Restaurants in Santa Cruz

“Everything is on point. Great price point, friendly staff. And beyond good food, I cannot stress that enough. Hangover cures to delightful breakfast/brunch/lunch.Try the loco moco, the curry is the reason I’m leaving this 5 star review”

“The staff really make the spot. They clearly care about the job which speaks volumes to the quality of the restaurant. This is one of the hidden gems of Santa Cruz as far as high quality food, but expect to pay accordingly. Staff is there every day prepping even in their days closed and they receive fresh local ingredient deliveries daily.”

“Tasty breakfast. I had the machaca scramble. The tomatilla salsa that was provided was fantastic. The meal came with a choice of different toasts, but I was able to substitute corn tortillas. I'll be returning to try the chicken fajita omelet.Vegetarian options: There are vegetarian options like chilaquiles and huevos rancheros but vegans would be hard-pressed to find something.”

“Soup dumplings are so delicious! They're so good you don't even need any chili oil or anything.A few years ago I stopped eating chow mein because it was always sad cardboard, but here it's delicious and fresh!Did I mention the delicious soup dumplings?The tofu and celery veggie dish was different and tasty, the steamed bao was really yummy and the food all came out super quick.”

“I love this little restaurant and will definitely return to try many other menu items from the dinner menu. I had the spicy calamari red sauce on bucatini this time from the pasta bar menu for lunch. The pizza my husband had was delicious.”

“For vegan and fermented food lovers, this should be top of your list. The owner Katie is so on point with all of her recipes and the concept, it's truly a gem. Katie has always been super accommodating and we love to come in with our dogs And visit. The mushroom lattes are really strong with their adaptogenic benefits, I recommend to drink them slowly, if ordered! The cinnamon roll snail is one of the best things I've ever tasted, and Katie's version of a spring roll, the nomsters, just wowww. Their menu is super seasonal and always dynamic and changing. Another dish to call out is the pesto pasta, even the pasta is made from wheat grown organically and locally. Really just an amazing and tasty and comforting dish. There is one employee that sometimes seems like she is bored or, tired of her job or whatever, but I won't knock a star off because Katie is amazing and probably doesn't even know about this employee's attitude. This is a 10/10 establishment. Café is also just cutely decorated and truly just so comfortable and yellow and sunny and bright, makes me happy to walk in the door.”

“Amazing!!!My husband and I made reservations for our anniversary. As soon as we walked in, I loved VIM. It's beautifully decorated and everyone is welcoming. They even printed Happy Anniversary on the menu for us We ordered the butter charcuterie board to start. It was delicious and I could have eaten a pound of the butter. Our cocktails were great and we had seconds. I had the bass and my husband had the pork and we left no crumbs! We also got the chocolate cake and the pumpkin cheesecake to go, and those were fabulous. Everything was fabulous and we will absolutely be back!”

“Loved the location and the ambiance. Staff is attentive without being overbearing. The Caesar salad is the best I've had with whole cloves of marinaded garlic and whole ”

“The best Mongolian bbq I’ve had with a very good price! You get two bowls at a time and there’s even rice, soup, and ice cream! I would definitely come back to this place?”

“Great food, great service. What you expect from fine dining. It's a small place so I'm hoping that will help them stick around until they get popular. Lotta fresh seafood options. Homemade desserts.”

“Went to Copal on Easter Sunday 2024. We had a 4:45 pm reservation that was made online two days prior and verified via return phone call on Saturday.My friend had a screen shot of her online verification since it was for a holiday and she intended to stop by in person to verify but since Copal called her back to confirm she didn't worry about it. I used to live in Oaxaca and I was super excited.The wait staff were vivacious, friendly and attentive. My friend had enchiladas, I had the Quesadillas del Mercado. We also got sides of Chapulines and Nopalitos. I really wanted to try the green mole but didn't want another entire entree. They graciously accomodated with a side of green mole and a side of grilled chicken. I also got Aqua de Jamaica. Everything was delicious! I skipped the beans becsuse they were too firm but my friend loved them. The nopalitos were chopped into a salsa with onions. The Quesadillas were fantastic and more than I could finish at one meal, and the grilled chicken was beyond amazing. It brought back memories of the father/daughter butcher team that I used to buy from at the Mercado near Abrahan Castellanos- the meat is cut thin snd pounded very flat over a block of ice so that it is tender and cooks easily. The Chapulunes were big and as good as homemade, yum! I will definitely order chicken with green mole in the future but I will opt for take out.The downsides: The interior seating area has terrible acoustics and glare from outdoors. It might be better after dark.The bathroom seemed to be flooded and in need of repair. The person at the host station seemed to be focused on driving patrons out rather than welcoming them in, which was very puzzling. The host rattled off about five different suggestions as to why we must be mistaken in the three seconds it took for my friend to bring up the screen shot of the confirmation. The reservation was not on their books. So be sure to take a screen shot of your reservation and be prepared to be treated like a door crasher.Bottom line, the food is outstanding and I will definitely order take out from Copal in the future.”

