This younger sister to the original restaurant on the Westside has been offering the same fresh, handmade pizza and Italian food for 14 years. With a Sicilian flair to all of its dishes, Upper Crust is famous locally for its square pizzas and by-the-slice lunch specials. The menu also includes thin-crust round pizzas, pastas and the house favorite, the Sicilian Muffeletta.
There is outdoor seating for quick lunches and a cozy interior makes for great family dining. Check this eatery's website for daily specials like Baby-Back Ribs and all-you-can-eat pasta. There is a vegetarian version of almost everything on the menu. Upper Crust also delivers and has full catering services.
Tony & Alba's is a fun and friendly place to enjoy some great pasta or pizza. The pizza has won awards for 25 years, including the Best Pizza in America title from the American Pizza & Pasta Association. The homemade crust is just as tasty as the slowly simmered sauce, top-quality cheeses and toppings, all made from fresh ingredients.
Vasili's has been a Santa Cruz tradition for 20 years, offering friendly service and traditional Greek specialties like tzatziki, spanikopita and dolmathes. The bustling restaurant features a small dining area and outdoor seating. Take-out and catering are also available. Located just off Mission Street with parking limited to the side streets, this restaurant is great for a stop on the way home from the beach.
Lillian's is a family-owned, neighborhood restaurant serving up authentic Italian cuisine based on the owner's Sicilian roots. The small restaurant is a cozy spot for friends and family to gather for some delicious homemade spaghetti and meatballs, or for a romantic dinner of wine, black truffle-stuffed gnocchi and tiramisu.
For over 20 years, Ristorante Avanti has provided Mediterranean cuisine fashioned from fresh, locally produced goods. The relaxed main seating area and wine bistro give the feel of an Italian village. Sample wines from local vintners or have a candlelight dinner for two. The restaurant is open for a short lunch period for something light and fresh. Located in the unassuming Palm Center, Avanti is a delightful surprise.
Ristorante Italiano is a Santa Cruz classic that has been serving delicious Italian food since 1980. The charming interior, with its red-and-white checkered tablecloths, green accents and straw-enclosed wine bottles, will transport you to an Italian village where good food, family and friends are all on the menu. This is the ambiance that owners John and Julie Clymer wished to create, and once you experience Ristorante Italiano's pastas, entrees and desserts, you'll find they've succeeded.