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Best Casual Restaurants in Santa Cruz

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24 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Oswald restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1631)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Santa Cruz
Booked 15 times today
Oswald is a contemporary American restaurant and bar that focuses on the abundance of delicious ingredients found on the central coast of California. Oswald features an eclectic, international wine list and an exciting, seasonal bar program. While the decor is spare and modern, the atmosphere is comfortable and relaxed. Oswald features new art shows every two months. We do have first come tables available in the lounge as well as bar seats.Come by and see if there is a table or seat for you.
A photo of Chocolate the Restaurant restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(123)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Cruz
Booked 5 times today
Now celebrating 25 years, Chocolate the Restaurant provides an attractive dining environment for couples on dates, friendly meetings, and special occasion meals. Dine outside on the heated garden patio. Celebrate special occasions with up to 25 guests in the private street-side party room. Maybe start with a Chocolate Martini or a Passion Fruit Margarita. Chef David Jackman's fresh baked pasta rosettes, slow-roasted meats, and delicious seasonal organic vegetable dishes are all a prelude to our many chocolaty desserts. Our wine list focuses on local and on Italian wines. Our cocktails are all made from scratch; often using locally distilled spirits, and always using fresh house-made mixers. We are at your service for dinner every night! Afternoon walk-up cafe' service Friday thru Sunday. . We are open for dinner every holiday except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
A photo of Gabriella Cafe restaurant
4.5
Awesome(987)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Santa Cruz
Booked 5 times today
Zagat rated as "OUTSTANDING". Gabriella Cafe is a 50 seat, picturesque and romantic dining experience in downtown Santa Cruz.
A photo of Mozaic - Santa Cruz restaurant
4.5
Awesome(482)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • Santa Cruz
Booked 2 times today
We named our restaurant Mozaic because we wanted to capture the diversity of flavors and culmination of authentic Mediterranean dishes that we offer. We bring together the best of Mediterranean recipes from Greece, Lebanon, Turkey and Sicily, emphasizing Middle Eastern influence. Our menu is hand-crafted after years of experience in the restaurant business knowing what people like. We make every dish completely authentic, utilizing 100 years old techniques that have been passed down through generations to bring you incredible flavor. COME AND TASTE THE DIFFERENCE We seek only the best, local ingredients. We use high-quality meats, like our Australian lamb tenderloin and select only sustainable seafood. Our lavash comes from an authentic Persian bakery. Everyone wants family. Mozaic is a warm and inviting atmosphere where everyone can feel at home. Come enjoy our incredible and lush atmosphere.
A photo of Hook & Line restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(9)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Santa Cruz
Booked 12 times today
Hook & Line offers a fresh, modern take on sustainable seafood, inspired by the rich bounty of California’s coast. Guided by acclaimed chef Santos Majano, our seasonal menu blends global influences with the vibrant, ingredient-driven flavors of Northern California. Every dish reflects our deep respect for the ocean, the land, and the people who cultivate both.We source thoughtfully — from local fishermen, farmers, and artisans — and let the seasons (and the tides) shape what we serve. From ceviche to whole fish, our offerings highlight what's fresh, what’s local, and what tastes best right now.Our beverage program showcases small-batch spirits, craft beers, seasonal cocktails, and natural wines with a focus on organic and biodynamic producers. It's all part of our commitment to sustainability, quality, and minimal intervention.Hook & Line is our love letter to the coast. A place to gather, to share, and to celebrate the simple joy of good food, good drink, and good company.
A photo of Rosie McCann's Irish Pub & Restaurant - Santa Cruz restaurant
4.2
Awesome(45)
Price: Moderate
• Irish • Santa Cruz
Rosie McCann's Irish Pub is located in Santa Cruz, California and specializes in serving homemade Irish pub fare. The restaurant features a neighborhood bar atmosphere and offers a full-service bar with over 25 beers on tap.Rosie McCann's Irish Pub serves lunch and dinner daily and offers an additional brunch service on weekends. Brunch fare at the restaurant consists of steak and eggs, corned beef hash and eggs, eggs Benedict, buttermilk pancakes and more. Lunch and dinner at Rosie McCann's Irish Pub features a variety of appetizers, salads, soups, entrées, steaks, Irish favorites, grass fed burgers, pasta and sandwiches.
