I feel bad saying this, but I was initially underwhelmed looking at the menu. But after trying Midway for the first time last night I wish I had tried it sooner. Some friends and I had tickets to the Rio and everything in the immediate vicinity was booked for dinner. My friend was able to snag us the bar stools which are fun for people watching. Our waitress was super helpful and didn't check in as our mouths were full with our first bites. I had the trout and it was perfectly cooked with a delicious assortment of vegetables. I wouldn't say I'm picky, but, I think my stomach is and it was a filling meal that makes you feel good after eating it. (Which you can't always say after eating out.) They also have a nice selection of beer and wine. I had the sparkling rosé and it was dry and smooth like I prefer. read more

We had dinner tonight and while the food tasted great, the portions were small. We left still hungry after 2 appetizers and 2 mains. We came straight home and ate a meal. A bowl of soup was $18. It should at least come with bread to try to add some calories. I ordered the tuna confit pasta and no exaggeration, there was only about 2 oz of tuna, about the size of a cutie tangerine with the dish. So for $29, pasta with a light tomato based sauce, 2 oz fish, some diced tomatoes and 4 pieces of artichoke heart. The pork belly main came with 2 small carrots and about a cup of spinach. No starch. It was like a snack. read more

Absolutely delicious, local hyper fresh food! Beautifully bright space with glorious tree art by local artist. Katherine Stern and crew deliver divinity over and over. Great wine list. Impeccable, original desserts. Our go to for every day lunch or special occasion. Santa Cruz gem! read more

Food exceeded my expectations. My mouth is watering at the thought of Sourdough bread. Our second was seasonal salad with peaches, cucumbers, slightly tossed with lemon/ vinaigrette. Main was Salmon with green beans and Lentils, and to top it off Ruhbarb, strawberry mousse with lemon cookies . Definitely adding The Midway to out dining out rotation list. read more

Great restaurant if you're looking for high-quality local ingredients, cooked fresh, in a welcoming, warm environment. Everything from the menu, food, furniture, decor, cutlery, and serving plates has all been chosen thoughtfully. All that thought shows in what we ate! The Fogline Farm chicken with jimmy nardellos (long red peppers) and creamed corn was one of the best bites of food I've had this year! Amazing! The flavors were amazing. Heriloom tomato toast was delicious and so was the garganelli pasta. We took a couple of desserts to go and the tres leches cake stood out! We'll be back! read more

The Midway - menu - American Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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Such a cute local brunch spot. The restaurant itself is quite small, but fills up fast. The kitchen is exposed and you get to watch as the super kind staff prepare your food. The menu is small, but what they serve is executed very well. Ingredients are fresh, and all of the plates are a work of art. From what I can tell, the menu changes often but they tend to be variations of the same concept. Like the yogurt and granola is always on the menu, but they change what fruit compote is served with it depending on what's in season. I ordered the smoked black cod and it was very delicious. Each of the elements were fresh and colorful, with the buttery fish falling apart when I pick it up with my fork. The seasoning didn't over power the cod flavor at all, and the beats were the perfect sweet to go with the runny, savory yolk and the small pieces of salty olives. Everything balanced perfectly and had a high quality you can taste. My one wish is that the green beans were cut a little smaller to make them a little easier to eat, or cooked a little longer to make it easier to cut with the knife. As for the grilled cheese, my friend loved it. The ricotta was super creamy and paired well with the tangy greens and potato. The sourdough is made fresh in house and is toasted so it has a slight crunch before reaching the soft filling. This is a great local cafe, but fairly easy to miss when you are on the street due to its small size. I would recommend trying it as the food is prepared with so much attention to detail in terms of looks and flavor. I appreciate how the menu rotates often so that there is always something new to try. The price you pay for the food is definitely reflected in the quality, not to say that this restaurant is super expensive, but you do pay a little more than some other brunch spots in the area. But if you're a foodie, or just looking for a good fresh meal option, it's totally worth it. read more

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I've been here over ten times since the soft open and live nearby. You can taste the attention to detail happening here. Farm to table gets used a lot but there should be a next level label for these dishes. My dining partner tonight had the Bluefin tuna crudo with miso, cucumber, pluot, shiso and sesame, and the Early girl tomato soup with garlic croutons and parmesan. I had the McFarland springs trout with herbed potatoes, horseradish aioli, and marinated beets. Each of these dishes were fresh tasting and balanced. The Bluefin and miso was savory balanced with brightness of cucumber and sweet pluot. The trout was cooked perfectly just to the point of flake but retained its moist texture and flavor. The trout with the aioli, beets and savory potato was countered with some bitter greens that made every bite a joy. Normally we get the bread and butter which has a texture and chew that is addictive. This time skipped bread in order to enjoy a scoop of Caramel apple ice cream and a Mocha ice cream for dessert. Chef Stern and the Midway are creating art level attention to detail dishes that won't disappoint. Even the curated music is chosen with care. Will greedily continue to dine here. read more

