Santa Cruz Restaurants

Seaside restaurant with exposed beams & views serves an extensive menu of casual American fare.

Lively bar & grill for seafood, steaks & pastas in a marine-inspired space with a rotating bar.

Relaxed, airy hotel restaurant offering coastal cuisine & cocktails, plus live music & ocean views.

Low-key establishment serves hearty portions of prawns, oysters & other American seafood favorites.

Bustling room & bar with American entrees including steamed clams plus cocktails such as margaritas.

Californian cuisine & cocktails served in a cozy 1930s cottage with heated outdoor seating.

Mad Yolks - Pacific Ave in Santa Cruz. American cuisine with moderate prices.

Place to sample the brewery's main beers & seasonal releases, with nautical accents & a patio.

Small spot complete with a warm, romantic vibe offers carefully sourced, inventive Italian eats.

Bedda Mia in Santa Cruz. American cuisine with moderate prices.

Chill, family-owned spot with smoked BBQ fare, lots of craft beer on tap & nightly live blues.

Quirky dining rooms & views of Soquel Creek come alongside California cuisine & a wine list.

This low-key, family-friendly eatery offers American seafood favorites such as clam chowder & crab.

Copal Restaurant in Westside. Bar cuisine with moderate prices.

Waterfront restaurant offers a lively setting for casual Californian cuisine & cocktails.

Mexican dishes from family recipes served in an airy room where wooden beams create a relaxing vibe.

Tropical hangout featuring live music & a menu of Hawaiian fare such as poke & plate lunches.

The breakfast menu & juice bar star at this colorful Brazilian cottage with outdoor patio seating.

Bustling institution making breads, pastries & custom cakes, plus breakfast, sandwiches & salads.

Kid-friendly spot for breakfast all-day, classic American eats & international options such as pho.

Mariposa Coffee Bar in Santa Cruz. Bar cuisine with moderate prices.

11th Hour Coffee in Santa Cruz. Cafe cuisine with moderate prices.

Shrine Coffee in Santa Cruz. Cafe cuisine with moderate prices.

Coffee & pastries served in a laid-back, shabby-chic hangout with local art on display & live bands.

Ugly Mug CoffeeHouse in Soquel. Cafe cuisine with affordable prices.

The Grove Cafe and Bakery in Santa Cruz. Cafe cuisine with moderate prices.

Ivéta Westside in Santa Cruz. Cafe cuisine with moderate prices.

Low-key cafe offers light American fare for breakfast & lunch including scrambles & sandwiches.

Steamer Lane Supply in Santa Cruz. Cafe cuisine with affordable prices.

11th Hour Coffee Westside in Santa Cruz. Cafe cuisine with moderate prices.

Cafe Delmarette in Santa Cruz. Cafe cuisine with affordable prices.

Warm, folksy scene with breakfast plates, sandwiches & signature fruit tarts, plus a gift shop.

Funky little hangout with craft coffee drinks, chai & baked goods including sweets & loaded bagels.

NorCal-originated chain for thoughtfully sourced coffee drinks in a modern space with wooden decor.

Marea Sol Cafe in Santa Cruz. Cafe cuisine with moderate prices.

Cat & Cloud Coffee in Santa Cruz. Cafe cuisine with moderate prices.

Cat & Cloud Coffee in Santa Cruz. Cafe cuisine with moderate prices.

Loft Coffee in Aptos. Cafe cuisine with moderate prices.

Acclaimed coffee shop earns buzz with small-batch & artisanal blends in a cozy, comfortable space.

Romantic yet casual cafe offers American food & wine, plus an outdoor patio with a fireplace.

Diner-style American cuisine served in a casual family-friendly atmosphere.

Mad Yolks - 41st Ave in Santa Cruz. American cuisine with moderate prices.

The nautical theme & relaxing outdoor patio continue the laid-back vibe at this American diner.

Homey family diner serving hearty breakfasts & diverse American lunches, plus homemade dessert.

This cozy oasis offers classic American breakfast & lunch fare across from the bustling boardwalk.

