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Best Date Night Restaurants in Santa Cruz

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15 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Laili restaurant
1. Laili
4.7
Exceptional(2878)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • Santa Cruz
Booked 12 times today
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 #1Rich 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.
A photo of Gabriella Cafe restaurant
2. Gabriella Cafe
4.7
Exceptional(981)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Santa Cruz
Booked 1 time today
Gabriella Cafe is the perfect date night spot. With its 'OUTSTANDING' Zagat rating and consistently high reviews for its romantic ambiance, excellent food, and top-notch service, it's the perfect place for a quiet, intimate dinner. One reviewer called it a 'wonderful Friday night date spot', highlighting the delicious entrees and fantastic service. Another noted it as a 'charming, cozy' restaurant with a 'lovely, romantic, small' setting that's 'perfect for a quiet lunch or romantic escape.' So, if you're looking for a romantic Italian dining experience in Santa Cruz, Gabriella Cafe is the place to be!
A photo of Oswald restaurant
3. Oswald
4.5
Awesome(1618)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Santa Cruz
Booked 4 times today
Oswald is a contemporary American restaurant and bar that focuses on the abundance of delicious ingredients found on the central coast of California. Oswald features an eclectic, international wine list and an exciting, seasonal bar program. While the decor is spare and modern, the atmosphere is comfortable and relaxed. Oswald features new art shows every two months. We do have first come tables available in the lounge as well as bar seats.Come by and see if there is a table or seat for you.
A photo of Chocolate the Restaurant restaurant
4. Chocolate the Restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(98)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Cruz
Booked 5 times today
Now celebrating 25 years, Chocolate the Restaurant provides an attractive dining environment for couples on dates, friendly meetings, and special occasion meals. Dine outside on the heated garden patio. Celebrate special occasions with up to 25 guests in the private street-side party room. Maybe start with a Chocolate Martini or a Passion Fruit Margarita. Chef David Jackman's fresh baked pasta rosettes, slow-roasted meats, and delicious seasonal organic vegetable dishes are all a prelude to our many chocolaty desserts. Our wine list focuses on local and on Italian wines. Our cocktails are all made from scratch; often using locally distilled spirits, and always using fresh house-made mixers. We are at your service for dinner every night! Afternoon walk-up cafe' service Friday thru Sunday. . We are open for dinner every holiday except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
A photo of Mozaic - Santa Cruz restaurant
5. Mozaic - Santa Cruz
4.6
Exceptional(478)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • Santa Cruz
Booked 4 times today
We named our restaurant Mozaic because we wanted to capture the diversity of flavors and culmination of authentic Mediterranean dishes that we offer. We bring together the best of Mediterranean recipes from Greece, Lebanon, Turkey and Sicily, emphasizing Middle Eastern influence. Our menu is hand-crafted after years of experience in the restaurant business knowing what people like. We make every dish completely authentic, utilizing 100 years old techniques that have been passed down through generations to bring you incredible flavor. COME AND TASTE THE DIFFERENCE We seek only the best, local ingredients. We use high-quality meats, like our Australian lamb tenderloin and select only sustainable seafood. Our lavash comes from an authentic Persian bakery. Everyone wants family. Mozaic is a warm and inviting atmosphere where everyone can feel at home. Come enjoy our incredible and lush atmosphere.
A photo of Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge restaurant
6. Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge
4.7
Exceptional(1990)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Santa Cruz
Booked 21 times today
Jack O’Neill Restaurant and Lounge is Santa Cruz’s best new destination for coastal California cuisine. The approachable and family-friendly vibe at Jack O’Neill Restaurant and Lounge will welcome hotel guests and locals alike.
A photo of la Posta restaurant
7. la Posta
4.8
Exceptional(2358)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Santa Cruz
Booked 8 times today
Select from a menu that features dishes composed of locally sourced ingredients as well as house-made pastas, naturally leavened breads and pizzas from our brick oven. Because we rely on the bounty of the Santa Cruz farming community, our menu changes frequently and features a wide array of specials. La Posta’s all-Italian wine list includes autochthonous varieties from small producers, by-the-glass and by the bottle. La Posta adheres to the Monterey Bay Seafood Watch Program and is a certified City of Santa Cruz Green Business.We are so thankful for the incredible support from our customers and community. We will continue to adjust our service based upon best practices for keeping our staff and community safe.
A photo of Solaire Restaurant + Bar restaurant
8. Solaire Restaurant + Bar
2.2
(222)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Cruz
Booked 2 times today
