Location: Santa Cruz
Top Restaurants in Santa Cruz
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California, United States Food Guide: 5 Mediterranean food Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Santa Cruz
Best Mediterranean restaurants nearby. Discover the best Mediterranean food in Santa Cruz. View Menus, Photos and Reviews for Mediterranean restaurants near you.. The quintessential California beach town of Santa Cruz! It was here that surfing was first brought to the mainland by Hawaiian royalty. Home to the legendary Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a pedestrian-friendly, tree-lined downtown area, and the historic Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, which stretches out a half-mile into the waters of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Other highlights include UC Santa Cruz, the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, and nearby redwood forests.
Things to do in Santa Cruz
1. Laili Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 514 reviews
For centuries a five thousand mile trade route has joined the Mediterranean to China through Afghanistan and India. Known mostly for the Silk Trade, the Silk Road has acted as a conduit of ideas, cultures, music, food & spices throughout all of its region
Reviewed By MissMem
Laili offers great food in a nice atmosphere with excellent service. Our server made a few suggestions guiding us to a very tasty dinner. He was attentive and charismatic. What more could you add to make a dining experience so good.
Best Italian food near Santa Cruz, California, United States
2. Lago di Como Ristorante & Pizzeria
Overall Ratings
4 based on 120 reviews
Reviewed By Chuck_from_SantaCruz
Just returned to Lago di Como after a few months. It's tremendous. We had the Caesar Salad and a variety of entrees and everyone enjoy his/her meal. I had one of their special chicken dishes with a chicken breast on polenta, with mushrooms, and it was so damned tasty. It made me understand what flavors a sophisticated chef can blend to make an unbelievable dinner. Other entrees were similarly delicious. We had ice cream with espresso for desert, and that was also lovely. The prices, despite our thirst for wine, were very reasonable. I have to say that as much as I like the competition, this is the best Italian in Santa Cruz.
Most Popular American food in Santa Cruz, California, United States
3. Mozaic
Overall Ratings
4 based on 83 reviews
Serving Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Food made from local ingredients, Mozaic is offering Santa Cruz something that's truly unique.
Reviewed By TradewindsHD
So there you are, walking the sidewalks and shops of downtown Santa Cruz. Your late breakfast has you held over to skip lunch but it's too soon for dinner and the edge is nearing, hunger! Well, this was the situation for my lovely bride of 20 years and me. looking for quick, light and delicious.Mosiac. A great restaurant with plenty of lite and fulfilling options. This space occupies the where the once classy Clouds restaurant and Martini bar lived for years, then after that, a short-lived NOLA themed joint. The classy and sophisticated Cocktail Cabaret with floor to ceiling premiere and top-shelf spirits live on in its full glory with an accomplished list of mixologists to, well, mix their magic. Today I chose with reluctance, the house Pinot Noir, and my lady friend a very young and fruity New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. In hindsight, one of the many offered House Specialty cocktail would have been way better. At three pm on a Saturday afternoon they only had two at the bar and a family with young children in the dining area. This is where the steller service and hospitality started. Instantly treated like royalty, I noticed all that was happening. The bar and kitchen staff were prepping their mise en place, the FOH staff were either eating the last meal before the geriatric dinner rush. this is a very busy weekend restaurant, make reservations for sure.One thing for sure, we were noticed, tended to with the distinguished and classy style of a Michelin starred restaurant. Mind you I was wearing a baseball cap and shorts and my lady jeans and a printed sports sweatshirt, presenting like a couple of walk-in annoyances.We just wanted a quick taste of the place and then we were out! With our wine we ordered Calamari, it was lightly battered served with a lemon garlic aioli. a tad salty but cut with the aioli was fine. Wanting to reminisce in a taste of Octopus we enjoyed in the Greek Islands a few years back, I ordered that. Grilled Octopus, prepared in oregano, olive oil, caper, and lemon juice. It was good, and totally worth the $14, and I get it again and again, but not as satisfying as the Aegean octopus we were comparing it to.Always looking for adventure we ordered the Flaming Cheese! yes, the singe your eyebrows tableside, smokey mushroom cloud steamy pan of pure genius, Saganaki. A slice of pan-seared feta cheese with olive oil, flamed tableside with brandy and lemon juice, served with pita bread. You leave happy and needing a sponge bath.The servers were very attentive without pushing anything we didn't want, and the place was very clean and classy. Today's snack was suppulent. Tasty, fun and enjoyable.Michael, sounds like you had a great experience visiting us! We're thrilled to know you enjoyed the flaming cheese and the octopus. Hoping you'll come see us again next time you're in the area.Take care,Jay Dib, Co-Owner
Where to eat Cafe food in Santa Cruz: The Best Restaurants and Bars
4. Vasili's Greek Food & Barbque
Overall Ratings
4 based on 83 reviews
Reviewed By Yosemitesteve
We were quickly seated,the waitress very friendly and the place was clean.The salad was amazing,Greek olives,feta cheese,onions and peppers.One of the better Greek salads that I've had.The moussaka was not as good.Not terrible but lacked the flavor that I've liked at other restaurants.My wife had the lemon chicken and potatoes and that was perfect.I will be back but not to order the Moussaka.
5. Falafel Hut
Overall Ratings
4 based on 52 reviews
Reviewed By R B
We thought there would be lots of people around on this holiday Monday but most places on the boardwalk were closed. Thankfully the Falafel Hut was open. Quite a few options. Even a plain old hot dog for the boy who didn't want Middle Eastern food. Setting has a twist as a former fish and chips place decorated like an old English pub. Note that no water is offered unless bought as bottled water. Fine for a light lunch. And service was great.
