Best Casual Restaurants in Santa Cruz

17 restaurants available nearby

1. Oswald

4.6

Exceptional(1612)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Santa Cruz

Booked 8 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 Alderwood Santa Cruz restaurant

2. Alderwood Santa Cruz

4.7

Exceptional(642)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary American • Santa Cruz

Booked 15 times today

Alderwood, under the culinary leadership of Executive Chef Mikey Adams, is dedicated to providing a dining experience that strikes a delicate balance between the comfort and warmth of home and the vibrancy of the downtown dining scene. Our mission is to offer our guests an exceptional and memorable meal that is deeply rooted in our commitment to fostering a genuine connection between our open kitchen and the local community. We welcome you to join us for an unforgettable culinary journey that celebrates the essence of togetherness and exceptional cuisine.

A photo of Woodstock's Pizza - Santa Cruz restaurant

3. Woodstock's Pizza - Santa Cruz

4.6

Exceptional(33)

Price: Moderate

• Pizzeria • Santa Cruz

Legendary taste meets an epic party scene at Woodstock’s Pizza in downtown Santa Cruz. Bring your friends for mouth-watering pizza and our famous Wildebread. Woodstock's offers a fast casual dining experience with counter ordering and delivery to your table.Bring your friends for award-winning pies, sides and suds. Your choices are endlessly customizable; we have options for most dietary restrictions, including gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, and lactose-intolerant. Try our signature wheat crust and exclusive extra zesty sauce, and watch us load on the freshest, highest-quality toppings. Woodstock's has 16 taps serving some of the most innovative craft beers, along with a selection of bottled beers and wines. We specialize in groups of all sizes, with flexible seating and a pet-friendly heated patio. Join the fun at our weekly Trivia and Pint Nights. We're open from lunch to late night, and we deliver throughout Santa Cruz. We accept reservations f

A photo of Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge restaurant

4. Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge

4.8

Exceptional(1956)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Santa Cruz

Booked 22 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.

5. la Posta

4.8

Exceptional(2331)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Santa Cruz

Booked 22 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.

6. Suda

4.8

Exceptional(379)

Price: Expensive

• American • Santa Cruz

Booked 17 times today

Pairing seasonal produce from local farmers with line caught fish and lean, hormone-free beef, the menu at Süda stays as fresh as the ingredients. With a variety of inventive dishes, including vegan and gluten free options, there is truly something for everyone.The atmosphere at the bar is lively, while booths offer diners a more intimate experience making Süda the perfect place for a casual meal with friends or a night out with someone special. We are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner so you can enjoy fresh food whenever your heart desires.

A photo of Cafe Cruz Rosticceria & Bar restaurant

7. Cafe Cruz Rosticceria & Bar

4.7

Exceptional(2029)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Soquel

Booked 30 times today

Cafe Cruz is a popular and lively local restaurant. We offer casual/fine dining with a full bar, indoor and heated patio dining. Guests enjoy watching the "magic" created in our open copper-backed kitchen each night by our talented team of chefs. Notable features include many locally sourced foods, nightly sustainable seafood specials, and many creative salad and vegetable options. Our innovative pastas and sandwiches are always a hit. Spit-Roasted meats are featured each night, cooked on a french Rotisol rotisserie. The lush garden room can seat larger parties of up to 35. Guests enjoy our warm friendly service, our many seating options, and exceptionally delicious food.

8. Ideal Bar & Grill

4.0

Excellent(302)

Price: Moderate

• Californian • Santa Cruz

Booked 4 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 The View, a Treeside Restaurant restaurant

9. The View, a Treeside Restaurant

4.2

Awesome(1158)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Santa Cruz

Booked 25 times today

Set high on a hilltop with breathtaking panoramic views of the Monterey Bay, The View, at Chaminade offers a unique dining experience. Indoor and outdoor seating allows guests to enjoy the naturally beautiful scenery which compliments the contemporary California Cuisine. Whether it’s sustainable seafood or locally grown produce, The View emphasizes natural ingredients while providing four-diamond service. A 4% surcharge will be added to all guest checks to help cover increases in labor costs and to support a higher minimum wage.***Please note that our kitchen closes from 1:30pm-2:00pm to prepare for dinner service. Our bar and restaurant remain open during that time, offering a fine selection of local wines, craft beers, signature cocktails, and non-alcoholic refreshments to enjoy.

A photo of Solaire Restaurant + Bar restaurant

10. Solaire Restaurant + Bar

3.9

Excellent(214)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Santa Cruz

Booked 2 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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

A
Angievip
San Francisco Bay Area •20 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Loved the food as always, creative yet simple enough to let the ingredients “talk”. Fabulous service.
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la PostaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Santa Cruz
•
4.8
T
Terri
Hawaii •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Beautiful evening, great food and our waiter was fantanstic.
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Jack O'Neill Restaurant & LoungePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Santa Cruz
•
4.8
K
Ki
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined on 15 Nov 2024
This is a great dining option in downtown Santa Cruz. Excellent food and service, with a creative drinks bar.
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OswaldPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Santa Cruz
•
4.6
A
Aimee
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined on 15 Nov 2024
Absolutely exceptional from the service to the food to the vibe. A must go to! I recommend sitting at the counter.
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Alderwood Santa CruzPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Santa Cruz
•
4.7
PD
PamD
Tahoe / Reno Area •34 reviews
5.0
Dined on 17 Jun 2024
Super good pizza. The remodel now had a mix of walk up counter service, pizza by the slice, or full order. To get a table that is reserved, you talk with the food at the bar. It still took about 15 min to be seated. Our server was super friendly. Great selection of pizzas.
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Woodstock's Pizza - Santa CruzPrice: Moderate• Pizzeria• Santa Cruz
•
4.6

Best Casual Restaurants in Santa Cruz

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17 restaurants available nearby

1. Oswald

2. Alderwood Santa Cruz

3. Woodstock's Pizza - Santa Cruz

4. Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge

5. la Posta

6. Suda

7. Cafe Cruz Rosticceria & Bar

8. Ideal Bar & Grill

9. The View, a Treeside Restaurant

10. Solaire Restaurant + Bar

See what locals rave about

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