“What an amazing food experience, the sandwiches are FAT and the options are many. We had the Cove and Sunset Sandwiches.The mozzarella melts in your mouth and the Brisket is accompanied by several other melodies of flavor.The merry band of people there serve amazong food with a smile and 5 Star Service.“
“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.“
“Excellent! Decided to take my family of 4 for Easter Brunch today. Corn beef & hash with scrambled eggs were delicious. I had the guevos rancheros, which was cooked perfectly. Denver omlette was amazing. Friendly staff, food came quick & the wait wasn't too long even during a busy brunch rush. Outdoor seating is nice & the chairs are made for your tush. Very comfortable! Enjoy!“
“A an amazing spiritual place next to Monterey bay. Chill out after 11am Mass and listen to the ocean 100 yards away.The garden used to be more spectacular in the past but still is nice.Book store has reasonable prices along with the drinks.“
“Fantastic first time to this family owned spot. Sat on patio while the music played inside on a great Sunday Morning. The service was just as great as the homemade food. Extraordinary. We will go again our first time there coming from up north“
“Steamer Lane is the place to be! Everything on the menu is delicious, and the staff are very friendly and care deeply about the community of Santa Cruz. Their menu has expanded over the years, and a lot of care is taken by the whole team to make sure the all of their offerings are really tasty and inclusive to all dietary needs.I have celiac disease, and typically feel safe eating here. They have a handful of very tasty gluten free items, and are very friendly and accommodating. I love the breakfast tacos, poke and other fish bowls, fish tacos, chicken leg plate, and the burger (with no bun). As with pretty much all places, not guaranteed to have no cross contamination, but if you want them to take extra precautions, just ask! I remind them I have celiac and they do a great job :)Dietary restrictions: Options for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free. You can ask for accommodations too (ie no cheese, or add cabbage)“
“It's a very good food. I've been to Cafe Brazil so many times and I never got disappointed. The food was always tasty, service was good. Going again tomorrow to have another lunch with my wife and expecting to get the same quality and service we been getting thru those last couple of years. I recommend them!“
“We love this place for dinner after a day at the boardwalk. Beer, tacos and shuffleboard in a relaxed counter service atmosphere. Highly recommend!Kid-friendliness: They have awesome grilled cheese and the kids are entertained by the shuffleboard while the adults finish our beers.“
“Such a beautiful experience! Very beginner friendly and such a peaceful atmosphere. They do ask that you be digital free for the time you are there inside, so if you’re looking for a spot to reconnect or go on a first date, this is the place! Everyone was super friendly and they offer games to play. Also a good place to just sit and drink tea while reading a book! It’s 16 dollars for the table and then you pay for the tea ranging from 5-23 dollars that will literally last you for hours! And at the end of the experience if you have not been there for long, they’ll wrap the leaves for you to take home! Love love this place!!“
“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!“
“OMG THE BEST PANCAKES I'VE EVER HAD!!!!!Bread and corned beef are made in house. Our server's name was Dylan and I can't remember the last time. I had such an attentive and helpful server. Everything in this restaurant is top notch. If you're going out for breakfast or lunch in Santa Cruz, I highly highly recommend it.“
“Achilles is by far the best Mediterranean food I’ve tasted and what makes it so much better is the customer service that surrounds you. I work for a veteran nonprofit, and I chose Achilles by the sea for a food option. The owner Elias personally reached out to me, and I have never ever received such kindness and support that I received from him. He is such a great guy, and the food that he prepares for his customers is beyond, amazing. I cannot explain how grateful we are for the support of Achilles. The veterans were so grateful and they all complemented on how great the dinner was. So, on behalf of Operation Surf, we want to highlight Achilles by the sea, and the amazing staff that supported our Veterans, staff and volunteers alike. Thank you again and I highly recommend you trying this restaurant, you will not be disappointed.“
“Scrumptious Italian deli with delicious sandwiches made to order in Santa Cruz. Awesome selection of Monin syrups also, in addition to ready made salads, sauces, and pastas. The sandwiches were delicious. I really enjoyed my Castroville Italian sandwich and my husband scarfed down his Eggplant Parmesan sandwich. My kids had the cranberry turkey sandwich. They also had the voodoo chips I rarely see and love.“
“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.“
“I purchased a bottle of 2017 Sangiovese wine. It was excellent. I went back and purchased four additional bottles. Only one bottle purchased was of the caliber of my first purchase.We were wine club members for several years and cancelled our membership when 40% of the bottles purchased did not mirror what we tasted at the venue. Overall, if you want a cool place to hang or love big bold cabs, this is the place for you. Buyer beware.“
“Coffee is yum! I got the mocha with the works, and tried the light beige (a blended drink) with a good bitterness. Saw a pink glazed donut topped with sprinkles and animal crackers and my kids devoured it. I do wish they had bigger size cups. Everything is one size - small - like the "tall" cup that you would get at Starbucks. Friendly baristas. Indoor and outdoor seating. Bowl for doggies to have water.“
