The Original Stagnaro Familysince 1879 welcomes you. Italian fishing patriarch, Cottardo Stagnaro. started selling his daily catch of fresh fish from a fish box in 1879. The business grew as family from Italy journeyed to America.

They brought new fishing techniques, lateen sailboats, and the first fish market onto the Santa Cruz wharf. As technology developed the family business had the largest sport fishing fleet on the west coast, including two speed boats.

The Stagnaro Family started its first restaurant on the wharf circa 1930. In the ensuing years, the Stagnaro Family continued to thrive in the fishing industry, as well as developing the restaurant business.

At present, the Original Stagnaro Family owns and operates Stagnaro Sport Fishing and Gilda’s Restaurant.