“Husband and I went here for our anniversary dinner and brought our 10 month old daughter along. Cannot say enough good things! It's always nerve racking bringing a baby to a nice restaurant but the staff were so sweet and accommodating and interacted with our daughter often. The food is out of this world. Got the Sunday gravy with their house made fettuccine and the short rib ragu with house made fettuccine. Easily the best pasta I've ever had in my life. Short rib is so flavorful and tender, sauce has a really deep flavor profile, and the pasta so tender. The atmosphere is what you'd expect for a bustling authentic Italian restaurant. Loud, low lighting, and high spirits.”

“Hand to heart — one of the best pizzas we’ve ever had! Got a tip from a local on the plane to try this and they didn’t mislead. Partners with a local ale house, which was also good. The Parmesan crisp around the edges of the crust made this next level good. Don’t let the thick crust fool you! It’s so light and crispy. We’ll visit every trip to the area.”

“This place has fantastic beers on draught and deep dish pizza. The soft pretzels are some of the best I've had, and the relaxed atmosphere is wonderful, too. Highly recommended, especially if you're a fan of sours!”

“Had flowers delivered to my mother in law and she was blown away by the arrangement delivered. I'm not local to Santa Cruz so I was really trusting the images on the website when I chose this shop. Her excitement about the arrangement was worth every penny. Thank you Flower Bar for making such a great arrangement and delivering it to my hard working mother in law. She deserves the recognition and I couldn't have done it without Flower Bar! 10/10 would recommend.”

“? Lasooni Wings - These were fantastic. Garlicy, full of spice, and very lowkey spicy with a gentle sweetness in the background, while the flavour of the chili (oil?) is the more major flavor with the garlic coming in after. It's just a slight tingle of spicy. Very tender and moist.?Garlic Naan - gentle garlic taste, and very gentle doughy background. These were good.?Chicken Tikia Masala - complex creamy savory spiced flavour throughout. Very gentle hint of sweetness and sourness. The chicken within is breast meat, cooked perfectly so it's not dry. We got the mild spice level, this was also fantastic.?Mango Lassi - I loved it. Not too sweet, creamy, light mango flavour throughout the background.?Overall, each time I've gone here, I've had a great meal.”

“One of our favorite Italian restaurants in SC!! Authentic and consistently delicious. I order something different almost every time and I'm always so impressed!”

“I took my neighbor's daughter at UCSC here for brunch. We got two Cali Croissants, one with regular bacon and one with turkey bacon, a ginger beer, and a Kombucha. The Cali Croissant is HUGE and will not fit into your mouth, unless perhaps you are a teenage boy. The Croissant was lightly toasted and delicious. My fruit side came with a nice mix of fruit: actual strawberries and blueberries, as opposed to just the standard grapes and melons. I really appreciated that. Service was friendly, but they don't really check on you when they're busy. They just brought us our food and the check. The only drawbacks are that it's crowded inside and the prices are not student-friendly. Not prohibitively expensive, but a little pricier than your typical breakfast and brunch spot. The quality of the food was great, though, so the pricing is somewhat justified.”

“Currently, I am traveling and I checked before coming to Santa Cruz where I could get a good plant food meal. Veg on the Edge had plenty of lovely reviews and when I saw they offered Obe Ata (Ashake Pepper Soup) I was excited to try it. Once I got there, Alex helped me and he was so friendly and attentive. He mentioned how they were out of suya mushrooms (although he put them in the oven, so I could try them later) and asked if I was okay with jackfruit as a sub. The soup was perfect. Spicy, lots of flavor, and filling. When I was finished, Alex mentioned that the mushrooms should be ready in 10. So, I went to Trader Joes (across the street), got myself a nice beverage for on the road for tomorrow and headed back to Veg on the Edge. The suya mushrooms were soooo good. Wow. Peppery, flavorful, hearty, anything you want a mushroom to be. Btw: the jackfruit sub was also great! Alex and team, thank you for the hospitality and delicious food.”

“It's not hyperbole when I say that Humble Sea makes the best beer I've ever had. The bummer for me is that where I live it's hard to come by. That's why when I'm in Santa Cruz I make sure to stop by and stock up. I've only stayed and had a beer once at the brewery but it was nice and clean plus they have a decent sized patio. To be honest they could be selling the beer out of the back of a van by the train tracks and I'd still go there.”

“Look no further than MjA tasting room , what ever your wine tastes are, you’ll absolutely find it here , a broad selection of wine varietals to satisfy the palate, our server Isabelle was awesome,, don’t pass this spot ,,,”

“What an extraordinary experience! Without a doubt, this establishment stands out as one of the best Italian restaurants in the Bay Area. From the moment we stepped in, the chef's warm welcome set the tone, as they graciously guided us through the evening's specials and highlighted their signature dishes. Our server mirrored this exceptional hospitality, ensuring every detail of our dining experience was flawlessly attended to. The commitment to quality shines through in every bite, with impeccably fresh ingredients sourced for each dish, including imported Italian wheat for their pasta--a testament to their dedication to authenticity. We began with the Culatello, which was the finest proscuitto of Italy, served with truffle "Carasau" cracker bread & rich straciatella cheese. From the first taste of the Carbonara to the rich flavors of the Parpadelle Ragu, featuring a sumptuous lamb-based sauce, every dish was a symphony of taste and texture, with the pasta cooked to a faultless al dente perfection. This dining experience immerses you in an ambiance that transports you to the heart of Italy. And to cap off this unforgettable experience, the special dessert, reminiscent of an Italian wedding cake, provided a sweet finale that left us longing for more. If you're seeking an unparalleled Italian dining experience, this is the place to be. Buon appetito!”