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The perfect beachy brunch nook! Bless the places with small-but-carefully-curated menus for my indecisive ass :'D Awesome food & A+ service. My partner and I were seated immediately on a Saturday afternoon. HOUSE-MADE YOGURT: I am a simple person... I see parfait, I order it. Delicious! The freshness here is remarkable. AGED CHEDDAR & APPLE GRILLED CHEESE: This is one of the best grilled cheeses I've ever had ;_; I was just really intrigued by the apple butter and potato-- despite my minor apple allergy, I decided it was worth the risk LOL. So flavorful & well-balanced. Every bite of cheesy goodness is met with little pockets of tangy, sweet apple. I'm tempted to recreate this at home. So much local flavor packed into one spot! Love that they source from nearby vendors and farmer's markets. If only I lived nearby... I'd stalk their rotating menu regularly. read more

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The food was good, and a little fancy feeling, perhaps a nice place to take a date. I tried three different mains and enjoyed them all, and the tahini cookie was pretty good as well. The house chili sauce seemed like a mild gochujang, though I'm not super familiar with it. The service was friendly, but was doing a lot, which created a slightly rushed atmosphere. The space was pleasantly small, but unfortunately not very well sound insulated. No table clothes, wall hangings, or seat cushions left the space feeling louder than it should've. Combined with the full wall of windows (lovely) on a grey day and white walls, it left the place feeling a little bleak. I think this would be a lovely place on a bright sunny day, but I also think some soft furnishings would go a long way. Definitely felt more like a small restaurant than a cafe to me. read more

At last, a "fresh" alternative to our Santa Cruz assortment of same old restaurants. We had the Pork Belly, Halibut, Winter Citrus Salad and Market Lettuce Salad, and some very good Pinot and a Ferrucio red. The flavors were absolutely delicious, the meat perfectly cooked, and each green leaf seemed as if individually chosen by the chef. The decor and vibe is a bit utilitarian, but didn't spoil the experience. read more

This is pure Santa Cruz cuisine; farm fresh, wholesome, delicate, yummy. Lovely new cafe by the Rio theater. We went for brunch. My favorite thing we tried was the honey yogurt pancakes, wow. Service was excellent. A great new addition to Santa Cruz's restaurant scene. read more

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Super cute restaurant next door to the Rio music venue in Santa Cruz. This place was recommended by a friend and we were lucky to get a same reservation before our concert next door. The restaurant is small but has a nice modern yet cozy feel and despite being full wasn't noisy. Food was wonderful, limited menu and not large portions but we all enjoyed the salads and bavette steak and deserts we had. Super convenient before a concert but also worth checking out anyways read more

Was able to be seated with no reservation at 6:30 on a Saturday. Got the Cod and Crab salad. Best seafood we've ever had in Santa Cruz. Intimate and clean vibe. Medium noise but very enjoyable. Service was quick, professional, and attentive without being overbearing. Can't recommend this restaurant enough. Will definitely be returning. read more

Objectively the food is good. Lovely farm to table restaurant with cute interior! I'm normally picky with pancakes, but it had just the right amount of fluff and didn't have this weird after taste I dislike about diner pancakes. The meatball tasted fine. Not a lot of customers, but it took 45+ minutes for pancakes and meatballs to come out. Meanwhile the table next to us, which btw came 30+ min later than us, got their food fairly soon. I saw one of them get a hot steamy meatball and kind of questioned why we got room temperature food. Not pictured but their house made strawberry shrub and coffee was excellent. Perhaps I came at the wrong time but it was a tad bit disappointing experience...I do want to try their dinner menu next time. read more

We just had dinner at the Midway. Each time the food was fresh, inventive and somehow still comforting. It's a small restaurant so dinner reservations can be helpful. I'm in love with the interior of this spot, it has this 90s beach cafe vibe, but not too "on the nose", also love the art up on the walls. We have always been able to find street parking, but if you struggle with that there is also a public lot between Charlie Hong Kong and Whole Foods. read more

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This place was just too good to pass up on. A perfect menu with farm to table recipes, this place defines less is more. Everything was lipsmacking delicious and fresh. Highly recommend for a dinner date if you are in Santa Cruz. read more

Wonderful little midtown spot for lunch. Inventive menu and delicious food. The service was excellent too. Need to come for dinner one of these days. Recommend. read more

A hidden gem. After enjoying my third dinner I can't stay silent any longer! I'll challenge any restaurant in San Francisco to serve a more flavorful meal. I rest my case. read more

