Restaurants in Santa Cruz
The Best Restaurants
Hindquarter Bar & Grille
303 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062Fall face-firat into beef. Santa Cruz has some of the best restaurants in the world, but steaks here usually feel like an after-thought to fish and exotic...
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- Superb694 Reviews4.8
El Palomar
1336 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060Went here for date night and wanted to try a different Mexican restaurant. We didn't have reservations and we must've been lucky because as soon as...
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- Superb751 Reviews4.7
Linda's Seabreeze Café
542 Seabright Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062100/10. I had the best time here with my sisters. The staff is so polite and it is such a cute little cafe with outdoor seating. Very charming! The food is so...
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- Superb553 Reviews4.8
Zachary's Restaurant
819 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060As someone with an egg intolerance, at first I was expecting another breakfast outing with friends where I couldn’t order anything on the menu. I was...
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- Superb529 Reviews4.7
Crow's Nest Restaurant
2218 E Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95062My husband & I ate here for my birthday. We drove from RWC so the drive wasn't to bad. We had reservations for 4:30pm to beat the crowd. We had a...
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- Superb672 Reviews4.4
Cafe Brasil
1410 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060Stopped here on our visit to Santa Cruz. Wait time was minimal and they have Yelp waitlist and seating outside to wait. The parking lot is behind the...
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- Superb365 Reviews4.6
Engfer Pizza Works
537 Seabright Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062Controversial statement... but definitely the best pizza in Santa Cruz. Not too much cheese, good ingredients, awesome crust. And if you have a gluten-free...
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- Superb253 Reviews4.8
Lillian's Italian Kitchen
1148 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062The place was tasty! I really enjoyed the meatballs the most! I ordered the stuffed gnocchi with the Gorgonzola sauce. It was tasty flavor wise and the gnocchi...
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- Superb286 Reviews4.6
Harbor Café
535 7th Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062Love this spot! We had the huevos rancheros + the veggie scramble + craft kambucha. Everything was really good. Also reasonable priced. Only recommendation is...
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- Superb270 Reviews4.6
Back Nine Grill & Bar
555 Highway 17 Inside the Inn at, Pasatiempo, Santa Cruz, CA 95060I had dinner with my family and felt vibes really warm. I ordered bbq salad and cocktail. Very big portion and I loved it. I couldn't take a photo beacuse...
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- Superb341 Reviews4.4
The Walnut Avenue Cafe
106 Walnut Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060The food here is asking for a three-star rating but I'll bump it up to 4 for the service. A table for two on an early Saturday morning had a bit of a wait...
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- Superb280 Reviews4.4
Hula's Island Grill
221 Cathcart St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060We ordered just about every preparation of Mahi-mahi and Ono and the fried tofu for takeout. The food was ready exactly when they said it would be, and pick up...
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- Superb316 Reviews4.3
Seabright Deli
415 Seabright Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062Local deli, close to the beach. Had the hot roast beef sandwich called The Giant Dipper. It is generous enough for 2 and comes with amazing au jus. My half...
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- Superb181 Reviews4.7
Woodstock's Pizza Santa Cruz
710 Front St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060Went here for a date and got stood up. Ended up having to eat an entire order of wild bread to myself. As I was sulking in my loneliness, one of their crew...
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- Good310 Reviews4.2
Vim Dining and Desserts
2238 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060This was our first time at this place. I had heard amazing things about it so we ventured out. Parking was easy. The hostess was warm and friendly. The decor...
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- Superb160 Reviews4.7
Veg On The Edge
725 Front St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060This is one of our favorite vegan places to visit when we're in Santa Cruz. The menu is limited -- and gets more limited as the day goes by -- but what...
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- Superb203 Reviews4.5
Oswald Restaurant
121 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060Enjoy dinner at Oswalds the ambiance was nice and clean. It was a group of 5. We ordered tried the (3) fried oysters, Crab, (4) New York steaks that were the...
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- Good288 Reviews4.2
West End Tap and Kitchen
334 Ingalls St d, Santa Cruz, CA 95060Cool, trendy place to go on the west side. We were seated quickly and service was friendly. I had a juicy mushroom and caramelized onion burger and fries. ...
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- Superb255 Reviews4.3
Silver Spur
2650 Soquel Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95065Our new favorite breakfast spot. The food is amazing. My daughter and I split a breakfast burrito & are full from half. The veggies in it are fresh and...
