Santa Cruz Restaurants
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Santa Cruz - browse our top choices for Restaurants during your stay.
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6 Recommendations
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1. Laili Restaurant
$$ | |Exotic Mediterranean flavors with an Afghan twist take center stage at this artsy, stylish space with soaring ceilings. In the evening, locals come to relax over wine and soft jazz at the blue-concrete bar, on the seasonal heated patio with twinkly lights, or at a communal table near the open kitchen.
101–B Cooper St., Santa Cruz, California, 95060, USA831-423–4545Known For
- House-made pastas and numerous vegetarian and vegan options
- Fresh naan, chutneys, and dips with every meal
- Traditional dishes like pomegranate eggplant and maushawa soup
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch -
2. Bad Animal
$$ | |By day, Bad Animal mostly sells rare and used books, but, at 5 pm, it morphs into a wine bar and restaurant, where you're encouraged to order a glass of wine while browsing the stacks. The menu depends on who is the current Culinary Artist in residence, a position that rotates every year or so. Previous artists, local up-and-coming chefs who typically plan to open their own restaurants when they move on, have showcased Italian and Thai cuisine.
1011 Cedar St., Santa Cruz, California, 95060, USA831-900–5031Known For
- Extensive list of natural, primarily French and California wines
- Interesting intellectual staff and clientele
- Emphasis on local, organic ingredients
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch -
3. Crow's Nest
$$ | |Vintage surfboards and local surf photography line the walls, and nearly every table overlooks sand and surf at this restaurant on the Santa Cruz Harbor. For sweeping ocean views and fish tacos, burgers, and other casual fare, head upstairs to the Breakwater Bar & Grill.
2218 E. Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz, California, 95062, USA831-476–4560Known For
- House-smoked salmon and calamari apps
- Crab-cake eggs Benedict and olallieberry pancakes
- On-site market with pizzas, sandwiches, soups, and salads
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4. Gabriella Café
$$$ | |Local artwork features prominently at this petite, romantic café in a tile-roof cottage. Featuring organic produce from area farms, the seasonal Italian menu might include wild-mushroom risotto; bouillabaisse; marinated chicken with apricots, currants, and olives; and roasted beet salad with wild arugula, goat cheese, and pistachios.
910 Cedar St., Santa Cruz, California, 95060, USA831-457–1677Known For
- Nearly all produce comes from local organic farmers
- Romantic interior with Moorish arches
- Weekend brunch
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No dinner Sun. -
5. La Posta Via
$$ | |Authentic Italian fare made with fresh local produce lures diners into this cozy, modern-rustic restaurant. Nearly everything is made in-house, from the pizzas and breads baked in the brick oven to the pasta and the vanilla-bean gelato.
538 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, California, 95062, USA831-457–2782Known For
- Seasonal wild-nettle lasagna
- Braised lamb shank
- In the heart of the Seabright neighborhood
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
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6. Oswald
$$$ | |Sophisticated yet unpretentious European-inspired California cooking is the order of the day at this intimate and stylish bistro, whose seasonal menu might include such items as seafood risotto or crispy duck breast in a pomegranate reduction sauce. The creative concoctions poured at the slick marble bar include whiskey mixed with apple and lemon juice or tequila with celery juice and lime.
121 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, California, 95060, USA831-423–7427Known For
- Excellent burgers and fries
- Crab appetizers
- Dark-chocolate soufflé and other tasty desserts
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.–Tues.
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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