13 Best Italian Restaurants in Santa Cruz

La Posta Restaurant - Santa Cruz Italian • $$
538 Seabright Avenue, 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 Superb506 Reviews
Lago di Como Italian • $$
21490 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

IL Branzino - Mediterranean Seabass
Tagliatella Alla Bolognese
Tagliatelle Alla Bolognese
Tortelloni Ai Porcini
Burrata E Prosciutto
Casoncelli Butternut
Chocolate Mousse Bomb
Scaloppine Del Lago
Carpaccio Di Manzo
Chocolate Souffle

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

4.6 Superb326 Reviews
Sugo Italian Pasta Bar Italian • $$
1116 Soquel Avenue, 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.“

4.5 Superb376 Reviews
Lillian's Italian Kitchen Italian • $$
1148 Soquel Avenue, 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

“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!“

4.5 Superb367 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.“

4.4 Superb118 Reviews
Avanti Restaurant American • $$$
1917 Mission Street, 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.“

4.3 Superb187 Reviews
Tramonti Italian • $$
528 Seabright Avenue, 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!!!!“

4.3 Superb292 Reviews
Gabriella Café Italian • $$
910 Cedar Street, 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 Good384 Reviews
Zoccoli's Delicatessen Deli • $
1534 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

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

“The team, the chili, the turkey cranberry, the prairie bread. . . The decades long story...so much keeps me coming back here. So appreciate the yummy meals and positive welcoming each time, team.

Super gratitude. 🪄💫❕“

4.5 Superb311 Reviews
Kianti’s Pizza & Pasta Bar Pizza • $$
1100 Pacific Avenue, 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 Superb442 Reviews
11

Aldo's

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

Customers` Favorites

Their Famous French Toast
Fugasia Cod Sandwich
Calamari and Chips
Calimari and Chips
Prawn Quesadilla
Fish and Chips
Crab Benedict
Fish N Chips
Eggs Benedict
Clam Chowder

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

4.3 Superb270 Reviews
Upper Crust Pizza & Pasta Pizza • $
2415 Mission Street, Santa Cruz

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
Sicilian Square Party Tray Pizza
Favorite Pepperoni Pizza
Ranch BBQ Chicken Pizza
Sicily's mt Etna Pizza
The Impossible Pizza
Spicy Buffalo Wings

“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 Good252 Reviews
Pizzeria La Bufala Pizza • $$
725 Front Street, 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“

3.9 Good136 Reviews

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