All-day grab-&-go spot provides a lengthy menu of sandwiches, salads, housemade baked goods & more.

Pretty Good Advice in Soquel. American cuisine with affordable prices.

Cafe preparing seasonal, health-conscious bites for breakfast & lunch in a historic building.

Quick-order kitchen cooks up omelets & burgers to order in a relaxed atmosphere.

Heavenly Roadside Café in Scotts Valley. Cafe cuisine with moderate prices.

Sunset Restaurant in Santa Cruz. American cuisine with moderate prices.

Casual American eats & a full bar in a comfortable room with golf course views open to the public.

Ibiza in Santa Cruz. American cuisine with moderate prices.

Established Italian deli featuring gourmet sandwiches, pastas & salads, plus outdoor seating.

Right on the harbor, this family-owned spot serves classic seafood dishes plus Italian favorites.

Occasional live music sets a festive tone at this American grill with bayside patio dining.

All-day fare with local ingredients in a relaxed spot offering juices, plus a patio & live jazz.

Organic American bistro fare plus various truffles & hot cocoas in a charming space with a patio.

Happening spot for creative American entrees in a modern setting with optional fixed-price menus.

Laid-back pizzeria serves made-to-order pies plus sandwiches & other casual fare in a chill setting.

Simple option for thick-crust, Sicilian-style pizza, stuffed muffaletta sandwiches & pasta dishes.

Surf-themed California chain for pizzas with local ingredients in a low-key counter-serve setting.

D20 Pizza in Westside. Pizza cuisine with moderate prices.

Relaxed option serving wood-fired pizza with varied toppings, plus salads & tiramisu.

Pleasure Pizza in Santa Cruz. Pizza cuisine with affordable prices.

Family-friendly spot serving favorites such as pizza, pasta & salads in a warm, cozy setting.

Bookie’s Pizza in Santa Cruz. Pizza cuisine with moderate prices.

Low-key venue serving pizza, sandwiches & house specials (some locations offer to-go slices only).

Surf-themed California chain for pizzas with local ingredients in a low-key counter-serve setting.

Low-key venue serving pizza, sandwiches & house specials (some locations offer to-go slices only).

Simple option for thick-crust, Sicilian-style pizza, stuffed muffaletta sandwiches & pasta dishes.

Airy space featuring wood-fired pizza with seasonal toppings & organic Mediterranean dishes.

Contemporary-casual spot serving pizza & Italian eats such as pasta, calzones & chicken cacciatore.

La Marea Cafe & Pizzeria in Capitola. Cafe cuisine with moderate prices.

Showtime Pizzeria in Aptos. American cuisine with affordable prices.

Oyuki Sushi & Peruvian Cuisine in Santa Cruz. Japanese cuisine with moderate prices.

Laid-back sushi spot with specialty rolls, local craft beers & funky street art-style decor.

Creative sushi rolls along with classic entrees such as chicken teriyaki in a chill setting.

Quirky, laid-back sushi bar with creative rolls & classic Japanese entrees like teriyaki & udon.

ZENSHI Handcrafted Sushi in Westside. Japanese cuisine with moderate prices.

Zen Musubi in Santa Cruz. American cuisine with moderate prices.

Toya Sushi in Westside. Japanese cuisine with moderate prices.

Japanese entrees plus an array of colorful sushi rolls are carefully presented in a small room.

Sushi & other Japanese fare are served in a bright, open space with large windows & TVs.

Fuji Sushi in Soquel. Japanese cuisine with moderate prices.

The Buzz Sushi in Santa Cruz. Japanese cuisine with moderate prices.

Sushi Market Sprouts in Santa Cruz. Japanese cuisine with moderate prices.

Established sushi house offering a range of rolls, lunchtime bento boxes & a laid-back vibe.

Quaint restaurant specializing in ramen, sushi & Japanese tapas, plus beer & sake.

Daisuki Octagon Sushi in Santa Cruz. Japanese cuisine with moderate prices.

Surf City Kitchen in Santa Cruz. American cuisine with moderate prices.

M.G. Sushi in Seabright. Japanese cuisine with affordable prices.

