The best restaurants in Watsonville
136 restaurants we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.
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Pinned in Watsonville today
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Two pinned places a day in Watsonville — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. List your business →Paid placements are always marked.
Pizza Factory
RestaurantsOrder-at-the-counter chain serving lots of specialty pies & other Italian basics.
Pizza Factory
RestaurantsSeascape Foods Market and Deli
RestaurantsGrocery and gourmet food market featuring organic produce and prepared items.
Seascape Foods Market and Deli
RestaurantsOlivia's Cafe
RestaurantsCasual eatery specializing in traditional Mexican dishes like enchiladas and tacos, plus breakfast.
Olivia's Cafe
RestaurantsStraw Hat Pizza
RestaurantsChain serving Californian pizza, stuffed sandwiches & salads made with locally grown ingredients.
Straw Hat Pizza
RestaurantsSendo Sushi
RestaurantsShopping-center Japanese joint serving sushi & typical cooked fare, Monday to Friday only.
Sendo Sushi
RestaurantsPizza Guys
RestaurantsPizzeria chain offering build-your-own pies, along with spaghetti, wings & salad.
Pizza Guys
RestaurantsTacos Ameca
RestaurantsAiry counter serve featuring Mexican favorites like tacos & quesadillas with housemade tortillas.
Tacos Ameca
RestaurantsLos Pericos Taqueria
RestaurantsTraditional Mexican meals served in a bright, informal locale decorated with colorful murals.
Los Pericos Taqueria
RestaurantsLa Hacienda Mexican Restaurant
RestaurantsMexican eatery serving classic dishes & cocktails in a relaxed, traditional setting.
La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant
RestaurantsPinocchio's Pizza
RestaurantsThis simple mom-&-pop standby turns out pizzas with classic toppings, along with wings.
Pinocchio's Pizza
RestaurantsSushi Garden Watsonville
RestaurantsRelaxed sushi shop serving bento boxes, tempura and teriyaki dishes, along with beer, wine and sake.
Sushi Garden Watsonville
RestaurantsMama Mia's Mediterranean and Italian Cuisine
RestaurantsItalian eatery serving pizza, pasta, seafood & panini in simple surrounds with a garden patio.
Mama Mia's Mediterranean and Italian Cuisine
RestaurantsThe Fish House Bar & Grill
RestaurantsLocal, wild-caught seafood & California wines served in an unassuming eatery with live & DJ'd music.
The Fish House Bar & Grill
RestaurantsShan Tandoori Pizza
RestaurantsIndian-flavored eatery featuring creative pizzas such as tandoori chicken and paneer, plus wings and beer.
Shan Tandoori Pizza
RestaurantsCielito Lindo Restaurant | Mexican
RestaurantsCasual Mexican eatery featuring a menu of tacos, enchiladas, burritos and fajitas, plus beers.
Cielito Lindo Restaurant | Mexican
RestaurantsBig J's Pizza
RestaurantsCasual pizza place with pies made with fresh dough.
Big J's Pizza
RestaurantsPizza My Heart
RestaurantsSurf-themed California chain for pizzas with local ingredients in a low-key counter-serve setting.
Pizza My Heart
RestaurantsSlice Project
RestaurantsCasual pizza parlor serving slices and pies in New York and Detroit styles, plus beer.
Slice Project
RestaurantsMountain Mike's Pizza
RestaurantsCasual pizza chain featuring traditional pies, gluten-free crust & assorted appetizers.
Mountain Mike's Pizza
RestaurantsEl Pollo Loco
RestaurantsFast-food chain outpost known for Mexican classics made with fire-grilled chicken.
El Pollo Loco
RestaurantsChurchill & Beers Neighborhood Grill
RestaurantsCasual sports bar for burgers and wood-fired pizza plus beers on tap and wine.
Churchill & Beers Neighborhood Grill
RestaurantsRound Table Pizza
RestaurantsLong-running chain serving pizzas with customizable toppings & sauces in a simple space.
Round Table Pizza
RestaurantsPoke House - South Winchester
RestaurantsChill, wood-clad eatery offering Hawaiian poke made with a variety of seafood & Asian flavors.
Poke House - South Winchester
RestaurantsSushi Boat Town
RestaurantsCasual Japanese eatery serving nigiri & rolled sushi as well as teriyaki dishes & classic desserts.
