14 Best Italian Restaurants in Santa Cruz

Browse menus, reviews and photos of Italian Restaurants in Santa Cruz.

Showing 14 of 14 restaurants

  • La Posta Restaurant - Santa Cruz 538 Seabright Avenue, Santa Cruz Italian · $$

    1 La Posta Restaurant - Santa Cruz

    4.6 Superb 508 Reviews

    538 Seabright Avenue, Santa Cruz

    • Take-Out

    Customers’ favorites

    • Fresh Fettucini with Parmiagiano Reggio Peccorino Butter
    • Gem Lettuce Salad with Killer Bread
    • Tagliatelle Wild Mushroom
    • Pizza Margherita

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

  • Lillian's Italian Kitchen 1148 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz Italian · $$

    2 Lillian's Italian Kitchen

    4.6 Superb 373 Reviews

    1148 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz

    • Take-Out
    • Delivery

    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

    “Lillian's Italian Kitchen is an absolute treasure! The authentic Italian dishes are made with love, and every bite is a burst of flavor. From the homemade pasta to the rich sauces, you can taste the quality of ingredients. The ambiance is warm and inviting, perfect for a cozy dinner or a special celebration. The staff is incredibly friendly and attentive, making your dining experience truly memorable. I can't recommend this place enough—definitely a must-visit!”

  • Sugo Italian Pasta Bar 1116 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz Italian · $$

    3 Sugo Italian Pasta Bar

    4.5 Superb 379 Reviews

    1116 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz

    • Take-Out
    • Delivery

    Customers’ favorites

    • Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
    • Wild Mushroom Ravioli
    • Spaghetti Carbonara
    • Eggplant Parmigiana

    “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.”

  • Lago di Como 21490 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz Italian · $$

    4 Lago di Como

    4.5 Superb 327 Reviews

    21490 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz

    • Take-Out
    • Delivery

    Customers’ favorites

    • IL Branzino - Mediterranean Seabass
    • Tagliatella Alla Bolognese
    • Tagliatelle Alla Bolognese
    • Tortelloni Ai Porcini

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

  • Ivéta Downtown 545 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz Italian · $$

    5 Ivéta Downtown

    4.4 Superb 118 Reviews

    545 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz

    • Take-Out
    • Delivery

    Customers’ favorites

    • Orange Almond Cookie GF
    • Cheese Ravioli Pomodoro
    • Citronette Salad GF
    • Citronette Salad

    “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.”

  • Tramonti 528 Seabright Avenue, Santa Cruz Italian · $$

    6 Tramonti

    4.4 Superb 294 Reviews

    528 Seabright Avenue, Santa Cruz

    • Take-Out
    • Delivery

    Customers’ favorites

    • Fettuccine Alla Bolognese
    • Seafood Stew Guazzetto
    • Spaghetti & Meatballs
    • Eggplant Parmigiana

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

  • Zoccoli's Delicatessen 1534 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz Deli · $

    7 Zoccoli's Delicatessen

    4.6 Superb 318 Reviews

    1534 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz

    • Take-Out
    • Delivery

    Customers’ favorites

    • French Dip Sandwich
    • Breakfast Sandwich
    • Chicken Sandwich
    • Chicken Pesto

    “I went in for the first time just as they were closing and didn’t realize it. I wanted to grab a quick bite before my movie. The ladies working there were all so friendly and kind. They didn’t rush us. They served us with a smile and helped us with the menu. The reuben and the chicken pesto were so good!! We’ll be back!”

  • Avanti Restaurant 1917 Mission Street, Santa Cruz American · $$$

    8 Avanti Restaurant

    4.3 Superb 190 Reviews

    1917 Mission Street, Santa Cruz

    • Take-Out
    • Delivery

    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

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

  • Gran Gelato Caffè 525 Cedar Street Suite 10, Santa Cruz Ice Cream Shop

    9 Gran Gelato Caffè

    4.9 Superb 83 Reviews

    525 Cedar Street Suite 10, Santa Cruz

    “This is the best geleteria that I have visited in the Bay Area, if Santa Cruz counts as the Bay Area. There were two of us and we had the mozzarella gelato, with a drizzle of pesto and salt, and the magala, a classic Italian ice cream flavor made with a sweet milk or custard base infused with sweet Malaga wine and plump raisins. The malaga didn't have plump raisins which I preferred. Both gelatos checked the boxes for flavor and texture. Having tasted gelato in Italy, Gran Gelato Caffe is keeping things authentic!”

  • Gabriella Café 910 Cedar Street, Santa Cruz Italian · $$

    10 Gabriella Café

    4.2 Good 385 Reviews

    910 Cedar Street, Santa Cruz

    • Delivery

    Customers’ favorites

    • Grilled Persimmons & Burrata
    • Breakfast Taco with Salad
    • Butternut Squash Ravioli
    • Brussels Sprouts

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

  • Kianti’s Pizza & Pasta Bar 1100 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz Pizza · $$

    11 Kianti’s Pizza & Pasta Bar

    4.5 Superb 442 Reviews

    1100 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz

    • Take-Out
    • Delivery

    Customers’ favorites

    • Buffalo Chicken Pizza
    • Buffalo Chicken Pasta
    • Spicy Shrimp Pasta
    • Raspberry Lemonade

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

  • Aldo's 790 Mariner Park Way, Santa Cruz Seafood · $$

    12 Aldo's

    4.3 Superb 276 Reviews

    790 Mariner Park Way, Santa Cruz

    • Take-Out

    Customers’ favorites

    • Their Famous French Toast
    • Fugasia Cod Sandwich
    • Calamari and Chips
    • Calimari and Chips

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

  • Upper Crust Pizza & Pasta 2415 Mission Street, Santa Cruz Pizza · $

    13 Upper Crust Pizza & Pasta

    4.3 Superb 260 Reviews

    2415 Mission Street, Santa Cruz

    • Take-Out
    • Delivery

    Customers’ favorites

    • Thick Crust Sicilian Square or Thin Crust Round Pizza
    • Pizza Slice with a Draft Pint or Glass of House Wine
    • Buffalo Wings with Blue Cheese Dressing
    • Pesto Pizza & Pepperoni Pizza Slice

    “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.”

  • Pizzeria La Bufala 725 Front Street, Santa Cruz Pizza · $$

    14 Pizzeria La Bufala

    3.9 Good 137 Reviews

    725 Front Street, Santa Cruz

    • Take-Out
    • Delivery

    Customers’ favorites

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

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

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