Restaurants Directory — Santa Cruz Patch

515 Kitchen and Cocktails
515 Cedar St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
515 Kitchen is a unique, fun restaurant located near downtown Santa Cruz. Enjoy small plates in the lounge, dinner in…More the dining room and brunch on the weekends. A patio is also available for outside dining. Some of the tasty Mediterranean-influenced dishes you can enjoy at 515 include spiced ground lamb, feta cheese, pine nuts on baked flatbread, mussels panzanella and rigatoni with wild mushrooms.

99 Bottles of Beer On The Wall Restaurant & Pub
110 Walnut Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
This lively neighborhood pub is a bustling spot where locals and visitors congregate to relax and enjoy a large…More selection of cold beer and other refreshing beverages. Customers are entertained by live music, televised sports and trivia games. The menu features pub favorites like burgers and fish and chips.

Akira
1222 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Akira is an Asian-style restaurant and sushi bar that offers a wide range of authentic dishes, including appetizers,…More rolls, soups, sushi and seafood. Some options include chicken katsu, miso soup, chicken teriyaki, ebi tempura, spicy tuna rolls, yellowtail, gyoza, sahsimi, nigiri, California rolls, salmon teriyaki and more. It has an extensive drink menu, including sake and beer. It also televises San Francisco Giants' games.

Aldo's Harbor Restaurant
616 Atlantic Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

You know a restaurant is definitely worth checking out when it's featured on Guy Fieri's hit show on Food Network,…More "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives." The loyal clientele has always been fond of Aldo's calamari and cioppino dishes. And since Fieri indulged in the very same seafood delicacies, the word is out on this local treasure. In 1962, the Olivieri family began to write a chapter in Santa Cruz history. The business actually started as a bait shop on the harbor, but transformed into the kind of Santa Cruz institution that could fill a book with rich and colorful family stories. For a real treat, be sure to take a look at the back of an Aldo's menu for a slice of Americana. Even the pasta, sauces and bread are made fresh daily from Aldo's Bakery in Soquel. Accentuated by an ideal location at the Santa Cruz Harbor, Aldo's embodies the taste and feel of Santa Cruz. This picturesque location offers a view of the ocean that stretches from the harbor to the horizon, with sunlight shimmering on the peaceful waters, rows of boats bobbing gently and a lighthouse in the distance. Ample patio dining accommodates up to 130 people. But Aldo's is more than just a famous seafood restaurant with a great view (don't be surprised if you find yourself sitting out on the deck for hours). Outdoor patio dining makes Aldo's the premier dog-friendly restaurant in town (for well-behaved dogs on a leash). The patio deck could also be your next destination for a catered event.

Alfresco
1520 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
This charming kiosk serves mediterranean and Asian bowls and wraps. Proprietor Marilyn cranks out food in under two…More minutes from the compact kitchen on the Pacific Garden Mall. The scent of curry drifts from the kitchen to the sidewalk tables decorated with flowers while umbrellas provide shade for locals and visitors. Vegetarian and vegan options are available and organic produce is used for the salads, soups and bowls.

Aloha Island Grille
1700 Portola Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
If you like authentic Hawaiian cuisine served with plenty of aloha, come to this community hub of Hawaiian culture and…More food. Eat among the totems and surfboards in the skylight room, where you can reserve space for a party. Located near the beach, it's a perfect stop for the tired beachcomber. Shorts and sandals are welcome, and the restaurant is near surfing spots and shopping. The website features links to many Hawaiian cultural events including artists and entertainment here and on the island of Hawaii.

Aqua Bleu
1108 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
This trendy pacific fusion restaurant boasts striking interior features including cool greens and blues, modern…More architecture and furnishings, and east and west designs. The lighting is soft and flattering, with large globes and sconces. Private booths at the full service bar make for an intimate cocktail. A large elevated sushi bar is in the back. The international menu features a variety of features like seafood, steak, pasta, curry and noodle bowls, sandwiches, burgers and more. There is one intimate, semi-private dining room to reserve, or you can mingle with other adventurous omnivores.

Aquarius
175 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Opening to a view of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Cruz Wharf, Aquarius offers upscale dining, handcrafted cocktails…More and local wines and beers. Located at the luxurious Beach Inn, the restaurant has an incredible vista from its perch on the cliff overlooking Cowell Beach. It serves fresh seafood from sustainable sources and creates unique dishes from local, fresh ingredients. It's the perfect place for a romantic evening or to splurge on dinner.

Beach Street Cafe
399 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
The Beach Street Cafe is warm, friendly and a great spot for low-key dining. With walls covered in an array of Maxfield…More Parrish art and a super-friendly staff, this is the place to get out of the hub-bub of beach activities and relax for a bit. Brunch specials as well classic favorites will keep everyone well fed. Champagne brunch is served every day.

Benten Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar
1541 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Benten Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar is a Japanese and Sushi restaurant featuring authentic family recipes.…More Located on Pacific Ave. in Santa Cruz, the eatery has been popular with locals since its inception in 1985. Its tasteful decor offers a pleasant backdrop, and the playful owners won't post closing times for this location downtown. The sushi bar is where you can mingle with the friendly chefs, while watching them prepare your dish. A large menu means everyone can find something to enjoy, or share various dishes.