Santa Cruz County has no shortage of incredible Italian restaurants, but it’s the art of pasta that truly sets many of them apart. Across the county, chefs are turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary, creating bowls that comfort, surprise, and satisfy in equal measure. You’ll find hearty, home-style plates piled high with slow-simmered sauces that taste like they came straight from nonna’s kitchen, alongside inventive takes that transform familiar favorites into something fresh and exciting. Whether you crave the cozy charm of a family-run trattoria or the refined creativity of a modern coastal kitchen, Santa Cruz’s pasta scene has something special waiting for you. Here’s your guide to the most memorable pasta in Santa Cruz County, where every bite tells a story of care, craft, and local flavor. 

Lago di Como 

Tucked along East Cliff Drive in Live Oak, Lago di Como brings an authentic slice of Northern Italy to the coast. It’s the kind of place where locals celebrate birthdays, visitors stumble upon a hidden gem, and everyone leaves talking about the pasta. The menu blends Italian tradition with local ingredients, featuring silky house-made tagliatelle, seafood-studded linguine, and a slow-baked lasagna that tastes like it came straight from Lake Como. The specials are also a star of the show, with an ever-changing seasonal menu that keeps each visit fresh and exciting. With warm lighting, friendly staff, and the faint scent of garlic in the air, Lago di Como feels both elevated and comforting—a true Santa Cruz favorite where every meal feels like a special occasion. 

Cavalletta 

A hidden gem located in Aptos, Cavalletta has quickly become a local favorite for anyone craving the comfort of handmade pasta with a modern coastal twist. The atmosphere is warm and lively, centered around an open kitchen and wood-fired oven where chefs craft each dish with care. Their comforting classics, like the mafaldine Bolognese made with rich beef ragu and Parmigiano Reggiano, showcase the kitchen’s attention to texture and balance. Just as beloved is their inventive take on a classic lasagna — a single-layer creation built with house-made sheets, creamy béchamel, chive oil, and tender Bolognese that brings wood-fired depth to every bite. The menu changes seasonally, making each visit a chance to discover something new while still capturing that cozy, familiar feeling of true Italian comfort done the Santa Cruz way. 

La Posta 

In the heart of Seabright, La Posta is the kind of neighborhood spot where everything is made fresh each day, and you can taste the care in every bite. Housed in a charming converted post office, this beloved Italian kitchen is known for its exquisite execution and deep respect for ingredients. Every pasta, sauce, and loaf of bread is crafted by hand, with a menu that shifts alongside the seasons and the local farms that inspire it. Standouts include the lasagnette with Humboldt chanterelles, ricotta, spinach, and Parmigiano, as well as the spaghetti with beef-pork polpette, basil, and Parmigiano. And be sure to start with La Posta Bread, their house sourdough made from a 30-year-old starter, crusty on the outside and perfectly chewy within. Wednesday Local’s Night gives even more reason to visit, when every pasta or pizza comes with a complimentary glass of wine. Equal parts cozy and refined, La Posta captures everything Santa Cruz dining does best: local, heartfelt, and unforgettable.

HOME Soquel

In the heart of Soquel, HOME feels exactly like its name suggests: warm, intimate, and rooted in the community that surrounds it. Chef Brad Briske builds every plate from the ground up with local farmers’ market produce and nose-to-tail cuts sourced from families who raise and care for their animals with intention. The pasta here is deeply comforting and entirely handcrafted, the kind of cooking that reflects both skill and heart. Favorites include the pappardelle with pork shoulder sugo, pancetta, chili, and pecorino, a dish that layers richness with just the right amount of heat, and the lasagnette made with beef Bolognese, porcini béchamel, and mozzarella. With its cozy atmosphere and ever-changing menu, HOME is the place you go when you want pasta that feels personal, deeply local, and crafted with real care. Get a peek inside what makes HOME so special here.

