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Featured Restaurant Reviews

Vasili's Greek Taverna: Greek cuisine, Spartan setting, in Santa Cruz. Ristorante Avanti: California trattoria cuisine, boisterous café and wine bar ambience, in Santa Cruz. Café Mare: Italian cuisine, casual chic ambience, in Santa Cruz. Cruisers: Burgers and diner classics, retro '50s ambience, in Santa Cruz. Original Sin: Decadent desserts in Santa Cruz. Manicomio Cafe: Italian trattoria cuisine, energetic ambience, in Capitola. Mainsail Restaurant: Seafood speciality cuisine, attractive and comfortable ambience, in Santa Cruz. Theo's: Inventive cuisine, unpretentious and welcoming ambience, in Soquel. Village Diner: Downhome diner cuisine, coffee-shop/lunchroom ambience, in Soquel. El Palomar: Mexican cuisine, lively and spacious ambience, in Santa Cruz. Linda's Seabreeze Cafe: Breakfast and lunch cuisine, down-home ambience, in Santa Cruz. Bleu Spoon: Cal-American comfort cuisine, designer diner ambience, in Aptos. Michael's on Main: California comfort cuisine, clean and vivacious ambience, in Soquel. La Bruschetta: Italian-Sicilian cuisine, spaghetti-Western ambience, in Felton. Ostrich Grill: Grill cuisine, handsome and low-key ambience, in Capitola. Sukeroku: Japanese/sushi cuisine, intimate and uncluttered ambience, in Santa Cruz. Stagnaro Bros. Seafood Restaurant: Seafood cuisine, classic fish house ambience, in Santa Cruz. Almar Grill: Multiethnic cuisine, low-key ambience, in Santa Cruz. Southern Exposure: American bistro cuisine, spare but comfortable ambience, in Aptos. Caffe Bella Napoli: Italian cuisine, nontrendy trattoria ambience, in Santa Cruz. Jitlada: Thai cuisine, soft and attractive ambience, in Santa Cruz. Scotts Valley Hilton: Upscale hotel cuisine, showbiz glamour ambience, in Scotts Valley. Duarte's Tavern: Down-home cuisine, Old West ambience, in Pescadero. Tacos Moreno: Authentic taqueria cuisine, no-frills ambience, in Santa Cruz. Casablanca Restaurant: Bistro cuisine, comfortable and scenic ambience, in Santa Cruz. Bangkok West: Thai cuisine, colorful dramatic ambience, in Aptos. Palapas Restaurant: Mexican seafood cuisine, casually elegant ambience, in Aptos. Cafe Sparrow: Bistro cuisine, frilly cottage ambience, in Aptos. Santa Cruz Brewing Company: Hearty pub cuisine, welcoming and laid-back ambience, in Santa Cruz. Manuel's: Mexican cuisine, beach funque ambience, in Aptos. Pearl Alley Bistro: Inventive bistro cuisine, warm & open ambience, in Santa Cruz. Blacks Beach Cafe: Beach bistro cuisine, nonpretentious ambience, in Santa Cruz. Naka Sushi: Sushi cuisine, laid-back ambience, in Santa Cruz. Gabriella Cafe: Bistro cuisine, attractive and intimate ambience, in Santa Cruz. Trout Farm Inn: Seafood bistro cuisine, warm laid-back ambience, in Felton. Chaminade--Sunset Dining Room: Buffet cuisine, attractive picturesque ambience, in Santa Cruz. Hindquarter: Steakhouse cuisine, pleasant but dated ambience, in Santa Cruz. Sanderlings: Continental cuisine, casually elegant ambience, in Aptos. Tony & Alba's: Pizza and Italian cuisine, old-fashioned pizza parlor ambience, in Santa Cruz. Clouds Downtown: Cal-Asian cuisine, contemporary saloon ambience, in Santa Cruz. Paradise Sushi: Sushi cuisine, crisp and colorful ambience, in Capitola. Asian Rose: Vegetarian Ceylonese cuisine, lively and crowded ambience, in Santa Cruz. Bittersweet Bistro: Contemporary bistro cuisine, gracious uncomplicated ambience, in Aptos. Carpo's: Fresh fast food cuisine, family friendly ambience, in Soquel. Sea Cloud: Contemporary Asian cuisine, welcoming ambience, in Santa Cruz. Takara Sushi Bar & Grill: Sushi cuisine, attractive and well-organized ambience, in Capitola. Walnut Avenue Cafe: Breakfast and lunch cuisine, old-fashioned coffee shop ambience, in Santa Cruz. Azur: Eclectic Mediterranean cuisine, sleek and woodsy ambience, in Santa Cruz. Convivio Trattoria: Italian cuisine, Mediterranean dining room, in Santa Cruz. Seabright Brewery: Brewpub cuisine, mellow yet merry ambiance, in Santa Cruz. O'mei: Chinese cuisine, antique and minimalist ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Oswald: Season-inspired cuisine, warmly chic bistro ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Bella Roma Cafe: Italian cuisine, sociable trattoria ambiance, in Capitola. The Silver Spur: Cal-Americana cuisine, country diner ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Casablanca: Bavarian cuisine, glamorous seaside ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Tyrolean Inn: Bavarian cuisine, cozy Alpine ambiance, in Ben Lomond. New Davenport Cash Store & Restaurant: Seafood and grill cuisine, cozy coastal ambiance, in Davenport. Il Pirata: