Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Santa Cruz
Price
- $30 and under
- $31 to $50
- $50 and over
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See what locals rave about
- MMicheleSan Francisco Bay Area •1 review5.0Dined 2 days agoWe went for breakfast.. the food was excellent. I had the lemon ricotta pancakes and wow - they were delicious. Service was great, beautiful views. Overall great experience!More infoJack O'Neill Restaurant & LoungePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Santa Cruz•4.7
- JJeanneVIPDenver / Colorado •6 reviews5.0Dined 5 days agoThere’s a bar on your left as you walk in, the space is laid of beautifully. The open kitchen anchors the room and there’s fresh persimmons hanging to dry. Despite the kitchen being open, the noise level was minimal. Looking up the ceiling, I saw that the noise is managed by acoustic paneling that absorbs the sound. The staff is welcoming, friendly and attentive. We started with the Santa Cruz greens which is a bowl of salad greens and dressed simply in a delicate vinaigrette. It’s light, citrusy and the leaves were fresh. Delicious. We had the hamachi lettuce cups next. The crispy rice was a nice counterbalance to the delicate fish. We shared the ribeye katsu Sando with caramelized onions. What a great bite! Milk toast toasted perfectly and the rib eye cooked medium. The Brussels sprouts with pickled garlic and balsamic/maple glazed and pork belly was the surprise hit of the evening. We couldn’t stop eating it! We also had their version of margarita which was light, citrusy and not overly sweet. We really enjoyed dining here. It’s perfect for a date night!More infoAlderwood Santa CruzPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Santa Cruz•4.6
- MMaiSan Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews5.0Dined on Dec 25, 2024The 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!More infoThe View, a Treeside RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Santa Cruz•4.1
- CCharlieOrange County •18 reviews4.0Dined on Dec 21, 2024A very solid/reliable spot. My fries were fantastic. Sounds basic but a well executed french fry served in the right way is remarkably uncommon. My burger could have use a bit more mass on the patty and less on the bun but was overall good. My date had the scallops and she seemed to quite enjoy them. Cocktails here are solidly above average. We sat away from the bar and enjoyed a pleasant ambience; lively but not loud, so that we were able to have a conversation easily. For whatever accidental reason we just hadn't been there in a while. We'll be back.More infoOswaldPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Santa Cruz•4.6
- DDavidVIPSan Francisco Bay Area •16 reviews4.0Dined on Dec 15, 2024My friend had the seafood pasta she had the gluten-free pasta which added two dollars to the service. I had the special which was a beef tenderloin tortellini style pasta with a creamy sauce, which was very good. My friend had the seafood pasta, she really enjoyed it. She thought it was an excellent value, and the flavor was very good. I like the overall feel of the restaurant. I like the fact you’re not freezing inside of it which it can be a problem with many restaurants in Santa Cruz. This restaurant was very warm and comfortable and we will definitely be back with friends. More infoOblòPrice: Expensive• Italian• Santa Cruz•4.7
Discover best Contemporary American restaurants in Santa Cruz
Discover the vibrant and sophisticated dining scene of the San Francisco Bay Area, particularly in the Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos region, where Contemporary American cuisine takes a delightful turn. Here, diners can explore a range of restaurants that skillfully blend local ingredients with innovative culinary techniques, offering a fresh take on American classics. Each establishment emphasizes quality and creativity, ensuring an exceptional gastronomic experience that resonates with both locals and visitors alike. The dining atmosphere in this locale is characterized by its relaxed yet upscale ambience, allowing guests to enjoy their meals in beautifully designed spaces that often feature stunning views of the scenic surroundings. Service across these restaurants is noted for being attentive and personalized, adding to the overall satisfying dining experience. Whether you're seeking a meal crafted next to a local distillery or a dinner accompanied by breathtaking ocean views, the area's Contemporary American restaurants promise to deliver both memorable flavors and moments. This region is a culinary hotspot for those who appreciate a fusion of traditional and modern American dining, served in settings that perfectly complement the area’s natural beauty and laid-back lifestyle.