Akira Aptos in Aptos. American cuisine with moderate prices.

Japanese restaurant preparing a selection of sushi platters as well as hot options.

Laid-back counter-serve spot featuring a menu of tacos, burritos & other Mexican staples.

Taqueria La Katrina in Westside. American cuisine with moderate prices.

El Chipotle Taqueria 2 in Santa Cruz. American cuisine with moderate prices.

Family-owned Mexican outpost offers traditional fare including burritos & nachos in a basic space.

Taqueria Vallarta in Westside. American cuisine with affordable prices.

Taqueria Agave in Soquel. American cuisine with affordable prices.

Taqueria for classic street eats & homestyle plates with beer & wine in simple surroundings.

Taqueria Santa Cruz in Soquel. American cuisine with affordable prices.

Evarista's Comal Restaurant in Santa Cruz. American cuisine with moderate prices.

Classic Mexican eats such as burritos & nachos served at a casual eatery with multiple locations.

An all-day menu of Mexican standards is served both indoors & out at this cozy, family-owned nook.

Low-key, counter-serve venue dishing out homestyle Mexican plates from tacos to smothered burritos.

Taqueria Vallarta in Santa Cruz. American cuisine with affordable prices.

Small, low-key eatery doling out classic Mexican plates from tacos to tortas in unfussy digs.

Long-running, cash-only counter-serve selling Mexican staples such as tacos, burritos & quesadillas.

El Chipotle Taqueria and Restaurant in Soquel. American cuisine with affordable prices.

Settled right on the wharf, this innovative Mexican cantina features seafood in many of its dishes.

Low-key, counter-serve option serving Mexican staples such as street tacos & burritos.

Cozy venue offers traditional Sicilian recipes along with regional wines in a warm dining room.

Sugo Italian Pasta Bar in Soquel. Italian cuisine with moderate prices.

Casual, intimate place offering Italian fare, including wood-fired pizza, plus a wine list & patio.

Bottega del Lago in Santa Cruz. American cuisine with moderate prices.

Inventive Italian dishes crafted from local & seasonal ingredients in a cozy setting.

Popular spot for classic Italian cuisine with a Californian twist in a warm, laid-back atmosphere.

Ivéta Downtown in Santa Cruz. American cuisine with moderate prices.

Mentone in Aptos. American cuisine with moderate prices.

Aroma in Santa Cruz. American cuisine with moderate prices.

Cozy, mom-&-pop eatery featuring pasta, Neapolitan-style pies & other traditional Italian entrees.

Emozioni Pasticceria & Rosticceria in Soquel. Bakery cuisine with moderate prices.

Seaside eatery turning out seafood staples like chowder & fish 'n' chips with views of the Pacific.

Chloe’s Kitchen in Westside. American cuisine with moderate prices.

Special Noodle in Santa Cruz. American cuisine with moderate prices.

Guang Zho in Santa Cruz. American cuisine with affordable prices.

Canton Westside in Westside. American cuisine with moderate prices.

noodle time in Santa Cruz. American cuisine with moderate prices.

Hearty portions of standard fare are served at this unassuming Chinese eatery with a comfy interior.

Rice bowls, noodles & other Asian eats in a colorful, counter-serve venue with an outdoor patio.

Mom-&-pop restaurant whipping up classic Chinese dishes in a small, down-to-earth setting.

Casual, longtime locale with an old-world atmosphere & sizable Chinese dishes to eat in or take out.

Dim sum, clay pot dishes, plus standard Chinese options, served up in a warm & informal setting.

Storied Chinese spot in a strip mall with old-world flair, plus family-style meals & lunch specials.

Long-standing Chinese eatery with patio seating offers a range of classic dishes in a comfy setting.

Betty Noodles in Santa Cruz. American cuisine with moderate prices.

Chinese Village in Capitola. Chinese cuisine with affordable prices.

Fusion Fare Restaurant in Santa Cruz. American cuisine with moderate prices.

Canton Restaurant in Santa Cruz. American cuisine with moderate prices.

Chinese eatery serving classic dishes, plus beer, wine & sake, in casual, homey surroundings.

