Santa Cruz
Restaurants, Café s & Bistros
Santa Cruz, CA
RESTAURANTS
Santa Cruz County is home to some of the finest restaurants in California. Whether you're looking for an elegant, romantic dinner or something that you can grab and take to the beach, Santa Cruz has a wide range of options that will meet all of your expectations.
The Dining Guide above lists restaurants in Santa Cruz, Capitola, Soquel and Aptos. Please click on a food category from the "Dining Guide" or from our "Favorite Picks". You can also simply scroll down the page.
You can also expand your search for restaurants in Santa Cruz Mountains or restaurants in Scotts Valley. Click on a link to view the listings.
Our experience and tastes may be different than yours, so please plan your meals based on your own preferences. For more choices, please click on a category from our Dining Guide
Inexpensive Restaurants
Tacos Moreno Restaurant - Mexican
1053 Water St., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 429-6095
Explorer Review - Although they have a limited menu -- specializing in tacos, burritos and quesadillas -- their burritos are considered by many locals to be the best in town. At peak meal times you may have to endure long lines, but service is usually very fast.
Santa Cruz Diner - American
909 Ocean St., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 426-7151
Explorer Review - The diner has a very diverse menu with many options that you wouldn't normal expect from a local diner. The good food, great service and reasonable prices make this a good choice.
2400 Porter St., Soquel, CA (831) 476-6260
Explorer Review - A family restaurant that not only makes a good burger, but also offers some innovative menu options including fresh fish. Good food, quick service and reasonable prices.
Best Restaurants for Breakfast
542 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 427-9713
Explorer Review - Linda's is one of our top choices for breakfast. They offer great food at reasonable prices. The only downside is the restaurant is fairly small so arrive early to avoid long lines.
Zachary's Restaurant - American
819 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 427-0646
Explorer Review - This popular rustic restaurant has been serving breakfast for many years. Fast service, good food and reasonable prices make this a top pick for locals. Expect long lines on weekends after 9:00 AM.
8042 Soquel Drive, Aptos Village, CA 831-688-6238
Explorer Review - Wonderful food, service and ambiance. Some of the brunch items can be a little pricy, but quality and environment make it worthwhile.
Best Restaurants for Lunch
2621 41st Ave., Soquel, CA (831) 476-3801
Explorer Review - Not much to look at from the outside, but the food and interior ambiance are wonderful. The patio area on a sunny afternoon makes for a very pleasant experience -- adding to the good food and service.
2218 E. Cliff Dr.., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 476-4560
Explorer Review - Located at the Santa Cruz Harbor, the harbor and Monterey Bay views and good customer service make this a good lunch pick.
415 River St., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 420-1280
Explorer Review - Wonderful gourmet soups, salads and sandwiches. It can be a little pricy, but the food is outstanding. The actual interior of the cafe is very small and has has limited seating. So you can take the food with you or, if it's a nice warm day, enjoy your meal on their large deck.
Best Restaurants Dinner
2621 41st Ave., Soquel, CA (831) 476-3801
Explorer Review - Not much to look at from the outside, but the food and interior ambiance are wonderful. The patio area on a sunny afternoon makes for a very pleasant experience -- adding to the good food and service.
Bella Roma Restaurante - Italian
316 Capitola Ave., Capitola, CA (831) 464-2608
Explorer Review - This small, well appointed restaurant serves up some very tasty Italian classic dishes. Good food and service make this moderately priced restaurant a good choice.
Best Romantic Restaurants
3101 N. Main - Soquel CA (831) 462.3657
Explorer Review - Wonderful food, service and ambiance. A great choice for a romantic night out, special occasion or you just want to pamper yourself. The entrees can be expensive, but it is fantastic food and great service.
787 Rio Del Mar Blvd., Rio Del Mar (831) 662-9799
Explorer Review - Great desserts, good food, and excellent service and warm ambiance make this an excellent choice.
