Ocean-fresh seafood, an emphasis on natural ingredients, casual atmosphere and an eclectic mix of exotic cuisines characterize Santa Cruz's culinary culture. Vegetarian-friendly and vegetarian restaurants are well represented, but there are enough steak houses to toss a little red meat into the mix. SantaCruz.com's Santa Cruz area dining guide is anchored by dining reviews from the Santa Cruz Weekly newspaper.
American & Californian Restaurants
99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall
Join us for FootBall! Open early for NFL Sunday Breakfast! We'll be featuring up to 5 games on 7 screens. Come out, enjoy a beer and support your favorite team.
110 Walnut Ave., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 459-9999
Serving the Santa Cruz Wharf and Harbor since the 1950's. Known for Eggs Benedict, calamari, fresh salmon and exquisite ocean view, the restaurant accommodates our loyal patrons 7 days a week.
616 Atlantic Ave., Santa Cruz, CA, CA (831) 426-3736
Opening in February of 1995, our goal was to blend traditional regional American and world foods with new and innovative techniques, creating our "New American Cuisine".
2621 41st Ave., Soquel, CA (831) 476-3801
Carpo's Restaurant is a Soquel/Capitola landmark, established in 1981. Since we've been open our family restaurant has been a local hangout for great value meals with fresh, homemade recipes, Classic American favorites, healthy comfort food with large portions. Fresh seafood and produce from local suppliers (organic whenever possible).
2400 Porter St., Soquel, CA (831) 476-6260
Catalyst Nightclub & Restaurant
Monterey Bay's premier nightclub, featuring acts from around the world. Artists such as Neil Young, Papa Roach, Emmylou Harris, Ice T, Nirvana, Alanis Morissette, No Doubt, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Pearl Jam have graced the Catalyst stage in years past. The main dance hall is 5000 square feet, not including balconies, and can hold 800 people.
The bar downstairs is 100 feet long, starting in the front room and extending into the concert area. A large selection of beer and liquor is offered here. Upstairs is the game room with another bar, 6 pool tables a jukebox and arcade games, as well as a lounge.
1011 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 423-1338
Center Street Grill is open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Couples and families feel welcome in this beautiful, spacious restaurant, offering American food with Mediterranean flare. Dinners include entrees such as Lamb shank, Shanghai Chicken, Grilled Salmon, Baby back ribs and more, with a choice of two delicious sides. Pasta dishes and mouth-watering pizzas are available for lunch and dinner. All of our food, including our pizza crusts and suace, are made from scratch at the restaurant. Our huge breakfast menu is served until 2 pm daily. We are also available to host Parties, Receptions, and Meetings.
1001 Center Street, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 438-8415
Cole's Bar-B-Q Restaurant
2590 Portola Dr., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 476-4424
8059 Aptos St., Aptos, CA (831) 662-1721
Gary and Marlene Keeley opened the Crepe Place in February 1973, in a small building at the corner of Ocean St. and Soquel in Santa Cruz. The restaurant was so tiny that only ten people, if they were close friends, could be seated at one time. The food was unique to Santa Cruz; few had heard of crepes, fewer still had enjoyed them. But, word spread quickly, and soon the Crepe Place had outgrown its tiny home.
1134 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 429-6994
Since 1969, the Crow´s Nest Restaurant in Santa Cruz, California has featured award-winning food, spirits and live entertainment from one of the most spectacular waterfront views on the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary.
2218 E. Cliff Dr.., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 476-4560
In 1978, Gayle & Joe Ortiz started a small bakery in 800 square feet, with one friend serving 10 items. Five years later, the Rosticceria, an Italian deli with a wood-burning rostisserie was added. Today, Gayle's is a thriving 10,000 square foot food emporium with two successful cookbooks and 115 employees.
504 Bay Ave., Capitola, CA (831) 462-1200
Gilda's Family Restaurant
37 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 423-2010
The Hindquarter is where they find the best regional American dining. That includes perfectly grilled sirloins, huge Texas T-bones, eye-opening Jack's pepper steaks, slow-roasted prime rib, hickory-smoked Chicago baby back ribs, half-pound burgers, and other meaty delights.
303 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 426-7770
- 2007 Winner Best Breakfast in Santa Cruz Good Times Reader Poll
- Zagat Excellent Rated
- Friendly, Neighborhood Atmosphere
542 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 427-9713
We will happily bring our award-winning cuisine along with the friendly service we are known for to your party or event! Just give us a call or write us a note, we would be happy create a custom menu for you at a very reasonable price!
2591 Main St., Soquel, CA (831) 479-9777
Noah's New York Bagels
1411 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 454-9555
About Paradise Beach GrilleOn January 2nd, 1998, we purchased the building at 215 Esplanade. After 5 months of extensive renovations we opened our restaurant, Paradise Beach Grille, in late May of the same year on Memorial Day. Five years later in 2003, Robert and Carol Coe joined the Paradise Beach Grille family as investment partners. Still going strong, last May marked our 11th year anniversary.
