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    Pilot Light

    4.3 (247 reviews)
    Open 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
    Updated a few days ago

    Pilot Light Photos

    Business Info

    PILOT LIGHT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Dogs allowed
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Pilot Light

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    Reviews With Photos

    Menu
    Annabelle R.

    No online ordering system. Tried to make a phone order for takeout, but no answer after several attempts, which was unfortunate with a 45-minute wait on Mother's Day... at least that's what we were quoted after ordering and paying at the cafe counter. It actually took 30 minutes, and by that time some seats had opened up inside, so it worked out as we decided to dine in. There were plenty of picnic tables available in their outdoor patio as well, though it was sprinkling during the lunch hour this past Sunday. The eatery had a beautiful and inviting setting, with gorgeous flowers set up on the tables and window sills, adding a nice touch to this special holiday. Got the pesto chicken sandwich with a salad, and sausage egg and cheese wrap with garlic fries instead of potato hash. These dishes were large in size. The sandwich had layers of deli chicken slices and a unique pesto-sun dried tomato spread, with a fresh and colorful salad on the side. The breakfast burrito was fat and stuffed with gooey melted cheese, scrambled eggs and mild sausage with just a hint of spice, and the pile of fries was thin-cut and loaded with minced garlic. Everything was delish! I do wish they were serving their regular menu on this day instead of a special Mother's Day brunch menu, as some favorites were unavailable. But with a satisfying meal, friendly staff, and a good sized parking lot for convenience, we had a positive experience overall.

    Avocado toast with the best potatoes
    Yuliya Y.

    Aspiring pilot so I came here to watch the planes take off and land. Probably the worse day I came, when it was foggy so I only saw one doing a touch and go. But the food made it worth it. The avocado toast was soooo good. The avocado was perfect and everything was seasoned to perfection. I cannot praise this breakfast food more. I don't even like breakfast that much. But this was amazing. I got the kids pancakes for my baby and she loved them. She doesn't eat pancakes at home... the orange juice was fresh squeezed and the iced latte was delicious. I would come here over trying a new spot. It felt very welcoming, family like, and casual. They had an airplane toy outside for the baby to play on. I will come back when I fly in for the $100 burger.

    Burrito
    Jed N.

    Rustic cafe connected to the Half Moon Bay airport, which means you can sit outside or by the windows and watch small planes come and go. When we went, they had a dog adoption event. Food from classic toasts to burritos and even shakshuka. The drinks are creative and refreshing. Bathroom has a stall. Recommend coming here to avoid crowds instead of the restaurants by the jetty if you're having a beach day.

    Double stacked pancakes with fresh berries
    Leilani V.

    We ordered everything pictures plus a plate of Fish and Chips and a watermelon lemonade that was absolutely refreshing! It's was Mother's Day when we came here and the wait was pretty decent considering how many people were packing every restaurant everywhere. The nearly 40 minute wait was well worth it once we were served our meals. The stack pancakes were thick but very fluffy. So delicious. We loved the fish and chips too. Very crunchy and fresh tasting. My Dutch Baby pancake had a very interesting flavor profile and I would order this again when I come back. I highly recommend this brunch spot if you're ever in the Half Moon Bay Area. There's an outdoor seating where you can see private planes either departing or arriving. Such a treat especially for the kids. The restaurant is also dog friendly for outdoor seating which is nice. My husband has been talking about taking me here but never got around to until last week for Mother's Day and well, I will dare say, it was worth the nearly 6 year wait!

    Stanley R.

    I love a good airport cafe. No not at LAX or SFO. I am talking about the charming little general aviation airports that are scattered around the state. I grew up in a town with one of these diners and one of these airports. The menu is limited but what they have is really good. My smoked salmon toast was delicious. The coffee was excellent and the matcha (if you like that) looked very tasty. Loads of Parking. It was busy or Sunday morning. You have a great view of the runway. The incandescent mustard in full bloom was gorgeous.

    shakshuka
    Catlynn N.

