Location: Aptos
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Where to eat Italian food in Aptos: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Discover Restaurants offering the best Italian food in Aptos, California, United States. Combining the redwoods and the sea into one idyllic setting, Aptos is a quaint town that serves as home to the forested Nisene Marks State Park, perfect for mountain biking and hiking. Historic Aptos Village features antique shops, restaurants and boutiques. For the perfect spot to picnic, barbecue, or take a seaside stroll, head to Seacliff State beach and walk to the end of the pier to see the S.S. Palo Alto, an experimental concrete vessel known as “the cement ship”.
Things to do in Aptos
10. Cafe Mare
Overall Ratings
4 based on 136 reviews
Old world charm in the heart of Santa Cruz, authentic Italian cuisine with an extensive wine list and a full bar. Open for lunch and dinner daily, happy hours sunday thru thursday from 5pm to 7pm, new specials every day. Large groups welcome, kids friendl
Reviewed By Carolyn W
Many pasta dishes, but limited seafood offerings not made with pasta. They had fresh swordfish on the menu but it was unavailable at the time we ate. Very disappointed. Chose a shellfish, with pasta and red sauce. It was dry and blah. My granddaughter had a pasta, but it was a very small helping. My husband had a fish fillet which was excellent.
9. Bella Roma Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By lmyers21
We went for dinner, at first we were seated at a not very nice table and shoddy chairs. We moved to a better table. Server was good, place was busy. I had gnocchi it was a large portion. The carpaccio was amazing! Wine selection was very good. Others had cannelloni and bolognese. Probably will go back. On the weekends parking can be difficult especially in summer.
8. Mangiamo pizza
Reviewed By happytraveler2010_10
The pizza here was good. We went for 5 toppings and were glad we did. The mix of sauce, toppings and cheese was balanced. We prefer pizza that has less cheese and isn't heavy and greasy. This is what we asked for and what we got.Whatever way you want your pizza, they can make it.
7. GG Italian Restaurant
Overall Ratings
3 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By mrmikeSantaCruz
Went to GG Restaurant on a Sat night for dinner with reservations. This is a new restaurant that's located in the Bayview Hotel in Aptos. This location has had a variety of restaurants over the years. For this incarnation they redid the interior decor (pleasant), moved the front door away from the front door to the hotel and generally spiffed up the premises. The food was great both in flavor and presentation (see below), but the organization details need some help. There was no wine list available and the waitress (who was quite pleasant) had little knowledge of what was available. Another diner actually did the right thing and go to the bar to order wine by the glass as the bartender was knowledgeable. The wine was good and the price and was a steal at ~$6/glass. Another problem was the delivery of the courses....they were all delivered at the same time, so we barely had chance to taste the cheese plate anitpasto or the salad before the main courses arrived. We had to ask to have the menus removed from the table along with the extra unused glasses to make room for all the plates. She inquired about dessert while we were still working on dinner and then immediately brought the check. One would have thought there was a line out the door......however, the reality was the restaurant was pretty empty.Now for the good stuff! The food was delicious. We ordered a cheese plate as an antipasto which had four different kinds of cheeses, some tasty honey and walnuts all quite good. (Some crackers to go with it would have been a nice touch.) We were planning to share an Insulata Greca with mixed greens, olives, feta and a light dressing with bleu cheese which was very tasty but with the poor timing of bringing all the plates at once, we had to eat the entrees while they were hot. We chose a sauteed salmon entree with lemon butter and capers which was fabulous and a Salsiccia and spinach pizza (sausage, mozzarella, tomatoes and spinach) which was excellent. It had a thin crust and just the right amount of tasty toppings. So the meal was delicious, the timing awful. Since it's a new restaurant they are probably still working out the kinks. The owner stopped by to check on our entrees and the waitstaff was pleasant but inexperienced. Put this one on your list for the wonderful food and be sure to space out the timing of your course orders
6. Showtime Pizzeria
Visit Showtime Pizzeria for a taste of authentic italian pizza without the high prices. Located in Aptos, CA, Showtime Pizzeria has been serving our wonderful and tasty creations for 30 years! Our menu is not limited to Pizza, but also includes mouth wate
Reviewed By Gourmands155
A small local business with very good & reasonable dishes. One night they have meatball sandwiches, another night the special is spaghetti, and another night the special is pizza slices. Great spot for an inexpensive family meal. Very casual environment right near the local theater. You'll be able to catch a quick meal before the show. Easy shopping center location with plenty of parking.
5. Pino Alto Restaurant - Cabrillo College
Overall Ratings
4 based on 8 reviews
Pino Alto Restaurant is located at the Cabrillo College in Aptos and serves Italian Fine Cuisine.
Reviewed By Kerryloves2travel
This is a great dining experience for a very reasonable price. Cabrillo's culinary school can really put out some tasty dishes. Had lunch - lentil soup & small salad included with entre- Both well done.lamb pita was nicely seasoned & naan very fresh. Tasty dish.Baklava was nice- not too sweet.GIve this a try for lunch or dinner- Beautiful surroundings & weather permitting, you can sit outside on patio.
4. Cafe Mare
Overall Ratings
4 based on 136 reviews
Old world charm in the heart of Santa Cruz, authentic Italian cuisine with an extensive wine list and a full bar. Open for lunch and dinner daily, happy hours sunday thru thursday from 5pm to 7pm, new specials every day. Large groups welcome, kids friendl
Reviewed By Carolyn W
Many pasta dishes, but limited seafood offerings not made with pasta. They had fresh swordfish on the menu but it was unavailable at the time we ate. Very disappointed. Chose a shellfish, with pasta and red sauce. It was dry and blah. My granddaughter had a pasta, but it was a very small helping. My husband had a fish fillet which was excellent.
3. Pizza 1
Overall Ratings
4 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By Cynthia C
This place sells pizza by the slice, or whole. We usually get a whole large veggi pizza, and get the kids a slice of pepperoni each. The pizza is not cheap, but it is delicious. There is seating there, but we usually take it to go.
2. Caruso's Tuscan Cuisine
Overall Ratings
4 based on 121 reviews
Reviewed By Jeffry W
Food and service is world class. Get there early or have a reservation because this is a busy place!
What to do and see in Aptos, United States: The Best Places and Tips
1. Cafe Mare
Overall Ratings
4 based on 136 reviews
Old world charm in the heart of Santa Cruz, authentic Italian cuisine with an extensive wine list and a full bar. Open for lunch and dinner daily, happy hours sunday thru thursday from 5pm to 7pm, new specials every day. Large groups welcome, kids friendl
Reviewed By Carolyn W
Many pasta dishes, but limited seafood offerings not made with pasta. They had fresh swordfish on the menu but it was unavailable at the time we ate. Very disappointed. Chose a shellfish, with pasta and red sauce. It was dry and blah. My granddaughter had a pasta, but it was a very small helping. My husband had a fish fillet which was excellent.
Aptos Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Aptos
