It is exceedingly rare to have the opportunity to design a ground-up structure on the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, so when we were approached by our restaurateur client to create a new dining destination, we eagerly embraced the challenge. This marks the first new construction on the wharf since the 1980s. The vision for the project is to craft a singular, cohesive restaurant that offers diverse experiences in cuisine, views, and entertainment.
The design provides sweeping vistas of the iconic Steamer Lane and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Central to the experience is an ocean-view demonstration kitchen, which emphasizes the art of fire-cooked cuisine. Additionally, the restaurant features a separate oyster bar with options for casual to-go service or dine-in with outdoor seating, a chowder bar where guests can customize their meals, and an upstairs level offering a bar, indoor and outdoor dining, and entertainment.
Our goal is to deliver a forward-thinking design that respects the rich history of both the wharf and Santa Cruz while fostering a connection between the community and the oceanfront environment.