Santa Cruz Restaurants & Bistros
American & Californian Restaurants
99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall
110 Walnut Ave., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 459-9999
616 Atlantic Ave., Santa Cruz, CA, CA (831) 426-3736
Britannia Arms Pub & Restaurant
8017 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA (831) 688-1233
2621 41st Ave., Soquel, CA (831) 476-3801
2400 Porter St., Soquel, CA (831) 476-6260
Catalyst Nightclub & Restaurant
1011 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 423-1338
1001 Center Street, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 438-8415
Cole's Bar-B-Q Restaurant
2590 Portola Dr., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 476-4424
8059 Aptos St., Aptos, CA (831) 662-1721
1134 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 429-6994
2218 E. Cliff Dr.., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 476-4560
504 Bay Ave., Capitola, CA (831) 462-1200
Gilda's Family Restaurant
37 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 423-2010
303 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 426-7770
542 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 427-9713
2591 Main St., Soquel, CA (831) 479-9777
Noah's New York Bagels
1411 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 454-9555
215 Esplanade, Capitola, CA (831) 476-3328
Hwy. 17 at Pasatiempo, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 426-6333
1 Seascape Dr., Aptos, CA (831) 662-7120
Seabright Brewery & Restaurant
519 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 426-2739
655 Capitola Road, Suite 102, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 479-0200
7500 Old Dominion Ct., Aptos, CA (831) 688-8987
231 Esplanade, Suite 102, Capitola CA (831) 464-1933
1750 Wharf Dr., Capitola, CA (831) 475-1511
Silver Spur Restaurant
2650 Soquel Dr., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 475-2725
Wharf House Restaurant -- at the end of the Capitola Wharf
1400 Wharf Road., Capitola, CA (831) 476-0636
Zachary's Restaurant
819 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 427-0646
203 Esplanade, Capitola, CA (831) 475-4900
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China One Buffet
525 Water St., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 425-3800
L8 Buffet
431 Front St., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 426-8168
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Bangkok West Restaurant
2505 Cabrillo College Dr., Soquel (831) 479-8297
Charlie Hong Kong Restaurant
1141 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 426-5664
China Station Restaurant
2301 Mission, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 458-9097
China Szechwan Restaurant
221 Cathcart St., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 423-1178
Golden Buddha Restaurant
4610 Soquel Dr., Soquel, CA (831) 479-0788
Hong Kong Garden Restaurant
#14 Seascape Village, Aptos, CA (831) 662-0166
King Chwan Restaurant
415 Ocean St., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 429-5898
1010 Cedar St., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 458-2460
Mei Garden II Restaurant
533 Ocean, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 458-1687
O'Mei Restaurant
2316 Mission St., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 425-8458
Pacific Rim Buffet
8035 Soquel Dr., Aptos, CA (831) 688-5208
Panda Inn & Restaurant
5 Deer Park Center, Rio del Mar (831) 688-8620
Peking Restaurant
2623 41st Ave., Soquel, CA (831) 475-9234
Szechwan Garden Restaurant
617 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 423-2574
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Bocci's Cellar Restaurant
140 Encinal St., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 427-1795
787 Rio Del Mar Blvd., Rio Del Mar (831) 662-9799
101 Main St., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 426-9063
Chaminade Restaurant
1 Chaminade Ln., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 475-5600
110 Church St., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 429-2000
910 Cedar St., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 457-1677
"The town's most romantic spot." (Sunset magazine, March 2000). Intimate bistro dining in the heart of downtown Santa Cruz.
20 Clubhouse Rd., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 459-9177
Oswald's Restaurant
121 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (831) 423-7427
110 Pearl Alley, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 429-8070
7500 Old Dominion Ct., Aptos, CA (831) 688-8987
1750 Wharf Dr., Capitola, CA (831) 475-1511
1400 Wharf Rd., Capitola, CA (831) 476-3534
Erik's DeliCafe
712 Front St. (831) 425-5353
504 Bay Ave., Capitola, CA (831) 462-1200
Staff of Life
1305 Water St., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 423-8041
Zoccoli's Delicatessen
1534 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 423-1711
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2400 Porter St., Soquel, CA (831) 476-6260
Gilda's Family Restaurant
37 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 423-2010
1549 41st Ave., Capitola, CA (831) 475-5764
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101 Main St., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 426-9063
8042 Soquel Drive, Aptos Village, CA (831) 688-6238
Explorer Review - Wonderful food, service and ambiance. It can be a little pricy, but the quality of food, service and ambience make it worthwhile.
9051 Soquel Dr., Aptos, CA (831) 688-5566
Traditional French cuisine with a California twist. Specialties include housemade pate, lamb shanks. Sauces and desserts made in house. California/French wine list. Bar, patio, private dining rooms.