You should eat here. I came in for brunch because the photos of the food looked delicious. I was not disappointed! I came here a few minutes after opening on a Saturday and there were already several people, but I got to sit by the window. I ordered the shakshuka and a coffee. The shakshuka was gorgeous and tasted as good as it looked! read more

The Midway - Shakshuka - American Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

The food is focused on what is fresh, seasonal and is prepared with such attention. The service was attentive yet made you relaxed. A great, airy space with Just the right amount of curiosities to add to your conversation. We'll be back! read more

Visiting Santa Cruz, I picked this place to celebrate my 40th birthday. We ordered half the menu, literally everything was so delicious and beautiful! The winter citrus salad, the bread, the pappardelle, trout, halibut, pork belly and desserts were all amazing! I think this would be a great place to come with a couple friends and try half the menu. I love the simplicity of the menu, it's not overwhelming with too many choices. It's also super kid friendly with books and crayons. I felt like I had fine high quality food in a casual and comfortable setting. Highly, highly recommend!!!! Sorry no pics, ate the food too fast! read more

This review is way overdue. Have been to The Midway 4x's and every meal was outstanding. The olive pappardelle w perfectly roasted cherry tomatoes & squash and the app snacks (olives, house-made crackers, pickled veggies) are my favorites. Don't miss their house-made bread with salted butter. Desserts are fabulous, too and the perfect way to finish a memorable meal. The Midway reminds me of some of the best restaurants I've been to in SF & NYC: inspired & fresh dishes created by a chef who has impeccable skills. All served by attentive and professional staff in a beautiful and well thought out space. I'm already looking forward to next time. read more

This little place is new to me and we had a delightful dinner and experience there one evening. The service is prompt, relaxed, and friendly. We enjoyed an appetizer and dinner selection plus a delicious homemade cookie for dessert. Nice wine too. read more

First time in and WOW! I was so blown away by how fresh and delicious the food was that I made a reservation for dinner. Finding places like this in a town with few-and-far-between awesome places is like finding a gold ring buried in the sand. I had the miso braised fogline chicken dish w bok choy, brown rice, yuzu-marinated radish and lemme just tell you .... I WANTED TO LICK THE DISH CLEAN it was so good. For dessert I had the lemon cream tart with and sesame brittle and found it to be .... PERFECTION. It was just enough sweet, just enough tangy, very creamy, and the sesame brittle was, well, please give me a box of it so I can have my candy fix As I came for brunch, I also had a cup of coffee to start my eating adventure. It was the smoothest cup of coffee I think I've ever had. All I can say is: this place is legit. Hoping dinner tonight is equally as good because if it is, this may become my go-to dinner place. The service is very friendly too ! Ok, so came back for dinner ! Little gem salad was best I've had - the yogurt dill dressing is unmatched. For dinner I had the papperdelle pasta. Again, wanted to lick the bowl. My only question is: why isn't there a line down the street ? read more

The Midway - Lemon cream tart w nectarine and sesame brittle. (Minus the tiny bite I took before taking the pic and then devouring it) - American Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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A small well-curated menu with a range of fresh, delicious flavors sourced locally. Excellent service and a charming, casual yet refined space. We can't wait to come back. read more

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Oh my god what's not to love about this place!! We started with the bread and butter and fava bean toast small plates to share. The butter was creamy and fresh and was the perfect paring with the softest sourdough I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. The fava bean toast rocked my world, hand to bible. For our main course friends and I split the halibut and the olive paperdellie which were both divine. We ended with the amazing fig leaf panna cotta which melted in my mouth and was complimented perfectly by a crunchy crumble that was so good I swear I saw god. Then as if it couldnt of gotten any better, an angel delivered us the most amazing tahini chocolate chip cookie that had me singing my little heart out. I will for sure be back, for the amazing food, the top tier customer service, and no joke the best bathroom a Santa Cruz restaurant has to offer! 10/10 read more

The Midway - American Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Adorable atmosphere and delicious food. A true gem in the perfect central location. The service is always amazing, the ever changing menu keeps you excited to come back, and the space is cute yet sophisticated (even in the bathroom). It's the perfect spot for a date, work meeting, girls night, or even a solo meal with the bar seating that faces out to the streets of midtown. The carrot cake will live in my dreams forever. 10001 compliments to the chef! read more

The Midway - American Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

One of the BEST spots in town. Super cute, well appointed in a great location. I've been for breakfast & lunch, a couple times each. The food is spectacular. It's so tasty and fresh with a menu that rotates to match what is seasonal. Each dish is so incredibly thought out. A top restaurant to me is one that has me rethinking ingredients I thought I didn't like, that's the level of talent here. From pancakes to sandwiches, salads to chicken dishes, I've loved everything I've ever ordered. And I'm kind of picky and posh. Stellar customer service, perfect timing, never feel rushed, always feel welcomed and recommendations you can count on. So happy to have this spot in town, what a great addition. read more