“They have a good thing going on here. Don't let the chef leave, they are good. Came with my family. Our server was a kind woman who went out of her way to make sure we were taken care of and brought coloring supplies for our girls (not just a sheet but full coloring books). The food was outstanding. The kids meny food was so good, they aren't dumbing it down or cutting corners, instead exposing children to great technique. They brought us little freebie appetizers which is always a nice touch. We sat on the patio on a nice day and I couldn't have asked for more.”

“?⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I’ve found my new favorite restaurant in Santa Cruz. When you walk in, you’re greeted by friendly faces, soft music, mood lighting, and beautiful live flowers on every table. It feels classy and tasteful with modern European vibes. But I think what makes it special is that it retains the coziness and charm of a local hangout spot too. I would happily book one of their tables for a romantic evening out, but I’d just as quickly meet a friend at the bar for a spontaneous glass of wine. It’s clear how much thoughtfulness and TLC has gone into creating the lovely ambiance that keeps me coming back (though I like to pick a day earlier in the week, as it tends to be a bit quieter). The Brussel Sprouts are an absolute MUST-TRY (hands down the best I’ve ever had) and the Chicken Piccata is gorgeously plated and *chefs kiss* just perfect. Their wine and beer list is great too, and I love how they go out of their way to showcase local breweries and vineyards. You should definitely give them a try if you haven’t already…This hidden gem deserves to become a local landmark. ?”

“The drinks & ambiance are great. I'd highly recommend coming here for the rotating bar or at the outside dining area. They have an interesting drink menu with standard cocktail pricing & the inside decor is amusing. The food is alright, small portions & high prices. The service could improve, but it was still a nice experience. Expect to spend ~$60/80 for two people.”

“This restaurant was recommended by a friend and when I walked in I was immediately impressed by how nice the restaurant is decorated. We ordered two appetizers, Mixed Bolani and Mantoo. The Mixed Bolani is "crispy flatbread filled with your choice of spinach or butternut squash". I preferred the spinach and really enjoyed the chutney that came with it. The Mantoo was like Korean mandoo but with a delightful tomato sauce on top. We then ordered five different entrees: Salmon Pasta Trout Roasted Cauliflower Filet Mignon Kabob Salmon The ingredients tasted very fresh. The salmon was almost sushi like in its texture although it was fully cooked. The trout did not have the typical strong trout taste. These were good things. However be warned that the trout had bones. The roasted cauliflower and filet mignon were also good. However in the end the four people that got rice all thought their plates had too much rice and wished they had ordered a pasta dish instead. Everyone also agreed that the appetizers were better than the entrees. For dessert we had the Baklava and Rose Meringue. The baklava fans said that the baklava was good. However some of us did not expect the Rose Meringue to be so sour.”

“Wow, this place is fantastic and so comfy! Their service is top-notch, and teaming up with Sampa Brazilian Kitchen adds to the whole customer experience. I'll definitely be returning for more”

“I visited this Namaste location recently and had a good meal. The restaurant has a nice ambiance and the servers are friendly and attentive. We had the khadai bindi, a flavorful dish with okra. The okra was lightly charred which gave it a delicious texture and flavor. It was slightly salty for my taste but I enjoyed it. We also had the adrak ki aloo gobi, a dish with cauliflower and potatoes. This one was spicier but good. Vegan items are clearly marked on the menu.”

“We loved this food truck and our go-to for fish and chips. The curry ketchup was something I have never tried before and now bounce between that and malt vinegar.”

“Sunday morning brunch regular at the bar for about a year now. Esteban and Luis are the BEST! :) Always friendly while pouring the most delicious custom Skinny Margueritas, couldn't ask for better bar staff. The only other thing I could ask for is a jalapeno burger menu offering which is the only thing missing from their menu. Other than that, 5/5.”

“Weekend brunch was delicious and not crowded at all. Friendly service and easy parking will make this a place we come back to. We had the chicken and waffles and the carnitas benedict with polenta instead of the English muffin. Highly recommend.”

“Every time I’ve been here (four times) there have been four different bartenders…I wish I could remember their names because they’ve all been awesome. One brought leftover thanksgiving sweet treats and shared with me. She didn’t know me from any jackass on the street. Totally recommend.”

“Gilman Brew Pub is a good newly renovated space in the Whole Foods parking lot in Midtown.The New hours open every day made me change my original grocery shopping plans I had that day. ;)Great variety of Fresh brew & food selections. I ordered the Crispy Chicken Sandwich with fries.Gilman is a nice addition to the neighborhood. Tons of free parking in parking lot will be a popular location for regulars.The combo was delish.”

“Fun please 6 to meet friends, get a drink, have some food. Enough variety that everyone should be good from vegans through meat eaters. Has heat lamps for outside seating. Love music weekend nights.”

“My bookclub was having its first meeting and after reading reviews and looking at the pictures this seemed like the coziest spot to delve into literature. I called a week earlier to reserve a table for 8 and was quickly accommodated. Not to mention whoever answered and took my reservation was kind, friendly and had great phone etiquette. When I walked in our reservation was clearly marked and the woman pouring wine and acting as hostess was amazing. She was quick to get our tastings together and made sure to ask if we needed anything and was just so pleasant all around. We all mentioned how we wished we new about this soot sooner. Wine was nice and I ended up buying 2 bottles. Looking forward to my next visit.”