Classic Thai fare served in a casual restaurant decked out with traditional Asian decor.

Golden Fu Wah Restaurant / Fuji Sushi in Soquel. Japanese cuisine with moderate prices.

Uncle Kwok's Szechwan Restaurant in Aptos. American cuisine with moderate prices.

Standard restaurant offering a menu of Thai dishes including a range of lunchtime specials.

Casual, A-frame eatery offering Thai staples such as curries & noodles in timber-clad surrounds.

Airy, understated dining room offering familiar Thai curries, noodles & appetizers.

Hanloh in Santa Cruz. Bar cuisine with moderate prices.

Sawasdee Thai Cuisine in Soquel. Thai cuisine with moderate prices.

Eclectic, ornate eatery with Asian art offering Thai classics like curries, soups & stir-fries.

Best Thai Spa in Santa Cruz. Thai cuisine with moderate prices.

Kao Sook Thai Cuisine in Scotts Valley. Thai cuisine with affordable prices.

Green Papaya Authentic Thai in Aptos. Thai cuisine with moderate prices.

Informal, Asian art–lined venue for Thai standards like curries, soups & noodle stir-fries.

Classic Thai fare comes with views of the ocean at this casual venue with vegetarian options.

Asian Express in Capitola. American cuisine with moderate prices.

Namaste Indian Cuisine in Westside. Indian cuisine with moderate prices.

Ambrosia India Bistro - Scotts Valley in Scotts Valley. American cuisine with moderate prices.

Low-key eatery specializes in vegetarian dishes, plus gluten-free options too, in a relaxed space.

Namaste Grill & Bar in Santa Cruz. Bar cuisine with moderate prices.

Quick-serve counter offering vegan bowls & sandwiches alongside gluten-free options.

Flavors of India in Santa Cruz. American cuisine with moderate prices.

Ambrosia India Bistro- APTOS in Santa Cruz. American cuisine with moderate prices.

Royal Taj India Cuisine in Soquel. American cuisine with moderate prices.

Industrial-chic eatery serving vegetarian Asian-fusion fare & tropical, health-conscious drinks.

Pho' house & TAQUERIA DEL MAR in Santa Cruz. American cuisine with moderate prices.

Monster Pot in Santa Cruz. American cuisine with moderate prices.

831 Vietnamese Restaurant in Westside. Vietnamese cuisine with moderate prices.

Hokkaido Ramen House in Westside. American cuisine with moderate prices.

Cooked Japanese classics such as udon, tempura & skewers, plus sushi, in a relaxed setting.

Pono Hawaiian Kitchen & Tap in Capitola. Bar cuisine with moderate prices.

Kamakura Japanese Restaurant in Santa Cruz. Japanese cuisine with moderate prices.

Belly Goat Craft Burgers in Santa Cruz. American cuisine with moderate prices.

Steaks, burgers & other grill options in a rustic, elegant restaurant at the Inn at Pasatiempo.

Low-key, family-owned restaurant offering classic American steak & seafood, plus beer & wine.

Familiar fare such as all-day breakfasts, steak & sandwiches, served in a homey setup with a patio.

Casually refined choice for Californian fare & seafood with mesquite grill, full bar & ocean views.

Hook & Line in Santa Cruz. American cuisine with moderate prices.

An eclectic menu of seafood dishes with Mediterranean & Asian influences amid harbor views.

Indoor & outdoor dining with a beachfront deck where American dishes including seafood are served.

Miches and Ceviches in Santa Cruz. American cuisine with moderate prices.

H&H Fresh Fish in Santa Cruz. American cuisine with moderate prices.

Tropical, tiki-inspired outpost offering a range of Hawaiian eats with an American spin & drinks.

Meat-centric dishes plus hearty sides & wine in a rustic, family-friendly steakhouse with a patio.

The Point Kitchen and Bar in Santa Cruz. Bar cuisine with moderate prices.

Sampa Brazilian Kitchen in Santa Cruz. American cuisine with moderate prices.

