11 Best Restaurants Open for Thanksgiving Dinner Santa Cruz – 2024
Thanksgiving in Santa Cruz is, without any doubt, a unique experience with coastal splendour set amidst the cosy warmth of family traditions.
The city is situated between the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Pacific Ocean and offers a different kind of view for Thanksgiving celebrations.
Whether you are local or a visiting guest for some time, you will find that the spirit of Thanksgiving radiates through here.
It can be seen in the community’s festive atmosphere, rich culinary scene, and outdoor adventures.
With the scent of turkey wafting through the air and the sound of waves crashing nearby, Santa Cruz is just lovely.
It is the ideal place to meet with friends, have family bonding moments and create beautiful memories.
So, let’s go ahead and check out some of the best Thanksgiving restaurants in Santa Cruz below.
Best Thanksgiving Restaurants in Santa Cruz This Year
Shadowbrook
Imagine stepping into a fairy tale! Shadowbrook is nestled in the hills, and getting there is half the fun ride down on the charming cable car to the entrance.
It’s warm and inviting inside, with soft lights and rustic displays that make you feel at home. The place is beautiful for a family gathering or even a romantic dinner date.
Their menu is an excellent combination of old and new American food, such as slow-roasted prime rib, fresh seafood, and seasonal delights showcasing the best of California’s produce. And their long list of wines features local wines, ideal for accompanying your meal.
Location & Contact
- Website: https://www.shadowbrook-capitola.com/
- Phone: 831-475-1511
- Address: 1750 Wharf Rd, Capitola, CA 95010
Lillian’s Italian Kitchen
Lillian’s feels very cosy, like an intimate Italian family gathering, in its décor and with its friendly staff.
It is one of those places where you can have it easy and indulge in a good, complete meal. You’ll feel the love in the air!
You’ll find all your favourite Italian dishes here, from homemade lasagna to wood-fired pizzas. The meatballs are legendary, and people rave about them! And besides, the specials change often, so there’s always something new to try.
Location & Contact
- Website: https://www.lilliansitaliankitchen.com/
- Phone: 831-425-2288
- Address: 1148 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Jack O’Neill Restaurant & Lounge
Located within the Dream Inn, this spot embodies effortless coastal style. Just enjoy great grub with those fantastic ocean views through gigantic windows and on the outdoor patio. After spending the day at the beach, you’ll have a ‘shore thing’ kind of quietude.
The menu is heavily based on fresh seafood, and clam chowder and delicious fish tacos are excellent choices. Don’t forget their creative cocktail, and they’re the perfect thing to unwind with!
Location & Contact
- Website: https://www.jackoneillrestaurant.com/
- Phone: 831-740-8138
- Address: 175 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Crow’s Nest Restaurant
If you are a fan of the nautical theme, then Crow’s Nest is your place. It’s a place nature lovers should not miss as it has a natural layout.
A very relaxing atmosphere and a view of the marina; it is one of their favourite places, both for locals and guests alike. You can dine here while watching boats pass by.
They have excellent seafood flavours: clam chowder, fish & chips, and many trendy brunch dishes sure to satisfy the choosiest of diets at any time.
Location & Contact
- Website: http://www.crowsnest-santacruz.com/
- Phone: 831-476-4560
- Address: 2218 E Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Gabriella Cafe
It is an artsy, intimate place that can work well with a cosy dinner. Its top-rated restaurants are perfect for romantic evenings.
With local artwork adorning the walls, it feels like you’re dining in a friend’s living room if your friend has excellent taste!
This is a testament to New American cuisine, wherein the seasonal ingredients are placed under the spotlight. Dishes include creative salads, grilled steak, and artisanal pizzas baked in a wood-fired oven. And make room for dessert since their homemade pastries are a must!
Location & Contact
- Website: http://gabriellacafe.com/
- Phone: 831-457-1677
- Address: 910 Cedar St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Linda’s Seabreeze Cafe
Think of a classic beach diner with a friendly, welcoming vibe. It’s simply super elegant and luxurious.
Linda’s is all about casual breakfasts and brunches that feel like a warm hug. It’s a great place to start your day.
Noted for its extensive, hearty breakfast fare, you’ll find everything from fluffy pancakes to savoury omelettes loaded with turkey. And don’t miss their fresh cinnamon rolls; they’re the stuff of legends around here!