Sushi Boat Town
RestaurantsImura | Japanese Restaurant
RestaurantsJapanese eatery offering sushi, teriyaki & tempura in a relaxed, wood-dominant dining room.
Imura | Japanese Restaurant
RestaurantsTaco Bell
RestaurantsFast-food chain serving Mexican-inspired fare such as tacos, quesadillas & nachos.
Taco Bell
RestaurantsChick-fil-A
RestaurantsFast-food chain serving chicken sandwiches & nuggets along with salads & sides.
Chick-fil-A
RestaurantsGoku Korean BBQ & Hot Pot
RestaurantsAll-you-can-eat Korean BBQ & hot pot meals are the specialty at this bright, informal restaurant.
Goku Korean BBQ & Hot Pot
RestaurantsIn-N-Out Burger
RestaurantsClassic burger chain serving customizable burgers, hand-cut fries & shakes.
In-N-Out Burger
RestaurantsCilantros
RestaurantsRelaxed spot for unique Mexican eats plus draft beer & margaritas with occasional mariachi music.
Cilantros
RestaurantsTacos Ameca #2
RestaurantsMexican eatery specializing in tacos and burritos with homemade tortillas.
Tacos Ameca #2
RestaurantsCalifornia Grill and Bar
RestaurantsHomey eatery & bar featuring American dishes made with locally sourced organic produce.
California Grill and Bar
RestaurantsTrejos Carnitas
RestaurantsCasual restaurant offering burritos and other familiar Mexican eats, plus beer.
Trejos Carnitas
RestaurantsHuckleberry's Breakfast & Lunch
RestaurantsBreakfast spot for Southern grub featuring beignets (traditional fried-dough pastries), waffles, biscuits and chicken fried steak.
Huckleberry's Breakfast & Lunch
RestaurantsThe Hideout
RestaurantsCraving low-key date night or a catch-up with friends? The Hideout serves high quality, fresh takes on American comfort food in an original…
The Hideout
RestaurantsLa Pizza & La Pasta
RestaurantsAt La Pizza & La Pasta, watch pizzaioli blister wood-fired Neapolitan-style pies while housemade pasta lands perfectly al dente. Pair with…
La Pizza & La Pasta
RestaurantsMilan Italian Restaurant
RestaurantsMilan Italian Restaurant brings the comfort-food side of Italy to your week with handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and a bar pouring rich…
Milan Italian Restaurant
RestaurantsLamella Tavern
RestaurantsLamella Tavern pairs a casually sophisticated vibe with excellent cocktails, bubbles, and small plates that lean oceanward... think…
Lamella Tavern
RestaurantsGarlic City Casino & Restaurant
RestaurantsSome nights call for friendly competition and a solid refuel. Garlic City Casino & Restaurant keeps it simple with California cardroom…
Garlic City Casino & Restaurant
RestaurantsPizza Factory
RestaurantsOrder-at-the-counter chain serving lots of specialty pies & other Italian basics.
Pizza Factory
RestaurantsCha Cha Sushi
RestaurantsNo-frills sushi spot offering specialty rolls plus an array of classic Japanese entrees.
Cha Cha Sushi
RestaurantsPasta Mobsters!
RestaurantsCasual takeout joint offering Italian comfort food, including popular garlic bread.
Pasta Mobsters!
RestaurantsFamous Dave's Bar-B-Que
RestaurantsOutlet of a BBQ chain serving wood-smoked meats & sides in an American West-themed space.
Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que
RestaurantsCalifornia Wet Burrito and Catering
RestaurantsCasual restaurant serving authentic Mexican fare, including signature burritos, plus beer.
California Wet Burrito and Catering
RestaurantsMorton's The Steakhouse
RestaurantsUpscale chain for aged prime beef, seafood & other traditional steakhouse fare in a clubby space.
Morton's The Steakhouse
RestaurantsBlack Bear Diner Salinas
RestaurantsEasygoing chain serving familiar all-day comfort food & desserts in a woodsy setting.
Black Bear Diner Salinas
RestaurantsEataly
RestaurantsEatery serving Italian staples and offering pizza, pasta and other cooked dishes.
Eataly
RestaurantsPho Mai #1 Noodle House
RestaurantsBustling late-night spot offering pho plus a mix of Vietnamese & Filipino fare in casual digs.
