Best Restaurants for Outdoor Dining in Santa Cruz

12 restaurants available nearby

1. Laili

4.6

Exceptional(2869)

Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • Santa Cruz

Booked 19 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.

2. Gabriella Cafe

4.6

Exceptional(977)

Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Santa Cruz

Booked 5 times today

Zagat rated as "OUTSTANDING". Gabriella Cafe is a 50 seat, picturesque and romantic dining experience in downtown Santa Cruz.

A photo of Mozaic - Santa Cruz restaurant

3. Mozaic - Santa Cruz

4.7

Exceptional(475)

Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • Santa Cruz

Booked 2 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.

4. la Posta

4.8

Exceptional(2343)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Santa Cruz

Booked 2 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 The View, a Treeside Restaurant restaurant

5. The View, a Treeside Restaurant

4.1

Excellent(1189)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Santa Cruz

Booked 20 times today

Set high on a hilltop with breathtaking panoramic views of the Monterey Bay, The View, at Chaminade offers a unique dining experience. Indoor and outdoor seating allows guests to enjoy the naturally beautiful scenery which compliments the contemporary California Cuisine. Whether it’s sustainable seafood or locally grown produce, The View emphasizes natural ingredients while providing four-diamond service. A 4% surcharge will be added to all guest checks to help cover increases in labor costs and to support a higher minimum wage.***Please note that our kitchen closes from 1:30pm-2:00pm to prepare for dinner service. Our bar and restaurant remain open during that time, offering a fine selection of local wines, craft beers, signature cocktails, and non-alcoholic refreshments to enjoy.

A photo of Cafe Cruz Rosticceria & Bar restaurant

6. Cafe Cruz Rosticceria & Bar

4.7

Exceptional(2051)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Soquel

Booked 30 times today

Cafe Cruz is a popular and lively local restaurant. We offer casual/fine dining with a full bar, indoor and heated patio dining. Guests enjoy watching the "magic" created in our open copper-backed kitchen each night by our talented team of chefs. Notable features include many locally sourced foods, nightly sustainable seafood specials, and many creative salad and vegetable options. Our innovative pastas and sandwiches are always a hit. Spit-Roasted meats are featured each night, cooked on a french Rotisol rotisserie. The lush garden room can seat larger parties of up to 35. Guests enjoy our warm friendly service, our many seating options, and exceptionally delicious food.

A photo of Zelda's on the Beach restaurant

7. Zelda's on the Beach

4.4

Awesome(554)

Price: Moderate

• Californian • Capitola

Booked 2 times today

Zelda’s restaurant is in the heart of Capitola Village. We are located on the beach with spectacular views of the Monterey Bay and Capitola Wharf.Zelda’s Restaurant has been serving local customers as well as others from all over the world for the past thirty years. We offer indoor and outdoor dining with a beachfront deck where you can literally reach and touch the warm sand of Capitola Beach.

8. Vinocruz

4.6

Exceptional(124)

Price: Moderate

• Wine Bar • Soquel

Booked 4 times today

Vinocruz Wine Bar and Kitchen features over 50 local wines by the glass from the beautiful and often under appreciated Santa Cruz Mountains AVA starting at about $9 a glass along with local ciders and beers on tap. We also have an extensive menu of small plates including Flatbreads, Fish Tacos, Street Tacos, Short rib Sliders, House made Hummus, Vino Burger, Port infused Truffles, daily specials and much more!We are located in Soquel Village about a 2 min drive from Capitola beach and 10 min from SC Beach Boardwalk. Our large redwood bar and handmade tables offer a cozy, but modern dining experience. For groups larger than 4 please give us a call and we would be happy to accommodate you. Our goal is to be your go-to location for a slightly upscale wine bar in Santa Cruz County and also THE place to go explore Santa Cruz Mountains Wines.

A photo of Hollins House - Pasatiempo Golf Club restaurant

9. Hollins House - Pasatiempo Golf Club

4.6

Exceptional(474)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Santa Cruz

Dear guests,The Hollins House is open for dinner service on Thursday evenings from 4 - 8pm. We are accepting online reservations through OpenTable for groups of 6 or less. If you would like to make a reservation for 7 or more guests, please call (831) 459-9177. If you would like to make a reservation for our other Pasatiempo restaurant, MacKenzie Bar & Grill, please call (831) 459-9162. MacKenzie Bar & Grill is open everyday from 8:30am - 7pm. In 2020 Pasatiempo, Inc. decided to close the Hollins House restaurant to focus on weddings and special events. This was a hard decision to make as we know how much our members, clients, and community enjoy dining at the Hollins House. For now we are offering Thursday night dining only. Hope to see you there!

A photo of Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen | Beachside restaurant

10. Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen | Beachside

4.4

Awesome(341)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Aptos

Booked 13 times today

Newly renovated beachside restaurant, located in Aptos, CA. Enjoy handcrafted cocktails with locally distilled Venus Spirits and a menu featuring local seafood, produce, and Venus favorites. Indoor, bar, and patio seating available. HOURS: Wednesday - Thursday // 5pm - 9pmFriday // 4pm - 9pmSaturday - Sunday // 12pm - 9pm

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

A
Alex
Los Angeles •1 review
5.0
Dined today
Really great experience at Laili, we went for our anniversary and were both very pleased with the ambiance, food, and service. Even got a comp’ed chocolate tart for the occasion. Would eat there again for sure.
More info
LailiPrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• Santa Cruz
•
4.6
L
LoriVIP
Sacramento / Sacramento Valley •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Gavin was amazing! Such a wonderful knowledgeable server! The entire wait staff and host were attentive friendly and fun!!
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la PostaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Santa Cruz
•
4.8
D
donna
San Francisco Bay Area •10 reviews
4.0
Dined on 27 Dec 2024
Our dinner was OK! We were expecting something a bit different. It was not bad but it was disappointing that it was not more of a traditional Italian menu. My husband ordered the pork chop and thought it was very tasty. I got the butternut squash raviolis. They were a bit dry and could of used more flavor. The Caesar salad was just ok. Needed a bit more flavor. I know they have good reviews so we probably just ordered the wrong dishes. I would try them again some time.
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Gabriella CafePrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Santa Cruz
•
4.6
M
Mai
San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 25 Dec 2024
The buffet experience was great! Each station offered something unique, with everything from sizzling hot entrees, a pasta and omelet station, to beautifully presented seafood appetizers, salads and desserts that were appealing and delicious. The ham, prime rib, turkey and salmon in particular were tasty, moist and tender. The quality and taste of the food exceeded expectations. Staff was attentive and friendly, though it took a little while to be greeted by our server. I left feeling satisfied and look forward to future buffets!
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The View, a Treeside RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Santa Cruz
•
4.1
K
Kelly
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
4.0
Dined on 25 Dec 2024
Our party of 6 had an amazing Christmas Eve Dinner there, everything was spectacular and we will return someday soon !
More info
Mozaic - Santa CruzPrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• Santa Cruz
•
4.7

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Best Restaurants for Outdoor Dining in Santa Cruz

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12 restaurants available nearby

1. Laili

2. Gabriella Cafe

3. Mozaic - Santa Cruz

4. la Posta

5. The View, a Treeside Restaurant

6. Cafe Cruz Rosticceria & Bar

7. Zelda's on the Beach

8. Vinocruz

9. Hollins House - Pasatiempo Golf Club

10. Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen | Beachside

See what locals rave about

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