Mentone 

Mentone brings the vibrant flavors of the Riviera to Aptos, offering a fun twist on the cuisine stretching from Nice to just past Genoa. Chef David Kinch infuses the menu with coastal energy and California creativity, crafting dishes that are as lively as the restaurant’s bright, modern space. The focus here is on beauty through simplicity, letting the pasta take the spotlight. The trenette made with a rich, slow-simmered house Bolognese is pure comfort in a bowl, while the gnocchi Genovese with fresh basil pesto and Parmigiano captures the essence of Ligurian cooking in every bite. Each dish feels sun-soaked and effortless, blending Italian warmth with Santa Cruz cool. With a spritz or negroni in hand, wood-fired aromas in the air, and the hum of happy diners all around, Mentone makes every meal feel like a small vacation on the Mediterranean coast. 

Sugo Italian Pasta Bar 

In the middle of Midtown’s stretch of Soquel Avenue, Sugo feels like the kind of spot you stumble upon once and then keep coming back to. It’s small, friendly, and full of warmth. Alongside their traditional pasta offerings, they also have a build-your-own-pasta menu. The concept is simple: pick your pasta, choose your sauce, add on anything you like, and build your own perfect bowl. What keeps people coming back is the freshness and the flavor. Each serving comes out steaming and generously portioned, the noodles perfectly coated in sauce and sprinkled with Parmigiano. The vibe is unpretentious and genuine, and the food has that soul-satisfying quality that turns a quick meal into real comfort. There’s also a little outdoor patio for sunny lunches or relaxed evenings, but the real magic happens in the bowl — big, flavorful, and made with the kind of care that defines true neighborhood cooking. 

Lillian’s Italian Kitchen 

Lillian’s feels like stepping into the heart of a big family dinner, warm, bustling, and filled with the comforting aroma of sauce simmering on the stove. This Santa Cruz classic on Soquel Avenue is known for recipes passed down through generations and for serving food that tastes like it’s made with love. Their famous Sunday Gravy is the star of the menu, rigatoni tossed in a slow-simmered tomato sauce packed with Italian sausage, spare ribs, beef, and pork. It is rich, hearty, and the kind of dish that makes you want to linger over every bite. The spaghetti and meatballs and lobster ravioli are also longtime favorites, each prepared with the same care and generosity that defines the restaurant. With friendly servers who remember your name and portions that could feed a small crowd, Lillian’s captures the essence of true Italian comfort, soulful, satisfying, and always served with heart. 

When you think about wine tasting in Santa Cruz County, your mind might wander to the misty peaks of the Santa Cruz Mountains or the sunlit vineyards of Corralitos. But there’s another side to our wine culture that’s walkable, vibrant, and woven right into the heart of our urban neighborhoods. From mountain-grown Pinot Noir to adventurous blends, you can experience the county’s rich winemaking tradition without leaving town. That means you can sip incredible local vintages without ever leaving the lively streets, coastal views, and walkable districts that make Santa Cruz County so special.

This guide takes you through the county’s main urban wine neighborhoods, each with its own cluster of tasting rooms and wine bars. Whether you’re strolling between stops in a lively downtown or relaxing in a sunny courtyard, you’ll find that every area offers a unique expression of Santa Cruz’s winemaking spirit.

Downtown Santa Cruz

The heart of the city beats with a lively mix of tasting rooms and wine bars that are all offering unique tasting experiences. Birichino is bright and inviting, known for aromatic wines like their Malvasia Bianca, which smells like wildflowers and citrus groves. If you want an extra special experience, head here in the afternoons on Wednesday so you can sip their wines on their parklet patio while the Downtown Farmer’s Market bustles around you. At Big Basin Vineyards, you can taste Pinot Noir and Syrah that channel the rugged intensity of the Santa Cruz Mountains without having to drive into the mountains. Their lively downtown tasting room even has firepits and empanadas to enjoy with your wines! Storrs Winery pours sustainably crafted varietals with elegance and balance, while Bad Animal offers a natural wine bar within their enchanting rare bookstore. Come for a glass to drink while perusing their book collection and stay for dinner, where you can dive even deeper into their thoughtfully curated wine list that pairs perfectly with the exquisite food from Hanloh. This is the perfect neighborhood for a walking wine tour before dinner or a night out.