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- Superb196 Reviews4.5
Cafe Gratitude
103 Lincoln St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060Their food is the best Vegan food I've had so far. Friendly staff and a great selection of options you can choose from. Also, amazing desert menu. This...
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- Superb235 Reviews4.3
Mission St. BBQ
1618 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060I think this is probably the best barbecue place in Santa Cruz. Everything they serve is so tender and juicy. It is always a consistent experience. They often...
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- Good263 Reviews4.2
The Water Street Grill
503 Water St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060We were staying up the street from the restaurant and heard a lot of good things about it. Came in with a group of 16 people and they sat us all together....
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- Good315 Reviews4
Lupulo Craft Beer House
233 Cathcart St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060Fantastic beer selection, great food, and better customer service. Specifically, I asked staff's opinion and never felt talked down to, and when a staff...
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- Superb201 Reviews4.4
Tacos Moreno
1053 Water St, Santa Cruz, CA 95062Even though I love mission-style burritos with rice, Tacos Moreno make the most delicious burritos in Santa Cruz, hands down. They make chili verde with beef...
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- Superb236 Reviews4.5
Lago di Como
21490 E Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95062Exquisite menu and wonderful wine list. Had our father's birthday party of 10 and we were waited on so beautifully. Felt like you were in a family's...
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- Superb193 Reviews4.4
Makai Island Kitchen & Groggery
49A Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA 95060Had lunch 10/7/21. Recommended by a co worker. He said try the ribs. He wasn't kidding! Katherine, my server was cheery, had my order to me in less than...
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- Good270 Reviews4.1
Taqueria Los Pericos
139 Water St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060Really good. I got 2 pastor and 1 carne asada tacos, and they were done before I was finished getting chips and salsa from the salsa bar, which includes both...
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- Superb299 Reviews4.3
Kiantis Pizza & Pasta Bar
1100 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060Chef's kiss! I would rate this a 10/10 if I could. This place served delicious food and their service was great. At first I thought, you know, like many...
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- Good290 Reviews4
American Restaurants
American in Santa Cruz
The Crêpe Place
1134 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062The Crepe Place is unique. They have spectacular crepes, with great soups and salads. Bar attached, so the alcohol selection is good too. Sitting outside on...
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- Good209 Reviews4.2
FireFish Grill
25 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA 95060Stagnaros was closed and this was my second choice- which did not disappoint. Lunch with a view - Heck yes!!!! We were seated at the back right of the...
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- Good303 Reviews3.6
Pizza Restaurants
Pizza in Santa Cruz
Upper Crust Pizza & Pasta
2415 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060Food was excellent, great options other than pizza. It was conveniently located across from my hotel. We ordered online to go but the atmosphere seemed very...
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- Good222 Reviews4.2
Pizza My Heart
1116 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060Absolutely delicious. I'm always a little iffy about by the slice pizza spots because they are typically hit or miss with the quality. This place was not...
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- Good271 Reviews4
Mexican Restaurants
Mexican in Santa Cruz
De La Hacienda Taqueria
354 Washington St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060Wow. The average food item here is absolutely exceptional. Not good, not great - exceptional. Kudos to this family for absolutely crushing it. We popped in for...
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- Superb180 Reviews4.6
Salsas Taco Bar
1710 Brommer St, Santa Cruz, CA 95062We called in probably the most complicated order they've ever taken, and the guy (in the Spurs hat) who took it got the whole thing right the first time...
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- Superb169 Reviews4.3
Cafe El Palomar
2222 E Cliff Dr STE 100, Santa Cruz, CA 95062I've been here a few times and every time I have been here service has been great. Bartenders always make great drinks. Usually tends to get busy due to...
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- Good188 Reviews3.8
Chinese Restaurants
Chinese in Santa Cruz
Chinese Village
3780 Capitola Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95062Saw the reviews and had to stop by, great value for the food! I had leftovers as this place fills you up! I highly recommend, they have plenty of options...
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- Good119 Reviews4.2
Yan Flower
617 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060I went there with a new lady who told me it was her favorite place. Service was fun and personable Enjoyed a pork with eggplant dish and a selection of...
