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Best Mediterranean Restaurants in Santa Cruz

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3 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Laili restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2893)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • Santa Cruz
Booked 22 times today
Nestled in the heart of Downtown Santa Cruz, Laili offers an extraordinary Afghan dining experience that blends traditional flavors with a Mediterranean twist. This gem of a restaurant has been lauded as the "BEST MIDDLE EASTERN RESTAURANT" by Good Times 2023, a testament to its outstanding culinary offerings. Guests rave about the "tender and very tasty" lamb shank and the delicious flatbread paired with succulent sauces. The elegant, off-street patio provides a serene setting that transports diners to another world, making it a perfect spot for any occasion. With consistently excellent service and an array of delectable dishes, Laili promises an unforgettable Afghan culinary journey.
A photo of Chocolate the Restaurant restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(114)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Santa Cruz
Booked 3 times today
Chocolate the Restaurant is a standout destination for Mediterranean cuisine in Santa Cruz, offering a delightful blend of authenticity and innovation. Celebrated for its "creative and delicious" dishes, this charming spot transports diners to the Mediterranean with its "lovely garden patio" and an ambiance that feels like dining in Europe. Guests rave about the "fresh food," particularly the house-made pasta rosettes and slow-roasted meats, which are reminiscent of traditional Mediterranean flavors. Paired with a curated selection of local and Italian wines, each meal is a memorable experience. A visit to Chocolate the Restaurant promises not just dinner, but a culinary journey.
A photo of Mozaic - Santa Cruz restaurant
4.4
Awesome(480)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • Santa Cruz
Booked 1 time today
Mozaic in Santa Cruz is a delightful oasis of authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, bringing together diverse flavors from Greece, Lebanon, Turkey, and Sicily. With a focus on authenticity, Mozaic crafts each dish using 100-year-old techniques, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience. Reviewers rave about the "fantastic" and "amazing" food, highlighting specialties like the sensational lamb and outstanding baklava. The warm, inviting ambiance and attentive service make diners feel right at home. Located near the vibrant nightlife of Santa Cruz, Mozaic is a hidden gem where "everything about this place is great." Experience the true taste of the Middle East at Mozaic!

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • George
    California Central Coast •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Always a wonderful dining experience. My wife says the lamb chops are superb.
    More info
    EvviaPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Palo Alto
    4.9
  • TracyVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •140 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    My Husband and I celebrated my birthday. We had the Buttermilk Fried Chicken & Cornbread (yummy), Hamachi Carpaccio (always delicious), Brussels Sprouts Salad (more apple than brussels but good), Australian Grass-Fed Lamb Chops (delicious), Onion Rings (really good), and 1/2 Lb Hero Ranch 100% Black Angus Burger (yummy). The server suprised us with Caramel Popcorn Sundae (really good but I was stuffed).
    More info
    The Hero Ranch KitchenPrice: Expensive• American• Saratoga
    4.8
  • Louis
    New York City •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Laili is the BEST restaurant in Santa Cruz! My sister will be 83 tomorrow, and I wanted to take here out for a special lunch. Of course, I chose Laili and was not disappointed!! We had two different waiters, as one was going off duty. Both young men were friendly, helpful and had good senses of humor. (I'll admit, we had fun laughing with them!) The garden setting in the patio was even more luscious than usual, with fresh tropical plants recently added. The marinated beet, arugula and feta salad was one of the best salads I've ever had! The main course of lamb kebobs, 3 sauces, delicious white rice and arugula was very good, as always. My only sliight pickiness was that the lamb seemed a bit over-cooked, but that may just be my taste. Otherwise, it was all perfect. We enjoyed the special ginger ale drinks. To top it all off, here came a chocolate cake topped with fresh raspberries for my sister's birthday dessert, complete with a tiny candle, which she blew out. Fortunately, she shared the dessert with me!
    More info
    LailiPrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• Santa Cruz
    4.7
  • Mahesh
    San Francisco Bay Area •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on May 11, 2025
    Very nice staff and tasty food. Kind of a family run place - we have been here a couple of times. Service staff is minimal but they do their best to cater to all guests. We noticed that one of the beverages was not charged in the check and informed the owner. The owner very graciously thanked us for our honesty and told us that he was not going to charge us. THANK YOU for a good experience.
    More info
    Mozaic - Santa CruzPrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• Santa Cruz
    4.4
  • EddieVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •29 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on May 10, 2025
    05/09/25 weekly outing. Usual mini loaf hot and fresh as always. Oaxacan Mole chicken and also the usual chocolate desserts - chocolate ectasy sundae, chocolate cream pie, Victoria hot chocolate
    More info
    Chocolate the RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Cruz
    4.7

Discover best Mediterranean restaurants in Santa Cruz

Discover the rich and varied Mediterranean dining options in the Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos area, a treasure trove for food enthusiasts looking to explore flavors from the sunny Mediterranean coast. This region offers a delightful array of eateries that specialize in Mediterranean cuisine, with a special focus on Middle Eastern influences. Each restaurant skillfully combines traditional recipes from Greece, Lebanon, Turkey, and Sicily, bringing authentic, age-old culinary techniques to the table. The menus feature high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, including sustainable seafood and locally grown produce, ensuring each dish bursts with freshness and flavor. The dining scene in Santa Cruz is vibrant and diverse, reflecting its community's appreciation for both traditional and innovative culinary approaches. Whether you're craving succulent kabobs, savory flatbreads, or delectably seasoned mezze plates, the Mediterranean restaurants here promise an exceptional gastronomic experience. The area is celebrated not only for its food but also for its warm, inviting atmospheres and attentive service, making each dining experience truly memorable. For anyone with a passion for Mediterranean cuisine or those looking to try something uniquely flavorful, Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos offers an enticing culinary journey.

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