Gilda's
Gilda's things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
Description
This low-key, family-friendly eatery offers American seafood favorites such as clam chowder & crab.
attractions: Santa Cruz Wharf, Dream Inn, Santa Cruz Beach, Boardwalk Bowl, Ocean Pacific Lodge, Casablanca Inn, Casino Arcade, Neptune's Kingdom, Giant Dipper, Depot Park, restaurants: Stagnaro Brothers Seafood, Ideal Bar & Grill, Riva Fish House, Makai Island Kitchen & Groggery, FireFish Grill, Olitas Cantina & Grille, Las Palmas Taco Bar, Dolphin, Firefly Coffee House, Steamer Lane Supply
Ratings
Description
This low-key, family-friendly eatery offers American seafood favorites such as clam chowder & crab.
Posts
GO SOMEWHERE ELSE. You will be disappointed. I wanted to like this place. I really wanted to. Unfortunately the meh reviews were accurate...super accurate. My friend ordered the crab cake entree. It was mostly filler and just tasted off. The veggies had no seasoning. The white rice was meh. We both got the clam chowder. It was the most lackluster clam chowder I've ever had. I ordered the patty melt... burger with grilled onions, swiss, and rye. Side of fries. The fires were okay. The onions were so burnt and inedible. I was asked how I wanted my burger so I said medium. It was also burnt. The service was awful so I ate just half the patty off the burger because we had been there almost 40 minutes before getting our food. When we finally got her attention I told her my burger was overcooked and the onions were burnt. She offered to make another and I said no because I didn't want to wait any longer. She leaves and almost 15 minutes go by and we catch her attention as she walks by and she tells me because I ate some of the food there's nothing they can do about it. Super poor communication on her behalf. She said they had no manager so there's nothing they could do. How do you not have anyone who can solve issues?!? $20 for a burger and the best you can do is nothing? This was my first time in Santa Cruz and the only place I ate there and I was definitely bummed. Edit: not sure if we were supposed to get bread or not but it was never offered.
Emily ChickEmily Chick
20
9/22/2022. My wife and I walked along the wharf looking at menus and this place seem most interesting. It is a bit more expensive than others on the wharf, but the menu had more variety of fish dishes. As we walked in, I did not expect it to be an old school style diner. Inside look old fashion with older music playing. There was only 1 hostess, 1 cook, 1 busser. Service was okay, workers were nice, but our water and pop never got refilled. There were only 5 group there including us. My wife got the seafood platter, I got the Alaskan Halibut. The food was okay, nothing special. Maybe I was expecting a little too much as the menu looked delicous. The seafood platter fish has a light batter to it. It was okay as it was not oily. The Alaskan halibut I thought was okay. The aioli made it tasted good. The side with the diced mango was refreshing. The bread is given was harder than I expected, but I didn't mind. After we ate and left, a group of people were walking by talking about this place and I heard one of the older gentleman said that it used to be good when the original owner was still around. Overall, food was okay, service was okay. For the price, I think I'd rather try somewhere else.
Pheng MouaPheng Moua
40
After a long pandemic delay, we made it back to Gilda's for an early Sunday dinner. We were excited to be back and looking forward to a great meal. Gilda's was a little slow and we were sitted right away. The server took a bit of time to get to us but still within reason. Drink orders taken and delivered. We ordered and began the waiting process. Took awhile to get the salad and cup of soup. Dinner followed a bit later. Nothing extreme in the amount of time, just the perception of a long time since there were so few diners. Salad was fantastic except the ranch dressing was watery. The clam chowder was darn good. The sand dabs ordered were oily and a little over done. The calamari steak was straight out of the freezer taste and texture. The best part of the plate was the veggies. Beautiful view. Clean but dated interior. Best if you stay with the fried seafood. Fresh fish is probably better elsewhere.
Bradley NakajiBradley Nakaji
20
What people don't realize about Gilda's is its all about the specials. The prime rib on Wed is fantastic, their minestrone is thick like stew I love it! At $9.95 your not going to find a better deal anywhere else in the whole county let alone the Wharf. (ask for the extra thick cut if you want an truly epic meal) That being said if you show up past 6pm without a reservation on wed expect the place to be swamped and hectic. When it comes to service I have never had an issue. Also the all you can eat spaghetti on Thu night is another one of my all time favorites. I always get half pesto half meat sauce on my first order. The meat sauce and meat balls are really good and for a dollar the meat balls you get are pretty huge. All and all by far the best bang for your buck on the wharf and a true locals spot in Santa Cruz. This pic is after I'm already filled up on a prime rib end cut, TLDR leftovers for days!
Erik GarciaErik Garcia
00
Had brunch during my break at work. I had a very pleasant experience. I wanted a light meal. Was able to order from the kids menu. I really appreciate that because I am unable to consume alot of food. The food was good. They had my food ready in 10mins. Staff who attended me were very nice and made sure I had my order done in enough time to enjoy my meal during my 30min meal break. I had to eat out. Will definately stop by another time when I have more time to dine in.
TheBayArea831TheBayArea831
00
My rule of any Pier I walk on, "Walk to the end to spot out any hidden gems," and that rule has once again successfully scored me a great time. Was the place near empty when we cane in, yes, but don't let that fool ya. I wasn't really hungry, so i just got a Bloody Mary with a side of fries. My boyfriend got an IPA and the chowder. The food was awesome. I wish I had room in my stomach. I would've gotten more! Collin was our server, and he was not only very professional but courteous. When we told him it was our birthday week, we were given a birthday ice cream. I really appreciate the sweet service. Next time, I'm in town. I'll definitely make my way down.
Alison Alva (Deadpurple7)Alison Alva (Deadpurple7)
00
Nearby Attractions Of Gilda's
Santa Cruz Wharf
Dream Inn
Santa Cruz Beach
Boardwalk Bowl
Ocean Pacific Lodge
Casablanca Inn
Casino Arcade
Neptune's Kingdom
Giant Dipper
Depot Park

Santa Cruz Wharf
4.6
(5.9K)Click for details

Dream Inn
4.5
(942)Click for details

Santa Cruz Beach
4.5
(711)Click for details

Boardwalk Bowl
4.4
(506)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Gilda's
Stagnaro Brothers Seafood
Ideal Bar & Grill
Riva Fish House
Makai Island Kitchen & Groggery
FireFish Grill
Olitas Cantina & Grille
Las Palmas Taco Bar
Dolphin
Firefly Coffee House
Steamer Lane Supply

Stagnaro Brothers Seafood
4.3
(1.3K)$$
Click for details

Ideal Bar & Grill
4.0
(1.3K)$$
Click for details

Riva Fish House
4.2
(1.1K)$$
Click for details

Makai Island Kitchen & Groggery
4.3
(828)$$
Click for details