Longstanding local heritage business Stagnaro Brothers Seafood Restaurant was founded in 1947 by Darlene Dyer’s dad and uncle, Ernie and John Stagnaro.
She worked there off and on from age 12, making sandwiches and salads before going to college to get a teaching credential, then starting a local specialized sporting goods business with her husband. When they had children, Dyer returned to the restaurant in order to have a complementary schedule for raising kids.
Initially a server and now a manager, she says the ambiance is accented with retro pictures and restrained nautical décor in order to let the panoramic “best in Santa Cruz view” speak for itself. She says the menu is classic seafood with Italian bends, with the best starters being light and crispy calamari, Blue Point oysters on the half-shell and longtime family recipe New England clam chowder available in a bread bowl.
Entrée highlights include crispy halibut fish tacos, their signature cioppino (another old school family recipe), as well as popular pasta picks like scallop/prawn rigatoni in mushroom cream sauce and Dyer’s personal favorite, linguini and clams. The headlining dessert is the Chocolate Oblivion, a chocolate cake with chocolate mousse and chocolate ganache topping; the apricot bread pudding is another go-to and they also have classic spumoni. A full bar is also featured with local beer, wine and specialty cocktails.
To what do you attribute almost 80 years of success?
DARLENE DYER: The brothers’ philosophy was to serve a good portion of food – mainly fresh seafood – at a reasonable price; they didn’t want to see anyone go home hungry. And the view has always been incredible, especially watching a sunset from our upper deck. I’ve watched many a sunset from up there, it never gets old and is always something to appreciate. We also have a strong family presence here and have always had minimal staff turnover, which speaks to what a special place this is and how well we treat our employees.
What’s your flagship cocktail?
I would say our Hibiscus Mojito is a very unique signature offering. We use a top-shelf rum and the drink is very minty, floral and refreshing and one that really sets us apart. It’s very Hawaiian reminiscent and really invites the ocean vibe. It’s a perfect cocktail to pair with one of our beautiful sunsets.
59 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, 831-423-2180; stagnarobrothers.com