Pho Mai #1 Noodle House
RestaurantsUncle John's Pancake House
RestaurantsPancake restaurant serving eggs and hashes for breakfast and brunch in a casual diner-style setting.
Uncle John's Pancake House
RestaurantsLa Superior Taquería
RestaurantsHomey eatery featuring standard Mexican fare, plus a bakery serving pastries and bread.
La Superior Taquería
RestaurantsPizza Bocca Lupo
RestaurantsCreative & traditional wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas turned out in cozy environs with exposed brick.
Pizza Bocca Lupo
RestaurantsPalermo Italian Restaurant
RestaurantsEasygoing Southern Italian eatery offering pizza & pasta dishes alongside beer, wine & cocktails.
Palermo Italian Restaurant
RestaurantsThe Last Round Tavern
RestaurantsCasual eatery featuring sourdough-crust pizza, sandwiches and wings in a family-friendly setting.
The Last Round Tavern
RestaurantsThe GrandView
RestaurantsHistoric mountainside destination for classic American cuisine offering beef, veal & seafood dishes.
The GrandView
RestaurantsEl Cabron Kitchen & Cantina
RestaurantsCasual, colorfully decorated eatery featuring Mexican staples, cocktails and a dance-club vibe after 9pm.
El Cabron Kitchen & Cantina
RestaurantsNoah's NY Bagels
RestaurantsCounter-serve chain specializing in bagels. Also sells breakfast sandwiches & pastries.
Noah's NY Bagels
RestaurantsCafé San José
RestaurantsFamily-friendly spot serving a big array of breakfast specials & lunch fare like sandwiches & soups.
Café San José
RestaurantsLa Posta Restaurant - Santa Cruz
RestaurantsInventive Italian dishes crafted from local & seasonal ingredients in a cozy setting.
La Posta Restaurant - Santa Cruz
RestaurantsDry Creek Grill
RestaurantsUpscale casual eatery featuring steaks, seafood, small-batch bourbons & a cozy outdoor fire pit.
Dry Creek Grill
RestaurantsMimosas Cafe Willow Glen
RestaurantsBrunch spot with outdoor seating serving mimosas and breakfast standards.
Mimosas Cafe Willow Glen
RestaurantsSouth Winchester BBQ
RestaurantsGenerous plates of BBQ & sandwiches are the draw at this down-to-earth counter serve with a patio.
South Winchester BBQ
RestaurantsTramonti
RestaurantsContemporary-casual spot serving pizza & Italian eats such as pasta, calzones & chicken cacciatore.
Tramonti
RestaurantsThe Club On Post
RestaurantsAll-day option for burgers, brunch fare and cocktails, plus beer and wine.
The Club On Post
RestaurantsThe Barbeque Pit
RestaurantsComfortable eatery serving pit-smoked meats such as brisket, chicken and pork ribs.
The Barbeque Pit
RestaurantsThe Old Wagon Saloon & Grill
RestaurantsBurgers, ribs, Texas BBQ & beer served in a roomy tavern with Wild West decor & an outdoor patio.
The Old Wagon Saloon & Grill
RestaurantsMac + Cheese Kitchen
RestaurantsCasual American eatery in Terminal B of San Jose Mineta International Airport serving breakfast and quick bites.
Mac + Cheese Kitchen
RestaurantsGen Korean BBQ House
RestaurantsLocal chain offering Korean BBQ grilled tableside & ban-chan in a trendy, modern setting.
Gen Korean BBQ House
RestaurantsCole's Bar-B-Q
RestaurantsSnug joint offering hearty BBQ sandwiches & plates with sides, plus outdoor seating.
Cole's Bar-B-Q
RestaurantsTaqueria Lorena's
RestaurantsCompact counter-serve Mexican joint serving tacos & burritos with drinks in a low-key space.
Taqueria Lorena's
RestaurantsLa Victoria Taqueria
RestaurantsStudent-friendly quick fix for Mexican mainstays topped with the trademark "orange sauce" condiment.
La Victoria Taqueria
RestaurantsWhispers Cafe and Creperie
RestaurantsEasygoing counter-service operation serving a menu of crêpes, omelets & sandwiches.
Whispers Cafe and Creperie
RestaurantsHella Good Burger
RestaurantsSnack joint dishing up burgers, chicken sandwiches, waffle fries and milkshakes in a casual space.
