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Best Restaurants for Outdoor Dining in Santa Cruz, San Francisco Bay Area

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107 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Laili restaurant
1. Laili
4.5
Awesome(2912)
$$$$
• Mediterranean • Santa Cruz
Booked 37 times today
Laili is our expression of love through food and service. We offer a unique menu made up of fusion Afghani Mediterranean items that include kabobs, wraps, flatbreads, pastas, and spiced lamb and chicken dishes as well as delicious vegetarian options.Laili Restaurant "BEST MIDDLE EASTERN RESTAURANT", Good Times 2023, Voted #1Rich Mediterranean Flavors in the Heart of Downtown Santa Cruz.Currently taking reservations for lunch and dinner, walk-ins welcome too.Dine in our elegant, secluded, off street patio. Visit our website for event information.
A photo of Low Tide Bar and Grill - La Bahia Hotel & Spa restaurant
2. Low Tide Bar and Grill - La Bahia Hotel & Spa
4.1
Excellent(83)
$$$$
• Californian • Santa Cruz
Booked 11 times today
Discover a casual refuge from the buzz of the Boardwalk that embraces to the laid-back Santa Cruz lifestyle. Soak in handcrafted cocktails and bold innovative fare as contemporary Pacific island-inspired starters and shareables transport you to an island-style retreat.
A photo of Chocolate the Restaurant restaurant
3. Chocolate the Restaurant
4.5
Awesome(195)
$$$$
• Californian • Santa Cruz
Booked 6 times today
Now celebrating 25 years, Chocolate the Restaurant provides an attractive dining environment for couples on dates, friendly meetings, and special occasion meals. Dine outside on the heated garden patio. Celebrate special occasions with up to 25 guests in the private street-side party room. Maybe start with a Chocolate Martini or a Passion Fruit Margarita. Chef David Jackman's fresh baked pasta rosettes, slow-roasted meats, and delicious seasonal organic vegetable dishes are all a prelude to our many chocolaty desserts. Our wine list focuses on local and on Italian wines. Our cocktails are all made from scratch; often using locally distilled spirits, and always using fresh house-made mixers. We are at your service for dinner every night! Afternoon walk-up cafe' service Friday thru Sunday. . We are open for dinner every holiday except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
A photo of The View Restaurant & Bar restaurant
4. The View Restaurant & Bar
4.0
Excellent(1401)
$$$$
• Contemporary American • Santa Cruz
Booked 40 times today
Set high on a hilltop with breathtaking panoramic views of the Monterey Bay, The View Restaurant & Bar at Chaminade offers a unique dining experience. Indoor and outdoor seating allows guests to enjoy the naturally beautiful scenery which compliments the contemporary California Cuisine. Whether it’s sustainable seafood or locally grown produce, The View emphasizes natural ingredients while providing four-diamond service. A 4% surcharge will be added to all guest checks to help cover increases in labor costs and to support a higher minimum wage.***Please note that our kitchen closes from 1:30pm-2:00pm to prepare for dinner service. Our bar and restaurant remain open during that time, offering a fine selection of local wines, craft beers, signature cocktails, and non-alcoholic refreshments to enjoy.
A photo of Zelda's on the Beach restaurant
5. Zelda's on the Beach
4.0
Excellent(603)
$$$$
• Californian • Capitola
Booked 19 times today
Zelda’s restaurant is in the heart of Capitola Village. We are located on the beach with spectacular views of the Monterey Bay and Capitola Wharf.Zelda’s Restaurant has been serving local customers as well as others from all over the world for the past thirty years. We offer indoor and outdoor dining with a beachfront deck where you can literally reach and touch the warm sand of Capitola Beach.