Upmarket chophouse purveys Kobe beef & other prime cuts in a stylish, fireplace-equipped setting.

Pretty Good Advice in Santa Cruz. American cuisine with moderate prices.

Upscale New American fare featuring lavish desserts & cocktails plus an outdoor patio.

Buzzy Mediterranean & Middle Eastern cafe with exotic decor serving small bites, mains & drinks.

NahNa | Modern Eritrean Food in Santa Cruz. American cuisine with moderate prices.

Charming, cozy cafe with a homey atmosphere serving New American plates that skew local.

Arslans Turkish Street Food in Santa Cruz. American cuisine with moderate prices.

Far West Fungi in Santa Cruz. American cuisine with moderate prices.

BAD ANIMAL in Santa Cruz. American cuisine with moderate prices.

Compact, laid-back cafe preparing organic açaí fruit bowls, coffee, yerba mate tea & smoothies.

Bright bakeshop offering gluten/peanut-free breads, donuts & other treats, plus sandwiches & salads.

Soul Salad in Aptos. American cuisine with moderate prices.

Achilles by the Sea in Soquel. American cuisine with affordable prices.

Front & Cooper in Santa Cruz. Bar cuisine with moderate prices.

The Jury Room in Santa Cruz. Bar cuisine with affordable prices.

Serving beer, wine & cocktails, this nightclub also offers a varied schedule of live bands & DJs.

Brady's Yacht Club in Seabright. Bar cuisine with affordable prices.

Upbeat hub offering a big beer menu, wings, burgers & other bar eats, plus pool & live music.

Callahan's Bar in Santa Cruz. Bar cuisine with affordable prices.

Casual bar offering specialty cocktails, rare whiskeys, bourbons & tequilas, plus outdoor seating.

Rush Inn in Santa Cruz. Bar cuisine with affordable prices.

One Double Oh Seven Club in Soquel. Bar cuisine with moderate prices.

Asti in Santa Cruz. Bar cuisine with affordable prices.

Monty's Log Cabin in Santa Cruz. Bar cuisine with affordable prices.

A laid-back spot for domestic & international craft beers, with Spanish & Mexican-tinged bar fare.

Relaxed haunt featuring bar grub & daily breakfast, plus live music nights in cozy, seaside digs.

This microbrewery makes organic beers & serves them in a dog-friendly taproom with eats & a garden.

Low-key, dog-friendly beer garden & eatery serving an array of pub grub, bottles & local brews.

Over the Hill Gang Saloon in Santa Cruz. Bar cuisine with affordable prices.

Gilman Brewing Santa Cruz Taproom Brewpub Gastropub Restaurant in Soquel. Bar cuisine with moderate prices.

Woodhouse Blending & Brewing in Santa Cruz. American cuisine with moderate prices.

Balefire Brewing Company in Santa Cruz. American cuisine with moderate prices.

Overlooking the brewing equipment, this industrial-chic gastropub serves a classic American menu.

Snug brewery featuring old-world-style ales with a twist & a comfy tasting room with a relaxed vibe.

Snug brewery featuring old-world-style ales with a twist & a comfy tasting room with a relaxed vibe.

Humble Sea Beer Garden on the Wharf in Santa Cruz. Bar cuisine with moderate prices.

Casual brewery & tasting room pouring classic craft beers in playful quarters with patio seats.

Private Press Brewing in Santa Cruz. American cuisine with moderate prices.

Laughing Monk Brewing and Gastropub in Scotts Valley. Bar cuisine with moderate prices.

Bustling brewpub & sports bar serving housemade pints & elevated American mains in industrial digs.

Brews at the Beach in Santa Cruz. Bar cuisine with moderate prices.

The Salty Otter Sports Grill in Santa Cruz. American cuisine with moderate prices.

Family-owned brewery known for housemade British cask ales & American styles, plus packaged snacks.

The Apéro Club in Santa Cruz. Bar cuisine with moderate prices.

Relaxed, airy waterfront spot for wine tasting with savory snacks & ocean views.

Margins Wine Cubby in Santa Cruz. Bar cuisine with moderate prices.

