Konnichi wa / Great Outdoors

Introduction

Santa Cruz is a popular destination for visitors looking to explore Monterey Bay on the California Coast.

With its unique combination of delicious restaurants, stunning coastal views, and vibrant nightlife, it’s no wonder that people flock to this seaside town to enjoy all the best that it has to offer.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner for two with an intimate setting, a casual lunch spot, happy hour, or a quick snack, Santa Cruz has something to satisfy your cravings.

In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best restaurants in Santa Cruz, from the iconic Jack O'Neill Restaurant to the cozy Penny Ice Creamery.

We’ll also take a look at some of the best restaurants near the Santa Cruz Wharf, so you can take in the breathtaking views while you dine.

We’ll even cover food delivery options and fine dining in Santa Cruz, so you can experience the city’s culinary delights (from marshmallow fluff to fresh fruit, fried chicken to French fries) without ever leaving the comfort of your hotel.

So, let’s get started and discover the best restaurants Santa Cruz has to offer.

Watch this video on things to do in Santa Cruz!

Introduction to Dining in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz in Santa Cruz County is a great place to explore the California Coast and sample its unique cuisine. With its wide variety of restaurants, ranging from casual cafes to high-end eateries, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your cravings.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner for two, a casual lunch spot, or a quick snack with picnic tables, there’s an excellent option for everyone in Santa Cruz.

When it comes to dining in Santa Cruz, the options are endless. From seafood restaurants to Mexican taquerias, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

It’s also worth noting that Santa Cruz is home to some of the best restaurants in California, so you can be sure that you’ll be getting the highest quality cuisine with delicious food and friendly staff.

The city is also renowned for its vibrant nightlife and entertainment. Whether you’re looking for a lively bar scene with live music or a cozy eatery, Santa Cruz has something to offer.

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s explore the best restaurants in Santa Cruz and find the perfect spot for your next meal.

Where to Find Restaurants in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is a city full of restaurants, so you’ll never have to worry about finding a spot to eat. From the iconic Jack O'Neill Restaurant to the cozy Penny Ice Creamery, there’s something for everyone. But where exactly should you start your search?

One of the best places to start is the Santa Cruz Wharf. The Wharf is home to a wide variety of restaurants, from seafood joints to casual cafes. You can also find a plethora of shops and attractions, so you can make a day of it.

The nearby Downtown Santa Cruz is also home to a variety of restaurants. From the historic Laili Restaurant to the trendy Cafe Brasil, there’s something for everyone. Plus, you’ll be just a stone’s throw away from the beach, so you can make the most of your visit.

Highlights of Restaurants Near the Santa Cruz Wharf

The Santa Cruz Wharf is home to some of the city’s most iconic restaurants. From fine-dining establishments to casual eateries, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of the highlights of restaurants near the Santa Cruz Wharf and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk:

  • Tramonti: Located right on the Wharf, Tramonti offers classic Italian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere. Be sure to try the house-made pasta and wood-fired pizza.
  • Vim Dining and Desserts: This casual cafe is a popular spot for a light lunch. From gourmet sandwiches to homemade gelato, Vim has something for everyone with fresh ingredients and unique flavors.
  • La Posta: This seafood restaurant offers a unique take on classic dishes. From fresh fish ceviche to fish tacos, you’ll be sure to find something to tantalize your taste buds.
  • Lillian’s Italian Kitchen: Lillian’s is a classic Italian restaurant with a modern twist. From hand-rolled pasta to wood-fired pizzas, you’ll be sure to find something to satisfy your cravings.
  • Sugo Italian Pasta Bar: This trendy eatery is a favorite spot for a romantic dinner. From hand-crafted pasta dishes to wood-fired pizzas, Sugo has something for everyone.
  • Zachary’s Restaurant: This cozy spot is ideal for a relaxed lunch or dinner. Whether you’re in the mood for a burger or a salad, you’ll be sure to find something to satisfy your appetite.

Best Restaurants in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is home to some of the best restaurants in California. From romantic fine-dining establishments to casual cafes, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of the best restaurants in Santa Cruz:

  • Crow's Nest: Located on the Santa Cruz Wharf, Crow's Nest is the perfect spot for a romantic dinner. From fresh seafood to classic dishes, you’ll be sure to find something to satisfy your cravings.
  • Jack O'Neill Restaurant: This iconic restaurant is a must-visit for any visitor to Santa Cruz. From classic seafood dishes to wood-fired pizzas, you’ll be sure to find something to tantalize your taste buds.
  • Cruz Kitchen & Taps: This trendy restaurant offers a unique take on classic dishes. From gourmet burgers to wood-fired pizzas, you’ll be sure to find something to please your palate.
  • Silver Spur: This cozy spot is ideal for a relaxed lunch or dinner. Whether you’re in the mood for a burger or a salad, you’ll be sure to find something to satisfy your appetite.
  • Pizza My Heart: This classic pizzeria has been serving up delicious pies since 1982. From classic pies to gourmet toppings, you’ll be sure to find something to tantalize your taste buds.
  • Barceloneta: This trendy tapas bar is the perfect spot for a casual lunch or dinner. From classic Spanish dishes to creative tapas, you’ll be sure to find something to please your palate.