Hella Good Burger
RestaurantsBuffalo Wild Wings
RestaurantsChain dishing up wings, tenders & burgers, plus sauces ranging from sweet to very spicy.
Buffalo Wild Wings
RestaurantsPizza Antica
RestaurantsThin-crust, wood-fired pizzas draw a bustling scene at this casual Italian standby with patio seats.
Pizza Antica
RestaurantsBlue Water Seafood and Crab
RestaurantsChill environment with quirky decor & nautical-themed drinks for East Coast-style seafood & plates.
Blue Water Seafood and Crab
RestaurantsWingstop
RestaurantsCasual counter-serve chain serving a variety of chicken wings & sides.
Wingstop
RestaurantsBetty Burgers
RestaurantsClassic American diner food reigns supreme at this casual stop for burgers, wings & more.
Betty Burgers
RestaurantsThe Farm House
RestaurantsDiner serving a hearty menu such as chicken-fried steak and steak sandwiches in a comfy space.
The Farm House
RestaurantsSugo Italian Pasta Bar
RestaurantsInformal Italian restaurant featuring classic dishes and pizzas in a casual space with outdoor seating in back.
Sugo Italian Pasta Bar
RestaurantsSTAGNARO BROS. SEAFOOD, INC.
RestaurantsSeaside eatery turning out seafood staples like chowder & fish 'n' chips with views of the Pacific.
STAGNARO BROS. SEAFOOD, INC.
RestaurantsLago di Como
RestaurantsCasual, intimate place offering Italian fare, including wood-fired pizza, plus a wine list & patio.
Lago di Como
RestaurantsQ Pot Korean BBQ & Hotpot
RestaurantsAll-you-can-eat restaurant with contemporary decor & classic Korean BBQ & hot pot options.
Q Pot Korean BBQ & Hotpot
RestaurantsToast Cafe & Grill
RestaurantsLaid-back eatery featuring a variety of breakfast-themed dishes alongside lunch eats such as burgers.
Toast Cafe & Grill
RestaurantsBurger Joint
RestaurantsSFO Terminal counter-service spot for breakfast fare & burgers from sustainable sources.
Burger Joint
RestaurantsPho Nhat Minh
RestaurantsVietnamese restaurant for traditional dishes, with a focus on pho noodle soup.
Pho Nhat Minh
RestaurantsPaesano Ristorante Italiano
RestaurantsContemporary Italian eatery lures locals with its traditional dishes served in a cheerful interior.
Paesano Ristorante Italiano
RestaurantsSmokeEaters Hot Wings
RestaurantsLocal chain serving beer, burgers & various flavors of wings in a casual space with sports on TV.
SmokeEaters Hot Wings
RestaurantsGiorgio's Italian Food and Pizzeria
RestaurantsCasual, family-owned Italian joint dishing up pizza, pasta & other comfort food standards.
Giorgio's Italian Food and Pizzeria
RestaurantsThe Point | Kitchen and Bar
RestaurantsAmerican restaurant serving breakfast, burgers, and other comfort food in a laid-back setting.
The Point | Kitchen and Bar
RestaurantsHenry's World Famous Hi-Life
RestaurantsBuzzing bar with a sports lounge, outdoor tables & TVs serving pub-grub staples & local beers.
Henry's World Famous Hi-Life
RestaurantsBibo's NY Pizza
RestaurantsTiny, unfussy pizzeria serving pies with daily made dough & sauce, topped with Buffalo mozzarella.
Bibo's NY Pizza
RestaurantsOriginal Joe's
RestaurantsBurgers, bowls, poutine & more in a lively, relaxed restaurant & bar that has happy hour specials.
Original Joe's
RestaurantsOveja Negra
RestaurantsAiry-chic eatery inside Hotel Valencia serves modern & traditional tapas plus shareable plates.
Oveja Negra
RestaurantsLazy Dog Restaurant & Bar
RestaurantsRelaxed, lodge-chic chain serving global comfort fare, including stir-fries, pot roast & pastas.
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar
RestaurantsAkira Seabright
RestaurantsLaid-back sushi spot with specialty rolls, local craft beers & funky street art-style decor.
Akira Seabright
RestaurantsHOME
RestaurantsCharming, cozy cafe with a homey atmosphere serving New American plates that skew local.
