They say the way to a loved one’s heart is through their stomach, and after visiting a few restaurants on this list, you’re sure to see why! From dramatic coastal views to lush hidden havens, we’ve got you covered for wining and dining at some of the most romantic eateries in Santa Cruz County.
SHADOWBROOK RESTAURANT
1750 Wharf Road, Capitola
Since 1947, Shadowbrook Restaurant has been revered for its romance in dining. A night out here always feels special, as you’re whisked away to a luscious paradise via red cable car, which descends a hillside garden of ferns and waterfalls before delivering you to the restaurant’s creekside location. It can be just as pleasing to stroll along the meandering garden path, with a stream that flows into a pond within the restaurant. Inside, you’ll discover unique features such as themed dining areas, aquariums, a massive stone hearth, and towering trees growing up through the ceiling. Pour over the menu as you relish in the whimsical ambiance: the traditional seafood and steakhouse staples are sure to delight, whatever you’re craving! An icon in the community, Shadowbrook is the perfect spot to celebrate anniversaries, birthdays, holidays, and special occasions. Conclude the festivities by hailing a complimentary ride back home with one of Shadowbrook’s vintage taxicabs!
HOME
3101 N Main Street, Soquel
Since its opening in 2016, HOME has captured the heart of the community, and for good reason: there is an ever-changing array of delectable dishes coming out of Chef Brad Briske’s kitchen that are sure to leave your mouth watering. While the menu evolves daily based on what is in-season locally, a recurring favorite that is sure to impress is the HOME-made squid ink spaghetti. Whether you’re dining in their wine cellar or under the twinkle lights of their patio, HOME creates a date night atmosphere that feels upscale without all the fuss. It’s this inviting ambience paired with their succulent, dynamic fare that will bring you back to HOME for many date nights to come!
LA POSTA
538 Seabright Avenue, Santa Cruz
La Posta has been bringing the soul of Italian cuisine into the Seabright neighborhood since 2006. Farm-fresh and locally sourced ingredients are the foundation of their housemade pasta, pizza and Italian and Mediterranean-influenced dishes. Their rave-worthy menu and extensive wine selection are sure to make any night feel like a special occasion. Order a few items and share with your partner – we highly recommend making one of those sharable items their oven baked pizze! For first timers, you are sure to feel like you’ve stumbled upon a local treasure!
PERSEPHONE
7945 Soquel Drive, Aptos
Nestled above Aptos Creek, Persephone’s twinkling lights and cozy space create an atmosphere that is simultaneously energizing and intimate. Snuggle up to your date as you peruse their extensive wine list or ask for a pairing to go with your meal. Persephone’s inventive fine dining menu is stuffed with dishes that seamlessly blend Italian flavors with fresh, high-quality local ingredients. Persephone is the ideal place to linger over a few good glasses of wine as you dazzle your date with a romantic evening out!
AVANTI
1917 Mission St, Santa Cruz
A cherished local institution, Avanti Restaurant is just the spot for an unforgettable date night! Nestled in Santa Cruz’s vibrant Westside, Avanti welcomes you into an inviting and cozy atmosphere, perfect for a romantic evening out. Their thoughtfully curated wine list and inventive cocktail menu set the stage for a culinary journey that will delight your senses. At the heart of Avanti’s expertly crafted menu is a celebration of locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Sample one of their Italian classics, or opt for one of the rotating farm-to-table creations! Every bite at Avanti reflects their unwavering commitment to quality, taste, and supporting the local community. With its intimate atmosphere and selection of mouthwatering, seasonal dishes, Avanti has rightfully earned its spot as a beloved destination for an extraordinary night out!
