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Best Fun Restaurants in Santa Cruz

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24 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Alderwood Santa Cruz restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(651)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary American • Santa Cruz
Booked 16 times today
Alderwood, under the culinary leadership of Executive Chef Mikey Adams, is dedicated to providing a dining experience that strikes a delicate balance between the comfort and warmth of home and the vibrancy of the downtown dining scene. Our mission is to offer our guests an exceptional and memorable meal that is deeply rooted in our commitment to fostering a genuine connection between our open kitchen and the local community. We welcome you to join us for an unforgettable culinary journey that celebrates the essence of togetherness and exceptional cuisine.
A photo of Laili restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2865)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • Santa Cruz
Booked 34 times today
Laili is our expression of love through food and service. We offer a unique menu made up of fusion Afghani Mediterranean items that include kabobs, wraps, flatbreads, pastas, and spiced lamb and chicken dishes as well as delicious vegetarian options.Laili Restaurant "BEST MIDDLE EASTERN RESTAURANT", Good Times 2023, Voted #1Rich Mediterranean Flavors with a Unique Afghan Twist in the Heart of Downtown Santa Cruz.Currently taking reservations for lunch and dinner, walk-ins welcome too.Dine in our elegant, secluded, off street patio. Visit our website for event information.
A photo of Oblò restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(56)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Santa Cruz
Booked 9 times today
Modern Italian cuisine with Californian influence, sit in our beautiful dining room or enjoy one of our amazing craft drinks in the comfort and cozy lounge bar area.Our chef Andrea designed an innovative menu that perfect match with the list of cocktails craft from the Bar manager Keith Fox.
A photo of Chocolate the Restaurant restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(86)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Cruz
Booked 9 times today
Now celebrating 25 years, Chocolate the Restaurant provides an attractive dining environment for couples on dates, friendly meetings, and special occasion meals. Dine outside on the heated garden patio. Celebrate special occasions with up to 25 guests in the private street-side party room. Maybe start with a Chocolate Martini or a Passion Fruit Margarita. Chef David Jackman's fresh baked pasta rosettes, slow-roasted meats, and delicious seasonal organic vegetable dishes are all a prelude to our many chocolaty desserts. Our wine list focuses on local and on Italian wines. Our cocktails are all made from scratch; often using locally distilled spirits, and always using fresh house-made mixers. We are at your service for dinner every night! Afternoon walk-up cafe' service Friday thru Sunday. . We are open for dinner every holiday except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
A photo of Gabriella Cafe restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(976)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Santa Cruz
Booked 13 times today
Gabriella Cafe is a charming, romantic Italian restaurant in downtown Santa Cruz. Reviewers love the creative and locally-sourced options, excellent service, and the ambiance of the place. One reviewer said it's 'always great food and atmosphere, cozy and intimate'. It's perfect for a quiet lunch or a special occasion, offering a European atmosphere and a variety of menu items.
A photo of Oswald restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1614)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Santa Cruz
Booked 13 times today
Oswald is a contemporary American restaurant and bar that focuses on the abundance of delicious ingredients found on the central coast of California. Oswald features an eclectic, international wine list and an exciting, seasonal bar program. While the decor is spare and modern, the atmosphere is comfortable and relaxed. Oswald features new art shows every two months. We do have first come tables available in the lounge as well as bar seats.Come by and see if there is a table or seat for you.
A photo of Mozaic - Santa Cruz restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(475)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • Santa Cruz
Booked 2 times today
We named our restaurant Mozaic because we wanted to capture the diversity of flavors and culmination of authentic Mediterranean dishes that we offer. We bring together the best of Mediterranean recipes from Greece, Lebanon, Turkey and Sicily, emphasizing Middle Eastern influence. Our menu is hand-crafted after years of experience in the restaurant business knowing what people like. We make every dish completely authentic, utilizing 100 years old techniques that have been passed down through generations to bring you incredible flavor. COME AND TASTE THE DIFFERENCE We seek only the best, local ingredients. We use high-quality meats, like our Australian lamb tenderloin and select only sustainable seafood. Our lavash comes from an authentic Persian bakery. Everyone wants family. Mozaic is a warm and inviting atmosphere where everyone can feel at home. Come enjoy our incredible and lush atmosphere.
A photo of Woodstock's Pizza - Santa Cruz restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(33)
Price: Moderate
• Pizzeria • Santa Cruz
Booked 2 times today
