The Best Restaurants in Santa Cruz & Monterey

Grasing's

Premier chefs Kurt Grasing and Narsai David invite you to their award-winning Carmel restaurant, where creative coastal cuisine is paired with the best wines from the Central Coast. Winner of the 2008 Wine Spectator Best of Award for Excellence. T... more

Greenwood Restaurant at Sacred Rock Inn

The Mendocino coast is home to many organic farms and is the center of northern California's fishing trade. Greenwood Restaurant draws from the local community for its ingredients and carefully prepares meals that will both nourish and delight you fe... more

Grillin' & Chillin' Alehouse

Eat well…Drink well!  Grillin & Chillin Alehouse is a friendly local establishment that caters to those who enjoy craft beers and local wines.  Sit down, relax and cheers to you! more

Happy Girl

Our cafe and cannery is located just two blocks from the Monterey Bay Aquarium.  With a full coffee bar featuring Blue Bottle Coffee, house-made baked goods and delicious organic breakfast and lunch, our cafe is a great place to stop in and rela... more

Heavenly Cafe

Heavenly Cafe is a Scotts Valley staple where you can find the best crab eggs benedict in California. Breakfasts include their house-made Crab Cakes Eggs Benedict, Belgian Waffles with fresh berries. For lunch, order one of their awesome burgers o... more

Hindquarter Bar & Grille

"Where the elite meat" since the 1960's, the Hindquarter Bar & Grille's reputation as Santa Cruz County's premier steak house is well deserved. Recently purchased by long time HQ Manager, Laurie Stephens, Chef, Sam Yanez, and Bar Manger, Mark Urban,... more

Hoffman's Bistro & Patisserie

Hoffman’s is a family-run restaurant located at 1102 Pacific Ave, in Downtown Santa Cruz California. Hoffman’s bakery makes everything in-house from Ed Hoffman’s famous scones to decadent wedding cakes. We proud... more

Hog's Breath Inn

One of Carmel's most famous restaurants and bars, set within in a fabulous courtyard and serving a wide variety of delicious food. The dining room with two cobblestone fireplaces accommodates up to 60 guests. A cozy outdoor patio with fireplaces is a... more

Hollins House

Dining in Santa Cruz has never been as enjoyable as it is at the Hollins House. Located next to the Pasatiempo Golf Course, you’ll enjoy a specially prepared cuisine with fresh, full flavors. Afterwards, you can enjoy the incredible view of the... more

Hula's Island Grill

The theme here is Hawaii and surf, which means this tiki-themed restaurant serves plenty of grilled ono, mahi mahi and ahi to enjoy while the surf videos run nonstop.  more

Ideal Bar & Grill

Refreshing drinks and sunny afternoons on the large open-air deck overlooking the beach must be how this bar and grill got its name. The outdoor tiki bar offers karaoke on Saturday afternoons. After night falls, head inside to enjoy Monday Night Foot... more

Il Fornaio - Carmel

Il Fornaio means "the Baker" in Italian. Located in downtown Carmel, Il Fornaio offers an authentic and unique Italian dining experience and a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 2007 wine list. Enjoy wood-fired rotisserie and grilled meats, poultry a... more

Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks

Islands Restaurants was founded in 1982 with a basic philosophy – serve great, fresh food with friendly service in a fun atmosphere. Entrepreneur Tony DeGrazier had a vision of a restaurant that would offer a simple, original menu featuring gou... more

Jack London's Bar & Grill

A favorite place for Carmelites for over 30 years. A lively happy hour, delicious black angus NY steaks, baby back ribs, delicious burgers, mexican dishes, and generous drinks. Late night dining until midnight! Visit their website to see their menus.... more

Jack's Hamburgers

Two dings of the bell at Jack’s elicits a pavlovian response for a whole subset of Santa Cruz locals, for it means a cheeseburger basket with fries and onions is on the way. Damn, these are good burgers—not too big, not too sloppily dress... more

Jerseys Original Subs

Authenic east coast deli subs. Served on fresh bread baked in our oven daily. Meats and cheeses are sliced right in front of you top with fresh vegetables sprinkled with vinegar, oil, salt pepper and oregano. more

Jia Tella's Cambodian Cusine

Restaurant Hours Sunday - Thursday: 11am - 9pm Friday & Saturday: 11am - 10pm Please Note:   Kitchen closes 15 minutes prior to closing. Bar Hours Daily: 3:30pm - Close Please Note:  NFL Season Sunday Hours are 10:00am - Close more

Joe's Pizza and Subs - Downtown

Family owned and operated since 1986, Joe's PIzza & Subs has an extensive menu that has something for everyone.  From PIzza and Subs, to Falafels, Philly Cheese Steaks, and Salads. If you are hungry, Joe's is the place to go.  We belie... more

