10 Places Where Locals Love to Eat in Santa Cruz

Lillian's Italian Kitchen offers an authentic taste of Italy right in the middle of Santa Cruz. When the restaurant first opened, it was envisioned as an extension of the Moreno family's kitchen, bringing traditional home cooking to the local community. 

The food is notably Sicilian and crafted from fresh local ingredients. Classic favorites like lasagna, spaghetti, and chicken parmigiana are available, along with American favorites like New York steaks. You can even find gnocchi stuffed with black truffles on the menu. 

Harbor Cafe is a nautical-themed breakfast spot in Santa Cruz's 7th Avenue, right opposite Twin Lakes State Beach. It's known for hosting themed days such as Mimosa Fridays and Beer Thursdays, though its specialties are delicious Southern Californian dishes. 

The service is notably welcoming as well, so you can expect the treatment you deserve as well as any accommodations for dietary restrictions. Don't forget to ask about their doggy bags, which contain food that your pup can safely enjoy.

The Point Market is a restaurant-and-shop combo that specializes in delicious Southern California-style food. This longtime local favorite is famous for its burritos and tacos, though you can find interesting takes on those classics, including Thai burrito. 

The Point Market gets busy in the morning, thanks to its delicious breakfast burritos. Its market section stocks chips, snacks, muffins, and other goodies you can take home.

Linda's Seabreeze Cafe is an excellent breakfast and brunch spot along Seabright Avenue, less than a 10-minute walk of Seabright State Beach.  You can find classic American favorites on the menu, including omelets and pancakes. 

For lunch, sandwiches, fries, and burgers are must-tries at Linda's Seabreeze Cafe. Vegetarian and vegan options are available if you want to keep your meals meat-free. All dishes are made with fresh local ingredients. Keep an eye out for daily specials if you're looking to try something unique during your visit. 

West End Tap and Kitchen offers a traditional pub environment with a California twist. All dishes are made using locally grown fresh ingredients, with the entire menu designed to pair with its extensive list of craft beers and wines. 

The chef creates dishes using French cooking techniques standouts include the smoked pork belly and spinach papperdelle. With rigorous attention to detail brought to every dish, West End Tap and Kitchen takes pub food to the next level with quality assurance and healthy offerings.

Aloha Island Grille serves excellent Hawaiian dishes in a tropical setting. It has a spacious patio section where you can enjoy the warm Santa Cruz air. 

The place is run by a Hawaiian, so expect authentic meals such as loco moco, chicken katsu, and fresh ahi poke. Located along Portola Drive, Aloha Island Grille is only a block from Sunny Cove. 

Crow's Nest Restaurant is a double-decker restaurant near Twin Lakes State Beach. It has been a local favorite since 1969, thanks to its delicious meals and scenic location, right where the harbor meets the sea. 

The ground floor hosts a traditional restaurant with an all-day menu of pasta, seafood, and Midwestern aged beef. The upper level is great for quick, casual meals or appetizers throughout the day. At night, it hosts w wide range of live entertainment, complete with drinks and a dancefloor.

At Johnny's Harborside, you can enjoy some of the best seafood dishes in Santa Cruz. You can start your meal with steamed mussels or fried calamari, followed with sauteed seabass or wasabi-crusted ahi tuna.

The seafood options here are seemingly endless, yet the menu is compact enough for the kitchen to have mastered every last item on offer. Johnny's Harborside has a casual vibe, with picturesque views of Monterey Bay. 

The Picnic Basket is a simple restaurant that offers classic California meals made with fresh local ingredients. Located between 2 beaches in Santa Cruz, it has a nice patio overlooking the ocean. 

It's common for locals to stop in to grab a quick ice cream and head out. Of course, if you're looking to take a whole meal out with you, they offer picnic baskets full of everything you need for lunch on the beach.

Betty Burgers is a great spot for classic American fare that the whole family can enjoy in Santa Cruz. You can get a taste of classic American, with a focus on Texas, among its offerings of burgers and fries. The 1950s-style burger joint also serves hot dogs, chili, wings, milkshakes, and ice cream. 

It's important to note that among each of these items, there is more variety than you'd think, with several burgers and fries styles available for extensive customization options.