Location: Santa Cruz
Top Restaurants in Santa Cruz
Top Things to do in Santa Cruz
Countries
Top 10 Mexican food in Santa Cruz, California, United States
Reviews on Mexican food in Santa Cruz, California, United States. 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
10. Chill Out Cafe
Overall Ratings
5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By TahoeBlue66
If you like options, variety and quality food and a chill atmosphere this is your place. We came in here based on a recommendation and wow what a winner They have 21 different options for your burrito with names like "naughty Natasha" and "going to paradise" - winner!!!
9. Taqueria Michoacan
Overall Ratings
4 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By krellier
You will not be disappointed. The shrimp and fish are prepared perfectly. The salsas are amazing. This is a very casual/roadside restaurant. Don't come for the ambiance, but do come for the food!Just know that if you are paying by check/credit card, you will not be able to add gratuity...so make sure you bring at least some cash with you. AMAZING. My tummy is so happy and my tastebuds are sad because I'm done eating.
8. Taqueria Santa Cruz
Overall Ratings
4 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By LivinGreat808
This is the spot if you want some good down home food. We could not believe the low cost of almost every menu item! We had the tacos, grilled chicken and vegetarian, and both were awesome. I would eat here 3 times a week at least if I lived in SC, go check it out!!
7. Taqueria Vallarta
Overall Ratings
4 based on 95 reviews
Reviewed By modernlizbennet
Quick service taco place. I found the flavors to be a little plain. But the prices are cheap and you get free chips and salsa. Decent quick eat.
Top 3 Hawaiian food in Santa Cruz, California, United States
6. Planet Fresh Gourmet Burritos
Overall Ratings
4 based on 52 reviews
Reviewed By MichaelMc777
I have been coming here for years and have enjoyed some really good burritos. But, they have been coming down in flavor and cleanliness. They offer a nice selection of salsas, that seem rampaged most of the time these daysThe Cajun burrito was below average in flavor, for this review. Trying a bit too hard and missing the mark. It tasted like powdered Cajun flavoring. But, the ingredients were good and the overall selection was on the interesting/cool side. The place seems to be getting dirtier and smelled like the restroom exhaust, when you opened the front door. Hope they do something about that. It is popular with the locals.
Most Popular American food in Santa Cruz, California, United States
5. Cafe El Palomar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 81 reviews
Reviewed By Diane W
We had breakfast here on a Sunday morning. Getting a table around 8:30 was not a problem. The menu is extensive including quite a few âlight and healthyâ options. Portions are generous. Although our waitress was not very friendly, she was efficient. The food was acceptable but not memorable.
4. Tacos Moreno
Overall Ratings
4 based on 76 reviews
Reviewed By karencyd53
I have been eating at Tacos Moreno for over 20 years. It is a family run business and the food is homemade and always fresh. I actually have withdrawal symptoms every December when the family goes to Mexico for the holidays and closes shop for 10 days.Their quesadillas consist of fresh hot corn tortilla dipped briefly in hot oil then filled with cheese, whole beans, cabbage tomatoes, cilantro and fresh salsa. Something about the combo of hot tortilla and fresh vegetables is divine. I also love the chicken burrito, or carne asada or pork burrito. No rice and beans here-- just perfectly balanced simple great food
3. Taqueria Los Pericos
Overall Ratings
4 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By Jennifer100SantaCruz
I absolutely love their carnitas tacos... so fresh and delicious!! Parking is tight and the dining room is not big, so for lunch it is best to come around 11:30 or after 1
2. Las Olitas Cantina & Grill
Overall Ratings
4 based on 188 reviews
Reviewed By daroberts_ent
Have been to Olita's several times and always good. Visiting Santa Cruz this trip we dined at Olitas for lunch,went back next day for Dinner. Specials are outstanding and the fish and lobster "tacos" are more like tostadas 'cause they're so full they can't be folded. Amazing.
Best Italian food near Santa Cruz, California, United States
1. El Palomar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 277 reviews
Since El Palomarâs opening in 1983, we have been serving Santa Cruz unique and fresh Mexican cuisine inspired by authentic family recipes. Our commitment to excellence has continuously earned us the âBest Mexican Restaurant in Santa Cruzâ award.
Reviewed By whundas
The high ceilings, colourful decor and friendly greeting by the hostess escorting us to our table were all part of making our experience at El Palomar so memorable. Our server, Lesley, added to the enjoyment with genuine chatter and efficient service. The enchiladas especiales and enchilada verdes were exceptional. The chips and guacamole were fresh and when we finished our first basket, Lesley arranged for another basket to be delivered. Everything was carried out with smiles, courtesy and engaging personality. The cost was very reasonable.Thanks so much for your fantastic review! We're delighted to hear you enjoyed your entire experience from your encounter with our hostess to our servers. We appreciate your kind words and I will be sure to pass along your compliments to my staff too! Work hard to provide top-notch service and cuisine, so it's rewarding to read your feedback. Thanks for visiting and we wish you all the best!
Most Popular Pub food in Santa Cruz, California, United States
