I came here for drinks right when I arrived to the Ritz, then returned for lunch after taking a tour around the property. This was my favorite spot to relax on the property to have a drink or two. I also want to give a shoutout to AJ for being so sweet and welcoming. I was very happy to see that the menu had Poke. I try my best to watch what I eat, and this dish fit my diet perfectly. I accidentally ordered raw salmon in addition to my raw tuna; I never order raw salmon anywhere because it's too chewy for me. BUT, this salmon was perfect. The whole dish was so refreshing and filling. In addition, my partner ordered the clam chowder: I personally don't like clam chowder, but I have to say I enjoyed this one. I will definitely be back to try more dishes! read more

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Two day prior - reservation set for outdoor seating. The phone communication - accommodating and flexible, even with my requests for slight micro adjustments / changes to lunch schedule. I was told the weekend gets full, so that is good to know for a future visit. The golf course trails, lobster lunch menu, fire pit, wine / coffees, desserts / teas inside the conservatory were magnificent. What a beautiful day to celebrate my mother's 85th birthday and to enjoy the scenery at the halfmoon bay ritz carlton. The spa space is gorgeous - the same entry way to the dining room and (fireside) lounge. A lot of fond memories here with 'girls day' visits - or [wellness day] visits on previous occasions. Thanks again for the hospitality! The welcome is crystal clear. read more

Best place to relax and dine while watching the view of the ocean. The food is good. Everything tastes delicious. I enjoyed the mushroom ceviche -- good mix of mushrooms and herbs. This is the second time I got a chowder with a touch of chili sauce on top and it is a nice combo. Each spoon is nice, smooth, and tasty. The oysters were fresh and clean. They were opened properly so never encountered any bits of stray shell. The side dressings were good variety. The lobster roll was also good. Right balance of mayo and lobster. The chips were crunchy and give a good bite in between bites of lobster rolls. Our server was attentive and checks on us regularly. A relaxing dining experience indeed. Hoping to visit soon. Just a heads up, valet parking is $50 on weekends. Saturdays can get busy. Reservation is highly recommended. read more

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Absolutely amazing experience! The Ocean Terrace has incredible ocean and golf course views, and we were lucky to have perfect weather. The food was delicious, the atmosphere was beautiful and relaxing, and the service was outstanding. Allen, our waiter, was amazing and made our lunch even more enjoyable. Alex from valet was also awesome and provided such friendly, welcoming service. We even got a surprise visit from a hawk, which made the experience extra memorable! Such a gorgeous setting for lunch, and we would absolutely come back. Highly recommend! read more

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Surprised at the low reviews. Stopped here on a whim and was quickly seated with a great view and great service. Food was overpriced, but that was anticipated with the locale. Artichoke soup was very good. read more

Ocean Terrace - artichoke soup - New American Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

Ocean Terrace at the Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay is one of those places that never disappoints. The setting alone is breathtaking -- perched right above the ocean with sweeping coastal views that instantly slow you down. It's the perfect spot to enjoy a drink, light bites, and take in a classic view. The menu is well-curated with fresh, flavorful options that pair beautifully with their cocktails and wine selection. Everything we ordered was thoughtfully prepared and presented, and the service was attentive without feeling intrusive -- exactly what you'd expect from the Ritz-Carlton. Posting updated menu pictures. Whether you're celebrating something special or just want a relaxed coastal experience with impeccable ambiance, Ocean Terrace is always a great choice. Highly recommend for sunset lovers, date nights, or visitors looking for that quintessential Half Moon Bay experience. Note : Only Valet parking provided/ allowed. Fee is $35 You can pay separately or add to your restaurant bill. read more

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I'm shocked at the overall reviews. This was a 5 star all the way experience for us. You can't beat the amazing views. Sitting outdoors by the fireplace while overlooking the gorgeous ocean is beyond words. Yes, it's pricey and we expected that. We were celebrating a birthday and they took good care of us. It was also great to see so many dogs on the property. We will definitely be back! read more

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Ocean Terrace is an eatery that sits downstairs at the Ritz Carlton. It is truly an amazing place and we have eaten here many times. The service here is first class, as expected for the Ritz Carlton brand. The food is delicious as are the drinks, although it could be considered expensive depending on your price point. read more

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Walked up at 11:50 for lunch today. There were at least 8 tables open near the bar and 15 tables open near the course. The man asked if we were staying in the hotel, when we said no, he said they couldn't get us a table for 30 plus minutes. I looked around at all the empty tables and said goodbye. Why run off a paying customer??? No customer service! Go elswhere read more

