Best Date Night Restaurants in Ben Lomond

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSeafoodFusion / EclecticBurgersAfghan

Regions

Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos

Neighborhoods

Santa CruzSoquel

Top Rated

CharmingGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunchGreat for fine wines

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

12 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge restaurant

1. Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge

4.7

Exceptional(1994)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Santa Cruz

Booked 27 times today

Jack O’Neill Restaurant and Lounge is Santa Cruz’s best new destination for coastal California cuisine. The approachable and family-friendly vibe at Jack O’Neill Restaurant and Lounge will welcome hotel guests and locals alike.

2. Gabriella Cafe

4.7

Exceptional(980)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Santa Cruz

Booked 13 times today

Gabriella Cafe is the perfect date night spot. With its 'OUTSTANDING' Zagat rating and consistently high reviews for its romantic ambiance, excellent food, and top-notch service, it's the perfect place for a quiet, intimate dinner. One reviewer called it a 'wonderful Friday night date spot', highlighting the delicious entrees and fantastic service. Another noted it as a 'charming, cozy' restaurant with a 'lovely, romantic, small' setting that's 'perfect for a quiet lunch or romantic escape.' So, if you're looking for a romantic Italian dining experience in Santa Cruz, Gabriella Cafe is the place to be!

3. la Posta

4.8

Exceptional(2366)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Santa Cruz

Booked 14 times today

Select from a menu that features dishes composed of locally sourced ingredients as well as house-made pastas, naturally leavened breads and pizzas from our brick oven. Because we rely on the bounty of the Santa Cruz farming community, our menu changes frequently and features a wide array of specials. La Posta’s all-Italian wine list includes autochthonous varieties from small producers, by-the-glass and by the bottle. La Posta adheres to the Monterey Bay Seafood Watch Program and is a certified City of Santa Cruz Green Business.We are so thankful for the incredible support from our customers and community. We will continue to adjust our service based upon best practices for keeping our staff and community safe.

4. Laili

4.7

Exceptional(2884)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • Santa Cruz

Booked 25 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 with a Unique Afghan Twist 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.

5. Oswald

4.5

Awesome(1617)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Santa Cruz

Booked 18 times today

Oswald is a contemporary American restaurant and bar that focuses on the abundance of delicious ingredients found on the central coast of California. Oswald features an eclectic, international wine list and an exciting, seasonal bar program. While the decor is spare and modern, the atmosphere is comfortable and relaxed. Oswald features new art shows every two months. We do have first come tables available in the lounge as well as bar seats.Come by and see if there is a table or seat for you.

A photo of Chocolate the Restaurant restaurant

6. Chocolate the Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(102)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • Santa Cruz

Booked 9 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 Cafe Cruz Rosticceria & Bar restaurant

7. Cafe Cruz Rosticceria & Bar

4.7

Exceptional(2087)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Soquel

Booked 37 times today

Cafe Cruz Rosticceria & Bar is a popular spot for date nights. With its warm and friendly service, beautiful ambiance, and a menu full of creative salads, vegetables, sustainable seafood specials, and delicious pastas and sandwiches, it's no surprise it's a favorite among couples. As one reviewer said, 'Cafe Cruz has been our 'go-to' date night and celebration restaurant for years.'

A photo of Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen | Westside restaurant

8. Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen | Westside

4.6

Exceptional(637)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • Santa Cruz

Booked 25 times today

Savor our handcrafted cocktails and flavorful dishes right beside the distillery where our premium spirits are crafted. Whether you prefer indoor dining, a lively bar atmosphere, or our covered heated patio, we provide a variety of seating options to enhance your experience.HOURS:Monday - Thursday // 5pm - 9pmFriday // 4pm - 9pmSaturday - Sunday // 11:30am - 9pm

A photo of Solaire Restaurant + Bar restaurant

9. Solaire Restaurant + Bar

3.8

Excellent(222)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • Santa Cruz

Whether it be a cocktail while soaking up the sun at the poolside patio, anexpertly prepared meal, or a spirited conversation at the bar, SolaireRestaurant + Bar offers the best of what is available with the changingseasons.Solaire offers a truly local dining destination that offers unexpected andoffbeat twists on local ingredients and flavors. The atmosphere of theseasonal restaurant changes based on the weather—in the warm weathermonths it is a playful experience centered on the indoor/outdoor restaurant spaces andthe vibrant pool scene. In the foggier months, guests can relax under the powerful outdoor heaters in our indoor/outdoor covered space while enjoying a cocktail. Mirroring the laid-back attitude of Santa Cruz, the restaurant and bar bring the natural outdoor elements inside in imaginative and modern ways.

A photo of Mozaic - Santa Cruz restaurant

10. Mozaic - Santa Cruz

4.8

Exceptional(478)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • Santa Cruz

Booked 4 times today

We named our restaurant Mozaic because we wanted to capture the diversity of flavors and culmination of authentic Mediterranean dishes that we offer. We bring together the best of Mediterranean recipes from Greece, Lebanon, Turkey and Sicily, emphasizing Middle Eastern influence. Our menu is hand-crafted after years of experience in the restaurant business knowing what people like. We make every dish completely authentic, utilizing 100 years old techniques that have been passed down through generations to bring you incredible flavor. COME AND TASTE THE DIFFERENCE We seek only the best, local ingredients. We use high-quality meats, like our Australian lamb tenderloin and select only sustainable seafood. Our lavash comes from an authentic Persian bakery. Everyone wants family. Mozaic is a warm and inviting atmosphere where everyone can feel at home. Come enjoy our incredible and lush atmosphere.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

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DebbieVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •18 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Excellent food, beautiful setting, fantastic service!
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RH Rooftop Restaurant at RH Palo AltoPrice: Very Expensive• American• Palo Alto
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4.4
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NaomiVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •9 reviews
4.0
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Gorgeous food, and very friendly service. Must try any of the paellas!
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Telefèric Barcelona - Los GatosPrice: Expensive• Spanish• Los Gatos
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4.5
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PatrickVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •13 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
It was my first visit for dinner, after having had brunch once. We found the small plates, entrees and everything to be outstanding. The service was excellent as well. They did a very creative remodel of the former movie theater lobby space to create this two-level restaurant. It is on the pricey side, but definitely worth visiting.
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Eos & NyxPrice: Expensive• Californian• San Jose
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4.5
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Sabrina
1 review
5.0
Dined on Mar 7, 2025
Everything is amazing here, service is helpful and patient. You can order anything on the menu with confidence that it will be perfectly cooked and seasoned.
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The Hero Ranch KitchenPrice: Expensive• American• Saratoga
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4.8
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Sarah
San Francisco Bay Area •14 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 1, 2025
We had the 4-course tasting menu, and it was fantastic! The meal left us full and satisfied. The cocktails—Project G, Cosmopolitan, and Calm Seas—were phenomenal, with smooth textures, great mouthfeel, and complex flavors. The service was exceptional and truly elevated the experience! We enjoyed the Kona Kanpachi Crudo, Lobster Ravioli with Black Truffle, Basque Cheesecake, and Paris-Brest. Already looking forward to our next visit to The Plumed Horse!
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The Plumed HorsePrice: Very Expensive• Californian• Saratoga
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4.5

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