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Some restaurants are just special. You walk in, and something clicks—the vibe, the warmth, the way you’re greeted, or maybe just how the light hits the space. That’s exactly how I felt the first time I stepped into Hurrica in Redwood City. It was my birthday in April, and my friend took me there for dinner.
From the moment I set foot in, I was charmed. The entrance itself feels like a grand reveal: nestled right by the marina at Westpoint Harbor, Hurrica sets the stage with its sleek modern lines, nautical accents, and a stunning glass wall that frames boats bobbing on the water.
The minute you walk in, you’re greeted by the stunning bar and the striking wine bottle wall across from it! Elegant yet inviting, with soft lighting and a gentle curve that seems to guide you into the heart of the restaurant.
But the real showstopper? The jellyfish aquarium—a massive, glowing column of drifting adult and baby jellies that adds a surreal calm to the atmosphere. I can’t take my eyes off….every single time I’m there.
What started as a birthday dinner quickly turned into four visits over two months—each one tied to a different occasion. Birthday dinner. Early Mother’s Day brunch with a friend. Our 21st wedding anniversary. A girls’ night out with my daughter.
Over the course of four visits, I’ve sampled a generous portion of the Hurrica menu—and the food has been consistently excellent. Here’s what stood out:
Drinks
They offer an extensive wine and beer list, along with craft cocktails and zero-proof drinks. I’ve enjoyed glasses of their prosecco, Sancerre and Sauvignon Blanc. I also loved the Orange Mojito, a bright, fizzy, and refreshing zero-proof drink.
My fav from the cocktails list is the Hibiscus Mezcal Margarita—smoky, floral, with just the right balance of citrus and sweetness.
Dinner Menu: Bites
Warm Milk Bread with Coal-Roasted Ube and Coconut Butter
If I had to pick one dish that defines Hurrica for me, it’s this. The bread arrives warm and soft, with a slightly chewy crust and an almost brioche-like sweetness.
The ube adds a gentle earthiness, and the coconut butter melts into it like icing on a just-baked cake. It blurs the line between savory and dessert in the best way possible.
Baked Miyagi Oysters with Truffled Sauerkraut Gratin and Champagne Pearls
Decadent and luxurious. The brininess of the oysters is mellowed by the creamy, truffle-laced topping, and the champagne pearls add a playful pop.
Rich, salty, savory—definitely one to share.
Big Eye Tuna Sashimi with Shiitake Shoyu Tare and Chili Garlic Crunch
Thinly sliced and silky, the tuna is incredibly fresh and elevated by a deeply savory shiitake soy tare.
A bit of chili garlic crunch adds just enough heat and texture to balance the softness of the fish.
Dinner Menu: Starters
Pink Lady Apple & Endive Salad
A textural dream: crisp apples, slightly bitter endive, and the surprise of a melty aged gouda toast that was basically a gourmet grilled cheese.
Warm Goat Cheese Salad
Creamy, warm goat cheese paired with crisp greens and a punchy vinaigrette.
It’s simple but hits all the right notes—great as a shared starter or a light main.
Dinner Menu: From the Hearth
Whole Roasted Dorade with Fried Rice, Vermicelli, Garlic & Scallion Wash
The skin on the dorade is crisped to perfection, while the meat remains moist and flavorful.
What takes it over the top is the bed of fried rice and vermicelli underneath—infused with toasted garlic and scallion oil. Every bite has texture, depth, and umami.
Kombu-Wrapped Lobster
Rich and indulgent, the lobster meat is sweet and tender.
It’s so good, paired with ember-roasted potatoes and earthy pioppino mushrooms, finished with truffle ponzu for a punch of flavor.
Dinner Menu: Entrées
Grilled Filet of Beef with Fat Potatoes and Grilled Asparagus
A classic steakhouse-style entrée done right. The filet is juicy and tender, with a beautiful sear.
The potatoes are crispy-edged and pillowy inside, and the grilled asparagus has a subtle smokiness.
