13 Best Italian Restaurants in Santa Cruz

La Posta Italian • $$
538 Seabright Ave, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Fresh Fettucini with Parmiagiano Reggio Peccorino Butter
Gem Lettuce Salad with Killer Bread
Tagliatelle Wild Mushroom
Pizza Margherita
Brussels Sprouts
Seared Scallops
Affogato

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

4.6 Superb355 Reviews
Sugo Italian Pasta Bar Italian • $$
1116 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
Wild Mushroom Ravioli
Spaghetti Carbonara
Eggplant Parmigiana
Chicken Parmigiana
Mousse De Chocolate
Bruschetta Classica
Vegetariana Pizza
Lasagna Boloness
Chocolate Mousse

“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.“

4.6 Superb262 Reviews
Lago di Como Italian • $$
21490 E Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

IL Branzino - Mediterranean Seabass
Tagliatelle Alla Bolognese
Casoncelli Butternut
Burrata E Prosciutto
Chocolate Mousse Bomb
Scaloppine Del Lago
Carpaccio Di Manzo
Chocolate Souffle
Pizza Siciliana
Salmon Piccata

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

4.6 Superb140 Reviews
Lillian's Italian Kitchen Italian • $$
1148 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Black Truffle Stuffed Gnocchi in Pesto Cream with Filet Mignon
Black Truffle Gnocchi with Gorgonzola Sauce
Fettuccine with Braised Beef Ragu
Fettuccine with Braised Beet Ragu
Wild Mushroom and Kale Ravioli
Ravioli in Tomato Cream Sauce
Prawns Scampi with Spaghetti
Garlic Bread with Mozzarella
The Specialty Pasta Diavolo
Spaghetti Alla Carbonara

“Absolutely fantastic Italian restaurant! The food was fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with high-quality ingredients. Every dish we tried — from the pasta to the desserts — was delicious and perfectly prepared. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and the service was attentive without being overwhelming. Great wine selection and authentic flavors that made the whole experience memorable. Highly recommend for anyone looking for amazing Italian food, and I’ll definitely be coming back!“

4.5 Superb186 Reviews
Tramonti Italian • $$
528 Seabright Ave, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Fettuccine Alla Bolognese
Seafood Stew Guazzetto
Spaghetti & Meatballs
Eggplant Parmigiana
Meatballs & Polenta
Stromboli Calzone
Short Rib Ravioli
Margherita Pizza
Burrata & Beets
Prawns Diavola

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

4.4 Superb141 Reviews
Ivéta Downtown Italian • $$
545 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Orange Almond Cookie GF
Cheese Ravioli Pomodoro
Citronette Salad GF
Citronette Salad
Chicken Picatta
Pinsa Sausage
Polenta Fries
Caesar Salad
Crab Cakes
Tiramisu

“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.“

4.3 Superb114 Reviews
Avanti Restaurant American • $$$
1917 Mission St, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Dinosaur Kale Salad with Almonds Ricotta Salata Citrus Vinaigrette
Dinosaur Kale Salad with Almonds Ricotta Salt Citrus Vinaigrette
Seafood Linguine Puttanesca
Butternut Squash Ravioli
Focaccia \u0026 Olives
Daily Fish Special
Braised Short Rib
Chocolate Mousse
Seafood Risotto
Potato Gnocchi

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

4.2 Good64 Reviews
Gabriella Café Italian • $$
910 Cedar St, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Grilled Persimmons & Burrata
Breakfast Taco with Salad
Butternut Squash Ravioli
Brussels Sprouts
Porcini Gnocchi
Waffles
Fish

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

4.2 Good225 Reviews
Zoccoli's Delicatessen Deli • $
1534 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

French Dip Sandwich
Breakfast Sandwich
Chicken Sandwich
Chicken Pesto
Mediterranean
Garlic Bread
Pasta Salad
Muffaletta
New Yorker
Antipasto

“Nice grab and go sandwich place that’s family run since 1948. I opted for the avocado special sandwich, which is a vegetarian option, and have the bread toasted.

The bread was nicely made, the vegetables are fresh. An easy healthy quick bite.“

4.6 Superb141 Reviews
Kiantis Pizza & Pasta Bar Pizza • $$
1100 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Spicy Shrimp Pasta
Raspberry Lemonade
Pepperoni Pizza
Antipasto Salad
Cheese Bread
Fiesta Pizza
Pizza Rolls
Pesto Pasta

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

4.5 Superb189 Reviews
Aldo's Harbor Restaurant Seafood • $
790 Mariner Park Way, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Fugasia Cod Sandwich
Calamari and Chips
Calimari and Chips
Prawn Quesadilla
Fish and Chips
Crab Benedict
Fish N Chips
Eggs Benedict
Clam Chowder
Fish Tacos

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

4.4 Superb91 Reviews
Upper Crust Pizza & Pasta Pizza • $
2415 Mission St, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Pizza Slice with a Draft Pint or Glass of House Wine
Buffalo Wings with Blue Cheese Dressing
Pesto Pizza & Pepperoni Pizza Slice
Sicilian Square Party Tray Pizza
Favorite Pepperoni Pizza
Ranch BBQ Chicken Pizza
Sicily's mt Etna Pizza
The Impossible Pizza
Spicy Buffalo Wings
Original Meat Combo

“Really cool spot! The staff is really friendly, the pizza is delicious and they have beer on tap 👌 highly recommend for anyone looking for a great food with a vibe.“

4.2 Good110 Reviews
Pizzeria La Bufala Pizza • $
725 Front St, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Margherita Pizza with Arugula
Vegetariana Pizza
Quattro Formaggi
Slice of Pizza
Gnocchi

“this is a must stop when I'm in Santa Cruz I love the pizza here“

3.7 Good64 Reviews

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