The best restaurants in Santa Cruz

Grocery and gourmet food market featuring organic produce and prepared items.

16 Seascape Village (Aptos)

No-frills neighborhood spot serving up informal Mexican grub such as tacos, burritos & tortas.

4610 International Blvd (Oakland)

Shopping-center Japanese joint serving sushi & typical cooked fare, Monday to Friday only.

3730 N First St #115 (San Jose)

Pizzeria chain offering build-your-own pies, along with spaghetti, wings & salad.

1347 S Winchester Blvd (San Jose)

Relaxed, late-night eatery featuring pizzas, burgers and wings for dine-in, pickup and delivery.

1438 Broadway (Oakland)

Comfortably laid-back, fan-favorite eatery turning out NY-style pies along with thin-crust options, wings and cannolis.

1917 San Pablo Ave (Oakland)

Upscale Oaxacan-Californian cuisine offered in a chic, cozy space with culturally inspired accents.

2135 Franklin St (Oakland)

Indian-flavored eatery featuring creative pizzas such as tandoori chicken and paneer, plus wings and beer.

4190 N First St Unit 50 (San Jose)

Casual pizza place with pies made with fresh dough.

531 Corralitos Rd B (Watsonville)

Mother-daughter outpost serving traditional Mexican fare in a tiny outpost with outdoor seating.

907 Washington St (Oakland)

Comfortable option for fresh, flavor-packed sushi handrolls plus sake, drinks and seafood starters.

1738 Telegraph Ave (Oakland)

Spacious no-frills spot featuring Mexican fare & a full bar along with live music & karaoke.

1001 Fruitvale Ave (Oakland)

Neighborhood pizza place with hearty American dishes & drinks served in hip, industrial-chic digs.

1801 14th Ave (Oakland)

Fast-food chain outpost known for Mexican classics made with fire-grilled chicken.

1299 S Winchester Blvd (San Jose)

Casual sports bar for burgers and wood-fired pizza plus beers on tap and wine.

10110 Soquel Dr (Aptos)

Salvadoran and Mexican comfort food served in a casual space that's known for pupusas.

5479 Mission St (San Francisco)

Chill, wood-clad eatery offering Hawaiian poke made with a variety of seafood & Asian flavors.

1308 S Winchester Blvd (San Jose)

Casual Japanese eatery serving nigiri & rolled sushi as well as teriyaki dishes & classic desserts.

7130 Santa Teresa Blvd (San Jose)

Fast-food chain serving Mexican-inspired fare such as tacos, quesadillas & nachos.

1298 Winchester Blvd (San Jose)

All-you-can-eat Korean BBQ & hot pot meals are the specialty at this bright, informal restaurant.

3085 Meridian Ave (San Jose)

Taqueria known for huge portions and Mexican comfort food served into the wee hours.

4817 Mission St (San Francisco)

Breakfast spot for Southern grub featuring beignets (traditional fried-dough pastries), waffles, biscuits and chicken fried steak.

2071 Camden Ave (San Jose)

When you want a meal that tastes like SF at its best, Rich Table delivers a constantly changing menu shaped by what’s good at the market,…

199 Gough St (San Francisco)

Craving low-key date night or a catch-up with friends? The Hideout serves high quality, fresh takes on American comfort food in an original…

9051 Soquel Dr (Aptos)

At La Pizza & La Pasta, watch pizzaioli blister wood-fired Neapolitan-style pies while housemade pasta lands perfectly al dente. Pair with…

2855 Stevens Creek Blvd (San Jose)

Milan Italian Restaurant brings the comfort-food side of Italy to your week with handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and a bar pouring rich…

1712 Meridian Ave F (San Jose)

Lamella Tavern pairs a casually sophisticated vibe with excellent cocktails, bubbles, and small plates that lean oceanward... think…

1109-10/A Lincoln Ave (San Jose)

Because sometimes dinner needs zero drama, Pizzeria Avanti turns out artisan pies with locally sourced toppings, plus legit handmade pastas…

1711 Mission St

Asiento is that friendly neighborhood bar where craft drinks meet creative cocktails and shareable bar bites, plus a steady stream of live…

2730 21st St (San Francisco)

Casual restaurant featuring rustic pizzas, salads and Italian fare made with fresh ingredients.