Halibut with Creamy Mushroom Sauce, English Peas, and Gougères
Perfectly seared with a delicate, golden crust, this dish is a quiet stunner and my absolute favorite item on their menu!
The fish is tender and buttery, the mushroom sauce rich but not heavy, and the gougères—a playful nod to French cheese puffs—are light and savory. It’s comforting without being boring, elegant without being fussy.
Dinner Menu: Dessert
Pistachio Opera Cake with Cranberry Crèmeux and Whipped Crème Fraîche
Elegant and layered, this dessert has the depth of roasted pistachio, the brightness of cranberry, and a lightness from the crème fraîche that keeps it from feeling heavy. It’s sweet, tart, and nutty all in one.
Banana Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding with Crème Anglaise and Housemade Ice Cream
Warm, soft, and a creative take on nostalgic flavors.
The bread pudding is comforting without being overly dense, and the addition of chocolate chips gives it richness while the housemade ice cream ties it all together beautifully.
Creamsicle Pavlova with Lemon Mousse, Citrus Salad, and Basil Meringue (GF)
Zesty and refreshing, this dessert is light but full of flavor.
The lemon mousse is creamy and tart, balanced by sweet citrus and the herby crunch of basil meringue. It’s sunshine in dessert form.
Lunch Menu: Oysters with Yuzu-Fennel Mignonette
Bright, briny, and impossibly fresh.
The yuzu-fennel mignonette is what makes them sing—sharp citrus from the yuzu brings a clean, zesty acidity, while finely shaved fennel adds a whisper of sweetness and a delicate herbal finish. It’s light, refreshing, and the perfect contrast to the cold salinity of the oysters.
Lunch Menu: Sides
House Sourdough Bread Service
Freshly baked, still warm, and served with soft, salted butter. It was simple, classic, and absolutely satisfying.
Parmesan Fries—golden, crisp, and dusted with salty cheese, made even better by the garlicky aioli.
Paired with a classic mimosa, it’s a hearty, salty, fresh, bubbly… pretty much the perfect Sunday combination, especially with the view of the boats in the marina, just steps beyond the dining room’s glass walls. It’s the kind of brunch you wish every weekend could feel like.
Lunch Menu: Entrées
Grilled Tiger Prawn Salad with Soba Noodles and Spicy Sesame Vinaigrette
This salad hits all the notes: char from the grill, nuttiness from the soba, crunch from toasted peanuts, and a bold vinaigrette that brings heat and tang.
It’s a fresh, satisfying option that still feels indulgent.
Beyond the food—though the food absolutely deserves its own standing ovation—it’s the entire Hurrica experience that keeps drawing me in. The glow of the jellyfish tank. The curve of the bar, sleek and inviting. The wall of wine bottles that greets you as you enter. The dining room feels elegant yet relaxed. The stunning marina views that that stretch into golden hour.
What really elevates the experience is the location. Just outside the restaurant, a scenic trail runs along the water—perfect for a leisurely walk after brunch or before dinner. On a sunny day, it’s the ideal way to build up an appetite or unwind with the gentle sounds of the marina and a cool breeze on your face.
There’s something amazing about the way Hurrica blends elevated dining with heartfelt hospitality. On my birthday and again on our anniversary, the staff surprised us with handwritten cards signed by the entire team. It’s thoughtful, personal, and rare—the kind of gesture that turns a night out into something you remember.
And then there are the dishes I can’t stop thinking about:
Warm Milk Bread – coal-roasted ube, coconut butter, and pure magic.
Halibut – tender, flaky, and bathed in a creamy mushroom sauce with gougères on the side.
Pistachio Opera Cake – delicate layers, a pop of cranberry, and just the right touch of indulgence.
From weeknight to weekend, daylight to candlelight, Hurrica has become my new favorite restaurant in the Bay Area not just because it’s beautiful and delicious (it is), but because it’s welcoming, consistent, and just a little bit magical. And now, four visits in, I know it won’t be my last. Whether you’re toasting an anniversary, catching up with a friend, or sneaking away for a quiet brunch, it feels like the right place.
