Welcome to Café Capistrano
Café Capistrano in Half Moon Bay offers a unique blend of American, Mexican, and seafood cuisine. With a cozy, casual atmosphere and a menu filled with flavorful options, this restaurant is a hidden gem worth visiting. Their dishes are not only delicious but also fresh and healthy, catering to a variety of dietary preferences including vegan options. Customers rave about the quality and taste of their meals, from the smoky pork to the veggie quesadillas. The restaurant's charming setting, attentive staff, and diverse menu options make it a must-visit spot for a satisfying meal in a relaxed environment.
- 523 Church St Half Moon Bay, CA 94019523 Church St Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 Hotline: (650) 726-7699
Welcome to Café Capistrano, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Half Moon Bay, California. Located at 523 Church St, this charming eatery artfully blends American, Mexican, and seafood cuisines, creating a culinary experience that tantalizes the taste buds while embracing the warmth of community.
One can't help but be captivated by the cozy ambiance of Café Capistrano, a beautifully renovated cottage adorned with vibrant flowers. The inviting outdoor seating provides a perfect backdrop for a leisurely meal, while the intimate indoor arrangements foster a sense of togetherness among diners. It's not just a restaurant; it's a haven where memories are crafted over delicious food.
The menu proudly features Mayan specialties that tell stories through flavors. Savor the Pork Adobo, where thinly sliced pork is marinated in achiote and lime juice, delivering the perfect balance of smokiness and zest. For those seeking a tender option, the Cochinita Pibil offers slow-roasted pork wrapped in banana leaves, an indulgence that melts in your mouth. Vegetarian diners will delight in the Veggie Fajita, a colorful array of grilled zucchini, yellow squash, onions, mushrooms, and bell peppers—homemade freshness in every bite.
Don't miss out on the desserts, either! The Dulce De Leche Cheesecake and Strawberry Margarita Cheesecake are sweet dreams turned reality, each slice expertly crafted with rich flavors that leave you wanting more. The fusion of ingredients creates a dessert experience that balances decadence with lightness.
Customers rave about their experiences, praising the exceptional flavors and substantial portions. Steve H., for instance, commended the smoky flavor of the pork, harmonizing perfectly with rice and black beans. Jwk J. celebrated the inviting atmosphere and attentive service that made their visit memorable. In fact, Café Capistrano has gained a loyal following; many diners, like Peter K., keep coming back for the beloved pibil.
Café Capistrano is not just about satisfying hunger; it's about sharing moments and enjoying life’s simple pleasures. Whether you are celebrating an anniversary or enjoying a casual lunch with friends, this delightful café invites you to partake in a culinary journey that nourishes both the body and soul.
For reservations or inquiries, give them a call at (650) 726-7699. Join us at Café Capistrano—where every dish is a reflection of love, tradition, and taste.

Our dinner here was outstanding! The food was flavorful without being too spicy. The flavor blend was excellent! Servings were substantial. The pork we received was exceptional, with a smoky flavor that went perfectly with the rice and black beans. The slaw had a fresh, slightly sour (in a good way) flavor.

So my wife and I were in Half Moon Bay and were hungry and decided we wanted to get off the main strip and Café Capistrano was the spot we picked. We both had the fish and chips, such a great choice. Had a great looking Mexican/Yucatán menu plenty of wonderful choices. Server was on point, my glass was never empty, didn't feel rushed. The ambiance was great, a converted home, outside seating as well. Very glad we chose to come.

Boyfriend took me here on our one year anniversary because he had grown up eating at this spot often. Such good food and a nice time for us.

I still come here. I still recommend the pibil. GET THE SIKIL PAK. Thank me later.

My mom said that the veggie quesadilla that she ate here was the best she's had in her entire life. I also thoroughly enjoyed my chicken enchilada. The ingredients are really fresh, and the food is not only delicious, but healthy as well. Highly recommend! Besides amazing food, the setting is adorable. It looks like a quaint little cottage, with stunning flower blooms. There's an outdoor seating area, and an indoor seating area as well, with different rooms to choose from. It is definitely an intimate, seating arrangement because space is limited. But we came here on a Monday afternoon, and there were only two other occupied tables! The service was also amazing. Although breakfast stopped being served at 12pm, and we arrived at 1pm, the chefs still offered to make us any breakfast we wanted! Such sweethearts! Thank you so much Café Capistrano for a delightful family lunch.

Casual cozy atmosphere, friendly and accommodating staff, and true comfort food! We were pleasantly surprised by this find given the inconspicuous exterior. We ordered the veggie fajita, cheese enchiladas, and chicken enchiladas. Ingredients were fresh, dishes were clean-tasting and were not overly salty or oily. Cafe Capistrano is a great option for fast, casual dining in Half Moon Bay while serving quality Mexican/Mayan food.

This is a cute, quaint spot for a casual breakfast, lunch or dinner! There is a small team working to keep this place running, and they're all super friendly and welcoming. We all chose options from the seafood portion of the menu. The classic fish and chips were solid, with large, crispy pieces of fish. I loved my prawn fajita dish - the prawns were cooked to perfection in a buttery sauce. The rice could've used a bit more time cooking to get softer, but all the other sides were phenomenal, especially the fruit salsa. I wish they served breakfast all day, since all of their egg options looked delicious. I'd also love to try some of the more authentically Mayan dishes.

We had the day off and decided to head towards Half Moon Bay area to enjoy new restaurants and the views of the ocean. After arriving to the area, we searched Yelp to help us find food! We found Cafe Capistrano with very high ratings so we had to check it out! Nice small town feel and off street parking. The restaurant looks like it was a home and converted into a restaurant. It's a family owned restaurant. The food is Mayan inspired Mexican food. Everything is house made and delicious!! We had the pork fajita and the Poc Chuc with coffee. It was so fresh and tasty. I love the fact that everything is house made to order. They even made their own hot sauce! Ingredients: Habanero chilies, Lime juice, and Salt. We cannot wait to go back for other menu options! We were greeted and seated quickly. Very cordial and helpful. A great find!!