 Local Dining
The Monterey / Aptos / Santa Cruz area is replete with numerous restaurants serving almost every cuisine.
Santa Cruz Country restaurants feature organic and local produce, fresh fish and meat, and a wide variety of flavors -- from California fusion, French, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Mexican, and many vegetarian options.
The restaurant options range from an unbelievable sandwich to multi-course dining by candle light. Want to have lunch on the water? Have a romantic getaway? Or just a simple, healthy, and enjoyable meal? Santa Cruz is a great place for restaurants.
Some of our local favorites:
| Name |
Description |
Town |
Distance (minutes)
|
| Theo's |
Excellent California cuisine, complete wine list. Beautiful garden. |
Aptos |
10 minutes |
| Avanti |
A wonderful casual Italian restaurant with wonderful food featuring local and organic foods. (profile) |
Santa Cruz |
20 minutes |
| Cafe Sparrow |
A delightful local restaurant featuring a nightly prix fixe special. |
Aptos |
5 minutes |
| Soif |
Fabulous wine bar with delectable "small plates" for sharing, fresh, seasonal ingredients, and wonderful wine tasting and wine-pairing recommendations. |
Santa Cruz |
15 minutes |
| Mobo |
Excellent "California-style" sushi, outstanding fish, crunchy mac nuts, and creative flair |
Santa Cruz |
15 minutes |
| Shogun |
A dynamic sushi bar with traditional cuisine and fresh fish |
Santa Cruz |
15 minutes |
| Oswald |
Intimate mediterranian dining with an absolutely first-class menu. (review) |
Santa Cruz
|
15 minutes
|
| Sestri |
Restaurant and bar featuring a lovely Italian menu in a romantic dining room. |
Santa Cruz |
10 minutes |
|
|
Unsurpassed Chinese; remarkable dishes. If you like spicy Chinese, O'Mei is not to be missed.
|
Santa Cruz |
20 minutes |
| Shadowbrook |
Gorgeous atmosphere, romantic and picture-perfect, ask for the river view in summer, and don't forget to ride the cable-car to the dining room. |
Capitola |
15 minutes |
| Sawasdee |
One of our favorites featuring fresh, well seasoned Thai cuisine (review) |
Soquel |
10 minutes |
| Palapas |
With a gorgeous ocean view, indoor or ocean-deck dining and "fresh-mex" menu with fresh seafood, a great local place. |
Aptos |
5 minutes |
| Crow's Nest |
Right on the beach, you feel like you can reach out and touch the sailboats coming out of the Santa Cruz Yacht harbor - features live entertainment |
Santa Cruz |
15 minutes |
| River Cafe |
A tiny restaurant with out-of-sight sandwiches, fresh soups, and an amazing assortment of cheeses (to eat in or purchase) along with a selection of gourmet products. (review) |
Santa Cruz |
15 minutes |
| Parker Lusseau |
An amazing French pattiserie near the Monterey Bay Acquarium, features fresh baked goods, excellent sandwiches, and high-quality coffee. |
Monterey |
30 minutes |
|
|