Relaxed, family-owned vineyard with red & white wines plus an outdoor patio & tasting room.

Big Basin Vineyards - Tasting Room & Tapas Bar in Santa Cruz. Bar cuisine with moderate prices.

Birichino Winery Tasting Room in Santa Cruz. American cuisine with moderate prices.

Stockwell Cellars in Santa Cruz. American cuisine with moderate prices.

After Hours Cocktail Bar in Santa Cruz. Bar cuisine with moderate prices.

Armida Winery Tasting Room in Capitola. American cuisine with moderate prices.

Madson Wines in Santa Cruz. Bar cuisine with moderate prices.

Mission West in Westside. Bar cuisine with moderate prices.

Ulterior in Santa Cruz. Bar cuisine with moderate prices.

Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen | Westside in Santa Cruz. Bar cuisine with moderate prices.

Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard in Santa Cruz. American cuisine with moderate prices.

Sourdough breads & pastries baked on premise & served in a casual setting with gourmet light fare.

El Rosal Bakery in Santa Cruz. Bakery cuisine with affordable prices.

Sugar Bakery in Soquel. Bakery cuisine with moderate prices.

La Placa Family Bakery in Santa Cruz. Bakery cuisine with moderate prices.

La Santa Cruz Bakery in Santa Cruz. Bakery cuisine with moderate prices.

Pacific Cookie Company in Santa Cruz. Bakery cuisine with affordable prices.

A late night spot for fun cookies, ice cream, and ice cream sandwich options.

Manresa Bread in Santa Cruz. Bakery cuisine with moderate prices.

Relaxed roadside cafe whipping up homestyle American fare, plus live music shows.

Adorable French Bakery in Scotts Valley. Bakery cuisine with affordable prices.

Companion Bakeshop Aptos in Aptos. Bakery cuisine with moderate prices.

Kelly's French Bakery - Pop Up in Santa Cruz. Bakery cuisine with moderate prices.

Beckmann's Old World Bakery in Santa Cruz. Bakery cuisine with moderate prices.

Santa Cruz Bakery in Santa Cruz. Bakery cuisine with moderate prices.

Eclectic & seasonal flavors of organic, made-from-scratch ice cream served in a spare, rustic space.

Lively counter serve offering organic, artisanal ice cream, plus housemade baked goods.

Marianne's Ice Cream in Santa Cruz. American cuisine with affordable prices.

Izzy's Ices in Santa Cruz. American cuisine with affordable prices.

Cruz Creamery in Santa Cruz. American cuisine with moderate prices.

Cookie Cruz in Santa Cruz. Bakery cuisine with moderate prices.

Local institution serving up a wide range of housemade ice cream flavors, frozen yogurt & espresso.

Top A Lot Yogurt - Santa Cruz in Santa Cruz. American cuisine with affordable prices.

Donnelly Chocolates in Westside. American cuisine with moderate prices.

Soul Sweets The Tea House in Scotts Valley. Cafe cuisine with moderate prices.

Colorful retail chain offering classic & oversized candy, plus apparel, accessories & novelty gifts.

Whimsical shop dishing homemade ice cream made from seasonal local ingredients & unique flavors.

Ferrell's Donut House in Santa Cruz. Bakery cuisine with affordable prices.

Marianne's Ice Cream Scoop Shop, Offices & Plant in Santa Cruz. American cuisine with moderate prices.

Polar Bear Ice Cream in Capitola. American cuisine with moderate prices.

The Penny Ice Creamery | Scotts Valley in Scotts Valley. American cuisine with affordable prices.

Branch of a longtime California-based fast-food chain serving burgers & soft-serve ice cream.

Counter-serve chain where all of the ice cream selections are made fresh on-site every day.

Chocolate Dipped Ice Cream in Santa Cruz. American cuisine with moderate prices.

Marini's Candies in Santa Cruz. American cuisine with moderate prices.

Benni Pops® in Santa Cruz. American cuisine with moderate prices.

Blending French and Italian classics with California-grown ingredients, local seafood, and a playful, farm-driven spirit, each dish is a fresh take on timeless flavors.