Barbara's Fishtrap - Half Moon Bay, California

Flora W.

Our family made the journey to Half Moon Bay to enjoy the pumpkin patch, and we decided to stop for dinner before heading back to the East Bay. This was our second visit to this charming restaurant, and it truly exceeded our expectations! We arrived without a reservation around 6 PM on a Wednesday, and to our delight, there was no wait at all.

The wait staff was incredibly welcoming and attentive, adding to the warm atmosphere. The food was nothing short of exceptional. We ordered the clam chowder, fried fish and calamari, crab salad, and linguine with clams, and each dish was a delightful culinary experience. The portions of crab and clams in both the pasta and the salad were generous, showcasing the restaurant's commitment to quality.

What set the clam chowder apart was its unique non-dairy base, which intensified the clam flavor and created a richer, more vibrant taste that our entire family loved. To make the experience even more memorable, the restaurant is situated right next to the Fisherman’s Dock. We were fortunate enough to catch a stunning sunset while savoring our meal, providing a perfect ending to our day trip. It truly was a beautiful way to wrap up our outing!

Brian L.

5 stars all the way! We had fish and chips, a blackened cod sandwich, and shared a green salad. Everything was delicious, and all the other dishes we saw looked great too. Although they were quite busy, we got in within 10 minutes, and service was impeccable. Recommended!!!

Michael J.

The food here was great. I got the whole sautéed crab and my fiancee got the clam chowder. Everything was delicious!!! The chowder was made without cream so it’s different but delicious and the crab was spectacular! I highly recommend this place but it fills up quick. We got there right at 11am when they opened and when we left they were slap full!

Lyee C.

I went on a Friday, and even with the lunch rush, my party was quickly seated. Service is fast and friendly, and the atmosphere matches the ocean-side vibes.

Wow! Great fish and chips. We had to get the fish and chips and the chowder, and none of them disappointed. The fish has a delightful crunch, and the chowder is equally fantastic with plenty of clam. Fries would be the weakest part, but the tartar sauce and a having Four Monks vinegar (favorite!) more than elevated the dish.

Pricey, but go for the $3 beers! It's a great deal for a 12oz.

Prawnsalad1991

The fish and chips are simply awesome. Was fresh and hot with nice lemons, the drinks were cold just as we like them on a sunny day. Even better to eat here after hiking the nearby Pillar Point Bluff trails (which you can see this restaurant all the way from there). Would also recommend the clam chowder and Calamari. Unfortunately the price is on the high side but is common in this area anyways.

Zach S.

FISH AND CHIP REVIEW

Chips 4/5
Crispy outside, soft inside. Salt just right. Good chips but nothing insane.

Fish 4.5/5
SUPER GOOD. Batter is crispy and super flavorful. The cod filet is good!! Good quality fish and solid flavor. Crunch factor definitely there.

I went on a solo drive on highway 1 and happened upon this place. The line for to-go was pretty long. They had my fish and chips out in less that 15 minutes despite all the orders they had. Speedy, well done. They give you 2 slices of lemons, 2 containers of tartar sauce. You can grab ketchup and vinegar outside the shop.

Option to dine in or just quickly grab take out from their side shop. Again, I went alone so I didn't really feel the burden of the surcharges.

4.8/5 Overall fish and Chip score

Lieu T. W.

At Barbara’s you truly get what you pay for. The ambience, the quality of the food, the service from the staff….all exceptional. Hubby and I have been coming here since hubby and I first met (over 25yrs) and quality has never changed. Though price have gone up (to keep up with current economy) but worth every penny. We don’t come by here as often as we used to since we moved, but anytime we crave seafood, w/o hesitation I always tell hubby “BARBARA’S!”.

Quality of food: A +++
Quality of service: A +++
Price: $$ - $$$ ( but worth it!)

Alexica Q.

The most famous fish and chips in half moon bay.
We arrived at 4:00, waiting in line for 40mins for to go food. Fish and chips, calamari, clam chowder, scallop and prawn are all tasty.
Fried fish is so tender and juicy, I told my families this place is the best fish and chips that I have ever had. A good street food spot for sure.