12 Best Wine Bars near Santa Cruz

MJA Vineyards -- Westside Tasting Room & Cellar Wine Bar • $$
328 Ingalls St, Santa Cruz

“I purchased a bottle of 2017 Sangiovese wine. It was excellent. I went back and purchased four additional bottles. Only one bottle purchased was of the caliber of my first purchase.We were wine club members for several years and cancelled our membership when 40% of the bottles purchased did not mirror what we tasted at the venue. Overall, if you want a cool place to hang or love big bold cabs, this is the place for you. Buyer beware.“

4.9 Superb28 Reviews
Tramonti Italian • $$
528 Seabright Ave, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Fettuccine Alla Bolognese
Meatballs & Polenta
Stromboli Calzone
Margherita Pizza
Short Rib Ravioli
La Lasagna
Pannacotta
Bruschetta
Burrata
Short

“I'm not exactly sure what the restaurant industry would consider a 'destination restaurant' but for me it's someplace I will drive out of my way to get something I love to eat. Tramonti is one of those places, except it's not out of the way for me! The reason I love this place is the Prawns Diaviola. These things are amazing and better still, very consistent. Every time I order them they are fantastic. The ingredients are very simple, it's basically bacon wrapped prawns but they use a spicy Italian salami and Parmesan cheese. The secret is the brick oven! You get a great texture without over cooking the prawns. They serve other Italian favorites and they make a mean pizza too. Local beer on draft and a good wine selection complete the menu. They also make dessert in the brick oven, try the banana w chocolate! It's also a great atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor dining.“

4.5 Superb96 Reviews
BAD ANIMAL Wine Bars • $$
1011 Cedar St, Santa Cruz

“Is it a used book store with a wine and beer bar or a wine and beer bar with a used book store? Either way, it's super cute, unique, hipster spot downtown with a great used book store and delicious Thai restaurant, Hanloh Thai, inside.“

4.5 Superb66 Reviews
The Apéro Club Wine Bar • $$
402 Ingalls St unit #29, Santa Cruz

“Dude...... this place is a VIBE. I've been in here a few times and I always have the best experience. Hannah is one of the owners and she's so knowledgeable with wine and always super sweet, so service is great. They have mostly imported natural wines from Italy and they switch up their "menu" or selections weekly. If you're in the area and want wine, come to this place, you won't regret it. Bonus points for the cozy, thrifted decor. I love it so much.“

4.6 Superb24 Reviews
Lago di Como Italian • $$
21490 E Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Tagliatelle Alla Bolognese
Casoncelli Butternut
Chocolate Mousse Bomb
Salmon Piccata
Fritto Misto
Caesar Salad
Prosciutto
Penne Pasta
Fish Soup
Seadas

“What an extraordinary experience! Without a doubt, this establishment stands out as one of the best Italian restaurants in the Bay Area. From the moment we stepped in, the chef's warm welcome set the tone, as they graciously guided us through the evening's specials and highlighted their signature dishes. Our server mirrored this exceptional hospitality, ensuring every detail of our dining experience was flawlessly attended to. The commitment to quality shines through in every bite, with impeccably fresh ingredients sourced for each dish, including imported Italian wheat for their pasta--a testament to their dedication to authenticity. We began with the Culatello, which was the finest proscuitto of Italy, served with truffle "Carasau" cracker bread & rich straciatella cheese. From the first taste of the Carbonara to the rich flavors of the Parpadelle Ragu, featuring a sumptuous lamb-based sauce, every dish was a symphony of taste and texture, with the pasta cooked to a faultless al dente perfection. This dining experience immerses you in an ambiance that transports you to the heart of Italy. And to cap off this unforgettable experience, the special dessert, reminiscent of an Italian wedding cake, provided a sweet finale that left us longing for more. If you're seeking an unparalleled Italian dining experience, this is the place to be. Buon appetito!“

4.4 Superb131 Reviews
Kiantis Pizza & Pasta Bar Pizza • $$
1100 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

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

“Stopped by at 7:55pm on a Saturday night, and got a table right away. We picked it because it was open and one person wanted pasta, another wanted a salad. The host says, "Just in time for the show." We had no idea what a treat we were in for! Moments later, what seemed to be a majority of the staff donned hats and boas and burst into a dance routine that lasted for 15 minutes! It was hilarious and fun and energetic - I didn't know where to look! I have no idea if this dance show is scheduled or we were just super lucky, but it made our night. The staff appeared to be enjoying themselves, which made it even more fun for us to watch. The food was just fine - we were all happy with our meals. But it was the dance show that prompted me to give the 5 stars! Hard to find dinner and show these days!“

4.1 Good104 Reviews
Vino by the Sea Wine Bar • $$
55 Municipal Wharf Ste B, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Cabernet Sauvignon
Flatbread Pizza
Wine Flight
Pinot Noir
Hummus