Legendary taste meets an epic party scene at Woodstock’s Pizza in downtown Santa Cruz. Bring your friends for mouth-watering pizza and our famous Wildebread. Woodstock's offers a fast casual dining experience with counter ordering and delivery to your table.Bring your friends for award-winning pies, sides and suds. Your choices are endlessly customizable; we have options for most dietary restrictions, including gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, and lactose-intolerant. Try our signature wheat crust and exclusive extra zesty sauce, and watch us load on the freshest, highest-quality toppings. Woodstock's has 16 taps serving some of the most innovative craft beers, along with a selection of bottled beers and wines. We specialize in groups of all sizes, with flexible seating and a pet-friendly heated patio. Join the fun at our weekly Trivia and Pint Nights. We're open from lunch to late night, and we deliver throughout Santa Cruz. We accept reservations f
A photo of Rosie McCann's Irish Pub & Restaurant - Santa Cruz restaurant
4.1
Excellent(44)
Price: Moderate
• Irish • Santa Cruz
Booked 2 times today
Rosie McCann's Irish Pub is located in Santa Cruz, California and specializes in serving homemade Irish pub fare. The restaurant features a neighborhood bar atmosphere and offers a full-service bar with over 25 beers on tap.Rosie McCann's Irish Pub serves lunch and dinner daily and offers an additional brunch service on weekends. Brunch fare at the restaurant consists of steak and eggs, corned beef hash and eggs, eggs Benedict, buttermilk pancakes and more. Lunch and dinner at Rosie McCann's Irish Pub features a variety of appetizers, salads, soups, entrées, steaks, Irish favorites, grass fed burgers, pasta and sandwiches.
A photo of Ideal Bar & Grill restaurant
4.4
Awesome(304)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Santa Cruz
Booked 9 times today
Fun, family friendly dining with a beautiful view of Santa Cruz Main beach and the Municipal Wharf! We offer out side seating on our sunny deck! Come down and try our award winning clam chowder today! Reservations are for our inside dining room only.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Milan
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Celebrated our anniversary, and everything was exceptional! Highly recommend the chef counter if it’s available as it was great seeing the magic being made. The service was attentive and kind, and the food definitely exceeded our expectations. The lamb pasta was our favorite. Will return soon.
    More info
    Alderwood Santa CruzPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Santa Cruz
    4.7
  • Cindy
    San Diego •15 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    The food is good, but the portions are small. The prices are on the high end .
    More info
    LailiPrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• Santa Cruz
    4.7
  • Christine
    San Francisco Bay Area •12 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Pasta Rosettes, pasta w bolognese sauce, pork mole, all desserts were delicious. Chicken parm was a little dry and chicken soup was ok. Service was slow and one of our orders came late but all of our servers were nice, attentive and kept water for the table coming.
    More info
    Chocolate the RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Cruz
    4.6
  • BethVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •11 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    The food and service were great! We shared the focaccia bread, the arugula salad and the mushroom ravioli with chicken apple sausage. All were excellent. I recommend this restaurant.
    More info
    Gabriella CafePrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Santa Cruz
    4.7
  • DavidVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •16 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on 15 Dec 2024
    My friend had the seafood pasta she had the gluten-free pasta which added two dollars to the service. I had the special which was a beef tenderloin tortellini style pasta with a creamy sauce, which was very good. My friend had the seafood pasta, she really enjoyed it. She thought it was an excellent value, and the flavor was very good. I like the overall feel of the restaurant. I like the fact you’re not freezing inside of it which it can be a problem with many restaurants in Santa Cruz. This restaurant was very warm and comfortable and we will definitely be back with friends. 
    More info
    OblòPrice: Expensive• Italian• Santa Cruz
    4.7

Discover best fun restaurants in Santa Cruz

Discover the vibrant and eclectic dining scene in the Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos area, where fun meets culinary innovation. Whether you're planning a lively evening out or a unique culinary adventure, this region offers an array of restaurants that cater to those looking to add a spark of joy and entertainment to their dining experience. Each venue is characterized by a playful ambiance, creative menus, and a commitment to providing a memorable dining experience. From waterfront dining options that merge scenic views with delectable dishes to cozy eateries nestled in the heart of downtown, there's something to satisfy every taste and occasion. These restaurants are renowned for their enthusiastic service and their ability to provide not just a meal, but a truly enjoyable dining event. Perfect for both locals and visitors, this area promises a fun-packed dining experience that pairs the relaxed, scenic backdrop of the Santa Cruz Bay Area with innovative culinary delights. Embrace the charm and excitement of dining in a locale where every meal is served with a side of fun.

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