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Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Santa Cruz

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11 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Laili restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2867)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • Santa Cruz
Booked 35 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 Oswald restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1614)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Santa Cruz
Booked 15 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 Gabriella Cafe restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(976)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Santa Cruz
Booked 9 times today
Gabriella Cafe is a highly rated, romantic Italian restaurant in downtown Santa Cruz. Reviewers consistently praise its 'creative', 'delicious' and 'fresh' food, 'consistently excellent' service, and the 'romantic' and 'charming' ambiance. Many mention it as a special occasion destination, with one stating 'Gabriella’s is a quaint almost European in ambiance. We reserve coming here for special occasions.'
A photo of Oblò restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(56)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Santa Cruz
Booked 8 times today
Modern Italian cuisine with Californian influence, sit in our beautiful dining room or enjoy one of our amazing craft drinks in the comfort and cozy lounge bar area.Our chef Andrea designed an innovative menu that perfect match with the list of cocktails craft from the Bar manager Keith Fox.
A photo of Chocolate the Restaurant restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(86)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Cruz
Booked 12 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 Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1969)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Santa Cruz
Booked 28 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
4.8
Exceptional(2338)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Santa Cruz
Booked 24 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
4.2
Awesome(1185)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Santa Cruz
Booked 29 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
4.7
Exceptional(2045)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Soquel
Booked 56 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 Hollins House - Pasatiempo Golf Club restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(474)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Cruz
Booked 3 times today
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!

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Melody
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    The eggplant is always superb. Our waitperson was attentive and not intrusive. The courtyard is a favorite but as it was raining, we had the opportunity to admire the decor inside and appreciate the acoustics. Can count on Laili for consistently high-quality food and service!
    More info
    LailiPrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• Santa Cruz
    4.7
  • Christine
    San Francisco Bay Area •12 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Pasta Rosettes, pasta w bolognese sauce, pork mole, all desserts were delicious. Chicken parm was a little dry and chicken soup was ok. Service was slow and one of our orders came late but all of our servers were nice, attentive and kept water for the table coming.
    More info
    Chocolate the RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Cruz
    4.6
  • Charlie
    Orange County •18 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    A 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 info
    OswaldPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Santa Cruz
    4.6
  • BethVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •11 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    The food and service were great! We shared the focaccia bread, the arugula salad and the mushroom ravioli with chicken apple sausage. All were excellent. I recommend this restaurant.
    More info
    Gabriella CafePrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Santa Cruz
    4.7
  • DavidVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •16 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on Dec 15, 2024
    My 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 info
    OblòPrice: Expensive• Italian• Santa Cruz
    4.7

Discover best special occasions restaurants in Santa Cruz

Discover the ideal venues for celebrating special occasions in the charming locales of Santa Cruz, Capitola, and Aptos within the vibrant Santa Cruz Bay Area. Whether you are planning an intimate anniversary dinner, a festive birthday gathering, or any significant milestone, this selection of restaurants offers a variety of atmospheres and cuisines to ensure a memorable experience. Known for their exceptional service, creative menus, and inviting ambiances, these establishments have been consistently praised for making special occasions truly special. The dining scene here is diverse, reflecting a blend of casual elegance and culinary sophistication that caters to a range of tastes and preferences. Each restaurant in this carefully curated list not only meets but exceeds expectations with their dedication to quality and a warm, welcoming environment. Make your next celebration extraordinary by choosing from these top-rated dining destinations, where every meal becomes a cherished memory in the scenic heart of the Santa Cruz Bay Area.

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