“Go for sunset ? wine tasting! Very romantic!Vino by the Sea is a wine bar and restaurant located on the Santa Cruz Wharf in Santa Cruz, California.It offers a delightful combination of scenic oceanfront views and a selection of wines.You can enjoy wine tastings, as well as a menu featuring various wines and small plates.It's a popular spot for visitors to relax and take in the beautiful Oceanside atmosphere.Vegetarian options: YesDietary restrictions: Food for allParking: Yes, paid parkingKid-friendliness: Not so much! Not for little kids!Wheelchair accessibility: Yes“

3.5 Good55 Reviews

8
HOME

HOME New American • $$$
3101 N Main St, Soquel - 4.32 miles

Customers` Favorites

Fried Oysters Monterey Bay Dulse Cabbage Oranges Sesame Aioli
Beef Cheek Polenta Gremolata
Dark Chocolate Cake
Squid Ink Spaghetti
Chicken Liver Pate
Bucatini Carbonara
Charcuterie Board
Brussels Sprouts
Ricotta Gnocchi
Hanger Steak

“I find this restaurant to be a very sweet treat. It's the only place in town. I can find beef cheeks, if you've never had them you should try them. The most delectable mouthwatering, juicy meat falls apart in your mouth like butter. I miss when they used to have the pizza oven, but everything else is rather delicious so I'll let it pass. Don't be over sold by the squid ink pasta, it's not that great. Always order the Barada, it's super fresh and absolutely delicious“

4.7 Superb80 Reviews
BUZZO PIZZA Pizza • $$
2510 S Main St, Soquel - 4.18 miles

Customers` Favorites

Sausage and Mushroom Pizza
Crispy Green Beans
Little Gems Salad
Margherita Pizza
Pepperoni Pizza
Housemade Gelato
Arugula Salad
Potato Pizza
Caesar Salad
Brownie

“Tried the Charlie pizza and burrata appetizer. The pizza is excellent - best I've found in the area. The crust is crispy and airy but tender inside. Sauce is simple and good and the toppings are top quality. The burrata is served with oven dried tomatoes and fry bread, and is just outstanding. Nice job!“

4.8 Superb127 Reviews
Armitage Wines Wine Bar • $$
5610 Scotts Valley Drive PMB 374, Scotts Valley - 6.19 miles

“Armitage wines offers a truly outstanding experience. It is not just the great history of the estate which was formerly owned by Alfred Hitchcock, but the delicious and high quality wines that you can sample in this amazing setting. The current owners are very welcoming and attentive and especially dedicated to creating a great tasting experience for their guests. We spend a whole afternoon trying the different wines and I have to say it is rarely the case that I am as pleased with the sampling as I was at Armitage. Next to this, the vineyard offers amazing views. Tucked away in the redwood trees you can see for miles while overlooking the grapes from the top of the estate. When the sun sets in the afternoon, it makes for an amazing play of light and shadows. We truly loved visiting this place and will definitely come back. It is well worth a trip. If this does not convince you, please see the attached photos. I am in no way affiliated to this place, but was simply amazed by our afternoon here.“

4.9 Superb25 Reviews
Shadowbrook Restaurant American • $$$
1750 Wharf Rd, Capitola - 4.14 miles

Customers` Favorites

Black Truffle Gnocchi with Filet Mignon Brochettes
Filet and Lobster Tail with Whipped Potatoes
Slow-Roasted Angus Prime Rib
Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée
New England Sea Scallops
Jack Daniels Mud Pie
Jalapeño Baked Brie
Artichoke Soup Bowl
Bacon-Wrapped Prawns
Chocolate Meltdown

“Somehow our reservation was not in the system. We reserved through yelp so maybe that's why. When we arrived for a 7pm they couldn't seat us. So we decided to seat in the walk in lounge area. Curiously... the host could have just told us to wait until 7:15 as the reservation system showed availability. Small service issue but everyone was really nice. The steak sandwich was great. The brie was also very good. The artichoke hearts however were not very tasty. Didn't expect the inedible leaves to be part of the fried artichoke hearts. Prime rib was incredibly tender and one of the best we've had. The server in the lounge was great and loved his service. Wish I remembered the name.“

4.6 Superb327 Reviews
Zizzo's Coffeehouse (Capitola, CA) Coffee Shops • $
3555 Clares St Ste. PP, Capitola - 3.4 miles

Customers` Favorites

Quiche

“Just stopping by from out of town and I have to say I am so happy we did! Not only was the banana cake to die for our drinks were very tasty. We spent an hour doing some work and the lovely woman at the register greeted almost everyone by name, making for such a warm and welcoming environment. We will definitely be stopping by again!“

4.7 Superb46 Reviews
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