“Food tastes GREAT! A little more expensive that Sushi Garden, but I really like the taste here. WE had the tempura combo as an appetizer, and then I had flank steak and a sushi roll. My friends had Donburri and pork Tonkatsu. Not much on ambience or atmosphere, but you come here for the food. Parking in the back sucks - there just is not enough because Ace hardware, Real Thai Restaurant, the Bagelry and laundromat are here also.”

“Love this place. They’ll let you try what’s open until you find something you like. The atmosphere is super cozy, one of the better hangouts in Santa Cruz that isn’t a dive bar.”

“The best beer in Santa Cruz. Go on a week night or Sunday because it fills up with annoying SJ tech types on Saturdays. Original Socks and Sandals voted the best Hazy IPA by my friend group. Perfect way to end a bike ride.”

“Excellent coffee quality and espresso quality. Skip verve and come here. This little coffee cart has the best coffee in Santa Cruz. I don't even touch on the quality of the drinks.... They're damn good too. Excellent cappuccino texture.”

“Great service. We walked in and were seated very quickly. Our waiter was so kind and attentive to us! She was so sweet I cannot remember her name but everyone who helped out was so nice. The food was so delicious - I ordered the fish tacos and the pork tacos and both were so unbelievably delicious. This is a great spot for dinner in downtown area - would love to return!”

“This place definitely deserves 5 stars. The food was very delicious and tasty. The flavors were very delicate and had a somewhat Asian note. The scallops and the salmon were amazing. We couldn’t decide which one was better. It was the juiciest salmon my husband and I ever had.”

“I was most excited to try Barcelonetta when driving through SC for a couple days from the city and overall, found it to be a pretty good experience. So we wanted the paella and some tapas and well enough, the restaurant had a set menu designed to cater to that perfectly. And honestly if you have an appetite, definitely do this because understand that paella takes a while to make and our waitress did a great job of slowly delivering dishes to us in a means that made the wait feel reasonable (a restaurant that brings their apps before the entrees, smart thinking lol). Great organization to the dining experience here.Jamon Croquetas are simple but insanely good... the right amount of crisp and perfectly cheesy, meaty filling. I was thinking that these would be great if served with either a light sauce or some kind of sweet dip or drizzle.Whipped Feta & Beets/ Fruits: honestly thought this would be an afterthought plate but wowww, this was incredible. A rich feta flavor in every scoop and paired with your choice of various beets/ fruits and some pistachios. Fantastic!Potato balls, nothing too insightful to say they were really good, maybe a bit potato heavy on the filling, preferred the jamon ones we gotHoney salmon toast was the perfect amount of sweet and savory, though a bit small. Needed an extra bite or two to really take it in.Paella was the big one. For the price, you really get a lot of food. I loved that the shrimps were whole and cooked perfectly, same with the other variety of white fish, clams, etc. I couldn't finish this one because wow, overall the paella had so much oil and either due to that or my overconsumption on the appetizers, I was feeling kind sick about halfway through this dish. That didn't stop me because it was super delicious and the socarray was perfect but something to acknowledge lol. Would think that the fish could easily serve 3 or 4 people.So, food was pretty great overall. For me the restaurant atmosphere felt a bit clinical and not lived in from an interior decoration lens. But hey, everyone has their own tastes. With some drinks and tip the whole deal was about $150, which is pretty solid for a good dining experience for two.”

“Interesting experience worth a try at least once. The young lady bartender on a Sunday night was better than the young guy with glasses. I tried 2 kava drinks and didn’t really feel much. The cacao hot drink with habanero (does not come with kava) was tasty though! Dog friendly ?”

“We’ve been fans of Chef Damien’s other endeavors for some time but this iteration is elevated to new levels and might be the best kept secret in Santa Cruz! The food is a wide range from Asian fusion to Brewery pub classics. Each dish has a beautiful balance of flavor and richness yet feels light and clean. The beers on tap vary from other local spots so you try some new Monterey bay local breweries. The ambience is classic old diner mashed up with skate/ surf culture with rock leanings. Bar scene with a tv and kind, warm people equals, great spot to watch a game. In short, this place is a gem and we always feel like we are scoring a new secret spot. Go now before it gets line out the door busy!”

“After being transferred to Santa Cruz, I was on the lookout for an exceptional spot to savor some delicious BBQ ribs and tri-tip. For an entire year, I had passed by this establishment daily, which piqued my curiosity enough to try it out. Upon our arrival, we were warmly welcomed by an exceedingly cordial individual named Nick. He meticulously walked us through several menu options we were contemplating for our meal. Ultimately, we opted for the tri-tip and BBQ pork ribs.Nick's presentation and description of the offerings were impeccable. For our sides, we chose potato salad and beans, along with some toasted garlic bread. I selected a blonde IPA to accompany my meal, which proved to be a delightful beer choice. We settled into a window seat, enveloped by the tranquil ambiance of the place.Our visit was timed around 4 pm, which meant it wasn't overly crowded, but guests began trickling in shortly thereafter. Unbeknownst to me at the time was their Saturday night live blues band performance. While I'm uncertain if they perform during weekdays, Saturdays are definitively lively with music.The generous portions meant we couldn't finish our meal in one sitting. It was a lesson learned for future visits - to order less. Nonetheless, the food was scrumptious, leaving us with leftovers for the following day. We're already planning to make tri-tip sandwiches with them - Yum Yum!!!So, if you ever find yourself craving some top-notch BBQ fare, this is your go-to destination. The service is outstanding - Nick is phenomenal - and it seems Saturday nights are particularly vibrant. It's an ideal setting for a delightful evening filled with great food, excellent service, and a soothing atmosphere.”

