Santa Cruz County Restaurants

Served in a rustic and romantic atmosphere with airy vaulted ceilings and an outdoor terrace, the dishes here boast fresh, organic produce and excellent cuts of meat.

This high-end, intimate restaurant is a popular choice for special occasions. Enjoy excellent service, fine wines, and tender steaks.

Enjoy ribs, brisket, burgers and more served in large portions at this casual Texas inspired BBQ joint. Order at the counter and pick up your food a short wait later.

Locals love this charming, homey restaurant for breakfast and lunch. Dine on classic breakfast favorites served hot and quick.

This classy, upscale restaurant has lovely outdoor seating. Dine on steak and seafood and save room for creative, sweet desserts.

Across from the boardwalk, this cozy restaurant serves classic breakfast fare, and soups and sandwiches for lunch.

This romantic restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating serves authentic Italian cuisine, including homemade pastas. Visit for lunch or dinner or weekend breakfast and enjoy friendly service.

Enjoy dinner and a show at this chain restaurant that features hibachi grills and talented chefs that prepare your meal table-side with a theatrical flair.

Enter this classic bistro setting to enjoy an upscale dining experience of choice steaks and American fare. Sit down for piping hot bread, cocktails, and sweet desserts or come for happy hour.

Enjoy an intimate and romantic setting while dining on authentic French cuisine for lunch and dinner. Sit at the classy bar or outside on the patio.

When visiting for lunch or dinner, you’ll enjoy a casual atmosphere and Italian and American cuisine including sandwiches, burgers, and pastas. Enjoy live music and entertainment as well as Bocci ball, billiards, and more.

Dine family-style on delicious Italian dishes in a lively and friendly environment that accommodates large parties.

This eccentric comfort food diner is adorned with knick-knacks and offers a fun atmosphere. Come for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and choose from classic American menu items.

This small booth on the street is well loved by locals for its delicious, authentic cuisine and friendly service. Order at the window and find a table on the sidewalk to enjoy your meal.

This café features fresh, local ingredients, charming ambience, and a beautiful, heated garden patio.

Gluten-free options are on call in a classy atmosphere that serves authentic Italian cuisine with many seafood options.

This spot is a quaint seafood and steak restaurant with patio seating and a view overlooking Rio Del Mar beach.

A quaint French restaurant with weathered wood floors and an open kitchen, this cafe serves classic Provincial fare with an Old World sensibility.

For nearly 25 years, diners have enjoyed comforting Chinese food at this eatery, in a casual atmosphere. There's a daily happy hour daily from 3-6pm.

This lively, casual spot serves a variety of New American fare, offers great happy hour deals, and has live music on the weekends.

This casual, friendly fast food restaurant features burgers and fries, but also serves chicken, salads, and breakfast items.

This deli offers catering and foods to go using fresh, seasonal ingredients and primarily organic produce. Sandwiches, soups, desserts, and more are made from scratch daily.

Enjoy a warm and welcoming atmosphere when you enter this restaurant that serves tasty Mexican cuisine and delicious margaritas.

Surrounded by beautiful redwoods, this Italian restaurant features authentic cuisine including bread and pasta made in-house, and a great wine list.

A casual and welcoming restaurant, Casa Rositas serves classic, authentic Mexican cuisine.

For nearly 40 years, this restaurant has been serving great Chinese food in a friendly and clean environment. Dine in and enjoy the full bar or choose take-out.

This quaint café has a variety of pastries and breads as well as breakfast and lunch, made with fresh and healthy ingredients. Enjoy a quick meal with a hot cup of joe.

With beautiful panoramic views of the harbor and live entertainment, The Crow’s Nest is a favorite stop for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Choose from fresh seafood and American cuisine upstairs in the dining room or downstairs in the pub.