Best Casual Restaurants in Santa Cruz

Discover the best restaurants in Santa Cruz

Explore must-try spots, new openings, and hidden gems.

Price

$$
$$$
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Cuisine

AmericanItalianSeafoodMexicanPizzeriaGrill

Regions

Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos

Neighborhoods

AptosCapitolaSanta Cruz

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

21 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Laili

4.6

Exceptional(2886)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • Santa Cruz

Booked 33 times today

Laili is our expression of love through food and service. We offer a unique menu made up of fusion Afghani Mediterranean items that include kabobs, wraps, flatbreads, pastas, and spiced lamb and chicken dishes as well as delicious vegetarian options.Laili Restaurant "BEST MIDDLE EASTERN RESTAURANT", Good Times 2023, Voted #1Rich Mediterranean Flavors with a Unique Afghan Twist in the Heart of Downtown Santa Cruz.Currently taking reservations for lunch and dinner, walk-ins welcome too.Dine in our elegant, secluded, off street patio. Visit our website for event information.

A photo of Mozaic - Santa Cruz restaurant

2. Mozaic - Santa Cruz

4.5

Awesome(478)

$$$$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 Rosie McCann's Irish Pub & Restaurant - Santa Cruz restaurant

3. Rosie McCann's Irish Pub & Restaurant - Santa Cruz

4.1

Excellent(43)

$$$$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 Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge restaurant

4. Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge

4.6

Exceptional(2015)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Santa Cruz

Booked 31 times today

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.

5. la Posta

4.8

Exceptional(2376)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Santa Cruz

Booked 10 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

6. The View Restaurant & Bar

4.4

Awesome(1243)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Santa Cruz

Booked 15 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.

A photo of Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen | Westside restaurant

7. Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen | Westside

4.5

Awesome(642)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • Santa Cruz

Booked 20 times today

Savor our handcrafted cocktails and flavorful dishes right beside the distillery where our premium spirits are crafted. Whether you prefer indoor dining, a lively bar atmosphere, or our covered heated patio, we provide a variety of seating options to enhance your experience.HOURS:Monday - Thursday // 5pm - 9pmFriday // 4pm - 9pmSaturday - Sunday // 11:30am - 9pm

8. Suda

4.8

Exceptional(395)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Santa Cruz

Booked 4 times today

Pairing seasonal produce from local farmers with line caught fish and lean, hormone-free beef, the menu at Süda stays as fresh as the ingredients. With a variety of inventive dishes, including vegan and gluten free options, there is truly something for everyone.The atmosphere at the bar is lively, while booths offer diners a more intimate experience making Süda the perfect place for a casual meal with friends or a night out with someone special. We are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner so you can enjoy fresh food whenever your heart desires.

A photo of Solaire Restaurant + Bar restaurant

9. Solaire Restaurant + Bar

3.8

Excellent(220)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • Santa Cruz

Whether it be a cocktail while soaking up the sun at the poolside patio, anexpertly prepared meal, or a spirited conversation at the bar, SolaireRestaurant + Bar offers the best of what is available with the changingseasons.Solaire offers a truly local dining destination that offers unexpected andoffbeat twists on local ingredients and flavors. The atmosphere of theseasonal restaurant changes based on the weather—in the warm weathermonths it is a playful experience centered on the indoor/outdoor restaurant spaces andthe vibrant pool scene. In the foggier months, guests can relax under the powerful outdoor heaters in our indoor/outdoor covered space while enjoying a cocktail. Mirroring the laid-back attitude of Santa Cruz, the restaurant and bar bring the natural outdoor elements inside in imaginative and modern ways.

10. Ideal Bar & Grill

4.6

Exceptional(306)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Californian • Santa Cruz

Booked 6 times today

Fun, family friendly dining with a beautiful view of Santa Cruz Main beach and the Municipal Wharf! We offer out side seating on our sunny deck! Come down and try our award winning clam chowder today! Reservations are for our inside dining room only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

S
sascha
San Francisco Bay Area •6 reviews
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
The scallops were amazing. So was their fresh bread. The halibut needed a little more seasoning but the butter beans that came with it was delicious. Great service.
More info
Jack O'Neill Restaurant & LoungePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Santa Cruz
•
4.6
H
Heather
San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
The food was delicious and the service was excellent. The back patio was lovely, as usual.
More info
LailiPrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• Santa Cruz
•
4.6
B
BarbaraVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •56 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Excellent service and delicious fresh food as always. La Posta always wonderful!
More info
la PostaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Santa Cruz
•
4.8
S
Sande
San Francisco Bay Area •28 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 16, 2025
From the very beginning, we felt welcomed. The proprietor dropped by our table twice to chat and to make sure we weren’t lacking for anything. We shared the generous and tasty mezze platter and then calamari and salad. On prior visits, we have enjoyed their burgers, and wish they would put the lamb burger on regular rotation. It looked like a good place to go as a solo diner to catch a game at the bar This resto has earned a place in our regular rotation.
More info
Mozaic - Santa CruzPrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• Santa Cruz
•
4.5
CS
ChrisS
San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jun 29, 2024
Great restaurant, nice ambience, good food, great service. Great location, right in downtown, multi Storey parking very close
More info
Rosie McCann's Irish Pub & Restaurant - Santa CruzPrice: Moderate• Irish• Santa Cruz
•
4.1

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