“The veganized nachos were delicious!Has vegan cheese options (additional charge) and can customize some items for vegan options. if you want to customize to add more protein or add items, it adds up $.Server has said they can sub the meat, but I/they should have clarified how much each add on item was.Cool that they add a living wage tax.Vegetarian options: Vegetarian, have to modify for veganDietary restrictions: Ask about dietary”

“too much rice. I don't know if it's just when you order the all you can eat, but the sushi pieces were disproportionately large, with way too much rice. same goes for the California roll, disproportionately large and too much rice. it's in all you can eat so they charge you for what you have left on your plate. so they make the sushi difficult to eat ?other than that everything was fine.I can't say anything bad about it really.Kid-friendliness: there is a kids menu if you consider teriyaki beef or teriyaki chicken bento box a kids menu”

“Lunch with family. Friendly service. Well presented sushi rolls. Good variety of specials. Huge lunch specials. Miso soup starter. Great wall art depicting sushi rolls.”

“Outstanding restaurant, particularly with food and service. We arrived on a very busy, rainy Friday evening and put our name on the waitlist. It was a short wait so we decided to just wait there. We were treated with incredible hospitality from the beginning- someone (maybe the GM, I’m not sure his role) chatted with us while we waited and we immediately felt at ease and even more excited about the meal we were about to have. Our server was a consummate professional and she basically read my mind and made sure i had some mozz on my pizza. The food was some of the best I’ve had in Santa Cruz. But what makes me most eager to return is the wonderful experience of being welcomed as a guest at this lovely restaurant.”

“The server was really nice and recommended some great dishes. The serving sizes were nice and large and the food was really fresh and delicious. Will definitely go back.”

“The appetizer pictured was really good. It was a bit much for an appetizer so I couldn't finish my dinner. It was like eating breakfast right before dinner. But it was tasty. I'd go back just for that. I had the brisket for dinner, which was also very good. The place was nearly empty, yet they squeezed us next to another table right by the kitchen. So now I hate them. There a parking garage close by but it gets a lot of traffic. Beware the homeless sleeping in the stairwell. They're harmless. Just don't trip stepping over them.”

“I had a lettuce wrap burger, cooked perfectly medium rare, with avocado, and it was delicious! The fries weren't bad either. The place was extremely busy on a Friday evening, but the staff knocked it out of the park. Great job!”

“Literally was browsing Maps for a place to eat, and the menu made us come here for dinner. I’m really glad we did. The staff were incredibly sweet, and kind of funny. The restaurant is really nice inside - perfect for impressing that special someone. It was hard to pick out entrees out of the great selection. The apps on the other hand we knew exactly what we wanted - hummus and FIRE CHEESE. Yes, they light it on fire at the table. The pita was incredible and I could have filled on up on just that. But I had to eat my Paella! The servings of the entrees are really manageable.I forgot to mention the drinks! My raspberry lemon drop was so tart and delicious! My friend got the hibiscus drink and she loved it as well.”

“Stopped by at 7:55pm on a Saturday night, and got a table right away. We picked it because it was open and one person wanted pasta, another wanted a salad. The host says, "Just in time for the show." We had no idea what a treat we were in for! Moments later, what seemed to be a majority of the staff donned hats and boas and burst into a dance routine that lasted for 15 minutes! It was hilarious and fun and energetic - I didn't know where to look! I have no idea if this dance show is scheduled or we were just super lucky, but it made our night. The staff appeared to be enjoying themselves, which made it even more fun for us to watch. The food was just fine - we were all happy with our meals. But it was the dance show that prompted me to give the 5 stars! Hard to find dinner and show these days!”

“Great food, drinks, wine and service. Nice to have the "real deal" and not some new age fancy unreadable pretentious menu. Will always go back when in Santa Cruz.”

“Cute tasting room! He sources his grapes from lodi, santa cruz and Morgan Hill. The tannat was great and the first time I've ever tried it ! Thanks Michael:)”

“Best dining hall of UCSC despite people saying that 9/10 is the best one... Here they have chocolate chips to add to morning waffles, they always have raspberry yogurt and oven roasted allergen free chicken every day. Staff is always happy and lively. Great atmosphere! Thanks Crown/Merrill staff!”

“My friends and I had a wonderful dinner on Sunday night. Jessica, our server, was very friendly and attentive. 5 stars for Jessica!!! She took great care of all guests even though she appeared to be the only server. All of our food was excellent. Bathroom was nice & clean. I would be happy to return on my visit to SC. Thank you Jessica!!!”