Ocean Terrace - Empty tables 45 minutes later - New American Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

Review for the drinks and the view. Requested the bartender to make a non-alcoholic drink alcoholic and an alcoholic drink wimpy for a lightweight. The bartender did not disappoint. Pretty good fancy drinks. The price reflects the fanciness and the views. read more

Ocean Terrace - New American Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

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Food: we are vegetarians so they definitely have couple veg friendly items.. wish there were more though! We tried the pumpkin soup, the poke bowl and veg burger (I do not recommend the burger as it was dry) Drinks: outstanding, the hot chocolate takes the cake! Service: we had a lady name Jolene and she was absolutely the sweetest. Ambiance: Gorgeous view!! read more

The view at the Ritz-Carlton is unbeatable! With shaded terrace seating around the coastal golf course, the ocean breeze keeps things cool--though don't forget your sunblock! Friendly and attentive servers provide first-class service, and the seafood is fresh and flavorful. Only valet parking is available, so drive directly to the front entrance. They'll even charge your EV while you dine! read more

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Great place to eat lobster roll and clam chowder overlooking the golf course with an ocean view! Service was efficient, friendly and very personable. read more

Ocean Terrace - New American Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

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Humbled to have had the opportunity to have lunch outdoors on a sunny day at the Ocean Terrace after working here earlier in the day. As one would expect, presentation and service were Ritz-Carlton quality. Choices for lunch are limited but understandable and was disappointed that they do not serve French Fries at the OT since the local fire department will not issue a permit unless you have a fire suppression system for outdoors for the fryer. In any event, a solid 4 Stars for the overall experience. read more

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We stayed at the Ritz for an art auction event (shout out to Park West). We had a couple hours to kill so we decided to grab a quick bite for a late lunch. First off, you should wait to get seated. Some people were just making themselves comfortable in front of the fireplace. We ordered: - Crab and artichoke dip with sourdough instead of chips. Very generous amount of crab however, the dip itself tasted bland. - clam chowder - decent bowl of clam chowder - kids grilled salmon - it was cooked fine but could you use a lemon wedge or some sauce. Chips were good The oyster bar looked good and so did the hot chocolate that many other people were ordering. Service: I asked for fresh ground pepper for the clam chowder, and they just handed me grounded pepper from a different table. Though I understand that it could be a distance to the kitchen, but for the amount that you're paying, they need to add more staff. Our server was nice but the service was extremely slow. My son did didn't get his chocolate milk that came with the kids meal until he was finished with his meal. Obviously the view was amazing, but considering that it was December, it was quite windy and cold and there weren't any heat lamps available near us either. I can imagine a better experience in the spring or summer. read more

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We came here for lunch on a really beautiful Saturday! Service was pretty good/prompt, and the view was absolutely spectacular. The food was pretty average, especially for the price. I got a glass of prosecco while my husband got a beer. We shared the soft pretzel and king salmon poke bowl and both were ok. The pretzel was good, but neither of us liked the mustard on the side. The king salmon poke bowl was very average, definitely wouldn't return for it. Really, the view makes the experience here! When they found out we were celebrating my birthday, they were so kind to bring out a beautiful complementary pumpkin tart dessert which was delicious! read more

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Expensive menu to be frank, but the ambiance on a sunny day can't be beat. We ordered the seafood tower and shared it amongst 3 of us as a pre-dinner bite. We also got some beers, cocktails, and Diet Coke. It's a lovely time eating fresh seafood and watching the golfers finish their 18th hole. I'm longing to return! read more

Ocean Terrace - New American Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

This is NOT A KID FRIENDLY PLACE & has a HORRIBLE SERVICE ! When we arrived with a child, the hostess said there were no tables available although we saw plenty of empty ones. Two minutes later my friend, who was coming behind us and showed up alone, was seated immediately. Funny part since we were a party, we sat together. Then comes the waiter, this guys with the tattoos on his hand, who is super rude and was constantly rushing us. Food was mediocre. What happened to this place? We won't be coming back ... read more

The food and views were great, and we were planning to book a room at Ritz Carlton hotel but the short asian host today messed up my date. She said that those tables or area that I requested were reserved and for guest only. Then I found out there were no reservations at all and those white folks over the area I requested were not even guest. The host were full of it. I was very disappointed. Good thing Wilfredo the server was polite and attentive but the host was not fair and just. UNBELIEVABLE! (The host cause the server to lose tips amount of money) - US Air Force Combat Veteran read more

