Location: Santa Cruz
Top Restaurants in Santa Cruz
Top Things to do in Santa Cruz
Countries
Top 10 restaurants in Santa Cruz, 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
1. Linda's Seabreeze Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 303 reviews
Reviewed By Fraser000
The style and presentation are there. The food is good and fresh. The outdoor coffee is a great touch (though $2/cup is steep for coffee while you wait).The missing ingredient is a lot of taste. There is definitely some there, but there is a risk of blandness. We had a combination of pancakes, omelets, tofu scramble, and more pancakes. The tofu scramble was surprisingly the best in the pack (not easy making a good tofu scramble). But it seems like once the breakfast art was mastered, Linda may have taken a breather. Going back to the drawing board could include things like whipped butter for pancakes, more finely chopped onions in omelet, over-easy eggs that are not too firm, and some other stuff. Anyway, we would go back and recommend it despite the nitpicking.
2. Laili Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 432 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 regions. Laili aims to bring the age old flavors and traditions of the Silk Road to life by creating a positive and relaxing environment with a culturally rich and flavorful dining experience.
Reviewed By 2Klecks - Sacramento, California
We didn't have a reservation on the weekend before Valentine's Day, so we ate "at the bar", which was really highboy tables in the back. Turns out we enjoyed the location as it was much quieter than the center dining room. I should start with we don't eat Mediterranean food very often, so we aren't experts on what it should or shouldn't taste like. We started with a glass of Scrimshaw red wine and a glass of Au Bon Climat chardonnay. The red was good, but the chardonnay was excellent, from Santa Barbara, and I'll be looking for that in the store. We both had the small Greek Salad for lunch. The salads were good, but not great. I couldn't tell how clean or not clean the place really was because it is kind of dark inside. However, when I visited the restroom, I figured out it wasn't very clean. I always figure if the restrooms aren't clean, the kitchen isn't either. I don't know, it wasn't a bad lunch, but I don't think I would return for a second visit.
3. Walnut Avenue Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 293 reviews
Reviewed By Luv W
I arrive for a late-afternoon lunch and was seated immediately. I ordered the black bean tostadas with shrimp. The shrimp were plentiful, the black beans were housemaid and flavorful, and all ingredients for very fresh. I thoroughly enjoyed my lunch.
4. Zachary's Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 221 reviews
Reviewed By w0rkt0travel - Dairyland, USA
We walked from near the pier and some portions of the walk were a bit sketchy. The restaurant’s front window was etched with graffiti and there was graffiti on the trash can in the bathroom. I however didn’t feel unsafe, but did notice it.
The food was amazing. Plenty of options for gluten free or otherwise. I has one of the house specialties and husband had an omelette. Both were good and we agreed we would come here again.
5. Betty Burgers
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 163 reviews
Our delicious burgers are made with fresh, all-natural beef with NO hormones and NO antibiotics. Local vegetables are delivered fresh daily.
Reviewed By Ann G - California
stopped here for lunch, small location, not many inside tables, limited parking lot. order at the counter, burger was good, shoestrings french fries. nice place for a quick burger, nothing fancy
6. West End Tap & Kitchen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 181 reviews
West End is a neighborhood eatery which showcases the flavors of a traditional pub with a California twist; using local, fresh and seasonal foods. Our food is cooked to pair perfectly with one of many craft beers and wines. Our chef brings French cuisine techniques to a simple and approachable menu for all to enjoy and afford! We are proud to offer healthy and fun kids choices along with mouth-watering house-made desserts and ice creams. Come in and be our guest!
Reviewed By Lesley B
We had a delicious lunch at the West End Tap & Kitchen. The interior is really cool and the food and service was awesome! I had the kale & spinach salad with salmon. Highly recommend it!
7. Lillian's Italian Kitchen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 104 reviews
Lillian’s Italian Kitchen opened quietly on July 4, 2007. It’s a joint venture of the owners, Joe and Charlotte Moreno and their sons Chris and Matt. Long time residents of Santa Cruz, the Moreno’s dream was to open a neighborhood place that was an extension of their family kitchen. The inspiration was Grandma Lilly’s wonderful home cooking. Lillian was devoted to family and friends and her life was greatly fulfilled by her love and passion for cooking. Born in Yonkers, New York, Lillian was able to combine traditional Sicilian recipes learned from her parents and the many Italian influences in her neighborhood. Executive Chef Chris honors Lillian’s family recipes as well as offering a variety of fresh and creative additions to the menu while Matt makes sure guests feel at home. Good food, good friends, great prices and straight from the heart. Tutti a mangiare!
Reviewed By Pat G - Bethesda, Maryland, United States
We saw on many social media sites that Lillian’s was rated Number 1 for Italian restaurants. It is terrific! The wine selection is good. The Chianti was very smooth. The food selection was plentiful. The lasagna and carbonara were excellent! The dessert gelato was outstanding. The place was full on a Sunday. It was full still when we finished because the food was excellent.
8. Hula's Island Grill and Tiki Room
Overall Ratings
4 based on 276 reviews
Reviewed By mastaple - Scottsdale, Arizona
Fun place in the main section of Santa Cruz. Lots of room, lots of food and drink choices. We had a very large group and one server managed us extremely well. She was attentive and handled our drinks, appetizer, dinner, and dessert ordering well. The menu had a mix of American standard, fish, and steaks to fit all appetites. Most amazing thing about this place was the Rum menu. So many choices!!
9. Johnny's Harborside
Overall Ratings
4 based on 227 reviews
Reviewed By Don M - Littleton, Colorado
Great view, on harbor, elevator up, easy parking. Calamari $5, clam chowder $7, happy hour, draft beers $3, also an outstanding "simply fish seabass-corvina" (4). great food and service.
10. Saturn Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 223 reviews
Reviewed By Henry S - Santa Cruz, California
Long time family restaurant with lots of choices for the family. High end dinner food with lots of healthy choices and it’s all vegetarian but with incredible tastes