“This might be the dopest place in town. I don't get the negative reviews. To the mother feeding your baby formula with tap water- good luck. I have nothing to say but I agree with every single word said by the owner. I guess it wasn't necessary to give unsolicited advice but it was such pure intention and the advice was golden. To the guy sitting there without buying anything, yeah I think the shop has the right to decide they want you or not. And yes Jumba juice is total junk. So back to this glorious place. If you are somewhat a food purist and care deeply about quality and nutrition, this is heaven. I'm not a juice person, but came here for the coffee speakeasy. If you know you know. His coffee is KNOWN by every single legit coffee shop in town from what I gathered. It is THAT GOOD. Special shit. Single origin, check. Roasted in house, check. Organic, non GMO ingredients, check. Unpasteurized, local, organic, grass fed, pasture raised raw whole milk, check. Made in house small batch syrup, duh, check. I got the honey lavender latte and it was a pure blessing. I honestly wanted try anything on the coffee menu. I remember every single detail because I care. If you don't care then don't come. Good shit is expensive. Plus it's California, people gotta eat and live. So if this is not your kind of place go get Starbucks and jumba juice. No need to be bitter and negative. I will certainly be back as many times as I can.”

“My husband and I celebrated our anniversary here and loved it!We really liked the Margherita Pizza, the Brussel Sprout Salad and the Chicken Fusilli.We will definitely be back for dinner and will try their brunch soon. Excited that they are now open for brunch on the weekends.Highly recommend this local restaurant!”

“Stopped in on a Thursday evening after my friend, who was born and raised in Santa Cruz, recommended this place to me for the umpteenth time. I had to apologize an equal amount of times because I have been missing out. I visited just the tasting room because I had my two dogs with me. First impressions are important and the bartender was so friendly and knowledgeable. I had the Grapefruit and Grace first and it was a mild but still tasty drink. It was well balanced and refreshing. It really hit the spot for the 70 degree day it was. I finished it pretty fast because it was an easy drink, so be careful. I also had a mocktail (A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME), and it was just as refreshing without the kick, obviously. I would order it again if I wasn't in the mood to drink because I am a sucker for elderflower. I also got the popcorn which I really liked. It was very well seasoned (I must know the seasoning lol) and each piece had a crunch to it. I wasn't hungry so it was a nice snack that won't fill anyone up too much, yet it was satisfying. I honestly eat popcorn five times a week so I feel like I am an expert on the subject lmao I will definitely have to go back and have some more of the food and their seasonal drinks. It was a great first impression for a quick stop in!”

“This is a beautiful place. Wait staff is freindly, knowledgable, and on point. The space is well maintained and has an excellent views of the ocean. The food is delicious and served in a timely manare. I really loved their fresh bread!I had the salmon with an orange rosemary sauce, very delicious. The other person had fish and chips with fries, beautiful big prawns batter was flavorful and fish was good.The price is about $20 per person for entrees.Parking: Lots of spots, mostly full but there is usually a place to park.Wheelchair accessibility: Plenty of ranp to go onto the sidewalk and into the restaurant.”

“Suda is located near 41st Ave off of Portola Drive. I often forget it is here until someone invites me to lunch and this is where we end up. I have been here for a baby shower as well; they have a private party room in the back if you want to have a more private space with your friends. They have great brunch and lunch. I have only been here once for dinner and it is just as good. I usually end up getting the burger or fish tacos which are both really good. The atmosphere is really cute; they have lots of plants which makes the space feel inviting and cozy. I love coming here. They also have plenty of parking in the parking lot. If you haven't been here yet, you should definitely give them a try.”

“I have visited breweries all across the world, and this is one of the most interesting projects I've ever come across. Brad is an insanely knowledgeable brewer, with a phenomenal vision.I wish i could get a membership but alas there is only a wait-list available as of writing.If you get the chance, get your hands on his beer. Exquisite stuff.Brad, thank you for your dedication to the craft, and your pursuit of excellence: you've achieved something truly great with Private Press.”

“Real hit or miss depending on what you get. Sicilian Square - Solid pizza. Better that most chain pizza shops. Decent rise on the dough/crust. Acceptable for price. Thin Crust - Worth avoiding. On par with red baron or other store bought frozen pizzas. No rise or color on the crust/dough. Not sure if it's the oven or the proofing time but they just can't seem to make a crispy thin crust. Not at all worth price. Service - friendly and quick”

“The food was delicious. The scalloped potatoes tasted like the ones my mom used to make, scrumptious. The ribs melted in your mouth. The he bbq sauce was perfect, not too thick, just right and flavor was fantastic. We had a large party and everyone loved their choice. The server Clay, was friendly & attentive. The restaurant was busy and the volume was quiet and relaxing. Definitely a wonderful experience overall. Can't wait to go back. Thank you to the complete staff.”

“Been here 4 or 5 times in the last few years. We try to come every time we visit Santa Cruz. Always a bunch of great beers on tap. The food is always delicious! Lots of interesting things on the menu. Our service has always been great. We will continue coming back every time we visit.”

“I've only eaten here delivered to date, so I can't speak to the service or atmosphere, but its been good so far. Love the crystal noodles! Recommend them if you have a hankering for Korean food!Vegetarian options: Tofu and vegetables as options on several dishes”

“I don’t review things often, but this place deserves a review. The chef is an artist. We have eaten at Full Steam many times, gone to pop-ups, and farmers markets. His food is amazing. It isn’t traditional, it is leveled up. Yes, it ain’t cheap. Every time I pay I cringe a bit. But then when I eat I remember why it costs what it does. The broths are complex. The dumplings are robust. And the side gigs like his Pho pop up and Bahn Mi are special. And weird hack, I’m not a vegetarian at all, but some of the vegetarian dishes are better than his meat dishes. I hope they keep at it. As a foodie I think Full Steam is an important part of making SC a great place to live.”