“Came in on a Wednesday morning during Spring break. They were busy and a minor wait as they were busy. Staff was attentive, but not rushing us. The banana walnut French toast was just what I needed. Food came out quick enough for the 5 of us. All were happy and full. The live plants arranged seeing the restaurant were a nice touch. Bathrooms are single occupancy, but the are 2 and they were clean, always a plus for me to know they keep things clean. If the bathroom is clean the kitchen is likely as well. Looks like they're adding more outdoor seating. Would like to come back on a nice Summer morning“
“The worst thing about leaving a review for Pana is seeing their photos then feeling like "I AM STARVING!" We love getting the Pana arepas at almost every Sharks home game at SAP Center in San Jose. Haven't tried every combination of ingredients & flavors yet, but we haven't chosen wrong yet! So fresh, so delicious, and every arepa is always so "neat-looking," until we dig in! In addition, we like to add a generous squirt of their sauces, too; they add another yummy dimension to each bite!German, his wife, and all the staff we have encountered are friendly and accommodating, yet very professional and hard-working.* Wishing Pana much continued success!♡♡♡“
“Swell place, only been once, coming back for sure! Tried the light lager they had on tap - decent - and had a sip of some berry brew -not my preference, but it was a good brew. Looks funky with their beer barrels in the back and a humongous heated patio.“
“We came here after viewing the monarchs at Natural Bridges. My drink of choice is an espresso. I hadn't been here in many moons, so I forgot what the coffee was like. I prefer to have dark roasts, but many roasters are doing medium roasts now. This is definitely a medium roast. I probably won't return because there are coffee places in SC that serve dark roasts. It was a well-made espresso, just don't like the roast.“
“Great breakfast spot. Solid coffee and chais and tasty bites!! The bagels are BOMB and the have many varieties that were all good!!! The breakfast burrito was packed with flavor too!InstagramEat more WHOLE foods! ?????? Situation? The Works Breakfast Burrito? Kitchen Sink@FireflyCoffeeHomemade artisanal bagels, organic coffee and chai #FuelForAnAdventure?Santa Cruz, CA ??♂️“
“I'm not exactly sure what the restaurant industry would consider a 'destination restaurant' but for me it's someplace I will drive out of my way to get something I love to eat. Tramonti is one of those places, except it's not out of the way for me! The reason I love this place is the Prawns Diaviola. These things are amazing and better still, very consistent. Every time I order them they are fantastic. The ingredients are very simple, it's basically bacon wrapped prawns but they use a spicy Italian salami and Parmesan cheese. The secret is the brick oven! You get a great texture without over cooking the prawns. They serve other Italian favorites and they make a mean pizza too. Local beer on draft and a good wine selection complete the menu. They also make dessert in the brick oven, try the banana w chocolate! It's also a great atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor dining.“
“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.“
“We always order out, but it averages around 50$ for two sandwiches! But it’s really good!however this time I was trying to call in my order and kept getting the line is busy so I drove down and when I got there the person behind the counter says oh someone put the phone on do not disturb then says hahahaha I’m sorry! I had to order and wait 50min. With that I’m not happy but is was good! Just don’t think the owner would like the fact the phone was made busy?“
“"I recently visited Canton Restaurant with my family, and it was an incredible experience from start to finish. Sarah, greeted us with a warm welcome and ensured we felt right at home. The service was impeccable, and Sarah's kindness and friendliness made our dining experience truly memorable. Despite a busy evening with a large group, the kitchen managed to deliver our food promptly, and it was nothing short of amazing. Every dish was delicious and perfectly prepared.The price was more than reasonable considering the amazing service and high quality of the food. I can't recommend Canton Restaurant enough; it's a must-visit for anyone looking for fantastic Chinese cuisine and exceptional service in Santa Cruz."“
“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.“
“Ordered the flight of beers and they were all good. Great service they recommended the most popular ones and some of their favorites. Always good when they have food available. Was very happy with my sandwich there. Great vibe and look. Would definitely go back and recommend it“
“The food was ready to pick up when we arrived (ordered online.)Took it back to our hotel room nearby.It was absolutely delicious! If you’re looking for really flavorful , generous servings of high quality ingredients at a very reasonable price, you need to go to Zameen. And they also minimize the use of plastic. The next time we’re in the area ( we live in Hayward but were on a 4 day getaway) we’ll be back!Vegetarian options: The soup was amazing! Our entree was chicken salad but the non-chicken part had greens , carrots, tomato, pickled onion, garbanzos , and olives. Yum!“
“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.“
“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 Vegan Burrito is awesome. Made with soy chorizo, potatoes, spinach, avocado & green onion...just added cheddar and it was over the top awesome!! Ordered online and walked right in past the line out the door to my waiting order. So good!“
“My #1 personal go-to spot in Santa Cruz for amazing flavor and hefty portions, the doner here is the best I've ever had! I haven't been able to enjoy Nick the Greek since I tried Arslans, the difference in quality is night and day.I highly recommend this place to anyone and everyone who has not yet made the trip here.10/10, would recommend.“