1901 Ocean Ave (San Francisco)

Family-run sushi restaurant in the Felton Fair Shopping Center offering bento boxes, teriyaki, and other Japanese fare.

6231 Graham Hill Rd (Felton)

No-frills sushi spot offering specialty rolls plus an array of classic Japanese entrees.

547 W Capitol Expy (San Jose)

Casual counter-serve chain serving a variety of chicken wings & sides.

10700 MacArthur Blvd #2a (Oakland)

Casual takeout joint offering Italian comfort food, including popular garlic bread.

336 Commercial St (San Jose)

Outlet of a BBQ chain serving wood-smoked meats & sides in an American West-themed space.

61 Curtner Ave (San Jose)

Cozy eatery serving French, Creole, and Southern cuisine, including beignets and po' boys.

652 Polk St (San Francisco)

Casual hamburger chain for juicy patties, fried-chicken sarnies and onion rings.

1685 Mariposa St (San Francisco)

Casual restaurant serving authentic Mexican fare, including signature burritos, plus beer.

336 E William St (San Jose)

Upscale chain for aged prime beef, seafood & other traditional steakhouse fare in a clubby space.

184 S Market St Ste 100 (San Jose)

Eatery serving Italian staples and offering pizza, pasta and other cooked dishes.

2855 Stevens Creek Blvd (San Jose)

Bustling late-night spot offering pho plus a mix of Vietnamese & Filipino fare in casual digs.

3074 Landess Ave (San Jose)

Classic Italian fare including pizza, pasta, and meat dishes are offered at this modest restaurant.

1132 Valencia St (San Francisco)

Pancake restaurant serving eggs and hashes for breakfast and brunch in a casual diner-style setting.

1205 The Alameda (San Jose)

Homey eatery featuring standard Mexican fare, plus a bakery serving pastries and bread.

1098 Leigh Ave (San Jose)

Creative & traditional wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas turned out in cozy environs with exposed brick.

87 N San Pedro St (San Jose)

Popular spot for classic Italian cuisine with a Californian twist in a warm, laid-back atmosphere.

1917 Mission St

Bustling, dog-friendly beer garden hangout with a variety of grilled eats & a relaxed outdoor patio.

2318 Telegraph Ave (Oakland)

Casual, beer-serving eatery featuring creatively topped hot dogs in a simple, comfortable, dog-friendly space.

364 Hayes St (San Francisco)

Laid-back pizzeria serves made-to-order pies plus sandwiches & other casual fare in a chill setting.

710 Front St

Easygoing Southern Italian eatery offering pizza & pasta dishes alongside beer, wine & cocktails.

791 Auzerais Ave (San Jose)

Popular gourmet deli & market offering unique & locally sourced meals in a small, casual space.

576 Grand Ave (Oakland)

Casual eatery featuring sourdough-crust pizza, sandwiches and wings in a family-friendly setting.

354 E Santa Clara St (San Jose)

Casual counter-serve chain serving a variety of chicken wings & sides.

845 Almar Ave

Cozy spot with open kitchen serving a seasonal tasting menu sourced from local gardens, plus wines.

2875 18th St (San Francisco)

Fast-food chain specializing in fried chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries & Texas toast.

8430 Edgewater Dr (Oakland)

Market-fresh California cuisine & cocktails offered in a warm eatery with a cool warehouse vibe .

3311 Grand Ave (Oakland)

Low-key cafe offers light American fare for breakfast & lunch including scrambles & sandwiches.

106 Walnut Ave

Historic mountainside destination for classic American cuisine offering beef, veal & seafood dishes.

15005 Mt Hamilton Rd (San Jose) · ✓ checked Aug 4

Casual eatery with house-made noodles dished up in warm, friendly surroundings.