Swift Street Courtyard – Westside Santa Cruz

The Westside’s Swift Street Courtyard is a wine lover’s paradise, with multiple tasting rooms just steps from each other. Madson Wines captures the character of the Santa Cruz Mountains with their low intervention wines that gently guide each fermentation, allowing the wine’s natural character and vibrancy to shine through. Margins Wine may be the smallest tasting room in the county, but it pours bold flavors with a big heart. Specializing in low-intervention bottlings from organically farmed vineyards, they spotlight underrepresented regions, varietals, and growers. Sones Cellars is a haven for Zin lovers, while Silver Mountain Vineyards pours crisp, mountain-grown classics. When you’re ready to sit back, Apero offers a stylish wine bar experience with selections from both near and far. There are too many amazing wine tasting rooms in this small area, so you’ll have to discover them all! The courtyard buzzes with energy and makes for one of the most walkable wine adventures in the county.

Scotts Valley

Scotts Valley offers a compact but exciting wine scene perfect for an easy afternoon. Inversion Wines, named for the unique “inversion” layer of fog that shapes their grapes, is a family-run wine experience known for its welcoming atmosphere and wines that are both complex and elegant. Kissed by an Angel Wines greets visitors with bold, fruit-forward reds and the kind of friendly, conversational hospitality that makes you feel like a regular from your first pour. Just around the corner, Saison Cellars draws on Old World traditions and brings a Michelin-rated pedigree to their curated retail selection, offering exceptional bottles alongside tailored wine services. With all three within minutes of each other, this is a neighborhood that’s easy to explore in a single visit.

Aptos

Aptos blends coastal charm with intimate wine experiences. Sante Arcangeli Family Wines crafts pure, honest Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays with a goal of elevating regional winemaking. The Town Center tasting room even lets you shop for shoes with a glass in hand. Just a short walk away, Aptos Vineyard offers bright, balanced wines that reflect their coastal roots—some made by Sante Arcangeli’s own winemaker—while Cantine Winepub pairs a curated wine list with delicious small plates in a relaxed, beach-town setting. With all three so close together, it’s easy to sip your way through the afternoon before watching the sun set at Seacliff State Beach.

Capitola & Soquel

Capitola and Soquel combine small-town charm with a deep winemaking heritage. In Soquel, Bargetto Winery has been a local institution since 1933, offering creekside tastings and signature wines like their celebrated Pinot Noir and La Vita blend. Just up the road, Wargin Wines pours bold, character-driven varietals, while OverShine Wine keeps things playful and approachable. A short drive brings you to Capitola Village, where the brand new Vin Vivant Wine Bar offers an expert sommelier’s wine experience focused on a thoughtfully curated list of French wines. Together, these towns create a wine-tasting route rich in history, personality, and flavor.

Santa Cruz County offers the best of both worlds, from adventurous trips into the mountains and countryside for estate vineyard visits to vibrant urban wine tastings right in the heart of our towns. Each neighborhood brings its own personality, flavors, and atmosphere, whether you’re in the mood for a casual glass, an in-depth tasting, or a full day of exploration. All you need is a curious palate and a little time to enjoy the journey.

From ocean-view patios to dimly lit gastropubs, Santa Cruz County’s burger scene runs as deep as the redwoods and as wide as the coastline. Santa Cruz County knows how to do burgers. They’re as much a part of our local culture as sunset surf sessions and weekend farmers’ markets. We’re talking burgers with bacon jam dripping down the side, buns baked to golden perfection, patties that burst with savory juices, and toppings that range from classic to wildly inventive. This is a county where burgers are more than a meal, they’re a work of edible art.

Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or you’ve called Santa Cruz home for years, these eight spots prove that the county’s burger game is every bit as legendary as its surf breaks. This list isn’t just about good burgers, it’s about the ones that stick with you, the ones you find yourself thinking about days later, the ones you’d drive across town for in traffic. Here’s where you’ll find the standouts.

1) Emerald Mallard

Emerald Mallard in Felton serves one of the best burgers in Santa Cruz County, a true indulgence that belongs on every burger lover’s list. Their OG Smash Burger proves that perfection does not require overcomplication. It is built with two sizzling beef patties pressed thin on the griddle until the edges turn lacy and crisp, topped with raw yellow onion for bite, melting American cheese for nostalgic comfort, pickle for tang, and a creamy house-made burger sauce that ties every bite together. It is rich, savory, and deeply satisfying, the kind of burger that makes you pause mid-bite just to appreciate it. If you can time your visit for happy hour Wednesday through Friday, order the Cheese Skirt Smash Burger. This single patty is crowned with a golden, crunchy halo of cheddar that spills over the bun in crispy perfection. Pair your burger with a cold pint from Humble Sea and finish with one of their house-made cannoli for the ultimate Felton feast, perfect for refueling after a day hiking through the nearby redwoods. Address: 6256 CA-9, Felton

