Location: Santa Cruz
Top Restaurants in Santa Cruz
Top Things to do in Santa Cruz
Most Popular American food in Santa Cruz, California, United States
Discover Restaurants offering the best American food in Santa Cruz, California, United States. The quintessential California beach town of Santa Cruz! It was here that surfing was first brought to the mainland by Hawaiian royalty. Home to the legendary Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a pedestrian-friendly, tree-lined downtown area, and the historic Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, which stretches out a half-mile into the waters of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Other highlights include UC Santa Cruz, the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, and nearby redwood forests.
Things to do in Santa Cruz
10. Crepe Place
Overall Ratings
4 based on 142 reviews
Reviewed By Beakertroyd
We came by to have dinner before a show at the Rio, meeting up with others going to the same show but everyone would be arriving at different times, and we weren't even certain how many would ultimately join us. The servers were incredibly flexible, we had about three different "shifts" of meals and at least six separate checks, they served everyone efficiently and sorted out all the payments, amazing. And OH RIGHT THE FOOD! I'm hungry just remembering the menu -- so many interesting options, sweet and savory crepes, and the portions were massive. Excellent dinner, excellent service, recommend HIGHLY. Oh, don't let it fool you when you first walk in -- there's a bar up front, restaurant seating in the back (indoor and outdoor). These folks will take very good care of you.
9. The Crow's Nest
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1324 reviews
Reviewed By gary c
I ate tonight at the Crowâs Nest. What a cool place!!!!! Itâs on the water with tons of seals swimming by as I was eating!!! Super food and service!!!! I had several great California wines and a super Dungeness Crab cocktail with lots of crab meat!!! For my meal I opted for the Prime Rib and it was as meaty of a serving as I have EVER hadâ¦..very little fat, yet well marbled!!! I loved the placeâ¦great views of the Pacific. My server was Matt H and he was tremendous!!!!! A quick server with food and drinks, super attentive to me needs and had a great culinary and wine acumen to help me pick my foods and drinks!!! He was great!!!!! This is a very cool experience and I will be coming back for sure when I get the chance to fly to Santa Cruz again, hopefully early next year!!! This place is super!!!!! Thanks Matt and all that had a hand in a great experience!!!!
8. The Picnic Basket
Overall Ratings
4 based on 424 reviews
Reviewed By bob_ontheroad
This place is right next the beach and wharf in Santa Cruz. That is a great combination that could have some other local establishments resting on their proverbial laurels and become complacent. But the Picnic Basket is not one of those. It's food was excellent- really, really, really get the Beet Sandwich. I know, who would ever think that this kid who hated the beets during childhood and eschewed them throughout adulthood would be gaga over the Beet Sandwich. But I am! Other offerings were equally interesting. Could have more drink offerings and the self-serve water dispenser needs a rethink (room temp water dribbling out a small spigot is not a good idea).
7. Saturn Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 249 reviews
Saturn Cafe offers traditional American diner fare with a vegetarian twist. Our menu features local and organic ingredients within a vibrant atmosphere. We believe that the health and happiness of our customers, staff and the business itself are inextrica
Reviewed By adleys_12
This vegetarian restaurant is excellent. The menu is broad, leaning toward a latin emphasis. Each item in the large selection of items available as vegan or gluten free is clearly marked. Service is friendly and efficient. Try the âchickenâ fajita bowl. Outstanding! We ate both a dinner and a later breakfast and both were excellent with equally wide choices available.
6. Harbor Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 164 reviews
Reviewed By bynw
Parking is limited, but that probably helps manage the flow of patrons. The place is festive with seating inside and out. I ordered the breakfast burrito and a bloody Mary. Both were excellent.The burrito was scrambled eggs, hash browns, salsa fresca, avocado, cheese, & sour cream served in a tomato basil flour tortilla. It was fresh and tasty. There is an option to add meat if you are so inclined. I also ordered a Bloody Mary, as it was a vacation and it called to me. In part I was using the excuse that I was increasing my fruit and vegi intake. The drink was nicely garnished with a selection of celery, olives, gherkin, and a pickled pepper. It was a bit on the spicy side.Our waitress was full of positive energy. The hostess less so....
5. Betty Burgers
Overall Ratings
4 based on 201 reviews
Our delicious burgers are made with fresh, all-natural beef with NO hormones and NO antibiotics. Local vegetables are delivered fresh daily.
Reviewed By Ccblopez
My husbands burger was dryMy fried chicken was undercooked and biscuit was so hard I couldn't eat it the out thing good was drinks and fries.I was so looking forward to eating there and it was very dissapointing.Will not eat there againGreat service Bad cooks! too in a rush that they don't put good quality in the food they prepare.
4. West End Tap & Kitchen
Overall Ratings
4 based on 224 reviews
West End is a neighborhood eatery which showcases the flavors of a traditional pub with a California twist; using local, fresh and seasonal foods. Our food is cooked to pair perfectly with one of many craft beers and wines. Our chef brings French cuisine
Reviewed By MannyPee
Was the UK staple ? How wrong was I ? They do amazing âslidersâ in here. The overall ambiance is an absolute pleasure.
3. Zachary's Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 263 reviews
Reviewed By ed o
Zachary's has been around forever. It is one of those spots, not attractive, wood floor is warped and not much has been done to upgrade the interior. But, the food is very good. I hadn't been to the lower part of the mall in a long time, and there are some sketchy characters panhandling, but it was a nice day and a late breakfast sounded good. We got a table in the side room and had some really really good strong coffee to start. Companion and I both got a short stack of the sour dough pancakes and we both swooned. If you want light, fluffy, tasty pancakes (3 to short stack and 5 to regular order) order these. We also split an order of perfectly cooked bacon. Breakfast with coffee and bacon and cakes was not the cheapest in town, but was really tasty. I'll go back again, maybe this time sooner. If you are looking at a place to experience
2. Walnut Avenue Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 352 reviews
Reviewed By crumbles1234
Like the outdoor seating, great breakfast. Lots of options. Great for the whole family but very busy get there early.
1. Linda's Seabreeze Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 375 reviews
Reviewed By Sue L
Linda's lived up to other reviewers' positive recommendations. Friendly staff, funky atmosphere, clean, and fun. We ordered the stuffed (with avocado and tomato) grilled cheese sandwich (on crunchy sourdough bread) and the veggie patty gardenburger. Each was accompanied by a generous pile of hot and crispy country fries. The burger had lots of side extras - tomatoes, pickles, red onions and lettuce leaves - both yellow and dijon mustard available. We split and shared our sandwiches and both agreed on their winning flavor. Cash only, but there's an ATM machine if you need some - very convenient. Linda's is a little off the beaten path, but well worth seeking out. We definitely will on our next visit to the area.
Best Italian food near Santa Cruz, California, United States