1314 Ocean St

Casual, colorfully decorated eatery featuring Mexican staples, cocktails and a dance-club vibe after 9pm.

155 W San Fernando St (San Jose)

Counter-serve chain specializing in bagels. Also sells breakfast sandwiches & pastries.

1140 Lincoln Ave (San Jose)

Casual eatery, known for its smoked-meat sandwiches on Texas Toast and Dutch cruch bread.

4077 18th St (San Francisco)

Family-friendly spot serving a big array of breakfast specials & lunch fare like sandwiches & soups.

1583A Meridian Ave (San Jose)

Small spot complete with a warm, romantic vibe offers carefully sourced, inventive Italian eats.

910 Cedar St

Diners share small plates & sangria pitchers amid colorful, art-filled walls or on an outdoor patio.

3120 16th St (San Francisco)

Low-key eatery serving BBQ classics and smoked meats (brisket, ribs) as well as tacos and baos.

2181 Irving St (San Francisco)

Rotating menu of local food trucks plus beer & sangria in a festive outdoor setting.

601 Mission Bay Blvd North (San Francisco)

Inventive Italian dishes crafted from local & seasonal ingredients in a cozy setting.

538 Seabright Ave

Casual, takeout-friendly restaurant specializing in housemade dumplings (including vegan varieties and some fried).

2301A Mission St

Homemade sauces complement down-home dishes atop checkered tablecloths at this Southern BBQ joint.

576 Haight St (San Francisco)

Upscale casual eatery featuring steaks, seafood, small-batch bourbons & a cozy outdoor fire pit.

1580 Hamilton Ave (San Jose)

Friendly sushi spot offering chef's choice menus and sake.

198 Valencia St (San Francisco)

Relaxed, airy hotel restaurant offering coastal cuisine & cocktails, plus live music & ocean views.

175 W Cliff Dr

Stylish spot serving Mediterranean staples such as shawarma, hummus and baba ghanoush, plus outdoor seats and beer and wine BYO.

198 Guerrero St (San Francisco)

Surf-themed California chain for pizzas with local ingredients in a low-key counter-serve setting.

1116 Pacific Ave

Brunch spot with outdoor seating serving mimosas and breakfast standards.

860 Willow St #100 (San Jose)

Hip Spanish restaurant with a courtyard serving tapas, paella & classic desserts, plus beer & wine.

2708 24th St (San Francisco)

Casual counter-serve chain serving a variety of chicken wings & sides.

528 Lake Park Ave (Oakland)

Carefully sourced & presented fish stars at this miniature, art-splashed sushi & sake bar.

3856 24th St (San Francisco)

Generous plates of BBQ & sandwiches are the draw at this down-to-earth counter serve with a patio.

1362 S Winchester Blvd (San Jose)

Nigiri, sashimi, and other traditional Japanese eats are on the menu at this casual eatery with beer and sake.

1380 9th Ave (San Francisco)

Lively locale with hardwood-smoked meats, craft beer & cocktails, plus big-screens for sports.

680 8th St (San Francisco)

Contemporary-casual spot serving pizza & Italian eats such as pasta, calzones & chicken cacciatore.

528 Seabright Ave

All-day option for burgers, brunch fare and cocktails, plus beer and wine.

43 Post St (San Jose)

Comfortable eatery serving pit-smoked meats such as brisket, chicken and pork ribs.

1349 Blossom Hill Rd (San Jose)

Burgers, ribs, Texas BBQ & beer served in a roomy tavern with Wild West decor & an outdoor patio.

73 N San Pedro St (San Jose)

Casual American eatery in Terminal B of San Jose Mineta International Airport serving breakfast and quick bites.

SJC Terminal B (San Jose)

Local chain offering Korean BBQ grilled tableside & ban-chan in a trendy, modern setting.

1628 Hostetter Rd f (San Jose)

Snug joint offering hearty BBQ sandwiches & plates with sides, plus outdoor seating.