Think casual golf course lunch, but transported to the cliffs at the Ritz in Half Moon Bay. The vibe is laid-back, the menu is standard American fare that tastes fine, and the view is unreal. Grab a table on the patio if the weather is nice so you can watch the waves and golfers shank their balls into the ocean. Valet is the only parking option and it is $50 on the weekend. This is more about the special view than the food. read more

Fabulous. Right on the water, outdoors, great views, very nice service, nice ambience, great food. Went for Sunday lunch to celebrate a big medical milestone. Sat right next to the fire pit which was very nice and warm. Valet parking was easy. We had a nice walk along the cliffs after lunch. $75 minimum per person which we were expecting. Handicapped accessible. Some small criticisms: 1. I called the day before and the front desk person said there were heat lamps available if needed. Got there and they had no heat lamps. If we didn't sit right next to the fire pit, I would have been too cold -even with a sweater. 2. I included my medical milestone in the reservation. Nobody mentioned it. Kind of disappointing. 3. "Beach access" is a 15 minute walk along the cliffs and then 100 stairs. read more

I have mixed feelings about this place (as seen by my individual ratings below). As a whole, that atmosphere is lovely and is a MUST EXPERIENCE. This is a great place for a date or to celebrate an anniversary, a place to bring your parents, or a nice place to relax and enjoy the amazing scenery. This is the type of place you MUST TRY ONCE, or come back once a year and is definitely not your everyday type of place; here is why: Scenery: 10/5 if possible. Even when gloomy, the sounds of the waves and the cool ocean breeze is amazing. You get to overlook the 18th green and see golfers finish. If you come at the right time, you will hear someone playing the bagpipes, giving it the highlands feel. Food: 4/5. Taking price out of consideration, the food here is good. The crab and artichoke dip is a must have, the oysters were surprisingly fresh and cleaned well. I would pass on the clam chowder. The drinks are also amazing but the hot chocolate is definitely the way to go (not on the menu when we went). They have a great selection of wines by the glass and bottle and a great selection of cocktails. Service: 3/5. The staff are SUPER friendly. Just as you would expect at a Ritz. However, it is a bit slow, either due to being understaffed or just the sheer distance between all the different outdoor table areas. If you are patient and not in a hurry, this won't be a problem. Just make sure to flag down your waiter when you are ready to order anything! PRICE: 2/5. This is where the near 3 star rating probably comes from. You pay an arm, leg, and maybe a liver to eat here. You are essentially paying for the view and atmosphere. The food and service itself at any other establishment would not be worth it. Note: make a reservation online! When we arrived on a Saturday afternoon, the wait was approx. 40 minutes. With the online reservation, they do take a deposit, but that is returned to your credit card upon checkin. TLDR: I would HIGHLY recommend if visiting the area. This, to me, is a place that people must experience at least once! If price is a factor, order a couple of apps and drinks during the middle of the day (i.e. don't eat a full meal) just to enjoy the scenery. If you are lucky, experiencing the sunset here would be amazing!! read more

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Took my dad here for his bday and the hostesses Mikayla was so friendly. I had actually made an error on the reservation and she went ahead and took care of it with no hesitation. We ordered lattes, hot chocolate, chips and guacamole, pretzels and the tastiest IPA. The kids also enjoyed the experience and the view was amazing. The service was good and the food was very tasty. The Bday dessert was this amazing chocolate mousse with some sort of crunch. Finn at valet was so kind and went out of his way to wish my dad a happy birthday and to take care of us. Cant wait to come back! read more

Ocean Terrace - New American Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

Because I like the vistas to be had on the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail (review: https://bit.ly/3UUfEgo), I've walked many times on the paved walkway that separates the ritzy Ritz Carlton from the crashing waves of the Pacific. It's the only part of the trail where I feel somewhat underdressed. Just because I was feeling peckish, I decided to give their outdoor cafe a try even though the menu prices made me feel underdressed, too. When I sat down, the server asked me if I was a hotel guest to which I said no. She immediately asked for my credit card and held it hostage. I felt I was downgraded to economy class and required to make a down payment on my meal. As I was reviewing the menu, I was struck at not only the prices but by how many typos there were (photo: https://bit.ly/3VA9aEa). I just didn't think they reflected the standards of a first-class hotel. I settled on the $29 Farmer 'Havest' Bowl, which I assumed was meant to be the Farmer's Harvest Bowl. It was the cheapest entree on the menu. It was a simple mix of fresh strawberries, 'gilled 'peaches (as opposed to grilled), and local greens doused with fig vinaigrette (photo: https://bit.ly/3O57Cic). It was good, and I was hoping the server would come back in the foreseeable future so I could let her know. Actually I just wanted the check...and my credit card. I was experiencing withdrawal and imagining all sorts of security fraud. After waiting a suitable time, I got up and found her chatting away with other staff members. Meanwhile, the sun was setting, and I had steps to go on the coastal trail. But I will never forget the Farmer Havest Bowl with grilled peaches. How could I? Wait a sec, have I got my credit card? FOOD - 3 stars...good salad, severely overpriced but the saving grace of this experience AMBIANCE - 3 stars...nice spot in the land of privilege SERVICE - 1 stars...I was expecting a pic of my credit card with a gun aimed at it TOTAL - 2 stars...non-guests have feelings, too RELATED - Exploring Half Moon Bay? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: http://bit.ly/3aiDR9I read more

