Santa Cruz Restaurant & Dining Guide

Visitors to Santa Cruz will find a delicious variety of tasty restaurants within close proximity to The Inn at Pasatiempo. Here you’ll discover everything from fresh, sustainable seafood caught in the Monterey Bay to ethnic cuisine, to restaurants specializing in organic dishes and famous, family-owned restaurants located on the Santa Cruz Wharf. Voted among the top restaurants by locals is Peachwood’s Steakhouse, located right here at The Inn at Pasatiempo!

Peachwood’s Steakhouse at Pasatiempo.

Open daily for lunch and dinner, and brunch on Sundays, Peachwood’s Steakhouse at Pasatiempo has been tempting taste buds for decades. Peachwood’s is highly celebrated for its unique peach wood grilling techniques. The menu features such mouthwatering specialties such as pork tenderloin medallions, 20-ounce Porter House steak, lamb chops, rotisserie duckling, and grilled Crown salmon. A unique treat for vegetarians is the grilled tofu steak smothered in Peachwood’s signature BBQ sauce. Peachwood’s also offers event, wedding and meeting catering services.

Champagne Brunch on Sundays is a splendid event guaranteed to satisfy any appetite. Highlights of the buffet-style brunch include carving stations, made-to-order omelets, peel-and-eat shrimp, Belgium waffles, and hot entrees such as traditional eggs Benedict and vegetarian pesto Benedict, chicken marsala, and stir fry. Sunday brunch is from 10am to 2pm.

Please visit Peachwoods Steakhouse for more information on our catering services for your next group event or meeting  [Top]

Santa Cruz Area Restaurants.

Ask our knowledgeable staff for restaurant recommendations in Santa Cruz or try these local favorites

MacKenzie Bar & Grill.

Located at the Clubhouse at Pasatiempo Golf Club, MacKenzie Bar & Grill is open daily for breakfast and lunch. MacKenzie’s features a full bar and offers veranda dining with views of the 9th green and Monterey Bay. Call (831) 459-9162.

Hollins House at Pasatiempo.

Built in 1929 by famous golfer Marion Hollis, the Hollins House at Pasatiempo is a casually elegant restaurant located at Pasatiempo Golf Club. The award-winning menu features such dishes as Moroccan Chicken Tagine, pan-roasted Barramundi filet, and bone-in prime rib. Panoramic views of Monterey Bay complement the extraordinary cuisine. Hollins House at Pasatiempo is open to the public Tuesday - Saturday from 4pm to 9pm. Call (831) 459-9177 for reservations.  [Top]

Walnut Avenue Café.

Voted “City’s Best Breakfast” by Sunset magazine, the Walnut Avenue Café in downtown Santa Cruz is a hit with locals and visitors. Café specialties include blackened ahi Benedict, spicy chilaquiles, stuffed omelets, and griddle favorites. Walnut Avenue Café also serves lunch. Located at 106 Walnut Avenue in downtown Santa Cruz. Open Monday - Friday from 7am to 3pm, and from 8am to 4pm on weekends.

Ristorante Italiano.

Serving traditional Italian cuisine since 1980, Ristorante Italiano has been voted the best Italian restaurant in Santa Cruz for the last six years. Enjoy chicken and veal specialties, homemade soups, fresh seafood, delectable pasta, and vegetarian options. Dining room and patio seating are available. Lunch is served Monday - Friday from 11:30am to 4pm. Dinner is served daily. Ristorante Italiano is located at 555 Soquel Avenue in Santa Cruz. Reservations recommended for groups of six or more. Call (831) 458-2321.

El Palomar.

Savor the distinct flavors of Southern Mexico combined with locally-grown produce and fresh seafood from the Monterey Bay at El Palomar restaurant. Salsa, sauces, and corn tortillas are all homemade to complement the authentic cuisine. In addition to its historic dining room, El Palomar features a lively cantina with a full bar and flat screen TVs for sports-minded diners. El Palomar is located at 1336 Pacific Avenue in downtown Santa Cruz. Call (831) 425-7575.  [Top]