215 Esplanade, Capitola, CA (831) 476-3328
Peachwood's at the Inn at Pasatiempo in Santa Cruz is an ideal location for enchanted garden weddings and receptions, the most special of special occasions, and fine dining. From our signature menu to our incomparable service, we'll make any event or any meal an unforgettable experience.
Hwy. 17 at Pasatiempo, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 426-6333
1 Seascape Dr., Aptos, CA (831) 662-7120
Seabright Brewery & Restaurant
Located on Seabright Avenue, one of Santa Cruz's most happening neighborhoods, the Seabright Brewery features a selection of regular brews, as well as 3-8 seasonal hand-crafted micro beers on tap. Come check out our live music on Friday nights!
519 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 426-2739
Located beside lush Soquel Creek in Capitola-by-the-Sea, Shadowbrook Restaurant is best reached by its own quaint cable car, or a meandering garden path. Since 1947 Shadowbrook has continued to provide world-class service, fine food, wines and liqueurs in an atmosphere of Old World charm and grace.
1750 Wharf Dr., Capitola, CA (831) 475-1511
Silver Spur Restaurant
2650 Soquel Dr., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 475-2725
Wharf House Restaurant -- at the end of the Capitola Wharf
1400 Wharf Road., Capitola, CA (831) 476-0636
Zachary's Restaurant
819 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 427-0646
203 Esplanade, Capitola, CA (831) 475-4900
Buffet Restaurants
China One Buffet
525 Water St., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 425-3800
L8 Buffet
431 Front St., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 426-8168
Chinese Restaurants
Bangkok West Restaurant
2505 Cabrillo College Dr., Soquel (831) 479-8297
Charlie Hong Kong Restaurant
1141 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 426-5664
China Station Restaurant
2301 Mission, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 458-9097
China Szechwan Restaurant
221 Cathcart St., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 423-1178
Golden Buddha Restaurant
4610 Soquel Dr., Soquel, CA (831) 479-0788
Hong Kong Garden Restaurant
#14 Seascape Village, Aptos, CA (831) 662-0166
King Chwan Restaurant
415 Ocean St., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 429-5898
1010 Cedar St., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 458-2460
Mei Garden II Restaurant
533 Ocean, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 458-1687
O'Mei Restaurant
2316 Mission St., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 425-8458
Pacific Rim Buffet
8035 Soquel Dr., Aptos, CA (831) 688-5208
Panda Inn & Restaurant
5 Deer Park Center, Rio del Mar (831) 688-8620
Peking Restaurant
2623 41st Ave., Soquel, CA (831) 475-9234
Szechwan Garden Restaurant
617 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 423-2574
Continental Restaurants
Bocci's Cellar Restaurant
140 Encinal St., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 427-1795
787 Rio Del Mar Blvd., Rio Del Mar (831) 662-9799
101 Main St., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 426-9063
Chaminade Restaurant
1 Chaminade Ln., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 475-5600
110 Church St., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 429-2000
910 Cedar St., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 457-1677
"The town's most romantic spot." (Sunset magazine, March 2000). Intimate bistro dining in the heart of downtown Santa Cruz.
20 Clubhouse Rd., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 459-9177
Oswald's Restaurant
121 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (831) 423-7427
110 Pearl Alley, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 429-8070
7500 Old Dominion Ct., Aptos, CA (831) 688-8987
1750 Wharf Dr., Capitola, CA (831) 475-1511
1400 Wharf Rd., Capitola, CA (831) 476-3534
Deli
Erik's DeliCafe
712 Front St. (831) 425-5353
504 Bay Ave., Capitola, CA (831) 462-1200
Staff of Life
1305 Water St., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 423-8041
Zoccoli's Delicatessen
1534 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 423-1711
Family Dining Restaurants
2400 Porter St., Soquel, CA (831) 476-6260
494 Municipal Wharf Santa Cruz, CA (831) 423-2010
1549 41st Ave., Capitola, CA (831) 475-5764
French Restaurants
101 Main St., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 426-9063
8042 Soquel Drive, Aptos Village, CA (831) 688-6238
Explorer Review - Wonderful food, service and ambiance. It can be a little pricy, but the quality of food, service and ambience make it worthwhile.
9051 Soquel Dr., Aptos, CA (831) 688-5566
Traditional French cuisine with a California twist. Specialties include housemade pate, lamb shanks. Sauces and desserts made in house. California/French wine list. Bar, patio, private dining rooms.
