Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Aptos

Mezzanine Luna is consistently one of the best Italian restaurants in the Monterey Bay Area. Their focus on pasta as a speciality is unique among the best and often makes them a specific choice for us.

We had a delightful family dinner at Pasta Moon with our 92-year-old grandfather, and it couldn’t have been more special. Italian cuisine is his favorite, yet this was his first time visiting Pasta Moon—and he absolutely loved it! He ordered the puttanesca, featuring mussels, clams, and scallops, which put a unique and delicious twist on the traditional dish. Another standout was the lasagna, which was a big hit with our group. The portions were incredibly generous, and the service was impeccable—the staff made sure we always had everything we needed. It’s clear why this restaurant has been a beloved favorite for so many years. Pasta Moon truly delivers a memorable dining experience!

Never disappointed when dining at Cafe Cruz…we were celebrating our anniversary and were offered a complimentary glass of bubbly…the mahi mahi was cooked to perfection and I think they have the best salad menu in Santa Cruz.

Always amazing food and great service, tonight we came back after a year and everything was amazing, the best food in South Bay

We had a exceptional birthday dinner for my daughter’s 8th bday. The view, food, ambiance, service… all remarkable and unforgettable. Our server is very knowledgeable about the history of the restaurant. He even sang a Happy Birthday song twice (French and English). Definitely a place to be for intimate and private dinner. Highly recommended