Italian cuisine, frescoed trattoria ambiance, in Capitola. SC Brewing Co. & Front St. Pub: Pub grub cuisine, cozy and friendly ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Rosa's Rosticeria: Latin cuisine, lively tropical ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Mobo Sushi: Sushi cuisine, eclectic ambiance, in Santa Cruz. The Terrace: Bistro cuisine, contemporary and vivacious ambiance, in Soquel. Southern Exposure Bistro: Southern-inspired bistro cuisine, casual and cozy ambiance, in Aptos. Riva Fish House: Seafood cuisine, laid-back and comfort ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Theo's: Bistro cuisine, cozy ambiance, in Soquel. Al Dente: Italian cuisine, entertaining and energetic ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Gilbert's Seafood Grill: Seafood cuisine, picturesque ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Calloway's: Seafood cuisine, crowded and noisy ambiance, in Capitola. Zachary's: Breakfast cuisine, warm boardinghouse ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Cilantro's: Mexican cuisine, lively cantina ambiance, in Watsonville. Hollins House Restaurant: Contemporary American cuisine, formal yet unpretentious ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Sushi Now!: Sushi and breakfast cuisine, sleek and soothing ambiance, in Capitola. Ristorante Avanti: Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, vivacious ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Shadowbrook Restaurant: American cuisine, beautifully landscaped ambiance, in Capitola. Vasili's Greek Food and Barbecue: Greek cuisine, friendly taverna ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Sukeroku: Japanese cuisine, small and tidy ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Carniglia's: Seafood cuisine, spacious with ocean-view ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Real Thai Kitchen: Thai cuisine, simple yet exotic ambiance, in Santa Cruz. El Palomar: Mexican cuisine, lively, fiesta ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Ostrich Grill: Grill cuisine, understated grill ambiance, in Capitola. Cafe Cruz: American cuisine, lively and social ambiance, in Soquel. Aldo's Cafe: Bistro cuisine, pretty and understated ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Bleu Spoon: Comfort food cuisine, grown-up diner ambiance, in Aptos. Chez Elise: French cuisine, cozy antique-filled ambiance, in Scotts Valley. Star Bene: Italian cuisine, warm and pleasant ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Royal Taj: Indian cuisine, spice trade ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Green Valley Grill: Grill/bistro cuisine, warm and friendly ambiance, in Watsonville. Pearl Alley Bistro: Bistro cuisine, unpretentious and convivial ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Dynasty Restaurant: Chinese/dim sum cuisine, generously appointed ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Caffe Lido: Predominantly seafood cuisine, cozy and contemporary ambiance, in Capitola. Aragona's: Italian-American cuisine, casual and retro ambiance, in Soquel. Saturn Cafe: Vegetarian cuisine, New Age diner ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Shogun Japanese Restaurant: Japanese cuisine, sleek and spacious ambiance, in Santa Cruz. New Davenport Cash Store and Restaurant: Hearty cuisine, rustic and appealing ambiance, in Davenport (10 miles north of Santa Cruz). Oswald: Bistro cuisine, stylish and cozy ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Caffe Bella Napoli: Southern Italian cuisine, unintimidating ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Rosie McCann's Irish Pub & Restaurant: Informal pub-fare cuisine, cheery gathering-place ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Severino's: Continental cuisine, comfortable garden-view ambiance, in Aptos. Tyrolean Inn: Bavarian cuisine, 1910 forest inn ambiance, in Ben Lomond. Chez Renee: Internationally-inspired cuisine, unpretentious yet classy ambiance, in Aptos. Taqueria Vallarta: Super-tasty taqueria cuisine, hip ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Cafe Sparrow: Continental & salad cuisine, old-fashioned springtime ambiance, in Aptos. Takara Japanese Restaurant: Sushi and Japanese cuisine, classic sushi bar ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Cafe Gabriella: New American cuisine, unpretentious & charming ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Pontiac Grill: Updated diner cuisine, '50's retro ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Hindquarter Bar & Grille: Grilled specialties & seafood cuisine, cozy yet bustling ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Popa's: