Lillian's Italian Kitchen

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!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Tiramisu

On Sunday, April 26, I dined at Lilian's Italian Kithen for dinner.

We had a reservation at 6 pm and the restaurant was already jammed packed. The decor and layout of the restaurant was okay. The lighting isn't the best. It's pretty dim inside.

Here's what we ordered. The Lasagna, Fettuccine Alfredo, Carbonara, and Chicken Parm with rigatoni pasta. The Lasagna was okay. The Fettuccine Alfredo was pretty mild tasting and not super rich tasting like most Alfredo. It wasn't your traditional Alfredo. I wasn't a fan of the spinach and mushrooms in the Alfredo. It tasted off in my opinion. The dish was lacking flavor. The Carbonara was my least favorite. The flavor did not taste anything like a true Carbonara. It was missing that richness and distinctive flavor. I did not enjoy the peas inside the Carbonara. Not good at all! It was a huge miss in my opinion. The chicken parm was good. The baked breaded chicken tasted cook and the rigatoni pasta was just okay. The red sauce tasted pretty basic.

I'm from the Bay Area and have been to some really good Italian restaurants located in the Bay so my standards are set pretty high. The flavor for all dishes were lacking in my opinion. I feel like some of the dishes were already pre-made and just heated up and served because our food came out in less than 10 minutes. There was nothing special with the food and I'm not sure why people say this is the best Italian restaurant in Santa Cruz.

The service was good. Our waitress was nice. She had a great attitude. The only thing I didn't like was the other waiting staff members constantly coming to our tables and trying to take plates away without asking if we were done when there was still food on them! It was very annoying and unprofessional in my opinion. I know they were doing their job and being proactive with clearing the table as we eat but at least ask next time before reaching with your arm and hand then grabbing a plate with food still on it. SMH!

Overall, this place was mediocre at best! Just average and nothing special. 2.5 stars for the food.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 3

Being local, we eat at Lillian's Italian Kitchen several times a year. The food has always been well prepared and consumed with gusto. Service is quick and very professional. The only reservation I have is the noise level, which can get quite loud as people relax and enjoy their beverages. We will be back again!

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Caesar Salad

So delicious and fun!!

We have been coming for a few years, but I need to finally leave a review. The food has always been fantastic, the service has always been fantastic, and the atmosphere has always been fantastic. All the service has always been wonderful. But we do seem to get Helen often. She might be the best. The drinks are great. The bathrooms are spotless. We will be back again and again. Thank you Lillian’s!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Creative spin on the usual Italian specialty items, plus their own creations.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Good food

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food is absolutely amazing and the staff is always incredible. See you soon!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great food and great service, get dessert!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The food was so good. Burrata appetizer was delicious. Brussel sprouts were good but weren’t crispy and could use some salt. Everything else was great.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Fast, efficient, energetic and friendly service. Food comes fast and tasty. Special sea bass.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great job

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The bruschetta and house salad were very good. The fettuccine with meat sauce had an abundant garlic flavor and was a generous portion. The lasagna was perfectly cooked for one of the servings and the other piece had a crispy well cooked crust on one side which some people like because it is crispy. Very gregarious environment, it was packed!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Best Caesar salad ever no exaggeration!! Asked for anchovies, and even the anchovies were amazing tasting!! Great Atmosphere, great service love this place. My new favorite!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Attentive, friendly service and delicious food.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5