A photo of Woodstock's Pizza - Santa Cruz restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(35)
Price: Moderate
• Pizzeria • Santa Cruz
Legendary taste meets an epic party scene at Woodstock’s Pizza in downtown Santa Cruz. Bring your friends for mouth-watering pizza and our famous Wildebread. Woodstock's offers a fast casual dining experience with counter ordering and delivery to your table.Bring your friends for award-winning pies, sides and suds. Your choices are endlessly customizable; we have options for most dietary restrictions, including gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, and lactose-intolerant. Try our signature wheat crust and exclusive extra zesty sauce, and watch us load on the freshest, highest-quality toppings. Woodstock's has 16 taps serving some of the most innovative craft beers, along with a selection of bottled beers and wines. We specialize in groups of all sizes, with flexible seating and a pet-friendly heated patio. Join the fun at our weekly Trivia and Pint Nights. We're open from lunch to late night, and we deliver throughout Santa Cruz. We accept reservations f
A photo of Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2051)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Santa Cruz
Jack O’Neill Restaurant and Lounge is Santa Cruz’s best new destination for coastal California cuisine. The approachable and family-friendly vibe at Jack O’Neill Restaurant and Lounge will welcome hotel guests and locals alike.
A photo of la Posta restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2392)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Santa Cruz
Booked 18 times today
Select from a menu that features dishes composed of locally sourced ingredients as well as house-made pastas, naturally leavened breads and pizzas from our brick oven. Because we rely on the bounty of the Santa Cruz farming community, our menu changes frequently and features a wide array of specials. La Posta’s all-Italian wine list includes autochthonous varieties from small producers, by-the-glass and by the bottle. La Posta adheres to the Monterey Bay Seafood Watch Program and is a certified City of Santa Cruz Green Business.We are so thankful for the incredible support from our customers and community. We will continue to adjust our service based upon best practices for keeping our staff and community safe.
A photo of The View Restaurant & Bar restaurant
4.0
Excellent(1284)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Santa Cruz
Booked 28 times today
Set high on a hilltop with breathtaking panoramic views of the Monterey Bay, The View Restaurant & Bar at Chaminade offers a unique dining experience. Indoor and outdoor seating allows guests to enjoy the naturally beautiful scenery which compliments the contemporary California Cuisine. Whether it’s sustainable seafood or locally grown produce, The View emphasizes natural ingredients while providing four-diamond service. A 4% surcharge will be added to all guest checks to help cover increases in labor costs and to support a higher minimum wage.***Please note that our kitchen closes from 1:30pm-2:00pm to prepare for dinner service. Our bar and restaurant remain open during that time, offering a fine selection of local wines, craft beers, signature cocktails, and non-alcoholic refreshments to enjoy.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Cecilia
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    4.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    The food was 10/10! Ceviche, beautiful! Stuffed rabbit poblano, perfection. Myself and partner came in for our anniversary, and I am not one to usually put notes into the reservation that one of us is sober and we were there for a special occasion. So I was greatly disappointed we were sat in front of a storage hallway with curtains/exit sign and what was essentially a bar table, at the bar. The server was inattentive to the table the entire meal and did not ask if we enjoyed the food or if we were wanting additional beverages past our first serving and was MIA. Again, greatly enjoyed the food, but service was extremely disappointing and lacking. A special occasion didn’t feel very special because of this lack of attention to detail. I will come again to enjoy Santos’s amazing menu but maybe just sit at the bar for a quick bite in the future.
    More info
    Hook & LinePrice: Expensive• Seafood• Santa Cruz
    4.6
  • Eric
    Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Food and service was very good and tasty. Cocktails hit hard and the belly dancing entertainment was fun. The desserts off the charts so good!! Lamb shank was tender and fell off the bone. Cioppino was a little on the fishy side but the sauce was so so good!! Overall have already made another reservation!!
    More info
    Mozaic - Santa CruzPrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• Santa Cruz
    4.5
  • Deborah
    Orange County •15 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Small upscale restaurant with excellent food, different from the usual faire.
    More info
    OswaldPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Santa Cruz
    4.5
  • MohammadVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •17 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jun 24, 2025
    New menu with lots of varieties including many vegan and gluten free options. Moderately priced
    More info
    Chocolate the RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Cruz
    4.8
  • PatrickVIP
    Hawaii •15 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jun 14, 2025
    Family of four. Everyone enjoyed the food. Food was very good and the service was very good. It was truly an enjoyable evening. Would highly recommend and look forward to returning. Thank you for a great night.
    More info
    Gabriella CafePrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Santa Cruz
    4.5
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