17 Best Italian Restaurants near Aptos

“Fourth time here and still left impressed. Pizza, gnocchi, ragu, and sole dishes were fantastic. Didn leave room for desert but tried the strawberry and cream and lemon curd, anyway. Glad we did. Drinks were great too. Nice enough for a date night. Casual enough to be a great neighborhood hang. 10/10.“

“Amazing! That’s all that needs to be said. See you next visit!“

“This restaurant is amazing. Definitely worth visiting. Small and romantic. And the food..... Fantastic. I visited from out of town, had a late lunch. This is a place worth going to. The staff is warm and welcoming. I would definitely come back.“

“It’s the best, most authentic Italian food restaurant in Santa Cruz, and the ambience is so comfortable and inviting.“

“Champagne AND spaghetti?! I am so happy you can order Caruso's at Vin Vivant. A match made in Heaven!

The Caruso family is so nice and the food is just delicious, pure comfort food. The Gnocchi Al Forno is the best gnocchi I've ever had. Pillowy gnocchi in a hearty, garlicky marinara. It's like eating a WARM HUG.

I also love the Fettuccine Vodka and Chicken Parmesan. The complimentary bread with roasted garlic oil is such a nice gift.“

“food, fantastic, service, fantastic, quality, fantastic, you need to experience this place to truly understand how great this place is. thanks Alfredo!!!!“

“I’m from Tennessee- I ate at this restaurant once, 13 years ago when they were an unassuming restaurant in a tiny yet charming, building down the street. You had to walk through the kitchen to use the bathroom! But food was so crazy incredible that I had to look it up and come back again on my next trip to Santa Cruz 13 years later.

They have upgraded their venue, but the charm is still there for sure. The service was stellar and the food was just as good as I remembered.
Possibly the best lasagna that I have ever had. Better than my mothers’. Lol.
All of the apps we had were amazing. The pesto primavera was sooo good- love the broccoli in it. And the chocolate pot de crème was an outstanding finish. Ugh. Wish you guys would open a branch in Nashville. :)
Thanks!“

“Great scone mixes - even my BIL now likes scones! Very fast delivery (I live out of state) for mixes. The Lemon Curd is delicious - on top of scones or licked off of a spoon.“

“Excellent appetizers, amazing healthy food and great service.“

“The food is what I expect from Olive Garden. Addictive breadsticks, yummy soup, etc. but what this review is about is Nick. This man knows what girls want. And that’s more breadsticks without asking. I found out today his only his second day but he’s working like he’s reached a flow state and this is what he truly wants to be doing. If you read this, Nick, thank you. You made lunch amazing for my child.“

“Amazing food. Exquisite taste expertly prepared. The wait staff is so attentive and friendly. Loved everything from start to finish!“

“We stopped here on a rainy day for lunch. Soup, pasta and home-pickled gherkins were delicious. The owners were warm and welcoming to all, even if all that you were looking for was some shelter from the rain. A great, trully local place, great food served with love for community.“

“Josh was a great host. The Fish House Bar and Grill offers a warm and romantic ambiance. My wife and I were very pleased with the delicious food. Our first time at The Fish House but definitely not the last! You can view our “Food Coma - The Fish House Bar and Grill Watsonville, CA - Jon and Kristel Coma” episode on YouTube.“

“The food was fantastic and the service was on point!“

“Really delicious food & the beer is great! love the atmosphere.“

“Bingo was so fun! Fabulous pizza, dessert was yummy. Everybody who works there is very friendly, the entire establishment is inviting.😍“

“Calamari and chips. Only thing we order . 30 + years“