Stop what you're doing and head over; I don't think you're eating better than this in Santa Cruz. To start, the ambiance is relaxed--the space is open and bright, the staff is welcoming and cheerful, and the lights were dimmed at just the right moment. Worth a note, we were lucky to get a table without a reservation so I'd suggest coming with one. Service was super friendly, helpful and attentive. I didn't feel a moment of judgement for pointing to two aperitivos on the wall when asking for wine, and instead I got a great rec, a taste to confirm, and a delightful natural red. The wine list generally is commendable, interesting, and perfectly suited to the kind of cooking going on at The Midway. And on that note: what you're really coming for is the food. The menu is tight at 10 items and 3 desserts, which lets the kitchen give you exactly what is fresh, seasonal and delicious and it shows. Their sourdough is fantastic and I am a full blown bread snob. The smoked eggplant was delicious with crunchy seed crackers to pair. Heirloom tomato salad with just a little basil, al dente green beans, rich beets and some breadcrumb for crunch was the perfect summer sendoff. The pork was fantastic and beyond tender coupled with roast long pepper, fig and jus. Simple food, thoughtfully composed and expertly prepared--exactly how I like to eat. Topped off with a phenomenal ginger pear upside down cake and rich ice cream. I'll be back as soon as the seasons turn if not sooner (with a reservation just in case). read more

WOW. Pleasantly surprised by a thoughtful, focused menu and a beautiful, casual space. Then the food came... We didn't expect to be floored. Sour cream pancakes were PERFECTLY fluffy and the flavors were *chef's kiss* - no syrup needed. We shared the frittata with an added egg and were really impressed with the intentional flavors. Skip the usual spots and COME TO THE MIDWAY before everyone finds out about this midtown gem. Currently no wait during brunch time on a Sunday for a spectacular breakfast. Can't wait to come back to try their dinner menu! read more

Super cute little spot with a small rotating menu. The ambience was very nice - comfortable and casual but very nice and bright and felt sort of fancy even though it was very relaxed and casual. My friends who go often told me everything is good and indeed everything at our table was fantastic! My kiddo got the Lemon Poppyseed pancakes and though I am not a pancake fan generally, I shared many bites off her plate because they were incredibly good. I had the cured trout plate and it was so flavorful and delicious. The flavors were incredible. Really good coffee too and friendly service! It's a small place with a small kitchen so a good choice to come if you have time to relax while you wait for your food to be prepared. Will definitely be back! read more

This place is fantastic! The menu changes regularly which always gives me room to pause because I never know if it's any good. But this place has changed my mind. I have been to Midway for brunch, lunch and two dinners; every time being outstanding. The combination of foods and flavors are unbelievable. Things you never thought would work, Plays a symphony in your mouth for each dish. This is my favorite new restaurant in Santa Cruz. It's small, amazing food and helpful and kind staff. Please go and spread the word so that this spot stays for many years to come. I highly recommend! read more

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Yummy food and great service! I ordered the yogurt which was delicious and this kiddos got the pancakes (and they were even able to add some chocolates for them! read more

The Midway - house made yogurts and tea - American Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

I just celebrated my birthday at the Midway and it was fantastic! Chef Katherine Stern, used to be the genius over at La Posta which is another of my favorite local restaurants. The menu is tiny because Chef shops weekly at the farmers market to select her ingredients and bakes her own in house sourdough daily. Our meal was divine and the service was impeccable. read more

Delicious local food that doesn't make you feel like you just ate a day's worth of calories. Love their food.

We've been wanting to try this place for several months and kept missing the breakfast hours. We made it there for dinner tonight and it was excellent. It's bright and quaint in size. The bread was freshly baked and delicious, the heirloom salad with beets was wonderful and the pork entree with harissa and chickpeas very good. Also had the ginger nectarine plum upside down cake and it was delicious. Definitely going back to try brunch as well! read more

We decided to give the midway a shot after hearing some good reviews from friends, and while it's definitely not a terrible spot it's not all that amazing either. The atmosphere is nice, and the service was great, but it just wasn't at all what I expected. The prices are.. steep. For the portion size and quality I would call it quite overpriced. I showed up hungry and left hungry after spending over $100 for 2 people. If you're the type of person who likes fine dining type meals with very small portions you'll most likely enjoy it. Just not for me. read more

Aged cheddar sandwich not what I expected for the price, greasy drowned in oil bread didn't tast like sourdough, not crispy , the idea and components dont work together , blend . it wasn't what I expected.... read more

Delicious farm to table food. Felt so much love and care in all of the details of the food and restaurant. Definitely go support this place!

Another amazing night at The Midway!! Truly my favorite meal of the summer, exceptional! read more

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