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Best Restaurant and Food in Santa Cruz - Laili, Santa Cruz, CA

Laili

4.7 (2894)
$30 and under
Mediterranean
101B Cooper St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Make a reservation

2 people
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
7:00 PM
Booked 34 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Charming
  • Great for outdoor dining
  • Good for special occasions
Laili is our expression of love through food and service. We offer a unique menu made up of fusion Afghani Mediterranean items that include kabobs, wraps, flatbreads, pastas, and spiced lamb and chicken dishes as well as delicious vegetarian options.

Laili Restaurant "BEST MIDDLE EASTERN RESTAURANT", Good Times 2023, Voted #1

Rich Mediterranean Flavors with a Unique Afghan Twist in the Heart of Downtown Santa Cruz.
Currently taking reservations for lunch and dinner, walk-ins welcome too.

Dine in our elegant, secluded, off street patio. Visit our website for event information.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mediterranean, Afghan
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Tue–Sat 12:00 pm–2:30 pm Dinner Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–8:30 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Catering
    Get Laili’s Food at your location! Call or email us for prices and availability. Parties 50-500
  • Private party facilities
    Whether celebrating a special occasion with family and friends or hosting a corporate gathering, Laili Restaurant can accommodate all your special event needs.
  • Private party contact
    Xander Nicolai: (831) 423-4545
  • Delivery & takeout
  • Neighborhood
    Santa Cruz
  • Cross street
    Pacific Avenue
  • Parking details
    Take advantage of free parking located on River Street at Front Street. In addition to metered street parking, there is also a parking lot at Front Street and Soquel and also at Locust Street and Pacific Avenue.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • Lunchtime Oasis

    Multiple dates available
    Come experience lunch time at Laili, the hidden gem of Downtown Santa Cruz! Sit and relax on our gorgeous patio and enjoy the sunshine, the beautiful vines and flowers all around that envelop you with the feel of a secret garden, and of course, our delicious, fresh food! We offer special lunch time combos, an amazing wine list and delicious and refreshing non-alcoholic options like our fresh Ginger Lime Soda. Take some time to slow down and treat yourself.
    Lunchtime Oasis Photo

Private dining

What 2,894 people are saying

Laili reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos

    Best Overall

  • Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos

    Best Food

  • Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos

    Best Service

  • Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos

    Best Ambiance

  • Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos

    Best Value

  • Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos

    Innovative

  • Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos

    Good for groups

  • Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos

    Healthy

  • Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos

    Good for special occasions

  • Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Laili delights diners with "outstanding" food and a "charming European inspired patio." Patrons praise the "impeccable" service and "savory Silk Road spices." The ambiance captures an "old-world, Mediterranean feel," making it a "gem" in Santa Cruz. Popular dishes include lamb kabobs and Moroccan beet salad, ensuring a memorable experience.
2,894 Reviews
  1. Louis

    New York City3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Laili is the BEST restaurant in Santa Cruz! My sister will be 83 tomorrow, and I wanted to take here out for a special lunch. Of course, I chose Laili and was not disappointed!! We had two different waiters, as one was going off duty. Both young men were friendly, helpful and had good senses of humor. (I'll admit, we had fun laughing with them!) The garden setting in the patio was even more luscious than usual, with fresh tropical plants recently added. The marinated beet, arugula and feta salad was one of the best salads I've ever had! The main course of lamb kebobs, 3 sauces, delicious white rice and arugula was very good, as always. My only sliight pickiness was that the lamb seemed a bit over-cooked, but that may just be my taste. Otherwise, it was all perfect. We enjoyed the special ginger ale drinks. To top it all off, here came a chocolate cake topped with fresh raspberries for my sister's birthday dessert, complete with a tiny candle, which she blew out. Fortunately, she shared the dessert with me!
    LailiResponded today
    Thank you for choosing Laili to celebrate your sister’s 83rd birthday—it’s truly an honor to be part of such a meaningful occasion! We’re delighted to hear that both the setting and service helped make your lunch memorable. Our team will be so pleased to know their warmth and humor added to your experience. We're especially glad you enjoyed the garden patio in full bloom, the beet salad, and our lamb kebobs—though we appreciate your note on the doneness of the lamb and will pass that along to our kitchen. And we’re so happy the birthday cake added a sweet final touch to your celebration. We hope to welcome you both back again soon for more laughter, delicious meals, and special moments. Sincerely, Xander N. GM Laili Restaurant

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  2. Mark VIP

    San Francisco21 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The outdoor courtyard at Laili is a MUST! It was such a beautiful day today. And, the service as well as the food - well, as always - stellar!!!
    LailiResponded today
    Thank you for the glowing review! We're so glad you had a beautiful day to enjoy our courtyard—it really is one of our favorite spots, too. And we’re thrilled to hear the food and service continue to impress! We can’t wait to welcome you back for more sunshine and stellar moments. Warmly, Xander N. GM Laili Restaurant