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Royal Taj (Indian Restaurant)
270 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 427-2400
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Rosie McCann's Irish Pub & Restaurant
1220 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 426-9930
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Bella Roma Restaurante
316 Capitola Ave., Capitola, CA (831) 464-2608
Bocci's Cellar Restaurant
140 Encinal St., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 427-1795
740 front St.. # 100, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 458-1212
555 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 458-2321
2-1245 E. Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 479-3865
Zoccoli's Pasta House Restaurant
431 Front St., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 423-1717
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105 Stockton Avenue, Capitola, CA (831) 476-5422
3555 Clares Street #S, Capitola, CA (831) 475-8104
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August Moon Sushi Cafe
3555 Clares, Capitola, CA (831) 464-9898
Benten Restaurant
1541 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 425-7079
105 S. River St., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 425-1700
Miyako Japanese Restaurant
1820 41st Ave., Capitola, CA (831) 462-5288
Naka Sushi Restaurant
851 41st Ave., Capitola, CA (831) 479-9620
Paradise Sushi Restaurant
200 Monterey Ave., Capitola, CA (831) 464-3328
Pink Godzilla Sushi Bar
830 41st Ave., Capitola, CA (831) 464-2586
Sukeroku Restaurant
1701 Mission St., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 426-6660
Sushi Garden Japanese Restaurant
820 Bay Avenue #148, Capitola, CA (831) 464-9192
1800 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 457-8466
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Falafel of Capitola, CA
2121 41st Ave., Capitola, CA (831) 479-9963
Falafel of Santa Cruz
1501 Mission St., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 459-0486
Vasili's Greek Food & BBQ
1501 Mission St., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 458-9808
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The Acapulco
1116-A Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 426-7588
Costa Brava Restaurant
1222 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 425-7871
El Chino Restaurant
2525 Soquel Dr., Soquel, CA (831) 476-7175
1336 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 425-7575
La Mission Restaurant
1719 Mission St., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 426-3564
Las Palmas Taco Bar
55 Front St., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 429-1220
2605 Main St., Soquel, CA (831) 475-4700
261 Center St., Seacliff (831) 688-4848
221 Esplanade, Capitola, CA (831) 476-2263
650 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 458-9393
21 Seascape Village, Aptos, CA (831) 662-9000
Tacos Moreno Restaurant
1053 Water St., Santa Cruz, CA (8310429-6095
Taqueria Santa Cruz
2215 Mission St., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 423-0606
Tampico Kitchen Restaurant
822 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 458-2821
4616 Soquel Dr., Soquel, CA (831) 476-1754
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Aptos Pizza
7945 Soquel Dr., Aptos, CA (831) 688-4030
Joe's Pizza and Subs
736 Water St., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 426-5955
Pacific Ave Pizza & Grille
1415 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 425-7492
Pizza My Heart
209 Esplanade, Capitolal, CA (831) 475-5714
7945 Soquel Dr., Aptos, CA (831) 688-4030
1501 41st Ave., Capitola, CA (831) 475-4450
817 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 425-8669
Upper Crust
2415 Mission St., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 423-9010
2501 Soquel Dr., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 476-2333
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Aldo's Harbor Restaurant
616 Atlantic Ave., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 426-3736
131 Esplanade, Rio Del Mar (831) 688-8917
2218 E Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 476-4560
Dolphin Restaurant
Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 426-5830
Gilbert's Seafood Grill
460 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 423-5200
303 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 426-0313
20 Clubhouse Rd., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 459-9177
Ideal Bar & Grill
106 Beach St., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 423-5271
Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 423-4441
We offer indoor and outdoor dining with views of the famous Beach Boardwalk and Steamer's Lane. Enjoy fresh seafood, steaks, chicken and salads.
Portola House Restaurant
3326 Portola Dr., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 476-2733
Riva Fish House Restaurant
500 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 429-1223
1 Seascape Dr., Aptos, CA (831) 662-7120
Stagnaro Brother's Seafood Restaurant
Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA (831) 423-2180
Stagnaro Brother's feature over 20 kinds of fresh fish daily in their restaurant and fish market.
203 Esplanade, Capitola, CA (831) 475-4900
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207 Esplanade, Capitola, Ca. 95010 (831) 464-3800
Real Thai -- Restaurant 1
632 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 427-2559
Star of Siam Restaurant
3005 Porter St., Soquel, CA (831) 479-0366
Thai Basil Restaurant
210 Monterey Ave., Capitola, CA, 479-8985
Thai House -- Restaurant
353 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 458-3546
Westside Thai Restaurant
2238 Mission St., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 469-3209
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Cafe del Sol -- Staff of Life
1305 Water St., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 423-8041
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