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Best Italian Restaurants in Santa Cruz

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3 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Gabriella Cafe restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(976)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Santa Cruz
Booked 8 times today
Gabriella Cafe in downtown Santa Cruz is a celebrated gem, renowned for its authentic Italian cuisine, and Zagat rated as "OUTSTANDING." Patrons rave about the "amazing, fresh, and delicious farm-to-table cuisine," highlighting the "best focaccia bread I've ever had" and a "fantastic Caesar salad." The romantic and picturesque setting enhances the dining experience, making it perfect for both special occasions and casual outings. Reviews consistently praise the "excellent wine selection" and "fantastic service," ensuring each meal is a delightful journey into Italian culinary excellence. Whether it's the "beautiful and delicious" dishes or the "charming and quaint" atmosphere, Gabriella Cafe promises an unforgettable Italian dining experience right in the heart of Santa Cruz.
A photo of Oblò restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(56)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Santa Cruz
Booked 13 times today
At Oblò in Santa Cruz, the fusion of modern Italian cuisine with Californian flair creates an unparalleled dining experience. Chef Andrea's innovative menu complements perfectly with unique craft cocktails designed by Bar Manager Keith Fox, making every meal a delightful surprise. Patrons rave about the authenticity and quality of the dishes, with reviews highlighting the "exceptional service and delicious food," from the Brussels sprouts to the perfectly cooked salmon and the decadent chocolate bomb. The ambiance of Oblò is described as "warm and inviting," ideal for enjoying standout Italian dishes with a twist. Whether you're a local or just visiting, Oblò's commitment to excellence and inventive culinary creations make it a must-visit destination in Santa Cruz.
A photo of la Posta restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2338)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Santa Cruz
Booked 19 times today
At La Posta in Santa Cruz, diners are treated to an unforgettable Italian culinary experience that celebrates the finest local ingredients. Guests rave about the "closest to the neighborhood restaurants in northern Italy" quality, with a menu that changes frequently to highlight the freshest produce and artisanal touches like house-made pastas and naturally leavened breads. The ambiance is complemented by an all-Italian wine list, carefully curated from small producers. It's no wonder La Posta is hailed as "the best Italian food in Santa Cruz bar none," making it a must-visit for both locals and visitors seeking authentic, high-quality Italian cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Maureen
    San Francisco Bay Area •14 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Dinner with whole family was wonderful. We ordered the tasting menu and a couple of other dishes and our service was stellar, the food great. Loved the pork chop and the branzino amazing - we kind of ordered too much but finished it all! Wonderful time. thank you!
    More info
    Terra - Eataly Silicon ValleyPrice: Expensive• Italian• Santa Clara
    4.1
  • Lori
    San Francisco Bay Area •27 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    The four of us were greeted by the nice lady at check in. We were seated outside- warm day in December so it was really nice to sit outside because the noise level inside can be a bit loud. Our group ordered two appetizers- the burratta and focaccia. Both were delicious. Between the four of us we had rigatoni, two different salads and the butternut squash ravioli! Everything was delicious! Our server was great!! Loved it
    More info
    La Pizza & La Pasta - Silicon ValleyPrice: Moderate• Italian• Santa Clara
    4.2
  • BethVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •11 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    The food and service were great! We shared the focaccia bread, the arugula salad and the mushroom ravioli with chicken apple sausage. All were excellent. I recommend this restaurant.
    More info
    Gabriella CafePrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Santa Cruz
    4.7
  • kym
    California Central Coast •100 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 19, 2024
    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
  • DavidVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •16 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on Dec 15, 2024
    My friend had the seafood pasta she had the gluten-free pasta which added two dollars to the service. I had the special which was a beef tenderloin tortellini style pasta with a creamy sauce, which was very good. My friend had the seafood pasta, she really enjoyed it. She thought it was an excellent value, and the flavor was very good. I like the overall feel of the restaurant. I like the fact you’re not freezing inside of it which it can be a problem with many restaurants in Santa Cruz. This restaurant was very warm and comfortable and we will definitely be back with friends. 
    More info
    OblòPrice: Expensive• Italian• Santa Cruz
    4.7
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