The Best 15 Restaurants Near Santa Cruz Wharf

15 restaurants available nearby

1. Ideal Bar & Grill

4.4

Price: Moderate

• Californian • Santa Cruz

Booked 2 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 Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge restaurant

2. Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge

4.5

Awesome(1727)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Santa Cruz

Booked 32 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.

3. la Posta

4.8

Exceptional(2130)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Santa Cruz

Booked 20 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.

4. Laili

4.7

Exceptional(2665)

Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • Santa Cruz

Booked 47 times today

***** Laili Restaurant is now open for takeout and delivery orders. Wednesday- Saturday, 4pm - 8pm. We will be opening out seating and reservations soon so stay tuned for updates.Rich Mediterranean Flavors with a Unique Afghan Twist in the Heart of Downtown Santa Cruz.Currently taking reservations for dinner only, 7 days a week, from 4pm-8pm.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.

5. Barceloneta

4.7

Exceptional(110)

Price: Expensive

• Tapas / Small Plates • Santa Cruz

Booked 13 times today

Barceloneta in Downtown Santa Cruz features expertly made paellas, tapas, cocktails, sangria and churros. We pride ourselves on working with local farmers and sourcing specialty foods directly from Spain. Most popular dishes include seafood paella, patatas bravas, jamon croquetas, ibiza hippie salad and harissa ribs. Locals know we have the best vegan and vegetarian options. We are known for freshly juiced cocktails, sangria pitchers, an extensive list of Spanish wines, sherries, vermouths and gins. Diners love our cheery, bright space, open kitchen and bustling bar scene. Owners Brett and Elan Emerson are husband and wife team who previously owned Contigo, San Francisco. They are known for hospitality, authentic service and delicious, memorable dishes.*Winner Best New Restaurant, Best Small Plates, Best Tapas Bar, Best Spanish Restaurant North America*Chef Brett Emerson has been featured in Wall Street Journal, Bon Appetite, Time Out, Financial Times, Via, Plate Magazine and more.

A photo of Alderwood Santa Cruz restaurant

6. Alderwood Santa Cruz

4.6

Exceptional(534)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary American • Santa Cruz

Booked 7 times today

***PLEASE NOTE: RESERVATIONS ARE FOR ALDERWOOD SANTA CRUZ ONLY [NOT PACIFIC LOCATION]******Reservations HIGHLY encouraged. Reservations and walk ins are very limited - Bar Seating will be walk in only***Santa Cruz's beloved Alderwood is finally reopening after months of planning and preparing to welcome guests to savor a newly elevated culinary experience. Alderwood Santa Cruz is a seasonally-driven restaurant by Executive Chef Jeffrey Wall serving coastal, wood-fired cuisine with French undertones. We are inspired by the Central Coast region and its world-renowned farms. Our goal is to bring you a dining experience that blends sophistication and comfort with our unyielding passion for graceful hospitality, and a menu that reflects California’s abundant produce and the best regional purveyors.

7. Oswald

4.8

Exceptional(1522)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Santa Cruz

Booked 12 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.

8. Alderwood Pacific

4.1

Excellent(71)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Santa Cruz

A contemporary dining experience featuring fresh oysters, burgers & entrees, salads, & cocktails on tap. Open, happy hour & dinner Wednesday through Sunday. Located on Pacific Avenue between Cathcart Street and Lincoln Street.

9. Gabriella Cafe

4.7

Exceptional(877)

Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Santa Cruz

Booked 3 times today

Zagat rated as "OUTSTANDING". Gabriella Cafe is a 50 seat, picturesque and romantic dining experience in downtown Santa Cruz.

A photo of Chocolate the Restaurant restaurant

10. Chocolate the Restaurant

4.4

Awesome(23)

Price: Moderate

• Californian • Santa Cruz

Booked 3 times today

At Chocolate the Restaurant, we provide an attractive dining environment for couples on dates, friendly meetings, family meals, and for groups up to 20. Dine outside on our covered, heated patio. Celebrate special occasions with up to 25 guests in our private street-side party room. Maybe start with Chocolate Martini or a Passion Fruit Margarita. Our slow-roasted meats, fresh baked pasta, delicious seasonal salads 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. We are at your service for dinner every night! Weekend lunches too. We are open every holiday except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Restaurants near Santa Cruz Wharf

Price

Cuisine

15 restaurants available nearby

1. Ideal Bar & Grill

2. Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge

3. la Posta

4. Laili

5. Barceloneta

6. Alderwood Santa Cruz

7. Oswald

8. Alderwood Pacific

9. Gabriella Cafe

10. Chocolate the Restaurant

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