Johnny's Harborside Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood in a casual atmosphere while soaking up the view of the Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor and Monterrey Bay. Johnny’s Harborside specializes in fresh fish prepared just the way you like it. At Johnny's Harborside, we take pride in u... more

Khyber Pass

Spacious and clean, the new home of northern Indian cuisine is punctuated with some Afghan recipes as well--and this is great news for fans of the curry-scented dishes of mountainous South Asia. more

Kianti's Pizza and Pasta Bar

Located in the heart of downtown Santa Cruz, Kianti's Pizza & Pasta Bar stands boldly amongst fellow businesses with its vibrant colors and welcoming atmosphere. The contemporary look and feel proves to be popular with both locals and tourists.... more

Kula Ranch Island Steakhouse

This wonderful new restaurant has the best steaks, sushi, island cuisine and full bar with a fabulous location on the Monterey Bay at the Sanctuary Beach Resort.  Plenty of great speacials daily to choose from and signature dishes from the maste... more

L'Escargot

An intimate eatery in a Normandy farmhouse, with contemporary French country cuisine and a very extensive wine list. They are well known for their delicious Bouillabaisse, Salmon Mousse and Beef Wellington. Vegetarian treats are also available. W... more

La Dolce Vita

Warm, sunny and colorful, La Dolce Vita is like a family home in the Italian countryside. A special place with special food. The menu features authentic Italian and Mediterranean dishes, including real Italian coffees and desserts, selected from... more

La Fuente Restaurant

A great little place to pick up a taco or enahilada. more

La Mission Mexican Restaurant

La Mission Mexican Restaurant is located at 1716 Mission st in sunny Santa Cruz, CA.  Stop in to enjoy authenitc mexican food and a fun atmosphere. more

La Posta

This Santa Cruz Italian restaurant is also certified in the City of Santa Cruz Green Business Program, they have received Clean Water Certification from the City of Santa Cruz, and they adhere to the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch regulations in... more

Laili Restaurant

At Laili, you'll enjoy a tasteful atmosphere rich in ambiance, where the past meets the present, deep-rooted traditions meet modern customs, and passion is realized. Our cuisine is a delicate balance between age-old Silk Road flavors and contemporary... more

Las Palmas Taco Bar

Used to eat here almost daily for lunch. The owner and chef are two of the nicest people in SC. The food is totally tasty and generous and the prices were inexpensive. I miss this place. - G Freitas more

Leo's Taco Bar

If you’re out near Pleasure Point and suddenly you and your soccer team find yourselves ravenous but short on cash, then by all means head on over to Leo’s Taco Bar, where the plates are gigantic and the prices are low. Leo’s is... more

Little Napoli

Enjoy a brief trip to Italy with Italian country cooking and warm hospitality as you remember it. Known by locals as "Carmel's little Italy". Antipasti, regional country-style pastas, cannelloni, osso buco, risotto, crisp-crusted pizzas, local Mont... more

Little Shanghai Chinese Restaurant

As one of the oldest first generation family locally owned restaurants in town, you’ll be happy with the experience of food, service, and warm ambiance. Named after a thriving city that pays homage to the family's favorite city, Shanghai. H... more

Lugano Swiss Bistro

Lugano Swiss Bistro is a little bit of Switzerland in Carmel. Hand-carved wood and colorful geraniums adorn their Alpine-style heated outdoor dining patio. Chef Andr's culinary magic recreates the unique flavors of Switzerland. Choose from fondues, s... more

Margaritaville

Our beautiful setting and ambience provide our guests with a unique experience. Set right on the water in beautiful Capitola Village, Margaritaville boasts one of the best views on the Monterey Bay. Our goal at Margaritaville is to provide a fun,... more

Maya Mexican Restaurant

Maya Mexican Restaurant is located on 3115 Soctts Valley Dr, in Scott's Valley, California. We specialize in authentic mexican cuisine that will be sure the satisfy your hunger.  With over 75 tequila's as well, you can sure to enjoy your meal w... more

Michaels On Main

Michael has spent his whole life cooking.  The opening of Michael’s on Main on November 19, 2001 was the culmination of three decades in the restaurant business. You only have to come in and meet him to realize that he loves this business.... more

Mission Ranch Restaurant

Enjoy spectacular views of sheep-filled pastures and the rocky Carmel coastline. The menu features ranch-style food (BBQ ribs, steaks and prime rib), fresh fish, a variety of salads and pasta dishes and a special children's menu. Their Sunday Jazz... more

UPCOMING EVENTS