The BREAKDOWN: My Top 5 Restaurants In Santa Cruz CA!
Hello from Bri Steel, Broker/Realtor® & Owner of Live Love Santa Cruz!
Santa Cruz is known for having a diverse and exciting culinary scene.
I have been exploring the town for almost 15 years and have put together my top 5 must-visit favorite restaurants!
I am not the only one who thinks so; check the reviews for each place. There is nothing but outstanding praise for the food and service from satisfied customers who remain loyal to these hidden gems on the coast. So now, pay attention and take note because these places will blow off your sandals!
Head over to Lilian's Italian Kitchen, a family-run business owned by Joe and Charlotte Moreno. Chris Moreno is the Executive Chef who brings Lilian's old recipes to life while adding his personal touch, and Matt Moreno, Beverage Director and Sommelier is the genius behind the ambiance, great customer service, and perfect wine selection. Together with their staff, they are the heart and soul of Lilians'!
The detail that turns one-time diners into loyal customers is the friendly staff and the way they take care of every step of the customer experience - from the moment they enter this modern trattoria to how they bid goodbye to each customer. Don't hesitate to give Lilians a try!
Our favorites - Arancini, Spaghetti Marinara/Arrabbiata, and Wild Mushroom, Kale Ravioli, and Lil's Filet and Prawns
Most popular - Fettuccine Alfredo, Pesto Primavera, Spaghetti alla Carbonara and Burrata Antipasto
Specialty diet - Gluten Free
Special feature - Reminiscing of original Italian Trattorias.
Daniel Voskoboynikov has been running the cafe since 2006. It started as a local hangout for sailors and fishermen and evolved into an award-winning brunch hotspot in Santa Cruz.
Generations of families, friends of friends, and relatives work together harmoniously like one big, loud family, and this feeling is extended to the customers as well. As a result, the café has enjoyed the community's support over the years, especially in its ups and downs.
True to its roots, Harbor Cafe offers comforting and hearty meals, the kind a sailor would order after many days at sea. And it's worth noting that there's a well-stocked bar with award-winning Bloody Marys on the menu!
Located in Santa Cruz, near Twin Lakes State Beach, the cafe offers plenty of seating with bar tables, indoor seating, and a large patio where you can wait for your meal with your whole family and dog!
Because the dog can order from the pup menu too!
Our favorites - Omellete with Sausage and Hash Browns and Enchiladas and Huevos Rancheros
Most popular - Country Steak Breakfast, Carnitas Omelette, and Bacon Belgian Waffle Harbor Bowl and Harbor Tacos
Specialty diet - Gluten Free, Vegan, and Vegetarian
Special feature - A pup menu!
Jay Dib ventured out in 2015 to open a restaurant making food he cooked with his mother in Lebanon and went even further by adding popular dishes from Greece, Jordan, Turkey, Italy, and Spain; the result is Mozaic. Mozaic has grown dramatically with the help of the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern communities and those who appreciate their tasty cuisine.
The murals in the restaurant transport you to a vibrant Middle Eastern city or a museum of antique Greek vases and columns. On Fridays, a professional belly dancer showcases her culture by performing a traditional dance from Lebanon.
Explore different cuisines in one night!
Our favorites - Grandmas Spanakopita, Classic Hummus, Greek Moussaka, Lentil Soup, and Shrimp Kebab
Most popular - "Saganaki" the Flaming Cheese, Lamb Kebab, and Lamb Shank
Specialty diet - Vegetarian
Special feature - Belly Dancers on Friday nights
Located in the heart of downtown Santa Cruz, Laili Restaurant serves popular Mediterranean dishes with a flavorful Afghan twist.
Laili offers a spacious interior, a relaxed ambiance, meaningful artwork, a selection of new and old world wines, and an intimate courtyard with romantic fairy lights and original and fresh dishes. It's no wonder it was voted one of the best restaurants in Santa Cruz.
Experience the foods from Silk Road in this tumultuous fusion of flavors!
Our favorites - Kadoo Boranee, Beef Koubideh Kabob, Apricot Chicken Flatbread, and Pistachio Cardamom Ice Cream
Most popular -Maush-Awa Soup, Lamb Burger, Lamb Kabob, Braised lamb pasta, and Cardamom Crème Brûlée,
Specialty diet - Vegetarian
Special feature - Daily special and intimate patio
A modern trattoria in the heart of Seabright and just half a mile from the beach, Tramonti has been a popular destination for locals since 2012!
Tramonti's recipes convey the magic of Italian "Bel Pase" in every dish. The restaurant is a family-run business with Italian and non-Italian families from the surrounding communities. Therefore, it enjoys the support of locals and the Italian-American and Mediterranean communities.
In true Italian tradition, Tramonti uses local organic ingredients mixed with gourmet Italian imports and serves authentic, freshly prepared pizza and pasta, regional specialties, and homemade desserts.
Taste of true Italian tradition in every dish!
Our favorites - Tagliere di Salumi &Formaggi, Tagliatelle Alla Bokognese, Penne ALLA ercatora and Pizza Margherita, Tiramisu
Most popular - Bruschetta, Short-Rib Tortelloni, Stromboli Calzoni, Meatballs and Polenta, Pizza Il Mostro and Pizza Siciliana, Pannacotta
Specialty diet - Gluten Free Vegetarian and Vegan
Special feature - Stunning interior and Instagram-worthy dishes.
In Summary…
Make your way to these hidden gems and give them a chance. I can guarantee that they will be among your favorite places too!
I like restaurants that have been in business for a long time because of the community's support, and love pours into them. These spots offer great food and focus on building and giving back to the community inside and outside their doors.
At Live Love Santa Cruz we bring a fresh and innovative “boutique” approach to real estate in the Santa Cruz area. In the process, we make dreams come true.
Looking to sell? We will make your home SHINE. Listings like ours that are beautifully presented and professionally inspected sell faster and for more money.
Looking to buy? We help our clients write offers that WIN. We are competitors at heart and negotiators at work. We get results.
Call or email us to set up an appointment with our broker and owner, Bri Steel.
Bri Steel
Broker/Realtor® + Owner
Live Love Santa Cruz
831.200.6338
bri@livelovesantacruz.com
Bri Steel at the Live Love Santa Cruz office with her two mini Aussies Kiwi and Fiji.