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I love this place! Not sure why they are getting bad reviews. The setting is so picturesque but not intimidating and very casual. The lobster roll is amazing! read more

My sister and I visited Ocean Terrance on a Friday evening to have a drink and take in the sunset views. When we arrived, the guest parking was full so we paid $20 for valet (it's more expensive on weekends). The staff was very welcoming and pointed us in the direction of the outdoor bar. We were hoping to get seated but the hostess informed us that the tables were reserved for those having a full meal. However, we could order at the bar and find some guest seating, so that's what we did. We both ordered Espresso Martinis, with Baileys for her and without for me. The cocktails were $21 each before tip, which was a little shocking. While they were good, there was really nothing special about them to justify the price - but I guess you're paying for the experience. It was hard to figure out where guests could sit, as many of the tables were reserved for diners or hotel guests only. We ended up just finishing our drinks and then walking around to enjoy the views. The sunset really was beautiful, with incredible views of the beach and cliffs. Would probably return just for that and skip the cocktails! read more

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The ambiance here was nothing short of amazing. However, the food was disappointing. Maybe my expectations were set too high but the food seemed mediocre, especially for the price. Service here was average. Meh. read more

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Service was good, they prioritize folks who are staying at the hotel which is understandable. The burger was a bit dry, not worth the high price tag. The lobster roll was tasty! Could eat the homemade chips and ketchup any day. 2 draft beers + 2 sandwiches ~ $115 (before tip) read more

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I give this place a 4 for the views and for allowing dogs. We walked around for a few hours near the golf course (coastal trail) and then sat here for appetizers and drinks. Items ordered: ~Classic Cheesecake: The berry compote was a great addition to provide balance to the creamy cheesecake. ~Pinot Grigio: dry yet refreshing. ~Chickpea Hummus: I thought it would be a basic hummus spread and pita, but the hummus exceeded my expectations. The hummus included olives, tomatoes, and cucumbers. So yummy! read more

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Absolutely beautiful views. Cute little sparrows fly by to try to share your food with you. You may not want to dine here if that bothers you. I loved sharing a few of my chips. Food and service were okay, pricey as expected. read more

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Super great service. My family went to this restaurant to have lunch and the waiter brought us to go the seat with smile. When we took picture, the waiter know we need someone to take picture for us without we need to ask them. Super great service. We seat next to the window, the view is amazing. read more

Ocean Terrace - New American Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

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Enjoyed drinks and snacks with family and friends. The view is to kill for. The hostess was very friendly. Our server was excellent. She gave good information, was patient and did a good job serving. We ordered a few appetizers. The chips were very oily but the guacamole was very tasty. The cheese board was very nice. Pretzels weee good as well. The asparagus soup was tasty. The drinks were good. Very expensive though. Worth it. Will come again. read more

The restaurant staff at the Ritz Hotel were racist against Asians. We were the first to arrive and asked if we needed a reservation. We were walk-in guests, but a dark-haired waitress, who I didn't know was the manager, told us to wait. We waited there for 30 minutes before finally seating us at a high-top table in the far corner. I told them it wasn't safe for us because we had two children, but they ignored me and suggested we take a lower table in the sun. The seats near the beach were empty and didn't have a reservation sign! Such disrespectful and discriminatory behavior really ruined our dining experience, so we left the restaurant immediately. read more

Horrible service restaurant..people just come for the view and bear with the bad food