2) Food Talk

Tucked behind a secret bookcase in downtown Santa Cruz, Food Talk is a true hidden gem serving up one of the county’s most crave-worthy burgers in an unforgettable speakeasy setting. The vibe is intimate and playful, with a tiny kitchen that somehow delivers huge flavors you’ll keep thinking about long after the last bite. Their Forever Warped Burger is a standout: thick, juicy local beef cooked to perfection, layered with gooey gruyere cheese, smoked onion, and a dangerously addictive bacon cherry jam, all tucked into a Danio homemade sesame bun. It’s nostalgic and inventive at the same time, the kind of burger that keeps you coming back no matter how full you are. Address: 110 Pearl Alley, Santa Cruz

3) Oswald Restaurant

Oswald has been a downtown Santa Cruz mainstay since 1995, serving California comfort food and craft cocktails that keep people coming back year after year. Their burger has reached near-cult status among locals, the kind of menu item that regulars order without even glancing at anything else. It is a lesson in how simple ingredients, when done perfectly, can be unforgettable. A juicy, flavorful patty comes topped with sweet, slow-cooked caramelized onions, a generous crumble of tangy blue cheese, and a smooth layer of aioli. The sharp funk of the cheese melts into the beef, meeting the deep sweetness of the onions in a combination that feels indulgent yet perfectly balanced. Paired with crisp fries and a craft cocktail, it is a Santa Cruz classic that has earned every bit of its devoted following. Address: 121 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz

4) Suda

If you’re the kind of burger lover who craves a thick, juicy patty that feels like a meal in itself, Suda should be at the top of your Santa Cruz burger list. Located near the Hook and known for its amazing brunch and craft cocktails, Suda makes burgers a highlight across their lunch, brunch, and dinner menus, so you can enjoy one any time of day. Standouts include the Naughty Boy, a decadent creation drenched in bordelaise and cheese sauce, topped with tangy pickles and a luscious bacon jam that ties it all together. For something more classic, their signature Suda Burger delivers all the comfort of a perfectly executed staple. Whatever you order, don’t skip the fries, with both the regular and sweet potato versions good enough to steal the spotlight. Address: 13910 Portola Dr, Santa Cruz

5) Trout Farm Inn

In the quiet forests just outside Felton, Trout Farm Inn feels like a hidden retreat where dining and relaxation go hand in hand. This historic revival of a social club and restaurant pairs a gorgeous redwood backdrop with a sparkling pool, inviting patrons to swim, sip cocktails, and linger over a meal. The service is warm and welcoming, whether you stop in for a swimming day pass or settle in for a relaxed dinner. The burger menu delivers big flavor, with options to customize your own stack or choose house specialties. The Trout Farm Burger layers Tillamook sharp white cheddar, crispy onion strings, garlic aioli, butter lettuce, tomato, and pickles on a brioche bun, served with golden fries and a pickle spear. For a smoky alternative, the BBQ Burger is equally satisfying. Best of all, you can enjoy your burger poolside, turning a classic meal into one of the most memorable dining experiences in the county. Trout Farm Inn just may be the best hidden gem in Santa Cruz County! Address: 7701 E Zayante Rd, Felton

6) The Grille at DeLaveaga 

The Grille at DeLaveaga might sit in the middle of a golf course, but it feels more like a local secret than a clubhouse. Tucked into the rolling green hills, it serves up elevated California cuisine with a comforting twist that’s worth seeking out. Their brunch is phenomenal, but don’t sleep on their lunch offerings, where the burgers are the real prize. The seasonal specials keep regulars coming back, from a smoky BBQ burger loaded with tangy sauce to a smash burger stacked with grass-fed beef, caramelized onions, garlic aioli, house pickles, and white cheddar on a brioche bun. The classic DeLa Burger is always a safe bet, simple and satisfying in that way only a well-made burger can be. Add a side of their crisp, golden onion rings and wash it down with a cold pint or a crisp cocktail, and you’ve got yourself a little pocket of burger heaven in the middle of the fairway. Address: 401 Upper Park Rd, Santa Cruz

