Santa Cruz, California, exudes a laid-back coastal charm that's hard to resist.

Nestled along the edge of Monterey Bay, this vibrant town offers stunning beaches, towering redwoods, and a lively boardwalk that's been entertaining visitors for over a century.

Known for its surf culture, Santa Cruz is a haven for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. It has a strong community spirit and a quirky, artistic vibe.

This guide highlights some of the best dining spots in Santa Cruz, where you can enjoy great food and fantastic views.

Read more about Santa Cruz here.

For the View

What’s better than delicious food? Delicious food with a view, of course!

Santa Cruz offers numerous places to enjoy a great meal with a beautiful view. Some are on the Wharf, others are by the harbor, and some are nestled in the forest overlooking the bay.

Find Santa Cruz attractions here.

Dolphin Restaurant (Closed)

The Dolphin Restaurant is our favorite spot for breakfast on the pier. It’s located at the end of the long pier and offers indoor and outdoor seating with panoramic views.

Tip: Get there early for breakfast to secure a spot with the best views.

The food and service are consistently excellent. Some of our favorite dishes include Eggs Benedict, Biscuits and Gravy, and the Denver Omelet. You can savor gourmet seafood sandwiches, hamburgers, or pasta dishes for lunch or dinner.

Important announcement from the restaurant: Due to high waves on December 28th, sections of the wharf were damaged, leading to the closure of our cherished Dolphin. 

Stagnaro Bros.

Stagnaro Bros. is another excellent choice for dining on the Wharf, which has great bay views. The food is above average, though the service can be hit or miss depending on the crowds.

The top picks here include Clam Chowder, Fish Tacos, and Seafood Tortellini. You can also enjoy Cracked Crab or Lobster Tail.

Zelda's on the Beach

Zelda’s restaurant is located in the heart of Capitola Village, right on the beach, with spectacular views of Monterey Bay and Capitola Pier.

The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor dining, with a bustling beachfront deck. We had to wait for a table, even with reservations, but it was well worth it.

Once seated, we enjoyed the view, the delightful summer weather, delicious food and drinks, and scrumptious desserts.

Did You Know? Capitola Village is one of the oldest seaside resorts on the Pacific Coast, dating back to the 19th century.

Tree View at Chaminade Resort

Chaminade Resort’s restaurant offers a dining experience surrounded by nature. Nestled among the trees on a hill overlooking the city of Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay, the view here is unparalleled.

We visited for breakfast and, upon request, were seated at a bar with high chairs on the porch. The unobstructed view of the forest and the bay, coupled with the sounds of chirping birds, made for a serene dining experience.

We enjoyed a hearty breakfast burrito and a country-style breakfast with plenty of coffee.

Tip: The Chaminade Resort is large and can be a bit confusing to navigate. Look for lobby signs to find your way to the restaurant, which is located downstairs from the lobby.

Crow's Nest

Located right on the beach where the harbor meets the sea, Crow’s Nest offers award-winning dishes with breathtaking views of Santa Cruz Harbor, the lighthouse, and the Wharf.

We made reservations a few days in advance, but you can also walk in and find seating on the upper deck. The outdoor porch has heaters, but bring a jacket as Santa Cruz evenings can get chilly, even in summer.

The service was top-notch, and the food was excellent. We tried the rack of lamb, seafood risotto, and butternut squash ravioli – all delicious and filling.

For dessert, the Mango Key-lime Pie was a perfect end to our meal.

Tip: There is ample parking near the restaurant, but note that there is no validation.

For the Location

Downtown Santa Cruz is a lively area with a mix of shops, restaurants, and entertainment. It’s easy to explore on foot and is conveniently close to many hotels and attractions.

Laili

Laili is a unique dining experience offering a blend of Mediterranean cuisine with an Afghani twist. The restaurant is spacious, with a lovely outdoor garden area.

The food is always delicious. Start with the Mediterranean Plate, which includes popular dishes like hummus, tabbouleh, and baba ganoush.

For the main course, try the eggplant parmesan flatbread, lamb shank, filet mignon kabob, or roasted cauliflower.

Finish your meal with Pistachio Cardamom Ice Cream or Baklava – or both!

Did You Know? Laili's garden area is a hidden gem in the heart of Santa Cruz, providing a serene escape from the bustling downtown area.

I Love Sushi

Do you love sushi? We do, and it's a family tradition to dine at I Love Sushi whenever we visit Santa Cruz. The extensive menu features delicious rolls, sashimi, hand rolls, and combo plates.

The restaurant is famous for serving free samples before your order. Whether it's appetizers or a new roll to try, it's always a pleasant surprise.

Too many favorite rolls to mention here. Be adventurous and try them all! For those not fond of sushi, the restaurant offers a selection of cooked dishes like Beef Teriyaki and Chicken Teriyaki.

For the Food

Akira

In a small strip mall away from downtown, you’ll find Akira – a hidden gem offering sushi, sashimi, and creative rolls. They also have a large selection of vegetarian rolls and dishes.

Some of my favorite specialty rolls include the White Dragon, Natural Bridges, and Akira Rainbow. Try the Sesame Chicken Donduri or Salmon Teriyaki if you prefer a cooked meal. The Bento Box, with one, two, or three items, is also a great choice.

For drinks, try their hot sake, which perfectly complements the meal. They also offer cold sake and a variety of beers. For dessert, the Green Tea Mochi is a must-try.

Tip: Akira is a bit off the beaten path but well worth the visit. Be sure to make a reservation, as it can get busy, especially on weekends.