Best Restaurants in Half Moon Bay: Where to Eat with Kids

Long, sandy beaches, miles of coastal bike paths, hot clam chowder with an ocean view, hoppy beers served inside breweries … these are just a few highlights of the best restaurants in Half Moon Bay. It makes a perfect coastal getaway but is still off-path enough that you can find your own slice of paradise. To fully enjoy it, be sure to know where to eat in Half Moon Bay with kids. We share some of our favorite places in this scenic California location.

Half Moon Bay in San Mateo County is a small town of less than 15,000 people on the coast just south of San Francisco. Weekends here are full of day trippers from the Bay Area and beyond, but if you can carve out at least a couple of days, you’ll find that this town is an easy destination for families seeking beautiful nature. What’s more, you can make a whole trip out of exploring the area’s food and drinks. Here’s how to do it.

What and Where to Eat in Half Moon Bay

Goat Cheese Galore

Harley Farms Goat Dairy offers tours and cheese tastings to the public on its farm in the old fishing town of Pescadero, about 30 minutes south of Half Moon Bay. The 90-minute tour and tasting includes time to mingle with the animals, a tour of the milking facility and a stop in the 1910 dairy stables to admire the craftsmanship of local woodworker “Three Finger Bill.” Naturally, the tour concludes with tastings of the farm’s award-winning cheeses. Harley Farms is located at 205 North Street in Pescadero off Highway 1. 

Because this isn’t a traditional restaurant, for those families on the hunt for a full meal, stop into Moonside Bakery for grab-and-go food or woodfire pizzas either on your way to the farm or after your tour.

Classic Chowder on the Water

Any visit to Half Moon Bay must include lunch at the iconic Sam’s Chowder House. This is one of the most popular seaside restaurants in the region, so reservations are a must on weekends and in high season. The deck overlooking the water is a big draw not only for the view but also for the live music.

At Sam’s Chowder House, expect award-winning fresh seafood that is sustainably sourced in its lobster rolls, oysters, the catch of the day (served with local vegetables) and, of course, their clam chowder. As parents, you’ll appreciate the kids’ menu — instead of the usual chicken fingers and burgers, the menu offers fresh, kid-size fish portions with seasonal veggies.

Sam’s Chowder House is located at 4210 N. Cabrillo Highway.

If  lunch at Sam’s doesn’t quench your thirst for seafood, add Barbara’s Fishtrap to your list. It’s a cash-only fish shack/greasy elbow diner that serves seafood staples in a no-frills but prime location overlooking Half Moon Bay. It is located at 281 Capistrano Road.

A Taste of Italy

Italian food is a reliable choice for adults and kids alike. Fortunately, Half Moon Bay has options for this cuisine. We love It’s Italia, located at 401 Main Street. They have a full menu including pizzas, a full bar, and a Tuscan-style courtyard for outdoor seating.

If that’s not enough Italian for your family, head further up the street to Pasta Moon, located at 845 Main St.

IPAs and Other Brews

Half Moon Bay Brewing Co. sits across from the water at Pillar Point Harbor, just a half-mile from the world-famous Mavericks surfing area. Expect the usual brewery food plus oysters, chowder, lobster rolls and ceviche. The brewery serves IPAs in both west coast and east coast style and seasonal brews (think pumpkin ale in the fall).

Half Moon Bay Brewing Co. is located at 390 Capistrano Rd. In nice weather, grab a seat on the dog-friendly patio and save time for a walk around the old harbor.

Moss Beach Distillery is another favorite. It offers seafood and other California-cuisine style eats in an oceanside setting with a dog-friendly patio. It is located at 140 Beach Way in Moss Beach.

Hop Dogma Brewing Co. is a popular tap room. Kids will appreciate the retro video game and old-timey bubble gum machine across from the brewery entrance, but it is definitely more of a drinking establishment than a restaurant. Hop Dogma Brewing Co. is located at 270 Capistrano Rd. #22.

Something for Wine Lovers

This being California, you don’t have to go far to try local wines. Stop at La Nebbia for a tasting of their whites and reds, and enjoy the kid-friendly garden with picnic tables and a bocce ball court.

La Nebbia is located at 12341 San Mateo Road. There is a per-person tasting fee.

For the Foodies

Its casual sounding name disguises the amazing menu families experience at The Village Pub. Located about 20 miles from Half Moon Bay in Woodside, it is perfect for foodies and recognized locally and nationally for its award-winning cuisine. It has been awarded one Michelin star for 12 consecutive years and falls in the fine dining/celebratory dining category. Perfect if you’re celebrating a special occasion while in the area.

Where to Stay

A favorite accommodation option in the area is the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay. Families love its luxurious amenities but casual, beachy vibe. We love to pass along special perks to the clients that book their stay through our agency. Reach out to us secure your reservation.

One thing is for sure: when you visit Half Moon Bay, you will not go hungry!

Relevant Links

Browse all family-friendly destinations and activities in California on Ciao Bambino

A grand California family road trip

Half Moon Bay with kids: San Francisco’s secret seaside neighbor

The Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay: A peaceful, seaside retreat just an hour from San Francisco

Photos by Jenna Francisco. Katie Stewart contributed to this article.

Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.