Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Francisco Bay Area

Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Santa Cruz

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Neighborhoods
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Accessibility

8 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Laili restaurant
1. Laili
4.7
Exceptional(2884)
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.
A photo of Oswald restaurant
2. Oswald
4.5
Awesome(1617)
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
3. Gabriella Cafe
4.7
Exceptional(980)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Santa Cruz
Booked 6 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 Chocolate the Restaurant restaurant
4. Chocolate the Restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(102)
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 Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge restaurant
5. Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge
4.7
Exceptional(1994)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Santa Cruz
Booked 20 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 The View Restaurant & Bar restaurant
6. The View Restaurant & Bar
4.4
Awesome(1223)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Santa Cruz
Booked 13 times today
Set high on a hilltop with breathtaking panoramic views of the Monterey Bay, The View Restaurant & Bar 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
7. Cafe Cruz Rosticceria & Bar
4.7
Exceptional(2086)
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 Hollins House - Pasatiempo Golf Club restaurant
8. Hollins House - Pasatiempo Golf Club
4.6
Exceptional(475)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Cruz
Dear guests,The Hollins House is open for dinner service on Thursday evenings from 4 - 8pm and certain special occasions. 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!

How is content generated

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you

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.

Explore OpenTable

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Delight more diners
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo