Best Lunch Restaurants in Santa Cruz, San Francisco Bay Area

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

East BayMonterey / CarmelPeninsulaSan Jose / Silicon ValleySanta Cruz / Capitola / Aptos

Neighborhoods

AptosBelmontCampbellCapitolaCarmelCarmel Valley

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

356 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Laili

4.5

Awesome(2911)

$$$$

• Mediterranean • Santa Cruz

Booked 24 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 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. Oswald

4.4

Awesome(1638)

$$$$

• Contemporary American • Santa Cruz

Booked 8 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 Chocolate the Restaurant restaurant

3. Chocolate the Restaurant

4.4

Awesome(193)

$$$$

• Californian • Santa Cruz

Booked 6 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 Low Tide Bar and Grill - La Bahia Hotel & Spa restaurant

4. Low Tide Bar and Grill - La Bahia Hotel & Spa

4.2

Awesome(82)

$$$$

• Californian • Santa Cruz

Booked 14 times today

Discover a casual refuge from the buzz of the Boardwalk that embraces to the laid-back Santa Cruz lifestyle. Soak in handcrafted cocktails and bold innovative fare as contemporary Pacific island-inspired starters and shareables transport you to an island-style retreat.

A photo of Mozaic - Santa Cruz restaurant

5. Mozaic - Santa Cruz

4.5

Awesome(493)

$$$$

• Mediterranean • Santa Cruz

Booked 3 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.

A photo of The View Restaurant & Bar restaurant

6. The View Restaurant & Bar

4.0

Excellent(1401)

$$$$

• Contemporary American • Santa Cruz

Booked 25 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.

7. Gabriella Cafe

4.4

Awesome(1015)

$$$$

• 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.

8. Ideal Bar & Grill

4.8

Exceptional(309)

$$$$

• Californian • Santa Cruz

Booked 7 times today

Fun, family friendly dining with a beautiful view of Santa Cruz Main beach and the Municipal Wharf! We offer out side seating on our sunny deck! Come down and try our award winning clam chowder today! Reservations are for our inside dining room only.

9. Suda

4.7

Exceptional(451)

$$$$

• American • Santa Cruz

Booked 13 times today

Pairing seasonal produce from local farmers with line caught fish and lean, hormone-free beef, the menu at Süda stays as fresh as the ingredients. With a variety of inventive dishes, including vegan and gluten free options, there is truly something for everyone.The atmosphere at the bar is lively, while booths offer diners a more intimate experience making Süda the perfect place for a casual meal with friends or a night out with someone special. We are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner so you can enjoy fresh food whenever your heart desires.

A photo of Solaire Restaurant + Bar restaurant

10. Solaire Restaurant + Bar

4.3

Awesome(223)

$$$$

• Californian • Santa Cruz

Booked 1 time today

Whether it be a cocktail while soaking up the sun at the poolside patio, anexpertly prepared meal, or a spirited conversation at the bar, SolaireRestaurant + Bar offers the best of what is available with the changingseasons.Solaire offers a truly local dining destination that offers unexpected andoffbeat twists on local ingredients and flavors. The atmosphere of theseasonal restaurant changes based on the weather—in the warm weathermonths it is a playful experience centered on the indoor/outdoor restaurant spaces andthe vibrant pool scene. In the foggier months, guests can relax under the powerful outdoor heaters in our indoor/outdoor covered space while enjoying a cocktail. Mirroring the laid-back attitude of Santa Cruz, the restaurant and bar bring the natural outdoor elements inside in imaginative and modern ways.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

F
Frank
San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
The black cod in broth was absolutely delicious. Memorable. It melted in my mouth so moist. The poached pear in wine with goat cheese ice cream and pistachio brittle was one of the best desserts I have ever had--so so good. I will definitely be back. Oswald is my favorite restaurant for gourmet food
More info
Oswald$$$$• Contemporary American• Santa Cruz
•
4.4
S
Sue
California Central Coast •1 review
4.0
Dined 5 days ago
Molly was a fabulous server. She made the dinner special.
More info
Low Tide Bar and Grill - La Bahia Hotel & Spa$$$$• Californian• Santa Cruz
•
4.2
N
Natalie
California Central Coast •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Amazing father/son dinner experience at The View. Rebecca was our server and she was terrific! We felt extra taken care of when they handed us a personalized card noting our celebration. Thank you, Chaminade & Rebecca for continuing to be an elevated home away from home. Can't wait to be back!
More info
The View Restaurant & Bar$$$$• Contemporary American• Santa Cruz
•
4
C
CynthiaGold
San Francisco Bay Area •37 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 20, 2026
Lovely to sit on the patio outside. Excellent service and food.
More info
Laili$$$$• Mediterranean• Santa Cruz
•
4.5
J
Janet
San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 10, 2026
Amazing spot for brunch with the extended family - delicious breakfast and lunch dishes! Had the specials - Smoked Salmon Sandwich and Lobster & Avocado Salad - so good! Ate inside with an amazing view of the beach and lots of fun people watching. Our server Ethan kept us laughing!
More info
Ideal Bar & Grill$$$$• Californian• Santa Cruz
•
4.8

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