Location & Contact
- Website: http://www.seabreezecafe.com/
- Phone: 831-427-9713
- Address: 542 Seabright Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Santa Cruz Diner
This retro diner is a blast from the past.
It has that old-school diner magic, and whether you swing by for a late-night snack or an early breakfast, you’ll feel perfectly at home.
Expect a wide range of American comfort food-from burgers to all-day breakfasts. Their Thanksgiving specials are top-rated, featuring generous portions of turkey and all the fixings that remind you of home.
Location & Contact
- Website: https://santacruzdiner.com/
- Phone: 831-426-7151
- Address: 909 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Trestles Restaurant
Trestles has a modern, trendy feel that is perfect for casual dining and special occasions. The pristine decorations and laid-back ambience also make it the ideal setting for a good meal out.
Their menu is focused on New American cuisine with great emphasis on local ingredients. For this reason, it’s one of the cool places to eat American options in Santa Cruz.
So creative appetizers, fresh seafood, and fresh pasta for all seasons come with craft cocktails and local wines to complement a well-deserved meal.
Location & Contact
- Website: http://www.trestlesrestaurant.com/
- Phone: 831-854-2728
- Address: 316 Capitola Ave, Capitola, CA 95010
The Water Street Grill
This warms me inside just like it would when you are in some sort of gathering spot with friends or family.
The friendly staff makes one feel at home, and the ambience is perfect for a relaxed, casual dinner.
Expect loads of variety in the dishes here, from fish to juicy burgers. They have season specials with items that rotated regularly, so things are always new and exciting. Homemade desserts, particularly cakes, are not to be missed when saving some room for dessert.
Location & Contact
- Website: http://www.thewaterstreetgrill.com/
- Phone: 831-332-6122
- Address: 503 Water St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Sevy’s Bar + Kitchen
Sevy’s is quite vibrant and lively, and the patrons reflect that upscale casualness.
With elegant décor and a high-energy feel, grab a drink here and have a good time at night.
There are a lot of classic American flavours and creative takes on the menu with gourmet burgers, fun, inventive appetizers.
The brunch here is quite popular and quirky, trying new takes on traditional breakfast items.
Location & Contact
- Website: https://www.sevysbarandkitchen.com/
- Phone: 831-688-8987
- Address: 7500 Old Dominion Ct, Aptos, CA 95003
Back Nine Grill & Bar
If you like fun sports bar vibes, you need to check out Back Nine. The options are also affordable here with takeout and delivery services as well. But coming here is an altogether different experience.
It’s a fabulous hangout place with plasma screens showing the latest games and lots of friendly, energetic ambience. It’s one of the cool places to enjoy drinks, if you enjoy live television.
The standard American bar fare is available on the menu – burgers, wings, and sandwiches. You know, the kind of place you’d go to in order to get a cold drink or grab some comfort food after a long day of work.
Location & Contact
- Website: https://www.backninegrill.com/
- Phone: 831-226-2350
- Address: 555 Hwy 17 at Pasatiempo exit, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Final Thoughts
Each of these places has its own charm and flavour, making Santa Cruz a great place to explore all culinary delights.
As you plan your Thanksgiving celebration in Santa Cruz, you should know that the city’s charm lies beyond its beautiful beaches.
With various restaurants offering delectable menus and a warm, inviting atmosphere, you can taste all the flavours of the season.
So you can be without the stress of cooking indoors.
Something is always there to please the taste of every person, from cosy diners to fine dining experiences.
Hope you had a great time reading our list of the best Thanksgiving restaurants in Santa Cruz.
In this regard, be it something traditionally prepared or being adventurous, this city is going to surprise you in every way.
Happy Thanksgiving with love, laughter, and plenty of good food in Santa Cruz!
Jane Doe is a passionate travel writer with a special love for Thanksgiving traditions around the world. With over a decade of experience exploring different cultures, Jane brings a unique perspective to her stories, highlighting the diverse ways people celebrate gratitude. Her vivid descriptions and heartfelt narratives transport readers to picturesque locations and festive gatherings. When she’s not on the road, Jane enjoys cooking up Thanksgiving feasts for her family and sharing her travel tips on her popular blog.
