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Best Casual Restaurants in Santa Cruz

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16 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Oswald restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1615)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Santa Cruz
Booked 5 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
4.6
Exceptional(650)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary American • Santa Cruz
Booked 9 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
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
4.7
Exceptional(1966)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Santa Cruz
Booked 23 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.
A photo of la Posta restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2339)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Santa Cruz
Booked 6 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.
A photo of Cafe Cruz Rosticceria & Bar restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2044)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Soquel
Booked 52 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.
A photo of Suda restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(381)
Price: Expensive
• American • Santa Cruz
Booked 8 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 Solaire Restaurant + Bar restaurant
3.9
Excellent(216)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Cruz
Booked 7 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.
A photo of Ideal Bar & Grill restaurant
4.4
Awesome(304)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Santa Cruz
Booked 7 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 Paradise Beach Grille restaurant
4.4
Awesome(40)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Capitola
Booked 2 times today
Paradise maximizes the beautiful beach location on Monterey Bay with an outdoor patio, views of the historic Venetian condominiums, and the ocean. We also feature an outdoor fireplace perfect for that cozy dinner or wine tasting. We have high top tables in the bar area for drinks or dining, as well as an attractive and spacious dining room. Customers enjoy the various casual venues yet an upscale flair with quality food, beverage, and service.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Charlie
    Orange County •18 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    A very solid/reliable spot. My fries were fantastic. Sounds basic but a well executed french fry served in the right way is remarkably uncommon. My burger could have use a bit more mass on the patty and less on the bun but was overall good. My date had the scallops and she seemed to quite enjoy them. Cocktails here are solidly above average. We sat away from the bar and enjoyed a pleasant ambience; lively but not loud, so that we were able to have a conversation easily. For whatever accidental reason we just hadn't been there in a while. We'll be back.
    More info
    OswaldPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Santa Cruz
    4.6
  • kym
    California Central Coast •100 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    We experienced excellent quality and authentic Italian flavors. The service consistently exceeds expectations, and our server, Steve, was extremely knowledgeable about the wine. We have always enjoyed an excellent meal paired perfectly with the right wine. We highly recommend La Posta for a casual date night, family night, or dinner with friends.
    More info
    la PostaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Santa Cruz
    4.8
  • OpenTable DinerVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on 14 Dec 2024
    A truly memorable experience with a delicious unique menu. The entire staff was top notch. The bolognese and pineapple panna cotta were some of the most flavorful items I can recall ever eating but everything was great. Definitely recommend, especially compared to any other places in the area. And sit at the chef’s counter!
    More info
    Alderwood Santa CruzPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Santa Cruz
    4.6
  • AnikaVIP
    California Central Coast •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 11 Dec 2024
    Delicious and amazing. Jon took great care of us! Excellent recommendations - the scallops and the cheese plate were my favorite! Very cute Christmas decorations and live music which we enjoyed! Great spot for a business meal or a date night! And gorgeous views.
    More info
    Jack O'Neill Restaurant & LoungePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Santa Cruz
    4.7
  • 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.
    More info
    Woodstock's Pizza - Santa CruzPrice: Moderate• Pizzeria• Santa Cruz
    4.6
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