bring your phone's flashlight if after dark).
Went to Johnny's for a large birthday gathering and they provided great service for our party of 15! All the food tasted really fresh. Fish and chips were yummy, fish tacos could have used more spice/sauce/flavor.
Restaurantji Recommends
Amazing food!! Service was Excellent! Such a cool restaurant!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Steak, Fresh Catch
This fresh fish restaurant is right on the harbor in Santa Cruz and fresh fish is brought in from the boats right there.I had the fish tacos and they were fantastic very generous portions! There's a nice view of the harbor and the restaurant is upstairs so despite the fact you're in a parking lot it is a good view.They had a Humble Sea and Santa Cruz Mountain Brewery on tap.The person serving us was either the manager or the owner and was super nice and helpful and they were really flexible about fish and food substitutions.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fish Tacos, Fish & Chips
The Ono was amazing. Superb preparation of white fish, flaky with a rich taste, and a generous portion too. The service was very good.
Great service, fantastic food and wonderful views!! We always get the special and we have never been disappointed!!
For the price we would rate this a C minus clam chowder was OK but not as hot as I like my Soup to be. Crab crusted salmon was very good probably the best dish we had and the steamed clams left much to be desired. The $13 Margarita was good, but small. $100 bucks for lunch way too much. Unfortunately, our server forgot the clams leaving us to eat the salmon before the clams showed up. They also never filled our water.