Whether it be a cocktail while soaking up the sun at the poolside patio, anexpertly prepared meal, or a spirited conversation at the bar, SolaireRestaurant + Bar offers the best of what is available with the changingseasons.Solaire offers a truly local dining destination that offers unexpected andoffbeat twists on local ingredients and flavors. The atmosphere of theseasonal restaurant changes based on the weather—in the warm weathermonths it is a playful experience centered on the indoor/outdoor restaurant spaces andthe vibrant pool scene. In the foggier months, guests can relax under the powerful outdoor heaters in our indoor/outdoor covered space while enjoying a cocktail. Mirroring the laid-back attitude of Santa Cruz, the restaurant and bar bring the natural outdoor elements inside in imaginative and modern ways.
A photo of Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen | Westside restaurant
9. Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen | Westside
4.5
Awesome(633)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Cruz
Booked 17 times today
Savor our handcrafted cocktails and flavorful dishes right beside the distillery where our premium spirits are crafted. Whether you prefer indoor dining, a lively bar atmosphere, or our covered heated patio, we provide a variety of seating options to enhance your experience.HOURS:Monday - Thursday // 5pm - 9pmFriday // 4pm - 9pmSaturday - Sunday // 11:30am - 9pm
A photo of Suda restaurant
10. Suda
4.8
Exceptional(392)
Price: Expensive
• American • Santa Cruz
Booked 5 times today
Pairing seasonal produce from local farmers with line caught fish and lean, hormone-free beef, the menu at Süda stays as fresh as the ingredients. With a variety of inventive dishes, including vegan and gluten free options, there is truly something for everyone.The atmosphere at the bar is lively, while booths offer diners a more intimate experience making Süda the perfect place for a casual meal with friends or a night out with someone special. We are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner so you can enjoy fresh food whenever your heart desires.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • susieVIP
    San Diego •13 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Overall a nice experience. Burger was very good. Fried chicken sandwich was just ok. Loved our view
    More info
    Jack O'Neill Restaurant & LoungePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Santa Cruz
    •
    4.7
  • Jenny
    California Central Coast •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    My husband and I had a lovely dinner! He had the lasagna and I had the skirt steak. Both were great and we would definitely get it again! The servers were friendly and attentive. The cocktails were excellent!
    More info
    OswaldPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Santa Cruz
    •
    4.5
  • EddieVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •17 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Feb 14,2025. Full up with Valentine's Day crowd. Reservations highly recommended. We are here every Friday so we were prepared. Had freshly baked mini loaf with butter, main two meals of Oaxacan Mole chicken dish with salad and corn pie. Followed by chocolate desserts - ectasy sundae, special chocolate strawberry tiramasu, and Victoria hot chocolate. Always great experience.
    More info
    Chocolate the RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Cruz
    •
    4.6
  • Braden
    San Francisco Bay Area •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Always reliable quality and service. Happy to see new items on the menu too.
    More info
    Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen | WestsidePrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Cruz
    •
    4.5
  • PaulaVIP
    California Central Coast •53 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    La Posta has been and remains one of the top three restaurants in Santa Cruz and, truly, the whole Bay area. Yes, there are some great places in SF, but La Posta is competitive. Tonight I wasn't terribly hungry but I had the most exquisite baby carrots and crab croquettes. And the service was of course perfect. They're lucky to have such an amazing staff and a phenomenal chef. I do wish the portions were a bit bigger, but in the scheme of things economically speaking, they've managed to keep their prices pretty even. My friends had the most gorgeous Pizza I've seen in a very long time. Same goes for the pasta. They're from New York and they loved it, so that says a lot! I'm bringing another friend on Saturday. What can I say? I love this restaurant and it's in my neighborhood. How lucky am I?
    More info
    la PostaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Santa Cruz
    •
    4.8

Discover best date night restaurants in Santa Cruz

Searching for the ideal date night destination in the Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos area? Our carefully curated selection of restaurants offers a variety of romantic atmospheres and exquisite dining options that cater perfectly to a special evening out. Each venue is chosen for its unique charm, exceptional service, and the ability to create memorable dining experiences. Revel in the scenic beauty and the cozy, intimate settings that define the dining scene in this picturesque region of the San Francisco Bay Area. From gourmet cuisine to breathtaking ocean views, these establishments ensure a magical date night. Discover the perfect spot to connect and enjoy a delectable meal, making your date night truly unforgettable. This selection showcases the best of local dining, emphasizing both quality and the romantic ambiance essential for a perfect evening.

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