7) Belly Goat Craft Burgers

Belly Goat Craft Burgers in Abbott Square Market takes handcrafted burgers to a whole new level. This is not a one-or-two-options kind of place. The menu is packed with creative, flavor-packed combinations that make you want to work your way through every single one. Start with the Cowboy Burger, a classic in their lineup, stacked with crisp iceberg, tomato, smoked Rogue blue, sweet bacon jam, masa onion hay, and chipotle ranch. Or go bold with the Seoul Surfer, a burst of Korean-inspired flavor featuring kimchi, toasted sesame, BBQ’d smoked pork belly, a fried egg, and gochujang mayo. Specials keep things fresh, like the indulgent Ahi Tuna Burger, and vegetarians are far from left out thanks to The Forager, a masterpiece of avocado mash, chimichurri-marinated tomatoes, sunflower sprouts, blackened sous-vide portobello, and sriracha-pimento olive aioli. Grab a table in Abbott Square on a Friday night, let the live music set the mood, and dig into a burger feast that proves downtown Santa Cruz knows how to do dinner right. Address: 725 Front St, Santa Cruz (Abbott Square)

8) East End Gastropub

East End Gastropub in Capitola is the kind of spot that proves comfort food and a fine dining finish can live on the same plate. Their house-made pizza dough and fresh pasta are worth the trip, but ask any regular and they’ll tell you the real star of the menu is the burger. It’s a double-patty masterpiece cooked medium-well, layered with shredded iceberg for crunch, house sauce for tang, homemade pickles for bite, and a gooey blanket of American cheese. The whole thing comes with a heap of fries, but the fun really starts with the add-ons: caramelized onions that melt into sweetness, creamy avocado, sharp blue cheese, or crispy bacon. Stack it high, build it your way, and suddenly you understand why East End has earned its place among the best burgers in Santa Cruz County. Address: 1501 41st Ave, Suite 1, Capitola

9) Davenport Roadhouse

Just steps from the dramatic cliffs of Davenport, the Davenport Roadhouse pairs some of the best natural beauty in the county with a burger that feels both comforting and classic. Their version combines the coziness of a home-style burger on a soft potato bun with the crave-worthy thin, yet double-stacked, smash burger, striking the perfect balance between hearty and indulgent. The Roadhouse itself offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere that reflects its roots as a classic Santa Cruz County institution, now freshly reopened under new ownership. It’s the kind of place that makes the drive worthwhile, especially when you’re rewarded with a smash burger enjoyed by the sea. Address: 1 Davenport Ave, Davenport

10) Parish Publick House

Parish Publick House, with locations in both Aptos and Santa Cruz, has built a reputation for serving up some of the biggest and boldest burgers in the county. Their menu is packed with creative options, each one as oversized in flavor as it is in size. Take the Pfeiffer Burger, a local favorite stacked high with crispy onion rings, smoky bacon, and their house-made BBQ sauce; it is a towering comfort classic that always satisfies. But if you’re feeling truly adventurous, the infamous Belushi Burger is in a league of its own. This half-pound stuffer comes loaded with bacon, blue cheese, and two types of cheese before being battered, deep-fried, and served as one of the most outrageous burgers you’ll ever lay eyes on. It’s not for the faint of heart, but for those with a serious appetite, it’s a one-of-a-kind burger experience you’ll be talking about long after your plate is clean. Address: 8017 Soquel Dr, Aptos & 841 Almar Ave, Santa Cruz

11) Betty’s Burgers

Betty’s Burgers is a Santa Cruz staple serving up creative burgers in a family friendly and casual setting. With several locations around town, including Seabright, 41st Avenue, and Aptos, it is easy to get your fix no matter which side of the county you are on. Their menu is filled with classics, but the burger that really stands out is The Duke, a local favorite that brings a little island flair to the table. It comes stacked with grilled pineapple, smoky bacon, melted cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles, and a drizzle of their sweet teriyaki sauce, which they cheekily refer to as lube. The combination of juicy beef, salty bacon, and that sweet tang of pineapple and teriyaki makes it unlike anything else you will find in town. Pair it with fries or one of their thick milkshakes, and you will see why Betty’s has become a go-to for locals and visitors craving a burger with personality. Address: 505 Seabright Ave, Santa Cruz; 1000 41st Ave, Santa Cruz; 415 Trout Gulch Rd, Aptos