VIM DINING + DESSERTS
2238 Mission Street, Santa Cruz
A hidden gem on the Westside, Vim Dining & Desserts welcomes you with bright, art-deco-inspired interiors and soft jazz tones that transcend time, while the menu’s ever-changing array of California cuisine keeps things fresh. Share an intimate drink at Vim’s luxurious bar before taking a seat: we recommend the patio, where twinkling lights, luscious greenery, and plenty of heat lamps provide a charming setting to cozy up with your date. The all-organic fare is meticulously curated by Chef Jesikah Stolaroff, and changes seasonally, so there’s always a new temptation to enthrall your taste buds. Trust us and get the dessert: you’ll fall head-over-heels for the Vim Chocolate Cake, which makes for a rich finale. Their sustainable, seasonal ingredients means each trip to Vim will be a new experience, and after trying it, you’ll want to come back for more!
CAVALLETTA
9067 Soquel Dr, Aptos
Tucked away down a winding side road is the charming Cavalletta, an elevated yet intimate restaurant that dishes up classic Italian fare with a fresh Californian twist! Cozy up to your partner in their welcoming dining area, or gain extra ambiance by sitting on the lush, string-lit patio overlooking Aptos’s picturesque Valencia Creek. Pore over their carefully curated wine list as the tempting aromas of wood-fired pizzas and freshly made pasta fill the air, a preview of the delights to come. With a menu that evolves with each changing season, every visit to Cavalletta feels like a new culinary adventure. However, you can always count on their signature house-made pizza and pasta to deliver mouthwatering perfection – no matter the time of year. Consider sharing a few items to get the full gastronomic experience! With its enchanting, creekside setting, incredible wines, and delectable bites, it’s clear to see why Cavalletta is a go-to spot for a memorable date night!
VINOCRUZ WINEBAR + KITCHEN
4901 Soquel Drive, Soquel
Located in Soquel Village, Vinocruz Winebar + Kitchen focuses on the best of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Enjoy over 50 local wines by the glass, craft beer on tap, and yummy cider! Their award-winning cuisine is all made fresh in-house with an emphasis on quality. Savory burgers, cheese & charcuterie plates, bright salads and more are sure to please! Order a few of their fantastic menu items and pair it with your favorite wine for a romantic afternoon or evening.
LILLIAN’S ITALIAN KITCHEN
1148 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz
Pasta is a universal love language, and one that Lillian’s Italian Kitchen takes to heart: the family-owned restaurant dishes up traditional Sicilian recipes that have been passed down through generations. Located in the Seabright neighborhood, Lillian’s lively atmosphere feels welcoming and charming, and Lillian’s true love of Italian cuisine shines through in each bite. Take a peek at their impeccable wine list, where local vintners are featured alongside their Italian peers, and grab an appetizer rarely seen outside of Italy: arancini, deep-fried risotto balls, filled with cheese and served with a side of marinara. Delicious! Peruse the menu of crowd-pleasers, and you’ll quickly understand why this romantic spot keeps people coming back for more!
CAFE BITTERSWEET BISTRO
787 Rio Del Mar Boulevard, Suite C, Aptos
Recognized by locals as one of the top restaurants in Aptos and Santa Cruz County for 25 years, Bittersweet Bistro offers an American Bistro Cuisine style dinner menu with Mediterranean influences. Enjoy dinner inside or cozy up on their heated patio. Their award-winning dessert menu features items to share like the Chocolate Trio and Dessert Fantasy, plus favorites including Lemon Napoleon, Bittersweet Chocolate Mousse, Classic Crème Brûlée, cheesecakes, bread puddings, ice creams, and sorbets. Their creative cocktail menu features classics, plus some unique, and even romantic-themed, drinks like First Glance – a perfect cocktail made with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Aperol, agave syrup, grapefruit & lemon juice topped off with sparkling wine – or Tropical Heat – made with jalapeno infused milagro silver tequila, fresh pineapple, jalapeño, lemon juice & simple syrup. Other flirty cocktail favorites include Your Hibs Do Lie, You’re Berry Naughty, and Pear Pleasure.
THE CROW’S NEST
2218 E Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz
Situated at the entrance to the Santa Cruz Harbor, The Crow’s Nest is a beloved local institution – and for good reason! With sweeping views of the Bay, delicious drinks being served up from the bar, and a menu to drool over, The Crow’s Nest is sure to please. Watch the sailboats drift past as you indulge in a delectable meal with your special someone. Come around sunset to truly feel the romantic ambiance that the Crow’s Nest has to offer, then head upstairs to hear live music and dance the night away!
