Best 10 Restaurants in Santa Cruz CA

Santa Cruz features a lively culinary scene that perfectly combines Californian charm with international influences. To have the experience of the best food, explore the metropolitan's lovely restaurants that embody allure and distinct cultures. From tempting seafood to local delights, there is something for everyone. Don't forget to visit the legendary spots where residents gather to taste the delectable entrées and cocktails. Whether you want to savor a lavish meal or just something casual, Santa Cruz has it all. In this blog, explore the 10 best restaurants in Santa Cruz and have a wonderful gastronomic exploit in the heart of the city!

Lillian's Italian Kitchen promises an original Italian taste in the heart of Santa Cruz. The restaurant's aim was to bring the traditional cooking of the Moreno family kitchen to the local population when it was first established. The cuisine here is mostly Sicilian and prepared from locally sourced fresh ingredients. Local favorites include lasagna, chicken parmigiana, and spaghetti along with American cuisine like New York-type grilled steaks.

Harbor Cafe is an amazing cafe with a nautical-inspired touch. It's a breakfast destination near Twin Lakes Beach. It's famous for arranging special weekdays like Beer Thursdays and mimosa Fridays. Harbor Cafe is an expert in crafting Southern Californian cuisine. The staff here is really approachable with perfect services, thus you can expect an incredible food venture here. Make sure to ask for their special doggy bags, which are packed food for your pet dogs. You have to check out this pet-friendly restaurant. It’s such a great spot, and your furry friend will love it too!

The Point Market is an impeccable combo of a restaurant and shops. This restaurant is an expert in making delectable Southern California-inspired dishes. This local favorite spot is known to serve some of the best tacos and burritos. The Point Market gets really crowded in the morning, because of its hyped breakfast burritos. Its market region has many other stocks like muffins snacks and chips that you can take away and enjoy at home.

Linda's Sea Breeze Cafe is a fantastic spot for brunches and breakfasts alongside Sea Bright Avenue. Here you can savor authentic American favorite dishes like pancakes and omelets. For lunch options, they have fries, burgers, and sandwiches. For vegetarians, their menu features meat-free meals as well. All the food is prepared with locally sourced fresh ingredients. If you want to try something exceptional on your first visit, go for their daily specials and enjoy!

If you are looking for good dining in Santa Cruz, look no further as West End Tap promises a great pub ambiance with a Californian hint. All meals are prepared using fresh locally sourced ingredients, and the entire menu is created to combine with the wide range of their special wines and beers. The expert chefs prepare the food dishes using French-inspired cooking skills, the specialty of this restaurant is its barbecued pork belly and tempting spinach pappardelle. With meticulously cooked dishes, West End Tap and Kitchen ensures a great pub food experience guaranteeing quality with healthy options.

Aloha Island Grill specializes in serving some of the best Hawaiian cuisine in California. It has an expansive outdoor area where you can enjoy the warm breeze of Santa Cruz city. The place is owned by a Hawaiian so you can anticipate some original Hawaiian meals like chicken katsu, ahi poke, and loco moco. Situated alongside Portola Drive, Aloha Island Grille is a must-visit destination in Santa Cruz for an amazing culinary exploit.

Crow’s Nest Restaurant is a fantastic double-storey eatery near Twin Lakes. It serves some of the best meals in California, all complemented by a stunning location. Established in 1969, it’s right where the sea meets the harbor—what a view! The ground floor offers a traditional dining experience with delicious seafood, juicy beef, and hearty pasta. Meanwhile, the first floor is perfect for grabbing some tasty starters and quick bites. At night, Crow’s really comes alive with a variety of lively entertainment, delightful beverages, and an expansive dance floor.

This restaurant is known for serving the best seafood entrees in Santa Cruz. Johnny's Harborside has endless seafood choices. Start by ordering the fried Calamari or steamed mussels, followed by wasabi-crusted ahi tuna or sautéed sea bass. The restaurant is expert in making every seafood the best, promising a homely vibe with stunning vistas of Monterey Bay.

The Picnic Basket is a classic eatery that promises authentic Californian cuisine prepared with locally sourced market ingredients. Situated between the two picturesque beaches, it has a nice outdoor region with great Ocean vistas. This local favorite spot is famous for ice creams; if you want to go for brunch on the beach, order their picnic basket which is packed with every food treat you need for a lunch date!

Betty Burgers is an iconic destination for authentic American cuisine in the heart of Santa Cruz. You can savor the amazing dishes, they specialize in serving the best fries and burgers. This burger place also serves chili, wings, milkshakes, ice cream, and hotdogs.

In a nutshell, these places to eat in Santa Cruz promise you a mouthwatering venture. Santa Cruz has everything for the explorers from the scenic destinations with lively activities to the amazing gastronomic wonders, it caters to the desires of all explorers. So whether you are craving something delectable or want to go for a thrilling adventure, Santa Cruz is the ultimate destination.

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