14 Best Italian Restaurants in Santa Cruz

La Posta Italian • $$
538 Seabright Ave, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Fresh Fettucini with Parmiagiano Reggio Peccorino Butter
Gem Lettuce Salad with Killer Bread
Pizza Margherita
Affogato

“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.“

4.6 Superb252 Reviews
Sugo Italian Pasta Bar Italian • $$
1116 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
Spaghetti Carbonara
Eggplant Parmigiana
Mousse De Chocolate
Chicken Parmigiana
Vegetariana Pizza
Lasagna Boloness
Chocolate Mousse
Caprese Salad
Beef Lasagna

“We LOVE this place, one of our go to's for a luscious Italian meal. We can almost imagine we're in Italy. The staff is stellar too; it was packed and they kept their cool and delivered. ♥️ I can't recommend a favorite dish as everything I've ever had is so good.“

4.6 Superb197 Reviews
Bedda Mia Italian • $$
736 Water St, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Gnocchi with Smoked Salmon
Ling Frutti Di Mari
Fried Calamari
Tiramisu
Caprese

“If you know what's good for you, you'll get the gnocchi. Wonderful, pillowy texture. Service was standard! Waitress was nice. No complaints.Ambiance was a little awkward only because my friend and I were the only ones in the restaurant for our whole dinner and they weren't playing any music. Granted it was a Tuesday, so wasn't expecting weekend crowds!“

4.6 Superb89 Reviews
Tramonti Italian • $$
528 Seabright Ave, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Fettuccine Alla Bolognese
Meatballs & Polenta
Stromboli Calzone
Margherita Pizza
Short Rib Ravioli
La Lasagna
Pannacotta
Bruschetta
Burrata
Short

“We came here on a rainy day, but the atmosphere inside was very lively and welcoming! We sat in the outdoor enclosed area with heaters! It was nice and super cozy! Service was just impressive and prompt! Food was great! They have vegan options to customize food! Wine selections and food were awesome! Will definitely come back hereDietary restrictions: Vegan substitutions available“

4.6 Superb72 Reviews
Lillian's Italian Kitchen Italian • $$
1148 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Black Truffle Stuffed Gnocchi in Pesto Cream with Filet Mignon
Fettuccine with Braised Beet Ragu
Wild Mushroom and Kale Ravioli
Ravioli in Tomato Cream Sauce
Prawns Scampi with Spaghetti
Garlic Bread with Mozzarella
The Specialty Pasta Diavolo
Spaghetti Alla Carbonara
Garlic Bread with Cheese
Braised Short Rib Ragu

“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.“

4.5 Superb119 Reviews
Ivéta Downtown Italian • $$
545 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Cheese Ravioli Pomodoro
Chicken Picatta
Caesar Salad

“?⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 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. ?“

4.4 Superb119 Reviews
Zoccoli's Delicatessen Deli • $
1534 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

French Dip Sandwich
Breakfast Sandwich
Chicken Sandwich
Chicken Pesto
Mediterranean
Garlic Bread
Pasta Salad
New Yorker
Ravioli
Lasagna

“I was informed about this deli, so I decided to visit there for lunch for the very first time the other day. I ordered one of my favorite sandwiches, which is a bloody red roast beef, with extra meat. It was one of the best sandwiches I've ever had! The meat was great tasting just super delicious. I also included in my order a bag of chips and a large coke, and a small bowl of fruit. The place was crowded, but it did not take long at all for me to place my order and get my sandwiched. Probably 10 minutes max. be returning to order another great tasting roast beef sandwich.“

4.4 Superb72 Reviews
Lago di Como Italian • $$
21490 E Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Tagliatelle Alla Bolognese
Casoncelli Butternut
Chocolate Mousse Bomb
Salmon Piccata
Fritto Misto
Caesar Salad
Prosciutto
Penne Pasta
Fish Soup
Seadas

“We went out to eat with friends at Lago Di Como Ristorante in Santa Cruz. It's a nice Italian place that serves really good food, including pasta they make right there. We started with polenta sticks for an appetizer, and they were really tasty and super crispy. For our main dishes, we had steak cooked medium-rare, which was done just right, and grilled fish that was very fresh and delicious. Everything we had was great, and we enjoyed our dinner.Vegetarian options: Also few good vegan options“

4.3 Superb79 Reviews
Upper Crust Pizza & Pasta Pizza • $$
2415 Mission St, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Sicilian Square Party Tray Pizza
Favorite Pepperoni Pizza
The Impossible Pizza
Original Meat Combo
Spicy Buffalo Wings
Sicilian Pizza
Veggie Pizza
Meat Pizza

“The employees are efficient, kind, and nice. Sadly, the pizza was not really good. It's not horrible, I just don't see me needing it again. Naturally, I didn't try every possibility, so maybe there is one that would be a huge success. The 'runny' cheese on my kids' pizza was a turnoff. They didn't enjoy the thicker pizza crust or the fact that it was served in squares because they were still children. But you know, that's just kids. Excellent location for a quick and filling piece of pizza, but if flavor is your first priority, you might want to explore a bit more.“

4 Good57 Reviews
Pizzeria La Bufala Pizza • $
725 Front St, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Margherita Pizza with Arugula
Slice of Pizza
Gnocchi

“I had the Pesto Gnocchi. Now I know why people like gnocchi. Amazing! They were so light, little clouds of potato and ricotta in a cream sauce. The sauce was delicious and not too heavy. I also got their simple green salad. It was very simple but the olive oil in the dressing was very nice. Whenever I eat something rich I like the freshness of something green and this worked perfectly! I will be back!“

3.9 Good43 Reviews
Kiantis Pizza & Pasta Bar Pizza • $$
1100 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Spicy Shrimp Pasta
Raspberry Lemonade
Pepperoni Pizza
Antipasto Salad
Cheese Bread
Fiesta Pizza
Spicy Pasta
Pesto Pasta
Breadsticks

“Solid pizza and pasta restaurant! Ask for Pablo! He went about and beyond with our party of nine and was very attentive to our children's needs as well as ours! Great variety of wines and cocktail selection. Reasonably priced appetizers, entrees and pizzas! All of our dishes were scrumptious, fresh and extremely filling.“

4 Good87 Reviews
Aldo's Harbor Restaurant Seafood • $$
790 Mariner Park Way, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Fugasia Cod Sandwich
Calamari and Chips
Prawn Quesadilla
Fish and Chips
Crab Benedict
Clam Chowder
Fish Tacos
Hamburger
Cioppino

“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.“

3.9 Good61 Reviews
Avanti Restaurant American • $$$
1917 Mission St, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Seafood Linguine Puttanesca
Dinosaur Kale Salad
Daily Fish Special
Braised Short Rib
Chocolate Mousse
Potato Gnocchi
Caesar Salad
Fried Cheese
Focaccia

“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“

3.8 Good51 Reviews
Gabriella Café Italian • $$
910 Cedar St, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Breakfast Taco with Salad
Brussels Sprouts
Porcini Gnocchi
Waffles
Fish

“The Open Table process was easy and simple. I received both a confirmation and reminder of the date and time of my reservation. Gabriella Cafe continues to provide excellent meals. Their menu is not static. It's always interesting to see what changes they've made to their menu. I've been here for both lunches and dinners unless than 5 times. They've never disappointed me. Try it if you've not had the opportunity.“

3.9 Good176 Reviews
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