A photo of Telefèric Barcelona - Los Gatos restaurant
6. Telefèric Barcelona - Los Gatos
4.4
Awesome(2061)
$$$$
• Spanish • Los Gatos
Booked 107 times today
Telefèric Barcelona is a family-owned restaurant group in California that serves authentic Spanish tapas, paellas, and innovative cocktails. The Padrosa family, pioneers in the art of 'pintxos,' teamed up with a group of Spanish chefs to create a dining experience that transports you to Spain, no passport required.Spanish cuisine is a unique experience. It is not just about the food, but also about the culture and tradition of sharing meals with loved ones. Eating is a celebration for Mediterranean people, a chance to come together around the table and connect over tapas, memories, laughter, and aspirations.At Telefèric Barcelona, we capture the essence of Spanish gastronomy and bring it to life in our restaurant. Our flavorful tapas and lively atmosphere will transport you to the vibrant city of Barcelona and allow you to fully savor the art of Spanish cooking.
A photo of Cafe Cruz Rosticceria & Bar restaurant
7. Cafe Cruz Rosticceria & Bar
4.7
Exceptional(2255)
$$$$
• Contemporary American • Soquel
Booked 34 times today
Cafe Cruz is a popular and lively local restaurant. We offer casual/fine dining with a full bar, indoor and heated patio dining. Guests enjoy watching the "magic" created in our open copper-backed kitchen each night by our talented team of chefs. Notable features include many locally sourced foods, nightly sustainable seafood specials, and many creative salad and vegetable options. Our innovative pastas and sandwiches are always a hit. Spit-Roasted meats are featured each night, cooked on a french Rotisol rotisserie. The lush garden room can seat larger parties of up to 35. Guests enjoy our warm friendly service, our many seating options, and exceptionally delicious food.
A photo of Johnny's Harborside restaurant
8. Johnny's Harborside
4.3
Awesome(411)
$$$$
• Seafood • Santa Cruz
Booked 12 times today
Experience the best of the Santa Cruz Harbor at Johnny’s Harborside. Led by Chef Jeffrey Wall, our kitchen specializes in local, sustainably sourced seafood. We are located directly above the famous H&H Fresh Fish market in the heart of the Santa Cruz Harbor. This unique connection ensures our catch is as fresh as it gets, moving from the docks downstairs to our kitchen in a matter of minutes.Our menu features a rotating selection of daily fresh catch specials, alongside staples like our chili-fried calamari and famous blackened fish tacos. For those seeking something from the land, we serve high-quality steaks and the best burgers in Santa Cruz.Our dining room offers sweeping views of the water and the iconic lighthouse. Whether you are watching the sailboats at sunset or enjoying a sunny afternoon on the coast, the atmosphere is quintessentially Santa Cruz: casual, authentic, and always welcoming. Join us for legendary Taco Tuesdays and a lively happy hour at our full bar.
A photo of Gardenia Los Gatos restaurant
9. Gardenia Los Gatos
4.2
Awesome(195)
$$$$
• Contemporary French • Los Gatos
Booked 59 times today
New dinner schedule: Tuesday to Sunday from 5pm to 9pm. HH schedule: Tuesday to Sunday 3:30pm to 5:30pm. Brunch schedule: Tuesday to Friday from 10:30am to 2:30pm, Saturday and Sunday from 9:30am to 2:30pm. New spring and summer brunch and dinner menu started on May 20th. Live music Fri & Sat. Nestled in a historic Victorian building in the heart of vibrant downtown Los Gatos, we offer brunch, dinner, and a lively happy hour, featuring a distinctive French-Asian fusion menu with a good local twist. Open seven days a week, Gardenia also serves as a welcoming coffee house, with beans sourced from around the world. In addition, we’re a popular venue for private events, known for our inviting atmosphere and exceptional service.Gardenia offers a unique seating experience, with traditional restaurant tables available both indoors and outdoors. For a more relaxed setting, we also provide comfortable couches in both areas—perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee or a glass of wine.
A photo of Beach House Restaurant at Lovers Point restaurant
10. Beach House Restaurant at Lovers Point
4.7
Exceptional(4541)
$$$$
• Californian • Pacific Grove
Booked 48 times today
Casual California dining overlooking scenic and historic Lovers Point Beach.

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