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Restaurants near Santa Cruz Downtown Historic District

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13 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Gabriella Cafe restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(984)
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 Hook & Line restaurant
4.0
Excellent(3)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Santa Cruz
Booked 33 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 Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2038)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Santa Cruz
Booked 34 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.
A photo of Laili restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2891)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • Santa Cruz
Booked 42 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 Oswald restaurant
4.4
Awesome(1624)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Santa Cruz
Booked 17 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
4.7
Exceptional(116)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Cruz
Booked 13 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 The Water Street Grill restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(316)
Price: Moderate
• American • Santa Cruz
Booked 1 time today
Our local restaurant in Santa Cruz Ca is Family owned, The Water Street Grill is a neighborhood Grill, steak,seafood,burger and wine-Beer Bar offering farm-to-table food, handcrafted drink and a selection of intriguing, affordable Firestone Drafted beers & great selection of wines. We have been more the 20 years in the Restaurant business, we are very committed our restaurant to treat customers with the most respect and let us also handle any event you having, will make it unforgettable moment.
A photo of Mozaic - Santa Cruz restaurant
4.5
Awesome(481)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • Santa Cruz
Booked 9 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 Ideal Bar & Grill restaurant
4.5
Awesome(309)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Santa Cruz
Booked 11 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.
A photo of Solaire Restaurant + Bar restaurant
3.8
Excellent(219)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Cruz
Booked 3 times today
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.

Dining near Santa Cruz Downtown Historic District at a glance

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Andrea
    San Francisco Bay Area •10 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    I have enjoyed Oswald for the last 14 years. They have had times where the food was incredible with excellent choices at reasonable prices. But some things have changed in the last few years. Last night I felt the menu was just ok. The fried chicken was a bit dry which surprised me. And the steep increase in prices was also a surprise. Quality of food is good, not excellent, and certainly not in line with the new price points. I will keep giving them a try to see what changes in the next year. I’m hoping to see additional options on the menu with some healthier choices and higher quality food. The staff there is lovely, but service was a bit slow last night especially waiting for cocktails/drinks and then getting dinner orders in. I have faith they can redeem themselves.
    More info
    OswaldPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Santa Cruz
    4.4
  • Nataysha
    Los Angeles •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    First time visiting Jack O’Neils. We came to celebrate my moms bday and new nothing of the restaurant except online recommendations and our expectations we’re not only met but exceeded. The food was so fresh, and delicious, and beautifully presented. Have to shout out Tracee and Gavin, as they made sure we had a great night celebrating . We will definitely be back the next time we are in town!
    More info
    Jack O'Neill Restaurant & LoungePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Santa Cruz
    4.6
  • cherylVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •13 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    excellent everytime! the fish is super yummy. AND the goat cheese ball or burrata on manresa is delicious!
    More info
    Hook & LinePrice: Expensive• Seafood• Santa Cruz
    4
  • Malcolm
    San Francisco Bay Area •16 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Nice dinner in an intimate setting. Limited, menu, but enough choices for a non-red meat eater to choose from. Pricy, but all the nicer restaurants seem to be that way now.
    More info
    Gabriella CafePrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Santa Cruz
    4.6
  • alan
    Seattle / Eastern Washington •1 review
    4.0
    Dined on Jun 3, 2025
    dined in the outdoor courtyard for a lunch with special folks and the slow food, lovely gardens were just perfect.
    More info
    LailiPrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• Santa Cruz
    4.7
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