2. Crow's Nest Restaurant
8.3
2218 E Cliff Dr (at 5th Ave), Santa Cruz, CA
American Restaurant · Eastside · 112 tips and reviews
Aditi Modak: The view from the patio is amazing. Crab cakes and patrale sole was simply delicious. Nice place to go for a romantic evening
David Crowe Sr: The sunshine and beach. Heard the food and drinks aren't bad either. La palma is also near and good, plenty of choices in one place.
Irene Kimmel: Sunsets are beautiful and during the holidays the sail boats in the harbor are decorated and make it very festive.
3. Laili Restaurant
8.7
101 Cooper St #B (btw Front and Pacific), Santa Cruz, CA
Mediterranean Restaurant · Downtown Santa Cruz · 44 tips and reviews
Sarah R: Get the roasted cauliflower or the trout. Good wine list. Excellent for allergies....they have a menu in the back with every single ingredient listed. Ask for it if you have allergies.
Nm: Didn't like the chicken kabob .. Eggplant and parmesan on flatbread is recommended .. Great service .. Little pricey .. Crowded ..
Nahid: Get patio seating if available (gorgeous). Great food, prices in the $20-30 range for entrees.
8. The Buttery
8.7
702 Soquel Ave (Branciforte Ave), Santa Cruz, CA
Bakery · Eastside · 47 tips and reviews
Nate Calderon: The best in town! Carrot Cake, Devils Food Cake, Sandwiches, Salads, Mocha's & Croissants. The list goes on... Just an all around fantastic place to hang out at! The barista's know what they're doing!
Sarah Williams: Eggs Benedict. All you need to know.
Brenna G: Wow. Four staff standing behind the counter, no one waiting, and you won't help me until I walk across the store, take a number from your machine, and walk back to the counter?
9. La Posta
7.6
538 Seabright Ave (btw Hall & Watson), Santa Cruz, CA
Italian Restaurant · Eastside · 7 tips and reviews
Judy H: Great wine list, loved the watermelon and buratta starter. The counter is the way to go for an engaging evening.
Matt Rodkey: Sit at the bar for great service and wonderful conversation.
Gabby H: House-made bread, salads are generous, pasta has good texture. (Hostess seated three new tables in green waiter’s section — didn’t work out well for us. He was great but in the weeds.)
10. Moe's Alley
8.6
1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz, CA
Dive Bar · 5 tips and reviews
Steph M: The bands are great, bartenders...depends on the night.
Marina Cazorla: Some great seats near the stage if you get here early.
Remezcla: Join the Bay Area’s cumbia band, La Misa Negra and Flor De Caña for a Latin Double Bill Dance Party at Moe’s Alley in Santa Cruz on January 30, 2015. Read more.
Sonia Wong: The lamb ribelletes are delicious! We also enjoyed the veggie dumplings and beef and noodle soup. Everything is handmade for you. The little wait is well worth it! Owners were great too.
Nick Lachica: Lamb ribs are the best! Get there early because they'll sell out.
Alex Price: Service was really slow, food came out randomly (only two out of five of our party had food in front of them at any one time) and portions are really small for what you pay for. Food was okay.
14. Bantam
8.0
1010 Fair Ave, Santa Cruz, CA
Pizzeria · Westside · 16 tips and reviews
Shannon Madison: Probably my favorite Santa Cruz restaurant. Great wine, great snacks (the olives are addictive!), great pizza
Jamie Pagels: What’s good: Chickpea farinata pizza with ricotta and rocket pesto, soppressata pizza with mozzarella and spicy honey
Sid Boz: Great salads and pizza. Delicious beers on tap. Good vibe.