California cuisine, unpretentious bistro cozy ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Sanderlings: Continental-resort cuisine, lovely views and friendly ambiance, in Aptos. Dharma's: Vegetarian cuisine, spacious and pleasant no-frills ambiance, in Capitola. Casablanca Restaurant: New American cuisine, romantic and picturesque ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Paradise Sushi: Sushi cuisine, gorgeous views and welcoming ambiance, in Capitola Village. Linda's Seabreeze Cafe: Traditional breakfast and lunch cuisine, homey cafe ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Bittersweet Bistro: Opulent bistro cuisine, welcoming ambiance, in Rio Del Mar. Sabieng Thai Cuisine: Classic Thai cuisine, attractive ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Convivio Trattoria: Light Italian-influenced cuisine, vivacious ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Zoccoli's Pasta House: Light Italian cuisine, intimate industrial ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Golden Buddha Restaurant: Chinese country cuisine, cozy uncluttered ambiance, in Soquel. Bea's Koffee Kup Restaurant: American diner/cafe cuisine, cheerful ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Walnut Avenue Cafe: Diner cuisine, classic dinette/soda fountain ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Pink Godzilla: Wild and crazy sushi cuisine, friendly and riotous ambiance, in Santa Cruz. El Alteño Cocina Regional: Mexican cuisine, inviting cantina ambiance, in Watsonville. Sea Cloud Restaurant: California seafood cuisine, stylish ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Tortilla Flats: Mexican cuisine, lively and cozy ambiance, in Soquel. Al Dente: Italian cuisine, noisy neighborhood cafe ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Masayuki's: Japanese/sushi cuisine, cozy and lively ambiance, in Capitola. Whale City Bakery, Bar & Grill: American cuisine, surfer/mountain-man ambiance, in Davenport. Pearl Alley Bistro: Bistro and ethnic cuisine, upscale bohemian ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Chaminade Sunset Dining Room: Continental buffet cuisine, luxurious ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Westside Thai Restaurant: Thai cuisine, pleasant and unpretentious ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Blacks Beach Cafe: Californian cuisine, postmodern beach industrial ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Bella Roma Caffe : Classic Italian cuisine, cozy and lively ambiance, in Capitola. Paradise Beach Grill: Classic American cuisine, contemporary ambiance, in Capitola. India Joze : Middle eastern cuisine, exotic ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Cafe Rio: Seafood and California cuisine, comfy oceanfront ambiance, in Aptos. Mei Garden: Chinese cuisine, cozily cavernous ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Seabright Brewery Pub & Restaurant: Pub cuisine, noisy and lively ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Hollins House: New American cuisine, country club ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Manuel's: Cali-Mex cuisine, comfy beach/boho ambiance, in Aptos. Cafe Cruz: New American cuisine, exuberant ambiance, in Soquel. Carniglia's: Italian cuisine, leisurely and streamlined ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Stockton Bridge Grille: Fresh seafood cuisine, simple cafe ambiance, in Capitola. Star of Siam: Thai & sushi bar cuisine, colorful ambiance, in Soquel. Oswald : Bistro cuisine, smart ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Theo's: New American cuisine, tasteful boutique ambiance, in Soquel. Rosa's Rosticeria: Mexican cuisine, cafeteria ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Crow's Nest: Seafood cuisine, laid-back ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Miyako Sushi Bar: Japanese/sushi cuisine, colorful ambiance, in Capitola. Ostrich Grill: Classical American grill cuisine, cosmopolitan ambiance, in Capitola. Thai Basil: Classical Thai cuisine, no-frills ambiance, in Capitola. Ristorante Avanti: Italian-Californian fusion cuisine, modest trattoria ambiance, in Santa Cruz. China Szechwan: Chinese cuisine, playful ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Chez Renee Restaurant: French cuisine, welcoming ambiance, in Aptos. Tyrolean Inn: Bavaria/Austrian cuisine, cozy Alpine ambiance, in Ben Lomond. Costa Brava: South American-inspired cuisine, playful ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Caffé Bella Napoli: Classic Italian cuisine, intimate ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Vasili's: Rustic Greek cuisine, simple taverna/cafe ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Duarte's