Indian
Royal Taj (Indian Restaurant)
270 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 427-2400
Irish
Rosie McCann's Irish Pub & Restaurant
1220 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 426-9930
Italian Restaurants
Bella Roma Restaurante
316 Capitola Ave., Capitola, CA (831) 464-2608
Bocci's Cellar Restaurant
140 Encinal St., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 427-1795
740 front St.. # 100, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 458-1212
555 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 458-2321
2-1245 E. Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 479-3865
Zoccoli's Pasta House Restaurant
431 Front St., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 423-1717
Juice, Java & Bakeries
105 Stockton Avenue, Capitola, CA (831) 476-5422
3555 Clares Street #S, Capitola, CA (831) 475-8104
Japanese Restaurants
August Moon Sushi Cafe
3555 Clares, Capitola, CA (831) 464-9898
Benten Restaurant
1541 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 425-7079
105 S. River St., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 425-1700
Miyako Japanese Restaurant
1820 41st Ave., Capitola, CA (831) 462-5288
Naka Sushi Restaurant
851 41st Ave., Capitola, CA (831) 479-9620
Paradise Sushi Restaurant
200 Monterey Ave., Capitola, CA (831) 464-3328
Pink Godzilla Sushi Bar
830 41st Ave., Capitola, CA (831) 464-2586
Sukeroku Restaurant
1701 Mission St., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 426-6660
Sushi Garden Japanese Restaurant
820 Bay Avenue #148, Capitola, CA (831) 464-9192
1800 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 457-8466
Mediterranean
Falafel of Capitola, CA
2121 41st Ave., Capitola, CA (831) 479-9963
Falafel of Santa Cruz
1501 Mission St., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 459-0486
Vasili's Greek Food & BBQ
1501 Mission St., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 458-9808
Mexican Restaurants
The Acapulco
1116-A Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 426-7588
Costa Brava Restaurant
1222 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 425-7871
El Chino Restaurant
2525 Soquel Dr., Soquel, CA (831) 476-7175
1336 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 425-7575
La Mission Restaurant
1719 Mission St., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 426-3564
Las Palmas Taco Bar
55 Front St., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 429-1220
2605 Main St., Soquel, CA (831) 475-4700
261 Center St., Seacliff (831) 688-4848
221 Esplanade, Capitola, CA (831) 476-2263
650 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 458-9393
21 Seascape Village, Aptos, CA (831) 662-9000
Tacos Moreno Restaurant
1053 Water St., Santa Cruz, CA (8310429-6095
Taqueria Santa Cruz
2215 Mission St., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 423-0606
Tampico Kitchen Restaurant
822 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 458-2821
4616 Soquel Dr., Soquel, CA (831) 476-1754
Pizza Restaurants
Aptos Pizza
7945 Soquel Dr., Aptos, CA (831) 688-4030
Joe's Pizza and Subs
736 Water St., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 426-5955
Pacific Ave Pizza & Grille
1415 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 425-7492
Pizza My Heart
209 Esplanade, Capitolal, CA (831) 475-5714
7945 Soquel Dr., Aptos, CA (831) 688-4030
1501 41st Ave., Capitola, CA (831) 475-4450
817 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 425-8669
Upper Crust
2415 Mission St., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 423-9010
2501 Soquel Dr., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 476-2333
Seafood & Steaks
Aldo's Harbor Restaurant
616 Atlantic Ave., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 426-3736
131 Esplanade, Rio Del Mar (831) 688-8917
2218 E Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 476-4560
Dolphin Restaurant
Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 426-5830
Gilbert's Seafood Grill
460 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 423-5200
303 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 426-0313
20 Clubhouse Rd., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 459-9177
Ideal Bar & Grill
106 Beach St., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 423-5271
Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 423-4441
We offer indoor and outdoor dining with views of the famous Beach Boardwalk and Steamer's Lane. Enjoy fresh seafood, steaks, chicken and salads.
Portola House Restaurant
3326 Portola Dr., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 476-2733
Riva Fish House Restaurant
500 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 429-1223
1 Seascape Dr., Aptos, CA (831) 662-7120
Stagnaro Brother's Seafood Restaurant
Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 423-2180
Stagnaro Brother's feature over 20 kinds of fresh fish daily in their restaurant and fish market.
203 Esplanade, Capitola, CA (831) 475-4900
Thai Restaurants
207 Esplanade, Capitola, Ca. 95010 (831) 464-3800
Real Thai -- Restaurant 1
632 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 427-2559
Star of Siam Restaurant
3005 Porter St., Soquel, CA (831) 479-0366
Thai Basil Restaurant
210 Monterey Ave., Capitola, CA, 479-8985
Thai House -- Restaurant
353 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 458-3546
Westside Thai Restaurant
2238 Mission St., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 469-3209
Vegetarian Restaurants
Cafe del Sol -- Staff of Life
1305 Water St., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 423-8041