    Was driving down half moon bay and saw this cute place where you can dine and watch planes fly by. It was a really homey cute inside and gave proper family diner vibes. Pretty average pricing for bay area ($18-$25pp). I got their breakfast burrito and shakshuka. Their bacon was thiiiiiick, and I loved it. It was served with potatoes and salsa, crisp and clean. Only complaint is I wish the tortilla was a bit more crisp. Shakshuka was okay, a bit sweeter that I am used to but I believe that's due to the corn they put in. Was closer to a tomato chili with eggs on top. It was still good, but not quite for me. Boyfriend liked it though. Very interested in trying their burger and dutch baby next time. Service was good, brought out our food despite having a buzzer and remembered us. TLDR: Great place to soak in some sun, quality food, cool planes.

    Huevos Rancheros nachos
    Nicole L.

    I came to Pilot Light for a Sunday brunch around 9:45, they were already quite busy! Back in the day, it used to table service dining. Now there is a counter you order at, and you are given a pager and pick where you would like to sit. They do have outdoor seating right next to the airport, this was pretty cool. We saw two pilots leave out the back gate and head to their planes and prepare for take off. They are also pet friendly, always a plus. I had the huevos rancheros nachos, they were really good! It came with 2 eggs, and I added the chorizo. My friends both ordered the eggs Benedict, one with salmon and one with bacon and avocado. All our plates were large portions, and their potatoes were delicious! So crispy, but needed salt but we grabbed shakers for the table. I also asked for a michelada and although they don't sell them, they accommodated making one on the whim which was awesome. It tasted great too, I had asked them to make it with the lager they have to offer. Overall, next time I'm in town for a hometown tour I'll def check them out again!

    Malcolm H.

    Perfect diner food at the Half Moon Bay airport. Great ambience, indoor and outdoor seating. Fun for small plane enthusiasts or anyone looking for a great vibe. I had the Shatshuka which was great. My wife had the French toast, which was mixed. The flavors and preparation were great but they used a cheap bread so it undercut her meal a bit. Overall a great find.

    3 egg scramble with chorizo
    Isabella P.

    So cute! Love coming here for just a plain old scramble and watching the planes. Good service, fast, usually not too busy. Worth the drive to have a cozy, unique breakfast

    Eggs Benedict with Bacon and Avocado and Country Potatoes. $17.00 worth the price and a repeat breakfast anytime.
    Jose V.

    Hello Yelpers and Foodies in the Know. We just happened to be at a Hotel in Half Moon Bay and we found this on yelp breakfast close by our hotel. It was at the end of the Airport and also had a gate for pilots of small planes to park and enter through a Security Gate. Really cool. I ordered the Eggs Benedict with bacon and avocado and Kim ordered eggs and bacon and we both had coffee. Both breakfasts came with Country Potatoes. At this restaurant you order at the counter and one of the staff will bring your Food. Coffee is self serve with free refills. I really liked the Breakfast there. Kim and I Recommend this restaurant. The Pilot Light. Thank You for Reading. Reviews help Consumers.

    Outdoor seating. Fresh air ooow
    Bri W.

    Pilot Light Cafe is OUTSTANDING! I saw a fenced off gate and drove right past it so I drove down tourist central but it was an easy turnaround. I had the eggs Benedict with smoked salmon and avocado. It was sooooo goood!!! The cutest little cafe around! Beautiful scenic view of the airway! Fast service. Went during late morning around 9:30am and my food appeared in front of me before I was even ready to comprehend and absorb the calming and peaceful ambiance. Such an amazing experience:-))

    Dutch Baby. Yumm

    What a surprise. Food was on point without all the glamour. I'll be back soon. You order first, then eat when your buzzer goes off. Cool place

    Celia C.

    Love this place. I'm not from the area and this place to me is a hidden gem. I like that we can eat and watch the airplanes take off. The food is amazing for a great price. The staff is friendly. I would definitely come back next time I'm in town

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    Ask the Community - Pilot Light

    Are your breakfast potatoes gluten free?

    Our potato hash is fried in the same oil as items that contain gluten, but otherwise is made without gluten.

    Do you have gluten free options ? Gf bread and pancakes..?

