The Crow's Nest – Seafood
Perched where the salt air meets a lively coastal energy, this spirited retreat invites guests to unwind amidst panoramic views and the enticing aroma of wood-fired crusts and fresh-shucked shells. The kitchen masterfully balances refined elegance with casual comfort, serving up everything from chilled tiers of briny oysters and ruby-rare ahi to golden, crisp calamari and their signature house-smoked salmon. It is a place where the vibrant snap of a prawn martini and the creamy indulgence of burrata crostini come together to create a quintessential seaside dining experience.
2218 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz CA 95062 https://crowsnest-santacruz.com/Rating: 4/5 (1 reviews)
Cuisine: Seafood
Price range: $$
Dietary options: dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, high-protein, low-carb, nut-free, vegan, vegetarian, heart-healthy, low-fat, low-sodium, paleo, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, anti-inflammatory, atkins, dash-sodium-reduced, gerd, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, south-beach, aip, alkaline, carnivore, low-fodmap, renal, tlc, volumetrics, lectin-free, macrobiotic, slow-carb, sesame-free, soy-free
Diet fit at The Crow's Nest
Dairy-Free at The Crow's Nest
The Crow's Nest in Twin Lakes has 5 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Salmon Mango Salad, Famous Smoked Salmon and All You Can Eat Salad Bar. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Gluten-Free at The Crow's Nest
The Crow's Nest in Twin Lakes has 4 gluten-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Salmon Mango Salad, Famous Smoked Salmon and All You Can Eat Salad Bar. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Halal at The Crow's Nest
The Crow's Nest in Twin Lakes has 14 halal-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Pizza Caprese, Salmon Mango Salad and Award-Winning Calamari. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
High-Protein at The Crow's Nest
The Crow's Nest in Twin Lakes has 3 high-protein-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Pizza Caprese, Skirt Steak and Seafood Fettuccine. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Low-Carb at The Crow's Nest
The Crow's Nest in Twin Lakes has 1 low-carb-tagged dish on its current menu, including Crow's Nest Sailor Jerry Mai Tai. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Nut-Free at The Crow's Nest
The Crow's Nest in Twin Lakes has 1 nut-free-tagged dish on its current menu, including Famous Smoked Salmon. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegan at The Crow's Nest
The Crow's Nest in Twin Lakes has 3 vegan-tagged dishes on its current menu, including All You Can Eat Salad Bar, Chuckburger and Crow's Nest Sailor Jerry Mai Tai. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegetarian at The Crow's Nest
The Crow's Nest in Twin Lakes has 9 vegetarian-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Pizza Caprese, Pear and Gorgonzola Salad and Crow's Nest Cheesecake. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
How tags work: Dish-level menu analysis by Chefi's rule-based diet engine with AI assistance; nutrition values are estimated from ingredients unless marked verified. Allergen and certification claims are never inferred.
What to order at The Crow's Nest
| Dish | Net carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Seafood Fettuccine | 31.7 g | 46.3 g |
| Tuscan Chicken Sandwich | 9.3 g | 43.8 g |
| Tempura Prawns | 108.3 g | 32.4 g |
| Pizza Caprese | 4.5 g | 32.1 g |
| French Dip | 52 g | 30.4 g |
| Pear and Gorgonzola Salad | 105.8 g | 29.3 g |
| Burrata Crostini | 124.7 g | 25 g |
| Fish and Choice (Regular) | 20.3 g | 21.2 g |
| Famous Smoked Salmon | 1.3 g | 20.6 g |
| Nachos | 76.6 g | 20.4 g |
| Skirt Steak | 0 g | 19.6 g |
| Dungeness Crab Cakes | 36.1 g | 19.4 g |
Nutrition values are estimated from ingredients.
Currently open
Hours
- Monday - Friday
- 7:30 AM - 2:30 PM
- Saturday
- 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM
- Sunday
- 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM
- Monday - Friday
- 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
- Saturday
- 4:30 PM - 10:00 PM
- Sunday
- 3:30 PM - 10:00 PM
What diners are saying
Guests rave about the savory, perfectly cooked appetizers and the knowledgeable staff who ensure a seamless dining experience. Celebrated for its relaxed vibe and reasonable pricing, the atmosphere is frequently praised for being both welcoming and unpretentious. Reviewers highlight the consistent quality of the menu and often note that the inviting environment makes it a top recommendation for a return visit.
