I was born in California and since I moved, I have truly missed the phenomenal cuisine. It is, in my opinion, by far the best in the country and Santa Cruz is no exception. This is a guide to some of the best restaurants in Santa Cruz, California ranging from French Polynesian to Seafood.
Café Mare Italian Restaurant
This quiet restaurant nestled in downtown Santa Cruz is known for its wonderful food. The prices are great and the staff is friendly. The dress code is casual and so is the atmosphere. For the most part, you can come to this lovely restaurant to get away from the noise of the city and have an absolutely divine meal. Try the Spaghetti Mare-Monti; it’s one of my favorites! This restaurant is not usually too crowded and you don’t typically have to worry about making reservations. They are open on weekdays from 11:30am to 2:30pm for lunch and 5pm to 10pm for dinner. On weekends they are open from 10am to 10om. Café Mare Italian Restaurant is located at 740 Front Street # 100, Santa Cruz, California 95060 and the phone number is (831) 458-1212.
Aldo’s Restaurant
This seafood restaurant is located right on the harbor and offers a beautiful view while dining. Aldo’s is a casual eatery with an outstanding menu of delicious foods. Some favorite appetizers include Aldo’s Calamari, Coconut Shrimp, Seafood Kabobs, and believe it or not, Fish Tacos. Aldo’s Restaurant is open everyday, but check the website (www.aldos-cruz.com) for details. Dinner prices range from $12.95-$34.95. The address is 616 Atlantic Avenue, Santa Cruz, California 95062 and the phone number is (831) 426-3736.
Stagnaro Bros Restaurant
This restaurant is extremely casual so you can have a good time without worrying about how you’re dressed. Stagnaro Bros Restaurant has a special feature that many restaurants lack- it’s on a boat! Okay, it’s not a real boat, it just looks like one, but it’s still really unique. The view is amazing and the atmosphere is so inviting and friendly. The menu includes everything from sandwiches to lobster tail and prices range from $7.95 to 34.95. It’s located at 320 Washington Street, Santa Cruz, California 95060 and the phone number is (831) 423-2180.
The Acapulca Mexican Restaurant
This casual, authentic Mexican restaurant offers great many great dishes. The dress is casual and the prices are very reasonable. The Jester Sampler Platter is a local favorite and the drink specials are fantastic. To check out the website visit acapulcorestaurants.com. The address is 1116 Pacific Avenue #A, Santa Cruz, California 95060 and the phone number (831) 426-7588. The hours aren’t listed online so call ahead.
Vasili’s Greek Restaurant
This is possibly the best Greek Restaurant in Santa Cruz, California. The gyros and kabobs are delectable. The dress code is casual and the prices are surprisingly low. There is no website so questions regarding hours must be directed to their phone line, (831) 458-9808. The address is 1501 Mission Street, #A, Santa Cruz, California 95060.
Round Table Pizza
This restaurant has some of the best pizza in Santa Cruz, California. There are many items on the menu that are under $10, but the average entrée is $12. The dress code is casual and the food is fantastic. The Maui Zaui Pizza is my favorite but call for hours before coming. The website is www.roundtablepizza.com and the address is 3715 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz, California 95062. The phone number is (831) 479-3466.
Seabright Brewery
This unique pub and restaurant serves crisp beer, great food, and provides live music! The dress is casual and the prices are reasonable. They are open from 11:30am-11: 30pm and they have happy hour specials. Just visit the website, www.seabrightbrewery.com for details. The menu is very versatile and includes foods ranging from linguini to flat iron steak. The address is 519 Seabright Avenue, Santa Cruz, California 95062 and the phone number is (831) 426-2739.
Saturn Cafe
This café is a bit like a diner, but way cooler. The food is great and the dress is casual. In the tradition of great diners, this restaurant has burgers and fries galore! The prices are low and they even have vegan items on their menu. They are open until 3am and their website is www.saturncafe.com. The address is 145 Laurel Street, Santa Cruz, California 95060 and the phone number is (831) 429-8505.
Mobo Sushi
This sushi restaurant has some of the best dining in Santa Cruz. They gain points in creativity and deviation from the norm. The dress is casual and combo plates range from $15.75 to $23.75, but there are much more inexpensive meals available. The website is www.mobosushirestaurant.com. The address is 105 South River Street, Santa Cruz, California 95060.
Café La Vie
This cute little French Polynesian bistro is an all-organic café and bar that caters mainly to vegans and vegetarians. The food is light, fresh, and well priced. The Thai Coconut Soup is only $6, while the Pad Thai is $14. The dress is casual and the website is www.lavie.us. The address is 429 Front Street, Santa Cruz, California 95060 and the phone number (831) 429-6746.