    We have gluten-free items on our menu, such as huevos rancheros and shakshuka, among others. As a substitute for bread, we offer corn tortillas. Our pancake, waffle and dutch baby batters are made with wheat flour.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    We are locals, love breakfast and brunch and are fans of the original Ketch Joanne's. We're also…read morefans of the current owners of Jetty Wave, who are presenting a new incarnation of Joanne's under the name Ketch Harbor Pub. Curious about what the new/old place is like, our three-person family went there for a late breakfast today. Walking up to the front doors, the original inset stained glass remains. Walking in, the cool wood paneling and nautical decor remains in place with a couple of new touches. The fully appointed bar also remains, now with a more streamlined look with subtle lighting changes. We were greeted pleasantly and seated inside the dining room immediately; it was moderately busy and buzzing, not too loud. Our server was quick to our table, menu-knowledgeable and consistent in his attention to us. We had a Denver omelette, a couple of bennies and lemon ricotta pancakes to share. My omelette had particularly fresh and al fresca peppers and onions - wonderful. The lemon ricotta pancakes were sufficiently saturated and fluffy(hard to pull off)and came with fresh cream. The prices were at about the same level as the local competition, which pleasantly surprised us. It appears that the folks who did this breakfast/lunch reboot were shrewd in pricing their dishes. Jetty Wave, a drinks and appetizers adventure(which I heartily recommend as well for different reasons)in the northwestern part of Princeton, is not for the fiscally faint hearted. The only element that makes our experience short of a 5 is that we were not given a farewell when we left, though I was able to find our friendly server and thanked him. In all, the Joanne's legacy is intact - the old carved wood Ketch Joanne sign still hangs inside - literally and figuratively a homage to its legacy while bringing a new energy to this space. Recommended.

    Ketch Harbor Pub (often just called Ketch) is a fantastic spot right on Pillar Point Harbor in Half…read moreMoon Bay. We stopped by for lunch on a crisp day, and it completely captured that perfect coastal vibe--think fresh seafood, laid-back atmosphere, and killer views of the boats and water. We started with the calamari, which was hands-down some of the best I've ever had: tender, not rubbery at all, perfectly seasoned and fried, melting in your mouth. The New England-style clam chowder was rich, creamy, with just the right subtle smokiness and balanced seasoning--definitely lives up to Half Moon Bay's chowder reputation. For mains, the Dungeness crab sandwich was the star: generous lumps of sweet local crab, minimal sauce (just how I like it), on toasted sourdough with fries on the side. My partner went with the fish and chips, and the cod was crispy, flaky, and not greasy at all--classic done right. The outdoor patio with fire pits was cozy even in cooler weather, and our server was super friendly, attentive, and full of local recommendations. The place feels welcoming, whether you're a regular from the Coastside or just passing through after a beach walk or harbor stroll. Prices are fair for the fresh, quality ingredients and location--definitely worth it. We've already added it to our list for the next trip to Half Moon Bay. Highly recommend if you're craving solid seafood in a charming harborside setting! 5/5 stars.

    Photos
    The sundae. Yum.
    The sundae. Yum.
    Sorry took pics after we started eating. Meatloaf. A little dry.
    Sorry took pics after we started eating. Meatloaf. A little dry.
    Would order again.

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    Locally sourced ingredients
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    After over two decades on the coast, I finally tested the cashier's cocky claim that they have the…read morebest chowder around. He wasn't lying. It's creamy, loaded with clams, and has a great jalapeno kick. And, I fully intend to go back for it. On a follow-up visit, the fish tacos (fresh, flaky cod) were a win (although a bit of guacamole would have made them really shine), but unfortunately, the Crab and Shrimp Louie lacked the same personality (it was bland and underwhelming). If you've been avoiding this place because, like me, you aren't a fan of the bar next door, you're missing out. Try the clam chowder-it's not cocky to claim you have the best chowder in town when you actually do!

    Photos
    Yummy acai bowl in the backyard
    Yummy acai bowl in the backyard
    Authentic chilaquiles
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    Miramar Beach Restaurant

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    3.5
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    Joined friends in HMB for a bike ride and we decided to stop here for lunch. We sat outside, which…read morecan get chilly, but there were heaters and glass windows keeping us nice and cozy. Naomi provided excellent service. She was attentive, funny and helped us narrow down our options. As for the food, we all enjoyed what we ordered. My chowder was thick and tasty, perfect for HMB. The complementary bread and butter they provide went really well with my chowder. Since it was an exercise day I also enjoyed a chocolate fondant. It was rich and yummy. Appreciated Naomi bringing extra forks so I could share it.

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    Pilot Light - breakfast_brunch - Updated July 2026

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