Tavern: California cuisine, family-style ambiance, in Pescadero. Star Bene: Southern Italian cuisine, charming ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Ristorante Italiano: Italian/American cuisine, cheery ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Benten: Japanese/sushi bar cuisine, cafe-style ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Popa's: California and New American cuisine, comfortable bistro ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Severino's: Italian cuisine, non-threatening ambiance, in Aptos. Shadowbrook: Classic Continental cuisine, coastal retreat ambiance, in Capitola. H' Diggity : American Grill, very casual ambiance, in Capitola. Palapas Restaurant: Mexican cuisine, Pacific resort ambiance, in Aptos. Zoccoli's Pasta House: Retro Italian cuisine, low-key ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Rasoi Indian Restaurant: Indian cuisine, colorful ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Rancho Grande: Mexican cuisine, casual ambiance, in Watsonville. White Magnolia: American cuisine, casual elegant ambiance, in Aptos. Aldo's Cafe: Contemporary bistro cuisine, sophisticated ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Cole's Bar-B-Q and Catering: Barbecue cuisine, classic rock & roll ambiance, in Aptos. Peachwood's Grill and Bar: Eclectic cuisine, casual ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Saigon Palace: Vietnamese cuisine, playful and unpretentious ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Caffe Bella Napoli: Italian cuisine, intimate trattoria ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Ciao Bella: Popular Italian cuisine, roadhouse eclectic ambiance, in Ben Lomond. Saturn Cafe: Vegetarian diner/cafe cuisine, oddball collegiate ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Paradise Sushi: Japanese/sushi cuisine, contemporary ambiance, in Capitola Village. Hindquarter Bar and Grille: Classic American cuisine, comfy casual ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Sanderlings at Seascape Resort: California cuisine, coastal resort ambiance, in Aptos. La Mission: Authentic Mexican cuisine, low-key fiesta ambiance, in Santa Cruz. The Crepe Place: Inventive crepe cuisine, warm Victorian ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Bayview Grill and Bar: Continental cuisine, old-fashioned ambiance, in Aptos. Riva Fish House: Seafood cuisine, sleek yet noisy ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Cafe Indigo: Bistro cuisine, charming ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Gabriella Cafe: Seasonal bistro cuisine, intimate yet lively ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Portola House: Steak and seafood cuisine, cozy low-light ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Thai House Restaurant: Thai specialties cuisine, comfy and eclectic ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Trout Farm Inn: Mexican and American cuisine, mountain roadhouse ambiance, in Felton. The Panda Inn: Northern Chinese cuisine, cozy cafe ambiance, in Aptos. Beach Street Cafe: All-day breakfasts and lunch cuisine, casual ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Cafe Lido: Seaside Mediterranean cuisine, coastal cafe ambiance, in Capitola. India Joze Restaurant: Eurasian/multicultural cuisine, postmodern patio ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Cafe Emmanuelle: California bistro cuisine, bohemian yet sophisticated ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Bittersweet Bistro: California continental cuisine, big-shouldered lodge with bistro ambiance, in Rio Del Mar. New Davenport Cash Store: California cuisine, artistic and casual ambiance, in Davenport. Theo's: New American cuisine, cozy and intimate ambiance, in Soquel. O'mei Sichuan Restaurant: Provincial Chinese cuisine, casually sophisticated ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Oswald: New American cuisine, intimate bistro ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Seabright Brewery : Coastal brewpub cuisine, relaxed ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Charminade: California eclectic cuisine, killer ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz Brewing Company and Front Street Pub: Pub cuisine, mellow ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Balzac's Bistro: Continental bistro cuisine, casual ambiance, in Capitola-by-the-Sea. Ostrich Grill: American grill cuisine, contemporary ambiance, in Capitola-by-the-Sea. Casablanca: California/New American cuisine, smart and romantic ambiance, in Santa Cruz. Stockton Bridge Grille: Bistro seafood cuisine, cozy cafe ambiance, in Capitola-by-the-Sea.