Best Restaurants for Outdoor Dining in Santa Cruz

12 restaurants available nearby

1. Laili

4.7

Exceptional(2860)

Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • Santa Cruz

Booked 25 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

4.7

Exceptional(976)

Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Santa Cruz

Booked 7 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

4.6

Exceptional(474)

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.

4. la Posta

4.8

Exceptional(2332)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Santa Cruz

Booked 10 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(1173)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Santa Cruz

Booked 10 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(2035)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Soquel

Booked 35 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(551)

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(123)

Price: Moderate

• Wine Bar • Soquel

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

4.5

Awesome(329)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Aptos

Booked 19 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. Dinner Hours: Wednesday - Thursday // 5pm - 9pmFriday - Sunday // 4pm - 9pmLunch Hours:Friday - Sunday // 12pm - 3pm

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
Melinda
Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities •6 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Our whole dinner was delicious from the appetizers to the dessert.
More info
Gabriella CafePrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Santa Cruz
•
4.7
M
Mike
San Francisco Bay Area •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Very happy to find Mozaic on a side street near the main nightlife avenue in Santa Cruz. We had the chicken skewers with Mediterranean salad, along with lentil, soup and dolmas. Everything was perfectly prepared. We couldn’t be happier. Of course it’s expensive to eat out these days especially in an area that is popular with tourism which Santa Cruz is. We spent with tip and two glasses of wine $90. We will definitely come back next time. We have a mini vacation from the SF bay area.
More info
Mozaic - Santa CruzPrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• Santa Cruz
•
4.6
S
Sabinavip
Seattle / Eastern Washington •127 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Beautiful restaurant with a lovely outdoor space as well. The food is amazing, savory and fresh. Nice wine list too. Had the lamb burger with salad and potatoes... To die for! Also had the meringue and strawberry dessert which was delicate and beautiful to look at. Really a stellar experience. Would highly recommend.
More info
LailiPrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• Santa Cruz
•
4.7
M
Marty
San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Best Thanksgiving ever. Perfect weather and my adult son and I sat on the terrace. I'm not usually a fan of corporate hotels or restaurants but the buffet was remarkable, the view breathtaking and we were not hurried. We asked about hiking trails and were given a map and pointed in the right direction. We took a lovely 3 mile hike along redwood trails afterwards. It's the irst time I haven't cooked a Thanksgiving meal in 35 years!
More info
The View, a Treeside RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Santa Cruz
•
4.1
A
Angievip
San Francisco Bay Area •20 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 21, 2024
Loved the food as always, creative yet simple enough to let the ingredients “talk”. Fabulous service.
More info
la PostaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Santa Cruz
•
4.8

Explore OpenTable

Santa Cruz

Best Restaurants for Outdoor Dining in Santa Cruz

Price

Cuisine

Regions

Neighborhoods

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Accessibility

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

Explore OpenTable