TRESTLES RESTAURANT
316 Capitola Ave, Capitola
Tucked beneath the iconic Capitola Village wooden trestle, discover Chef Nick Sherman’s passion project: Trestles Restaurant. The intimate setting at Trestles creates a romantic atmosphere where you can cozy up with your special someone over a glass of wine while pondering over the mouthwatering menu. The open kitchen provides a peek at the culinary experience to come, and your tastebuds will delight over the local and fresh seasonal fare. Reservations come highly recommended for this desired spot, especially if you’re hoping to warm up to your significant other by the firepit under the twinkle lights on the outdoor patio overlooking Capitola Village. With its intimate atmosphere and culinary charms, Trestles has earned its place as a community favorite for an evening out – romantic or otherwise!
JACK O’NEILL RESTAURANT & LOUNGE
175 W Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz
Overlooking the Santa Cruz Wharf and one of the most iconic surfing beaches on the California coast, the Jack O’Neill Restaurant & Lounge adds an air of flirty fun to romantic eateries. The retro-chic dining rooms, named for Santa Cruz wetsuit pioneer Jack O’Neill, offer visitors world-class views of the Monterey Bay underneath stunning light fixtures and a relaxed atmosphere. The menu features delicious California classics with produce sourced in-county. Their fresh caught seafood meets the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch sustainability standards. Grab a drink at the bar and enjoy intimate seating while the surfers catch the waves out the window.
VENUS SPIRITS COCKTAILS + KITCHEN WESTSIDE
200 High Rd, Santa Cruz
Spice up date night at Venus Spirits: first tour their distillery, admiring the stunning, hand-pounded copper stills while learning about the small-batch spirits made inside them, then head next door for a taste of their bold, handcrafted flavors at Venus Spirits Cocktails + Kitchen Westside. Peruse the menu of inventive, handcrafted cocktails as you take in the lively atmosphere of the spacious dining room, which exudes industrial charm. Make it a playful evening with a frisky-fun libation, such as the Frozen Paloma Libre or the gin-infused Laura Palmer. The menu blends southern-style comfort food with a coastal flair that is sure to satisfy any palate. After you’ve had your fill, head down to West Cliff Drive for a romantic sunset stroll overlooking some of Santa Cruz’s most iconic views!
VENUS SPIRITS COCKTAILS & KITCHEN BEACHSIDE
131 Esplanade, Aptos
Just steps from the beach, the sound of the waves amplifies the romantic ambiance of Venus Spirits Kitchen & Cocktails Beachside. Settle into a seat on the dreamy outdoor patio, surrounded by tropical plants and under a canopy of string lights, or head inside to the sumptuous, cerulean-toned dining room whose centerpiece is the wall of windows looking out at the sandy shore beyond. It’s particularly spectacular at sunset! Be sure to try the lobster roll – with fresh lobster surrounded by a toasted, buttered brioche, it will leave you wanting more. Pair it with their Frozen Paloma Libre for a true taste escape. With its oceanfront locale, enchanting atmosphere, and mouthwatering menu, VSCK Beachside transforms date night into a tropical vacation for two.
CANTINE WINEPUB
8050 Soquel Drive, suite B, Aptos
Looking for a romantic spot to enjoy fine wine, craft beer, and tapas? Cantine Winepub offers an extensive selection of wine and beer sourced from right around the corner, throughout the west, and across the pond. They make wine approachable and fun – not pretentious or complicated. The same goes for their craft beer. Honest food prepared simply and with respect to the ingredients; wine that is nuanced and balanced; beer crafted using hand selected ingredients, specifically picked for distinct flavor characteristics in mind and brewed to be flavorful, quality beer. Cantine is a great spot for a relaxed date night or ramp it up for a fun evening out with friends!