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  3. Maryam VIP

    San Francisco35 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This is one my favorite restaurants in the Bay Area. The food is just delicious and the ambience is great, especially the outdoor seating.
    LailiResponded today
    Thank you so much for your kind words! We're honored to be one of your favorite restaurants in the Bay Area. It means the world to us to hear that you enjoy both the food and the ambiance—especially our outdoor patio, which we love sharing with guests. We look forward to welcoming you back soon for another delicious and memorable experience! Warmly, Xander N. GM Laili Restaurant

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  4. Mario

    San Francisco1 review

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food, excellent service, would recommend, does not disappoint
    LailiResponded 5 days ago
    Hi Mario, Thank you for the wonderful recommendation! We’re so glad to hear you enjoyed both the food and service. It means a lot to know we delivered on your expectations—we look forward to having you back soon! Sincerely, Xander N. GM Laili Restaurant

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  5. Stephen

    New York City2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I had an absolutely wonderful time. The food was wonderful. Service was impeccable. This is the second time I’ve eaten here and each time has been very, very good. Highly recommended.
    LailiResponded 5 days ago
    Hi Stephen, Thank you so much for your kind words and continued support! We're delighted to hear that both your visits have been such positive experiences. It’s always a pleasure to serve you, and we look forward to welcoming you back for many more wonderful meals. Sincerely, Xander N. GM Laili Restaurant

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  6. Barbara

    San Francisco7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Laili is one of my favorite restaurants. The food is outstanding. We had lamb kabobs and a Moroccan beet salad. Both were excellent as was the service. We sat on the patio. It was a perfect night.
    LailiResponded 5 days ago
    Hi Barbara, Thank you so much for your kind words! We're honored to be one of your favorite restaurants. We're thrilled you enjoyed the lamb kabobs, Moroccan beet salad, and the service—and that you had a perfect evening on our patio. We truly appreciate your support and look forward to welcoming you back soon! Sincerely, Xander N. GM Laili Restaurant

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  7. Patricia

    San Francisco17 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 7, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful lamb kabob! Very pretty presentation. Also don’t miss the apricot chicken flatbread
    LailiResponded on May 8, 2025
    Thank you so much for the kind words! We're thrilled you enjoyed the lamb kabob and the apricot chicken flatbread—two of our favorites as well. We hope to welcome you back soon for another delicious visit! Sincerely, Xander N. GM Laili Restaurant

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  8. Eli

    San Francisco5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 30, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Sat on the beautiful patio, had my usual filet mignon kebabs, which were cooked to perfect medium rare and super tender. Service was prompt and friendly. My only complaint is that prices have increased a lot.
    LailiResponded on May 1, 2025
    Thank you for dining with us and for sharing your experience. We're so glad you enjoyed the filet mignon kebabs and had a great time on our patio—it's always a pleasure to welcome familiar faces back. We truly appreciate your feedback on pricing. Like many restaurants, we've had to adjust due to rising costs, but we remain committed to providing the highest quality ingredients and service. We hope to see you again soon! Sincerely, Xander N. GM Laili Restaurant

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  9. Donna

    San Francisco3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 26, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    WE enjoyed the excellent service, the food was delicious , the price on par with other more pricey restaurants in this county.
    LailiResponded on May 1, 2025
    Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed the service and found the food delicious. We take pride in offering a memorable dining experience, and we're glad you felt the value matched the quality. We hope to welcome you back again soon! Sincerely, Xander N. GM Laili Restaurant

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  10. Kate

    San Francisco1 review

    5.0

    Dined on April 25, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Super lovely. Great service, food, and ambiance. My favorite restaurant in SC. Never disappoints.
    LailiResponded on May 1, 2025
    Thank you for such a heartfelt review! We're honored to be your favorite spot in Santa Cruz. It means a lot to know that our service, food, and ambiance continue to meet your expectations. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon! Sincerely, Xander N. GM Laili Restaurant

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Laili offers delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. Laili also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (831) 423-4545.

Laili is rated 4.7 stars by 2894 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Francisco Bay Area
  4. Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
  5. Santa Cruz

Make a reservation


Booked 34 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Laili

101B Cooper St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Pacific Avenue
  • Neighborhood
    Santa Cruz
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Tue–Sat 12:00 pm–2:30 pm Dinner Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–8:30 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mediterranean, Afghan
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Take advantage of free parking located on River Street at Front Street. In addition to metered street parking, there is also a parking lot at Front Street and Soquel and also at Locust Street and Pacific Avenue.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Delivery & takeout
  • Phone number
  • Catering
    Get Laili’s Food at your location! Call or email us for prices and availability. Parties 50-500
  • Private party facilities
    Whether celebrating a special occasion with family and friends or hosting a corporate gathering, Laili Restaurant can accommodate all your special event needs.
  • Private party contact
    Xander Nicolai: (831) 423-4545
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
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