HOME
RestaurantsKazoo Sushi Boat – Japantown San Jose
RestaurantsAn ever-changing selection of sushi rolls & other traditional Japanese items in an unassuming space.
Kazoo Sushi Boat – Japantown San Jose
RestaurantsWOWMIA PIZZA
RestaurantsPizza option featuring Persian-style toppings and crust that can bring back childhood memories.
WOWMIA PIZZA
RestaurantsUrban Plates
RestaurantsChef-driven restaurant serving scratch-made plates, salads, sandwiches & bowls, dine-in or to-go.
Urban Plates
RestaurantsSmashburger
RestaurantsCounter-serve chain featuring signature smashed burgers, plus sides & shakes.
Smashburger
RestaurantsCharlie Hong Kong
RestaurantsRice bowls, noodles & other Asian eats in a colorful, counter-serve venue with an outdoor patio.
Charlie Hong Kong
RestaurantsEl Torito Azteca Food Truck
RestaurantsMexican eatery (often a truck) selling burritos, quesadillas, and tacos, plus sauces and burgers.
El Torito Azteca Food Truck
RestaurantsDave's Hot Chicken
RestaurantsPopular chicken joint featuring sliders, tenders and sandwiches offered in varying spice levels.
Dave's Hot Chicken
RestaurantsMakai Island Kitchen & Groggery
RestaurantsLively bar & grill for seafood, steaks & pastas in a marine-inspired space with a rotating bar.
Makai Island Kitchen & Groggery
RestaurantsA Slice of New York
RestaurantsPizzeria turning out thin-crust pies in a space lined with New York City street signs & graffiti.
A Slice of New York
RestaurantsBurger Barn
RestaurantsSimple counter-serve spot with outdoor seating for breakfast fare, burgers & other American grub.
Burger Barn
RestaurantsThe Table
RestaurantsNew American eatery showcasing a local, seasonal menu in rustic-chic digs with an open kitchen.
The Table
RestaurantsSmoking Pig BBQ
RestaurantsThis Southern-style BBQ joint slow-smokes ribs, brisket & pork & serves them in a modest setting.
Smoking Pig BBQ
RestaurantsAntipasto's By De Rose
RestaurantsKnown for old-world style ravioli, this homey Italian deli dishes up hot dishes & hefty sandwiches.
Antipasto's By De Rose
RestaurantsCrow's Nest Restaurant
RestaurantsSeaside restaurant with exposed beams & views serves an extensive menu of casual American fare.
Crow's Nest Restaurant
RestaurantsSushi Kan Japanese Cuisine
RestaurantsRelaxed Japanese find with a traditional feel & an eye for plate presentation plus a sake selection.
Sushi Kan Japanese Cuisine
RestaurantsEngfer Pizza Works
RestaurantsCreative wood-fired pizzas & craft brews in a relaxed setup with table tennis & other games.
Engfer Pizza Works
RestaurantsLillian's Italian Kitchen
RestaurantsCozy venue offers traditional Sicilian recipes along with regional wines in a warm dining room.
Lillian's Italian Kitchen
RestaurantsSliders Burger
RestaurantsUnfussy strip-mall go-to for large & unique patties such as ostrich & bison, plus a condiment bar.
Sliders Burger
RestaurantsTacos Panchito Food Truck
RestaurantsCasual, late-night Mexican joint dishing up tacos, quesadillas, and other comfort eats.
Tacos Panchito Food Truck
RestaurantsBookie’s Pizza
RestaurantsPizzas such as Detroit-style and BBQ chicken offered in a casual space.
Bookie’s Pizza
RestaurantsSUSHI KOYA
RestaurantsSushi rolls, sashimi & Japanese mains offered in a laid-back, airy restaurant with seating.
SUSHI KOYA
RestaurantsSushi Confidential San Jose
RestaurantsModern sushi house lures locals with its creative rolls & Japanese fare served in a warm atmosphere.
Sushi Confidential San Jose
RestaurantsTomato Thyme
RestaurantsNeighborhood bar & eatery known for its wood-fired pizzas, pastas & weekend brunch.
Tomato Thyme
RestaurantsJtown Pizza Co.
RestaurantsCool pizza joint (including gluten-free and vegan options) plus burgers, wings, and a bar.
Jtown Pizza Co.
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