SANDERLING’S RESTAURANT
1 Seascape Resort Drive, Aptos
Stunning views of Monterey Bay, the sound of rolling waves, and miles of sandy stretch are the framework for romance at Seascape Beach Resort in Aptos. Their on-site eatery features California coastal cuisines; delightful happy hours inspired by colorful cocktails and live music on the weekends. Sanderlings Restaurant is open daily from 6am to 10pm, so whether you’re just starting a romantic day or coupling up for diner, a spectacular view awaits!
GABRIELLA CAFE
910 Cedar Street, Santa Cruz
Housed in a romantic 1920s building on a quiet side street in Downtown Santa Cruz, this impossibly charming café has grown a devoted following with its farm-to-table dishes and intimate dining room that feels plucked from the French countryside. Owner Paul Cocking spent many years as part of the downtown farmers market, and today his restaurant sources nearly all of its produce from local, organic farmers.
SÜDA
3910 Portola Dr, Santa Cruz
For a spectacular date night, pair dinner at Süda with a romantic stroll along picturesque East Cliff Drive as the sun sets over Monterey Bay. The scenery continues inside: this Pleasure Point hidden gem is captivating from top to bottom. Dim light emanates from geodesic fixtures, giving the industrial-yet-intimate dining room an effortlessly cool vibe. The fresh, local, seasonally-driven California cuisine fills the crowd-pleasing menu. Heat up the night with the Firecracker, a spicy-yet-fruity, spirit-forward craft cocktail! Don’t miss the chance to try one of their seasonal sips, a masterfully crafted list of cocktails that changes regularly to highlight the freshest ingredients. Linger over the evening, cozying up to your partner near Süda’s fire pits, indulging in a nightcap and a sweet treat!
LAGO DI COMO
21490 E Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz
The enticing Lago di Como will whisk your tastebuds away on an Italian vacation! Named after his childhood home on the shores of Italy’s Lake Como, Chef Giovanni Spanu has created a menu that infuses authentic Italian culture and cuisine with the fresh, high-quality ingredients that Santa Cruz County has to offer. Luxuriate over the extensive wine list, and delight in a homemade pasta classic like Spaghetti alla Carbonara, authentically prepared with guanciale (Italian-cured pork cheek), egg yolk, and pecorino romano, or go for something fresh from Monterey Bay, like Le Cozze (mussels) served with spicy calabrese salami in a garlic and white wine reduction over maltagliati pasta. Linger over the dolci – that’s dessert – for a truly indulgent and romantic evening out!
CAFE CRUZ
2621 41st Avenue, Soquel
This hidden gem is an oasis of great food and ambiance off bustling 41st Avenue in Soquel. Hidden behind towering green shrubbery, a quiet garden courtyard is set with tables warmed by an outdoor hearth. Inside, the intimate, low-ceiling dining room with open kitchen is a local favorite for date nights and special occasions. Since opening in 1995, the family-owned restaurant has become known for its warm, rustic fare including a signature garlic herb rotisserie chicken, grilled steak salad, seafood specials, and delicious wines and cocktails by the fire.
AROMA RESTAURANT
9600 CA-9, Ben Lomond
Tucked amidst the towering redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Aroma Restaurant showcases a vivacious collection of recipes from all over the globe in a cozy setting. Inside, a crackling fireplace creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that lend well to a date night out. For a romantic evening alfresco, relax on the inviting patio situated beneath the redwood canopy, exploring the innovative continental-meets-Californian menu that utilizes fresh, local ingredients. The scenic setting and delectable dishes make Aroma an ideal spot for those seeking a romantic and gastronomic adventure!
LAILI RESTAURANT
101 B Cooper Street, Santa Cruz
For centuries, the Silk Road has acted as a conduit of innovations, cultures, and exotic foods throughout all of its varying regions. Laili Restaurant offers a fine dining experience in the heart of Downtown Santa Cruz, providing the rich flavors of the Mediterranean, infused with a unique Afghan twist. The string lit, lush garden patio creates a romantic ambience that is sure to become a date night favorite!
Take the romance from the redwoods to sea with a picnic on the beach, overlooking West Cliff Drive or in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Check out where to find the best takeout in Santa Cruz County on our Tasty Takeout blog!