Picture this: Sipping on THE best hot cocoa EVER. By a fire. With good people & an ocean view sunset. Oh, and crab and artichoke dip. This is my heaven & it's right here at Ocean Terrace. We ordered oysters, wagyu burger, ceviche, as well. And all were amazing! The oysters were so fresh and the ceviche had the best flavor. We visited the ocean terrace twice while we stayed here and the service was quick and friendly and surprisingly warm! They have great heaters if you choose to sit at a table feather than a fire pit. Only thing that I'd change, there is quite the slippery area on the grass. I saw multiple people almost biff it, including servers. Maybe they should adjust the table arrangements so people can walk around the muddy area to get to their seats. They do a have a sign up, buttttt it's a pretty big area with lots of walking. read more

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If you want an amazing view and good service, Ocean Terrace at the Ritz is the place to go. If you want a knock your socks off meal, go somewhere else. Both my husband and I found or meals to be lackluster. Neither were terrible but not what you want when you're paying $150 for your meal. The chips and guacamole were quite good, but I would stay away from anything with a bun. The people were lovely and the experience made it all worth it. You can beat the sunset view and a seat by the fire once it gets dark. Definitely a place to try once! read more

Ocean Terrace - Half Moon Bay Sunrise - New American Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

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The restaurant destination that I wanted to go to was announced as closed onsite, so they gave me the Ocean Terrace option and I accepted. The weather was fantastic as the CA smokey air due to wildfires was clearing. Today was the smell of fresh air and seeing the blues and greens over the Pacific Ocean again. I didn't expect to pay $20 valet parking, but since I arrived with no self parking and didn't want to go anywhere else, I accepted. It was very beautiful inside the hotel as I took the elevator to the bottom floor towards the restaurant. Social distancing practices were in place. Kind and friendly staff members were all very conversational and helpful. There weren't many people out here around Noon on a weekday, but after 1:30 PM, you will feel the crowd and hotel guests walking around observing beautiful views. Great weather and great foods! Everything was fresh. I had the perfect patio table, but didn't like the unexpected birds constantly waiting to peck on my foods. They are regular visitors and weren't afraid of people. Overall, the experience was worth the getaway drive from my city. Food was pricey, but the views and service were excellent. Definitely a clean place. read more

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I heard my brother and his wife had a great experience at this place so I was excited to try this place while visiting. First of all the location is fabulous. However, the food was my biggest disappointment. We ordered the clam Chowder, and it was way too salty, almost to the point of being inedible. When we pointed it out to the server, all she said was that "yes it was too salty." It did have a lot of clams in it, but the saltiness of the dish ruined it for us. We ordered a few other things and decided on the Lobster rolls as our main dish. The roll had a lightly toasted texture, and we were told it would be cold lobster not warm. There was a healthy amount of Lobster in each sandwich, but unfortunately, the flavor was very bland. Not what we expected for the price of $39 per sandwich. We also ordered dessert. We ordered the Lime tart and mocha chocolate mousse. Both were very good and was the high point of the meal. Service was good and leisurely paced. While this place obviously has served exceptional food, our visit experienced an inconsistency which could not be ignored. We are glad to have gone to this place for the view and the service, but probably won't be returning. I hope they can fix whatever problems they are having in the kitchen soon. read more

We go to a restaurant that charges a premium for the experience in additional to good food. Part of that experience is the expectation of business integrity. That, we have come to expect from all the businesses at the most basic level. More so for a more prestigious place like the Ritz. I prepaid a deposit that is non refundable for the reservation. On the day, weather did not permit outdoor dining. The place has an indoor dining area and my group was redirected to the indoor dining facility. I fully expected my deposit would be applied to the bill. The waiter confirmed that my deposit would be refunded to my credit card. All is well, except the credit did not happen. There is simply no excuse that I would be lied to. Now, I have to do extra work to retrieve my deposit. Unacceptable. read more

If you're comfortable dining out during COVID-19, the Ritz Carlton is doing an amazing job with social distancing. Masks are required in all public areas of the hotel. The Ocean Terrace is currently open and with each table spread out on the terrace, you are more than 6' apart from other diners. If you are able to grab one of the lounges, even better. We dined here because my friend was staying here, but we would have come just for this lounge alone. Don't expect a full dinner menu, but think bar menu with seafood items like crab dip, lobster rolls, clam chowders, poke, etc. Overlooking the ocean and the golf course, you really can't beat the views. They even feature Scottish nights and we had a bagpiper playing during sunset hours. Totally tickled my fancy and made me reminisce on my trip to Scotland earlier this year, which I immediately fell in love with. Sigh. This review and my entire experience here just reminded me of how much I love hotels and the experiences they can offer you. If you find yourself in the area and are willing to pamper yourself (and who doesn't deserve that these days?!), I'd highly recommend this place. read more

Ocean Terrace - Traditional bagpiper at sunset! - New American Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California