Restaurants at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk

The Santa Cruz Boardwalk is home to a wide variety of restaurants, from classic American diners to trendy cafes. Here are some of the highlights of the restaurants at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk:

  • Bantam: This casual cafe is the perfect spot for a light lunch. From gourmet sandwiches to homemade gelato, Bantam has something for everyone.
  • Harbor Café: This classic diner is ideal for a relaxed lunch or dinner. Whether you’re in the mood for a burger or a salad, you’ll be sure to find something to satisfy your appetite.
  • Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen: This trendy eatery offers a unique take on classic dishes. From hand-crafted cocktails to wood-fired pizzas, you’ll be sure to find something to tantalize your taste buds.
  • Lupulo Craft Beer House: This cozy spot is the perfect place to enjoy a craft beer and a bite to eat. From gourmet burgers to wood-fired pizzas, you’ll be sure to find something to please your palate.
  • Taqueria Los Pericos: This Mexican restaurant is a great spot for a quick bite to eat if you're looking for Mexican cuisine. From tacos to burritos, you’ll be sure to find something to satisfy your cravings.
  • The Walnut Avenue Cafe: This cozy cafe is ideal for a relaxed lunch or dinner. Whether you’re in the mood for a burger or a salad, you’ll be sure to find something to please your palate.

Food Delivery Options in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz has a wide variety of food delivery options, so you can enjoy the city’s culinary delights without ever leaving the comfort of your hotel. From Uber Eats to DoorDash, you’ll be sure to find something to satisfy your cravings.

If you’re looking for something a little more unique, then you should check out Arslans Turkish Street Food. This restaurant offers a delicious range of Turkish dishes, from falafel to shawarma. Plus, you can even order online, so you can enjoy their delicious cuisine from the comfort of your own home.

Fine Dining in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is home to some of the best restaurants in California, so you can be sure that you’ll be getting the highest quality cuisine. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner for two or a casual lunch spot, there’s something for everyone in Santa Cruz. Here are some of the best fine-dining restaurants in Santa Cruz:

  • Laili Restaurant: This classic Mediterranean restaurant offers a unique take on classic dishes. From hand-crafted pasta dishes to wood-fired pizzas, you’ll be sure to find something to tantalize your taste buds.
  • Cafe Brasil: Located in the heart of Downtown Santa Cruz, Cafe Brasil is the perfect spot for a romantic dinner. From classic Brazilian dishes to creative tapas, you’ll be sure to find something to please your palate.
  • Copal Restaurant: This cozy spot is ideal for a relaxed lunch or dinner. Whether you’re in the mood for a burger or a salad, you’ll be sure to find something to satisfy your appetite.

Outdoor Seating at Santa Cruz Restaurants

Santa Cruz is known for its stunning coastal views, so why not take in the views while you dine? Many of the city’s restaurants offer outdoor seating, so you can enjoy a meal with a view. Here are some of the best restaurants with outdoor seating in Santa Cruz:

  • Jack O'Neill Restaurant: This iconic restaurant offers stunning views of the ocean from its outdoor patio. From classic seafood dishes to wood-fired pizzas, you’ll be sure to find something to tantalize your taste buds.
  • Crow's Nest: Located on the Santa Cruz Wharf, Crow's Nest offers a cozy outdoor patio with stunning views of the city. From fresh seafood to classic dishes, you’ll be sure to find something to satisfy your cravings.
  • Laili Restaurant: This classic Mediterranean restaurant has a beautiful outdoor patio with views of the ocean. From hand-crafted pasta dishes to wood-fired pizzas, you’ll be sure to find something to please your palate.
  • Penny Ice Creamery: This cozy cafe offers cozy outdoor dining with views of the city. From gourmet sandwiches to homemade gelato to ice cream, Penny has something for everyone.
  • Cafe Brasil: Located in the heart of Downtown Santa Cruz, Cafe Brasil has a beautiful outdoor patio with views of the city. From classic Brazilian dishes to creative tapas, you’ll be sure to find something to tantalize your taste buds.

Other Notable Santa Cruz Restaurants

Santa Cruz is home to a wide variety of restaurants, from classic American food to trendy cafes. Here are some of the other notable restaurants in Santa Cruz:

  • Cruz Kitchen & Taps: This trendy restaurant offers a unique take on classic dishes. From gourmet burgers to wood-fired pizzas, you’ll be sure to find something to please your palate.
  • Silver Spur: This cozy spot is ideal for a relaxed lunch or dinner. Whether you’re in the mood for a burger or a salad, you’ll be sure to find something to satisfy your appetite.
  • Pizza My Heart: This classic pizzeria has been serving up delicious pies since 1982. From classic pies to gourmet toppings, you’ll be sure to find something to tantalize your taste buds.
  • Barceloneta: This trendy tapas bar is the perfect spot for a casual lunch or dinner. From classic Spanish dishes to creative tapas, you’ll be sure to find something to please your palate.
  • Taqueria Los Pericos: This Mexican food taqueria is a great spot for a quick bite to eat. From tacos to burritos, you’ll be sure to find something to satisfy your cravings.
  • The Walnut Avenue Cafe: This cozy cafe is ideal for a relaxed lunch or dinner. Whether you’re in the mood for a burger or a salad, you’ll be sure to find something to please your palate.

Conclusion

Santa Cruz is a great place to explore the California Coast and sample its unique cuisine.

With its wide variety of restaurants, ranging from casual cafes to high-end eateries to coffee shops, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your cravings.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner for two, a casual lunch spot, or a quick snack, Santa Cruz has something to offer.

From the iconic Jack O'Neill Restaurant to the cozy Penny Ice Creamery, there’s something for everyone.

The Santa Cruz Wharf and Downtown Santa Cruz are home to a wide variety of restaurants, so you’ll never have to worry about finding a spot to eat.

Plus, with food delivery options and outdoor seating, you can enjoy the city’s culinary delights without ever leaving the comfort of your hotel.

So, what are you waiting for? Start exploring and discover the best restaurants Santa Cruz has to offer.

Looking for more on Best Restaurants in Santa Cruz and other adventures? Try these:

“The mountains are calling and I must go.”

— John Muir

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December 13, 2022 — Konnichi wa