Menu
Appetizers
- Dungeness Crab Cakes - $16.95: Over julienne spinach with lemon saffron aioli Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Fat, GERD-Friendly Available at: dinner, lunch
- Buffalo Wings - $19.95: Meaty wings in spicy sauce, celery sticks, bleu cheese dressing Dietary tags: Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Burrata Crostini - $19.95: Creamy Burrata cheese, candied pecans, apricot preserves, sea salt, toasted sourdough Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Famous Smoked Salmon - $24.95: Alder wood fire hot-smoked salmon, wasabi mayonnaise Dietary tags: Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Atkins, South-Beach, Low-Fodmap, Carnivore, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free, Sesame Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Award-Winning Calamari - $24.95: Parmesan breading, deep-fried, lemon, cocktail and tartar sauce Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Nachos - $22.95: Bean and cheese, jalapeños, olives, pico de gallo Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Prawn Martini - $22.95: Large white shrimp, cocktail sauce, avocado, lemon Dietary tags: Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Ahi Ruby Rare - $26.95: Seared cajun-spiced sashimi tuna, soy sauce, wasabi Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Pizza Caprese - $18.95: Fresh mozzarella, roma tomatoes, basil, hand stretched crust Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Oysters on the Halfshell (Half Dozen) - $22.95: Fanny Bay, BC Dietary tags: Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, Alkaline, AIP, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
Main Courses
- Fish and Choice (Regular) - $25.45: Hawaiian Mahi Mahi, panko crusted and fried, tartar, cocktail sauce, lemon Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Tempura Prawns - $29.95: Unique batter, rice pilaf, tartar, cocktail sauce, lemon Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Skirt Steak - $32.95: Balsamic marinade, sautéed onions, rice pilaf Dietary tags: High-Protein, Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Alder Smoked Prime Rib - $36.95: Slow roasted, garlic mashed potatoes Available at: dinner
- Mocha-Rubbed Filet Mignon - $58.95: Porcini butter, roasted garlic mashed potatoes Available at: dinner, lunch
- Seafood Fettuccine - $35.95: Clams, fish, prawns, scallops, tomato vodka cream Dietary tags: High-Protein, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
Sandwiches & Burgers
- Chuckburger - $25.95: Half pound, lettuce, tomato, red onion Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- French Dip - $24.95: Roast beef, au jus, sourdough baguette, caramelized onions, provolone, horseradish sauce Dietary tags: Anti-Inflammatory, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics Available at: dinner, lunch
- Tuscan Chicken Sandwich - $26.95: Marinated breast, pesto aioli, provolone, lettuce, tomato, onion Available at: dinner, lunch
Salads
- Salmon Mango Salad - $35.95: Mixed greens, sesame vinaigrette, mango salsa, macadamia nuts Dietary tags: Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline, Slow-Carb, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Pear and Gorgonzola Salad - $17.95: Mixed greens, fresh pears, candied pecans, gorgonzola, zinfandel vinaigrette Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- All You Can Eat Salad Bar - $22.95: Create your own masterpiece Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Plant-Based, Anti-Inflammatory, Low-Cholesterol, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
Desserts
- Crow's Nest Cheesecake - $14.5: New York cheesecake with berry coulis Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Chocolate Mousse Pie - $14.5: Oreo cookie crust, chocolate mousse Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, TLC
- Crème Brûlée - $14.5: Rich custard, caramelized top, whipped cream Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
Beverages
- Espresso Martini - $15: Titos vodka, espresso liquor, espresso
- Crow's Nest Sailor Jerry Mai Tai - $14: Five rums and fresh fruit juices Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free
- Red Bull Energy Drink - $6.15: Regular or sugar-free
Frequently Asked Questions about The Crow's Nest
- Is The Crow's Nest dairy-free-friendly?
- Yes. The Crow's Nest has 5 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Salmon Mango Salad, Famous Smoked Salmon and All You Can Eat Salad Bar.
- What can I eat at The Crow's Nest on a dairy-free diet?
- Salmon Mango Salad, Famous Smoked Salmon and All You Can Eat Salad Bar carry the dairy-free tag, out of 5 tagged dishes on the current menu. Every dish's diet tags are listed in the menu.
- Does The Crow's Nest have vegan options?
- Yes. 3 dishes are tagged vegan on the current menu, including All You Can Eat Salad Bar and Chuckburger.
- Is The Crow's Nest gluten-free?
- 4 dishes are tagged gluten-free on the current menu. Chefi never infers allergen tags from a dish name alone, but a tag is not a certification — confirm preparation with the restaurant if you have celiac disease or a severe sensitivity.
- What is the highest-protein dish at The Crow's Nest?
- Seafood Fettuccine, at roughly 46.3g of protein (estimated from ingredients).
Restaurants near The Crow's Nest
- Johnny's Harborside — Seafood
- H&H Fresh Fish — Seafood
- Harbor Café — Seafood
- Verve Coffee Roasters — American
- Windmill Café — American
- Java Junction — American
- La Posta — Mexican
- Linda's Seabreeze Cafe — American
- Engfer Pizza Works — Italian
- The Picnic Basket — American
- Bagelry — American
- Crepe Place — French