“Amazing!!! Don’t judge the book by its cover. They had the best lobster roll with butter i ever had. Amazing blueberry pie. Its a must if you are winter or bar harbor area.”

“Often overlooked bar in Santa Cruz, looking out over Neptunes Kingdom. The pirate themed mini golf course provides a surreal background for imbibing beers and playing pool and pinball. If you go in winter, chances are you'll have the place to yourself.”

“I don't think they serve good, but I know the drinks are strong and tasty, and the Vibe is pretty chill. Love the people, and the bartenders. Never seen any drama or a fight happen. So it's cool.lol.”

“I'm giving this a 4 because I feel it has the potential to move up from it's secure spot as a three star...The beers I tasted were quite nicely done and the establishment has all the makings for success provided they improve on the customer satisfaction, attentiveness and food quality. Pretzel was average because everything served with it was improper temperature and subpar, at best. Still quality beers...”

“Good beers and really good sandwiches. Had a delicious bahn mi and my partner had a tasty grilled goat cheese sandwich. Nice spot to hand out on their patio and enjoy the sun.”

“My wife and I went to Solaire for a dinner date. Our waitress, Shirlyn, was on point. The food was amazing. I ordered the Samurai Beef Tenderloin and could have licked the plate. The tenderloin was cooked perfectly and melted in my mouth. Broccolini, baby potatoes and shitakes were fresh, tender and perfectly seasoned. The new chef has upped the food game for Santa Cruz.”

“After Whale Watching, we stopped by Aldo's because I wanted to try the Clam Chowder, which was just okay for me. We also had Calamri, it was fresh and cooked perfectly, the zesty white sauce it comes with was really good, also comes with cocktail sauce. The Dungeness Crab Cocktail was really good, crab was so fresh and tasted sweet and delicous. Was pleasantly surprised to see Guy Fieri's photo next to the menu. Because we used to watch his show "Diners, Dives, & Drive-Ins" a lot when we lived in Las Vegas, and whenever we traveled we tried to check out the places in the show. We ate at the park benches close-by, because we had brought our own food for the Whale Watching, and eating near the docks on a nice sunny day in Santa Cruz was such an excellent experience.”

“Firefish Grill, located on the Santa Cruz Wharf, offers delightful seafood dishes. The teriyaki salmon with vegetables is particularly delicious, showcasing fresh flavors and perfect grilling. An excellent choice for seafood lovers seeking a satisfying dining experience by the sea.”

“I used to live down the street from this place and would walk here for their food on almost a weekly basis.Now I live in SF itself and will drive over an hour to get some these days.Best cuisine in the entire bay area, hands down.Try the Mango Lassi!”

“This place has a great selection of breakfast & to top it all you can't miss the breathtaking ocean views!!! We ordered the eggs Benedict & the big breakfast & it was made to perfection!! If you are around Santacruz this place is a must try!!!”

“The four of us had a nice variety......roasted beet salad, crispy brussel sprouts, caesar salad, butternut squash ravioli (awesome!) petrale sole and duck confit!!! we had a time crunch to attend a show, and were given speedy and cheerful service!! The portions were quite generous with leftovers for another meal. we will definitely return!”

“Views are lit and food better than most of the other spots on campus. They got da flavor food here not the white ppl stuff. Overall Obote mid but the music here just lame mfs playing Taylor swift and one d and not even they good shtuf smh”

“Excellent food, amazing service. The duck served three ways was the light bulb and the accompanying salad was the perfect counter to the richness of the duck. The fried chicken as always was amazing with a wonderful stack of fluffy potatoes.The only challenge is parking, however, the service from walking in the door through the entire meal will make you come back just to say hi”

“It's basically the McDonald's of sushi. It's good in a pinch and goes down just fine. However, it leaves you feeling guilty or regretful for what you've just done once you've finished.”

“Club sandwich (added avocado) was very good. Onion rings were done perfectly and Arnold Palmer was very good. Ignored at the reception desk for awhile but after that service was fine.”

“It's good, pretty average as far as the UCSC dining halls go. It does stink like sewage outside, which is off putting.Vegetarian options: Same as everywhere else on campus. Clearly labeled options.”

“My boyfriend and I stopped in for lunch and they have all you can eat! Haven't seen that since before the pandemic. The fish was so fresh and the portions were larger than I expected. Our server was Alyssa and her service was the best I've had in a long time. We will definitely be back! This might be our new sushi spot.”

“The most recommended: seared black cod. The seared black cod I had was nothing short of spectacular. Cod remained wonderfully moist and flaky. Each bite melted in my mouth, releasing layers of subtle, buttery flavors that cod is renowned for. Accompanying the black cod was a serving of polenta, which was a delightful new experience for me. The polenta was incredibly soft and creamy, with bits of corn kernels that intriguingly resembled the texture of fish roe. Its gentle, comforting flavor balanced beautifully with the fish. Alongside, the spinach was prepared to juicy perfection, maintaining a vibrant green color and a fresh, slightly earthy taste that paired excellently with the rest of the dish. This combination not only highlighted the seafood's freshness but also brought a satisfying richness to the meal.”