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- Good158 Reviews4.1
Seafood Restaurants
Seafood in Santa Cruz
Riva Fish House
31 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA 95060That place is terrific especially for Muslims who are looking for halal food. The menu is full of great dishes and there are fish for the kids. The staff is...
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- Good270 Reviews3.9
Stagnaro Bros.
59 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA 95060Amazing seafood and some of the best views of the water. This restaurant has been my family's go-to for years. The indoor seating was closed, but we had...
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- Good248 Reviews3.9
Sushi Bars
Sushi Bars in Santa Cruz
Akira Seabright
1222 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062I highly recommend Akira sushi for the quality and delicious contemporary Japanese sushi rolls and bento dinners. They use high quality material and you can...
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- Good192 Reviews4.2
I LOVE SUSHI
516 Front St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060The staff treated our large group quite well. There were several freebies that the owner threw in, which more than made up for the one dish that didn't...
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- Good192 Reviews3.9
M.G. Sushi
1733 Seabright Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062Great sushi, happy employees, could be a bit more timely but can't win every battle! Definitely would recommend calling in to order (not using the online...
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- Good156 Reviews3.9
Thai Restaurants
Thai in Santa Cruz
Sabieng Thai Cuisine
1218 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060We ordered the duck. It was deep fried perfectly. You can get it made without the edition of oyster sauce if you have an allergy. Just ask, they are very...
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- Good174 Reviews4.2
@ Thai Recipe
2106A Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060Everything I've had here--ginger soup, fresh rolls, spring rolls, Tom Yum, eggplant -- has been fantastic! Plus, they actually listen to your custom...
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- Good162 Reviews4.1
Burger Restaurants
Burgers in Santa Cruz
Betty Burgers
505 Seabright Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062Betty Burgers has become a staple of mine every time I come to Santa Cruz. It's in a pretty good location with a reasonable amount of parking (I usually...
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- Good284 Reviews4
Jack's Hamburgers
202 Lincoln St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060Great local burger stand, small dining room but larger patio area. I had the Double Cheeseburger, which was delicious. Thin patties with a nice crispy crust...
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- Superb206 Reviews4.3
Betty Burgers
1000 41st Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062For the sticker and the fries. apparently this review is too short to submit so i'll tell y'all about my day. i went surfing at pleasure point but...
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- Good228 Reviews4
Italian Restaurants
Italian in Santa Cruz
Ristorante Italiano
555 Soquel Ave STE 150, Santa Cruz, CA 95062Staff was very friendly and kind. Food was served promptly. We ate outdoors and the flame heaters they had were awesome. Even though it was a bit chilly...
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- Good180 Reviews4.2
Aldo's Harbor Restaurant
790 Mariner Park Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95062FYI there are 2 harbor restaurants so make sure you are looking at the right one! This Italian spot is on Northside of harbor. The cafe is outside seating and...
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- Good193 Reviews3.9
Sandwich Shops
Sandwich Shops in Santa Cruz
The Buttery
702 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062Cake by the slice was not available unfortunately. But cupcakes were moist and not too sweet. (Cupcakes would be the only item that I'd be happy to have...
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- Good261 Reviews4.1
Emily's Good Things To Eat
1129 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060Go early for best selection. Everything I have ever had here has been great. I used to survive off the day olds basket, but my all time favorites are the lemon...
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- Superb166 Reviews4.3
Ike's Love & Sandwiches
1318 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060Absolutely great tuna fish sandwich on a really good sourdough roll. For vegetarians they have turkey vegan substitutes and chicken vegan substitutes and...
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- Good165 Reviews4
Bar & Grill
Bar & Grill in Santa Cruz
Ideal Bar & Grill
106 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060The location makes this restaurant IDEAL .... There I said it!!!! Really it's true! On a great day, sitting on the deck drinking a Bloody Mary is where...
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- Good375 Reviews3.5
Parish Publick House Westside Santa Cruz
841 Almar Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060Amazing. Truly, truly amazing. Their service is quick despite being understaffed! They had one server for all of outer tables and their fries are to die for....
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- Superb172 Reviews4.3
Pono Hawaiian Grill
3744 Capitola Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95062BEST PORK LAU LAU!! I come here just for this dish! No one else makes it as good as here! Also really like the outdoor seating, perfect for having dogs come...
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- Good209 Reviews4