The Dolphin Restaurant on the Santa Cruz Wharf has been making waves at the end of the Santa Cruz Wharf since 1963. Our classic diner is a favorite of locals and visitors alike serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day from 8 a.m. until closing.
Our walk-up/take out window is popular for those that want to grab a bite and make a picnic of it on our picnic tables or on benches that give diners an opportunity to enjoy their favorite view. And hands down there’s no better place than the Dolphin to visit the Sea Lions.
Its current iteration is the brainchild of successful restaurateur, Mark Gilbert, who also owns Firefish Grill and Woodies Cafe and Gift Shop, also on the Wharf. Mark has been part of the Santa Cruz restaurant scene since 1980. He bought the venue in early 2008 and was opened by August of the same year. In 2018, Mark added a smoker, which serves up some of the best BBQ you’ll find anywhere in Santa Cruz—pulled pork and beef brisket options all day long and a Smoked Seafood Skewer for lunch and dinner.