“Wonderful food and service told the owner that we were celebrating my son's birthday and he brought him free CA roll with a candle and even sang to him! I would definitely recommend this restaurant.Kid-friendliness: Definitely great with my boy”

“Went to Santa Cruz on vacation and decided to find a local coffee place to grab a latte and oh my goodness. I got a creme brulee mocha and it was the most delicious drink I've had in so long. The whipped cream was amazing as well. Steamed to just the right temp where I could drink it right away, so it was gone way too fast. Thanks for the delicious drink!!”

“My wife, son and I came here for New Year's eve. I ordered the filet and it was solid. My son really enjoyed his fish and chips. My wife ordered the Seafood Fettucine and it was not good. I tried it, and it truly had very little flavor. The sauce was very plain, and dish was dominated by the zucchini, which was flavorless. Of course the place was packed, but our waitress did her best, we had to wait about 30 minutes for our table, but our bartender was on top of it. In some other reviews, people complained about the prices being high. When I first came here in 1987, the prices seemed high, every restaurant near the ocean in Santa Cruz has high prices.”

“The staff were polite and nice and the food was great, but I expected more from their service; It took around 10 minutes for someone to bring us water and another 5 for someone to come and take our order.Also the appetizer came a few minutes after the main dish.”

“What a gorgeous place to have a glass of wine! I’m so glad my friend and I stopped in to share a bottle of wine and watch the waves. The owner was lovely and we will definitely be back.”

“First off, their chipotle Caesar salad with carne asada is the best salad I've ever had. Beyond that, their salsa is delicious and their taco Tuesday and Thursday is a great deal for the size and quality of tacos you get. We are locals and come here a lot. I'm surprised that the reviews aren't better. We bought a locals wharf parking pass just to come more often.”

“Like many other reviewers, we used to go to Seabright Brewery pretty often when we visited Santa Cruz. Sometimes we came over the hill just for the salmon fish and chips. After the change in owners, though, like many others on Yelp, we visited once and never went back. (That visit was in June 2020.) Then we saw a news article last weekend that there is a new menu and we were already going to be in Seabright, so we decided to give it a chance. We sat outside in the gorgeous weather and remembered how awesome the patio is there. Here are some observations: Beer menu is great - they have local guest taps from the popular breweries in the area as well as a couple of their own taps. Beer price was reasonable. Beer was served quickly and was cold. Food menu itself is fine. No, they didn't bring back the panko-breaded salmon fish and chips that literally everyone on Yelp misses. Very few if any veg options. (You can sub a mushroom for meat on sandwiches, but no beyond burger or veggie patties.) I had the fish sandwich and the batter was really good. Very crispy breading, good-sized piece of fish, toasty bun. Could've used about a half cup more coleslaw on it - was a little dry - and could've used some salt in the coleslaw. Sandwiches are a la carte, so if you want fries, that's another $8 on top of the $16 sandwich. My husband's brisket patty melt was $18. We shared a sweet potato fry and those were delicious. Patty melt was good and not too messy or gigantic (though for $18, maybe it should've been more gigantic). It seems like they are struggling to have enough staff as there was only one server and the owner was running around filling waters for people. But I'd go back, if only for the patio and beer. Maybe I'll try a salad next time. I'll forever mourn the loss of the salmon fish and chips, though. #bringitback”

“Great place to eat! Combo A is my favorite and the lady that is the cashier is super nice. If you are looking for a new lunch spot this will definitely hit the spot! Great place will definitely keep coming back!”

“Great food, good service. My parents (80 yr) had a difficult time hearing seated at the middle round table but my 8 yr old son loved the lazy susan! We will be back for sureParking: We went on Sunday night at 630 and parking was an issue. There is a large lot but no street parking”

“We went with a group of seven. Easy to get a table since we called a bit ahead of time and the weather was wet. We ordered the big sashimi platter $140. It had a bit of everything, mostly salmon and tuna. Calamari, octopus, lovely sashimi wrapped up in cucumber, mackerel, little cucumber cups filled with tobiko. We enjoyed 6 or 7 rolls, all different, all good. Ended dinner with green tea ice cream and tempura banana w/ vanilla ice cream. Plenty of sake and tea. The server was attentive but not too much. We all had a good time. Recommend visiting Mobo, I will be back.”

“I don't know about you, but since the pandemic, I find it harder to find restaurants that offer great food, service, and ambiance at a fitting price for the quality. I had brunch at the View and was delighted with the food and ambiance. My son and I both ordered steak and eggs with a salad. We requested medium rare for the steaks, and the steaks were perfectly cooked. The salad was very fresh. The portions were fair. It was a simple meal but well prepared. The service was friendly and diligent, but perhaps a tad too diligent in insisting on clearing our plates (from two different servers) before I was finished with the salad and bringing the check before we asked. We felt a bit rushed. Other than that, it was a great brunch with a gorgeous view and surroundings. Overall, it still deserves 5 stars. Definitely is going back.”

“Go for margaritas!! Only stopped here for margaritas and they were strong. The staff was super friendly and this place is conveniently located next to the boardwalk.”