12) Jack’s Hamburgers

Jack’s Hamburgers is a true Santa Cruz institution, the kind of spot locals point visitors to when they ask where to get a burger that’s both delicious and affordable. Right in the heart of Downtown Santa Cruz, Jack’s has been the go-to for generations of students, families, and anyone craving a classic burger without the fuss. Their charbroiled patties are packed with flavor, whether you stick with a simple cheeseburger, go for their well-loved Chipotle Burger, or branch out with one of their hearty tri-tip sandwiches. Vegetarians will also find satisfying options, so everyone in the group can dig in. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, with friendly staff and an outdoor seating area perfect for soaking in the Santa Cruz vibe, even if the small indoor space fills up fast. Whether you dine in, grab it to-go, or have it delivered, Jack’s proves that cheap eats can still deliver big flavor, making it a must-stop for anyone working their way through the county’s best burgers. Address: 202 Lincoln St, Santa Cruz

Here are six must-visit spots to fuel your caffeine cravings and indulge in bakery delights when exploring the Santa Cruz area.

Verve Coffee Roasters

This Santa Cruz institution is known far and wide for its exceptional quality. The ambiance at each location is bright and modern, making Verve a perfect place to sit with a book or catch up with friends. Whether you prefer a smooth latte or a bright pour-over, Verve will deliver a delightful coffee experience. If you like sweet drinks, don’t miss out on the Missile, their unique iced drink made from coffee concentrate and house-made organic syrup and cream. Verve serves up pastries from Manresa Bread, which has recently expanded to include a shop on Santa Cruz’s Westside.

Cat & Cloud

This local roastery is dedicated to crafting every cup with care and passion. The colorful decor, welcoming atmosphere and vibrant flavors capture the spirit of coffee culture in Santa Cruz County. Don’t miss out on the mocha, which offers a perfect blend of chocolate and espresso. All Cat & Cloud locations offer pastries from Manresa Bread alongside housemade menu items, including one of the best breakfast burritos in town. Pair the rich mocha with an expertly laminated croissant with layers of buttery and flaky dough to start your perfect morning.

11th Hour

A community hub for coffee, food and local events in the heart of Downtown Santa Cruz, this hip spot is perfect for those who want to unwind with a locally roasted cup of coffee and for remote workers looking for a peaceful environment. Each drink is a treat, whether you’re looking for a classic coffee or a seasonal beverage like the campfire mocha or pumpkin cream cold brew. 11th Hour also boasts a mouthwatering selection of in-house baked goods, from their fragrant cardamom rose cake to unbeatable cherry bourbon scones.

Companion

This sourdough-centered bakery serves some of the best bread and pastries in town. Their unique approach to creating pastries with sourdough lamination gives each creation rich, tangy flavor that sets their baked goods apart. The Kouign-Amann, a pastry with flaky layers full of rich butter and sugar, and their Goat Horn Bread, a goat cheese stuffed sourdough, are must-try items. They also serve coffee to enjoy with your bakery treats featuring Cat & Cloud beans.

The Grove Café & Bakery

Nestled in downtown Felton, The Grove Cafe & Bakery combines freshly baked pastries, exceptional cuisine and a curated coffee list in a welcoming, cozy setting. Their seasonally influenced pastries bring the best of the region’s local flavors to every bite. The rotating seasonal croissant is a true gem everyone should try. The Grove uses 11^th Hour beans to create inventive brews like honey bear latte and mushroom mocha. It’s the perfect spot to brunch with friends or fuel up before heading to the redwood forest for a hike.

Gayle’s Bakery

A Capitola landmark, Gayle’s Bakery & Rosticceria has been serving locals and visitors for decades and is renowned for its extensive selection of freshly baked goods, from bread and pastries to cakes and cookies. Their stunning bakery display case is full of exquisite desserts like their signature Princess Cake. Gayle’s is one of the best places for a birthday or special event cake. Enjoy a mocha or another coffee creation brewed from Verve’s beans and gorgeously decorated sugar cookies for a perfect sweet treat.