2590 Portola Dr

Compact counter-serve Mexican joint serving tacos & burritos with drinks in a low-key space.

854 N 13th St (San Jose)

Popular brunch spot serving farm-to-table American comfort food in a cozy ambience.

1299 18th St (San Francisco)

Student-friendly quick fix for Mexican mainstays topped with the trademark "orange sauce" condiment.

140 E San Carlos St (San Jose)

Italian fare made with local ingredients & modern techniques in a lively setting with a patio.

3000 20th St (San Francisco)

Easygoing counter-service operation serving a menu of crêpes, omelets & sandwiches.

150 S Second St (San Jose)

Upscale Brazilian chain for all-you-can-eat meat carved tableside plus an extensive salad bar.

201 3rd St Ste 100 (San Francisco)

Snack joint dishing up burgers, chicken sandwiches, waffle fries and milkshakes in a casual space.

87 N San Pedro St Suite 123 (San Jose)

Chain dishing up wings, tenders & burgers, plus sauces ranging from sweet to very spicy.

859 Blossom Hill Rd (San Jose)

Thin-crust, wood-fired pizzas draw a bustling scene at this casual Italian standby with patio seats.

334 Santana Row Apt 1065 (San Jose)

Chill environment with quirky decor & nautical-themed drinks for East Coast-style seafood & plates.

4180 N First St Unit 10 (San Jose)

A laid-back spot for domestic & international craft beers, with Spanish & Mexican-tinged bar fare.

233 Cathcart St

Casual counter-serve chain serving a variety of chicken wings & sides.

3555 Clares St Suite FF (Capitola)

Classic American diner food reigns supreme at this casual stop for burgers, wings & more.

505 Seabright Ave

Traditional tapas, paella & other fare draw diners to this colorful, casual Spanish restaurant.

3295 22nd St (San Francisco)

Globally influenced breakfast and lunch options, including vegan choices, served in a vibrant space.

392 Fulton St (San Francisco)

Long-standing osteria serves up classic Italian comfort eats in a homey, family-friendly atmosphere.

2220 Mountain Blvd #100 (Oakland)

A modern, welcoming nook serving seasonally minded, three-course Italian dinners & thoughtful wines.

388 Grand Ave (Oakland)

Informal Italian restaurant featuring classic dishes and pizzas in a casual space with outdoor seating in back.

1116 Soquel Ave

Happening spot for creative American entrees in a modern setting with optional fixed-price menus.

121 Soquel Ave

Seaside eatery turning out seafood staples like chowder & fish 'n' chips with views of the Pacific.

59 Municipal Wharf

Casual, intimate place offering Italian fare, including wood-fired pizza, plus a wine list & patio.

21490 E Cliff Dr

Airy, rustic locale offering a health-focused menu of Mediterranean wraps, bowls, and salads.

996 Mission St (San Francisco)

Japanese entrees plus an array of colorful sushi rolls are carefully presented in a small room.

105 River St S

BBQ spot run by a butcher, with smoked meats, sides & burgers, to stay on the patio or to-go.

705 Divisadero St (San Francisco)

All-you-can-eat restaurant with contemporary decor & classic Korean BBQ & hot pot options.

1610 E Capitol Expy (San Jose)

Laid-back eatery featuring a variety of breakfast-themed dishes alongside lunch eats such as burgers.

1411 Bird Ave. (San Jose)

SFO Terminal counter-service spot for breakfast fare & burgers from sustainable sources.

806 S Airport Blvd (San Francisco)

A mix of down-home Southern & Caribbean comfort food in a cozy space with tin ceilings.

65 29th St (San Francisco)

Vietnamese restaurant for traditional dishes, with a focus on pho noodle soup.

951 McLaughlin Ave (San Jose)

Meat-centric dishes plus hearty sides & wine in a rustic, family-friendly steakhouse with a patio.

303 Soquel Ave

Laid-back cafe featuring fresh food, including pastries, smoothies and sandwiches, as well as coffee drinks and beer.

2125 Delaware Ave