“Genuine considerate service from both staff. Yummy coffee. Music on. Local art. Space and full menu. Wine as well. Wifi. Outdoor seating. Even half of those boxes is almost 5 stars. They have a little merch section as well. Thanks for the hospitality.“
Brewpubs • $$
“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.“
“Pastrami Ruben was pretty good. Sauerkraut nice good toasted sourdough bread lots of pastrami, meat and gooey cheese. Needed a little more thousand island dressing and or mustard. They have other pastrami combinations one with pesto and a cold one with cheese.“
“Parking: paid street parking. I believe they have a small parking lot in the rear.Seating: When I came, they let you sit anywhere available. There is indoor and outdoor seating. The outdoor seating does have heaters around. Bar seating is also here.Food: I ordered the chicken katsu and it came with rice and another side. It was good, especially with their pineapple BB sauce. I also tried the coconut shrimp which was really crispy and good.Service: you might have to wait for seating, but everyone I interacted with is friendly and helpful. The people at the takeout, the bartenders, and the servers. They have TVs all around the place showing premier sports like March Madness games.Drinks: They are really great for the price. You will have a great timeParking: Back of restaurant building and very small. Better off looking at paid street parking“
“We've been to Madson quite a few times now and always have a blast. The wine is great, vibe is rad and the wine bar is awesome. The place is really taking shape. The Pop ups we've been to have all extremely good. We joined the wine club as well as some friends we turned onto to Madson! Go check it out and see for yourself“
“You will not be disappointed! A wonderful little spot with delicious Eritrean cuisine. We had the vegetarian plate which consisted of various vegetable and lentil stews on a teff crepe. It was delicious and highly recommended.The fresh pomegranate juice was so refreshing too!“
“These are the best hot dogs I've had. The flavors and quality of the hot dogs are great and flavorful. The professionalism of Daniel and his passion for his hotdogs is outstanding. He also has great customer service. I highly recommend everyone to try out Happy Dog Hot Dogs you won't regret it one bit.“
“Stopped in because Vegan Pizza was advertised and did not disappoint! The hot honey topping was perfect on the melty vegan cheese/veggie pizza. The wheat crust had an interesting fold and was crispy. I highly recommend the cinnabread! I ordered the candied pecans and ate the whole thing before I left the parking lot. 10/10 will return for another tasty pie or six!Vegetarian options: Veggie options and even a vegan option, too!“
“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 ?“
“Best drip coffee outside of my house hands down. Shook me! Dark and deep, not bitter or acidic. Wow ?!Great bagels, split the Deluxe Lox and it was perfect. Tomatoes look like they grew them on the spot, ripe and juicy. Everything bagel is my jam.Bags of day old bagels up for grabs but you better get there early cause people were walking out the door with their arms full.Very ample fish and cream cheese to bagel ratios. ??Full and satisfied but looking forward to my next visit.“
“I've visited Santa Cruz numerous times, and I was so excited to finally discover this spot! We were driving through on the way to Monterey and decided to stop over for lunch. I had the "mini" chicken California burrito, which was huge and definitely fills you up as a meal. Their "large" burrito was listed as 5 lbs! My friends tried their tacos which looked amazing - besides mixing up one taco (carne asada instead of salmon), service was great and friendly! Seating is outside, the weather was perfect to enjoy lunch at one of the tables around the corner.“
“They greeted us as soon as we walked in. Recommended the whip cream and marshmallows for our kid’s hot cocoa. Kids loved the ham and cheese croissant and coffee cake. Loved the open space, large windows, communal tables, and artwork. Will be back again!“
“My son wanted at that marshmallow topping I've been telling him about. An outpost of the Santa Cruz legend, Penny Creamery, we found street parking and popped into this very small ice cream shop. $5.50 for a golf ball size $6.50 for a baseball size. Pricey, but they use fresh and quality ingredient. The mint chip tastes as if you are eating fresh mint! The lovely lady helping us was friendly, although definitely a bit sparse on the marshmallow topping. It was just a quick dollop and I think a wee bit more would have went a long way. The waffle cones at no extra charge are delicious and a great compliment to the creamy ice cream. Overall, really rich and smooth ice cream. A delicious treat, albeit a bit pricey for price/size.“
“Just popped in here the other day and was a very happy customer. The cronut is good but too sweet (like a krispy Kreme, so if you like that you'll LOVE this.). My test of a good donut place is their apple fritter. These were perfect. Fluffy and moist inside with a crispy glazed exterior. I also had the glazed old fashioned which was pleasantly enormous and very satisfying. With only 4 donuts (all MASSIVE) I took a LOT home for the wife.“
“04.18.24 Service was great, the young ladies working there were friendly and helpful, thank you to them! Location, interior/exterior, decor, seating, lighting were all 5+ stars, such a nice large, laid back environment to sit and work on your computer or for chat/get together w.friends.Now the bad; the hot Americanos were terrible. Tasted watered down, had a slight salty aftertaste. Thankfully did not buy a bag of beans from them.For amazing coffee we like Black Oak Coffee in Ukiah or Peet's in Scott's Valley. Avoid Starbucks as their beans (except for Blonde) is too bitter & acrid.“