Jun Sato
The food and flavors were outstanding — truly among the best in town.
Every dish was perfectly cooked and beautifully seasoned, and each one was deeply satisfying.
The friendly service and the chef’s cooking were both refined and elegant
… moreBenjamin Ow
My wife and I just finished an incredible dinner at The Midway. The atmosphere was casual and inviting and the service was friendly and attentive. The food was the star of the show. The menu was relatively small, but there was a wide variety of dishes that were clearly carefully thought out and based on the freshest seasonal ingredients. We started out with the house made sourdough bread and butter. The four generous slices of bread were hearty, with a soft inside and thicker crust. Very tasty. Next we had the chicory salad which was reminiscent of a gourmet Caesar salad with the most beautiful chicory leaves imaginable, crunchy breadcrumbs, and finely grated Parmesan. Fantastic dish. Next we had homemade pappardelle with black trumpet and chanterelle mushrooms and shaved brussel sprouts. The flavors were very subtle, but the really scrumptious. The fresh and bright flavors shined through. Next we had the Mt. Lassen trout on chickpeas and butternut squash. The trout skin had a wonderful char and the flavors of the chickpeas and butternut squash really combined nicely. We finished with the braised beef dish on mashed potatoes with roasted carrots, mushrooms, and a salsa verde sauce. This dish blew us away. The beef was perfectly braised so it was super tender, extra flavorful, and not fatty at all. The mashed potatoes, roasted carrots and mushrooms paired perfectly with the beef and the salsa verde took the wonderful dish to a new level. In summary, this is the best meal we’ve had in Santa Cruz in a very long time. The quality of the ingredients and preparation was top notch and all of the dishes were reasonably priced. We can’t wait to go back again soon!
… moreSumit C
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!
… moreJuliana Haber
Incredible food, incredible service, cozy atmosphere. The chef was able to accommodate my friend’s dairy intolerance, and the menu was labelled with gluten free. I tried a Japanese vermouth that was amazing, a must-try. I had the halibut and my friend had the chicken, both were cooked perfectly, served with veggies that tasted like they were just picked today, cooked perfectly, mine with a light and flavorful broth. A new favorite in town!
… moreA C
Absolutely amazing meal. I’ve been driving by this place since they opened and hadn’t pulled the trigger on trying. Finally decided to give it a go, and the meal was outstanding. Everything was so high-quality, seasonal, and the flavors were so unique. I think that this place is on another level of food quality compared to anything else in Santa Cruz. It’s clear they put a lot of intentional effort into each plate. And I love the interior. It’s simple in its design but intimate and comfortable. I was swayed by the few bad reviews but I’m convinced these people don’t know good quality seasonal food. I will be telling everyone I know to come here and I’ll be back many times over!
… moreSusanne T
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.
… moreErika Keene
We enjoyed our experience so much! After a few years of enjoying their food at the farmers’ market, it was nice to go to their permanent brick and mortar location.
We had the Lemon Poppyseed Pancakes… which never disappoints; they’re light, yet have a delicate little crispy crunch around the edges. perfectly balanced with a cream fresh and rhubarb topping, we also devoured the Fogline Farm Chicken Chili Rojo, with a fabulous cornbread and cabbage… The chocolate banana peanut butter cake was moist, not overly sweet with a surprising creamy peanut butter finish- paired nicely with my black coffee. While it’s a smaller restaurant, it didn’t feel small, great use of space and an abundance of natural light made it feel open and airy. The service was impeccable. The menu changes so when you go, it might not be what we had, that being said we have never been dissatisfied with their food. ENJOY!
… moreKatie Freeman
Our brunch experience last weekend was fabulous. We chose 3 dishes to try this time. It’s always hard to decide! The pancakes are always delicious, light and fluffy. The kale and chanterelle bread pudding is amazing. It has a moist center, crisp exterior and the celery root remoulade is the perfect accompaniment. Finally, the Fogline Farm chicken stew with jalapeño cornbread has just the right kick and is warming, filling and delicious.
The service is friendly and welcoming and the coffee is hot and brewed to perfection.
We can’t wait to return and try the next menu as it changes to reflect what’s fresh and local!!
… moreStephen Bourdow
Wow! Didn’t know what to expect having ignored 3 or 4 other restaurants that previously occupied this space. What a great spot. Excellent food, so fresh, so well presented. Great wine list. Small menu but everything was exceptional.
… moreChris Wittler
Fresh food is the star of the show here. The Midway offered up a limited yet seasonal and largely vegetarian brunch menu during our visit. We started with a potato, spinach, and cheese galette (room temp). We shared the tasty lemon pancakes topped with rhubarb and crème fraiche (I had to ask for a side of syrup) and the kale bread pudding which was more like a frittata. Both excellent dishes not too filling. The space is small so expect to wait during peak times. For only being open a month, I would say the vast majority of new restaurant kinks are ironed out.
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