Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Francisco Bay Area

Best Historic Restaurants in Santa Cruz, San Francisco Bay Area

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Neighborhoods
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Award-winning
Accessibility

43 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Mane Kitchen & Cocktails restaurant
1. Mane Kitchen & Cocktails
4.3
Awesome(41)
$$$$
• Seafood • Santa Cruz
Booked 9 times today
Welcome to Mane Kitchen & Cocktails, bringing a fresh tide of flavor to Pacific Avenue. We offer a sophisticated, contemporary setting perfect for conversation, connection, and a touch of indulgence.Our menu is rooted in French and Italian techniques and celebrates the rich bounty of the California coast. We are committed to sourcing the highest quality ingredients, including:Fresh Raw SeafoodOrganic & Sustainably Raised MeatsSeasonal Produce from local Santa Cruz County farms.Pair your meal with our carefully curated cocktail program, designed to perfectly complement our coastal-inspired dishes. Join us for an elevated dining experience where farm-fresh ingredients and classic technique meet modern sophistication.
A photo of The View Restaurant & Bar restaurant
2. The View Restaurant & Bar
4.1
Excellent(1417)
$$$$
• Contemporary American • Santa Cruz
Booked 29 times today
Set high on a hilltop with breathtaking panoramic views of the Monterey Bay, The View Restaurant & Bar at Chaminade offers a unique dining experience. Indoor and outdoor seating allows guests to enjoy the naturally beautiful scenery which compliments the contemporary California Cuisine. Whether it’s sustainable seafood or locally grown produce, The View emphasizes natural ingredients while providing four-diamond service. A 4% surcharge will be added to all guest checks to help cover increases in labor costs and to support a higher minimum wage.***Please note that our kitchen closes from 1:30pm-2:00pm to prepare for dinner service. Our bar and restaurant remain open during that time, offering a fine selection of local wines, craft beers, signature cocktails, and non-alcoholic refreshments to enjoy.
A photo of Paradise Beach Grille restaurant
3. Paradise Beach Grille
4.6
Exceptional(118)
$$$$
• Contemporary American • Capitola
Booked 6 times today
Paradise maximizes the beautiful beach location on Monterey Bay with an outdoor patio, views of the historic Venetian condominiums, and the ocean. We also feature an outdoor fireplace perfect for that cozy dinner or wine tasting. We have high top tables in the bar area for drinks or dining, as well as an attractive and spacious dining room. Customers enjoy the various casual venues yet an upscale flair with quality food, beverage, and service.
A photo of Sardine Factory restaurant
4. Sardine Factory
4.8
Exceptional(5357)
$$$$
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 72 times today
Every city has that one can’t miss restaurant, where celebrities feel at home and every other guest feels like a celebrity. Since October 2, 1968, The Sardine Factory’s cachet has made dining in our historic Cannery Row setting a tradition for world leaders, sports heroes and entertainment icons. Our award-winning chefs prepare delectable creations of fresh, sustainable seafood and USDA Prime Aged Beef; winner of Restaurant Hospitality Magazine’s "Best Wine List in America" award. The Lounge’s live entertainment, Happy Hour and affordable menu are a casual alternative to our other dining rooms. Celebrating over 57 years under the same ownership and management! Voted "Best Restaurant in Monterey County" by Monterey County Weekly readers.
A photo of Old Fisherman's Grotto restaurant
5. Old Fisherman's Grotto
4.7
Exceptional(2072)
$$$$
• Seafood • Monterey
Booked 42 times today
Nestled on the historic Fisherman's Wharf, overlooking the picturesque Monterey Harbor, Old Fisherman’s Grotto is a must-visit dining destination. Renowned worldwide for its exquisite cuisine, impeccable service, and charming ambiance, the Grotto offers a culinary experience like no other. Our menu showcases fresh seafood sourced sustainably, USDA prime beef, and an extensive wine selection with over 200 choices recognized by Wine Spectator Magazine. With a commitment to providing an intimate dining atmosphere, we enforce a zero-tolerance policy for excessive noise levels, ensuring a pleasant experience for all our guests. We kindly ask patrons to keep noise levels moderate to respect others' dining experiences.
A photo of Stokes Adobe Restaurant restaurant
6. Stokes Adobe Restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1040)
$$$$
• Californian • Monterey
Booked 33 times today
Stokes Adobe is a new restaurant located in one of Old Monterey’s historic adobe homes. The menu offers chef driven seasonally inspired California cuisine. The bar and cozy outdoor fire pits offer classic cocktails, wines by the glass and local beers.
A photo of Gardenia Los Gatos restaurant
7. Gardenia Los Gatos
4.1
Excellent(203)
$$$$
• Contemporary French • Los Gatos
Booked 22 times today
New dinner schedule: Tuesday to Sunday from 5pm to 9pm. HH schedule: Tuesday to Sunday 3:30pm to 5:30pm. Brunch schedule: Tuesday to Friday from 10:30am to 2:30pm, Saturday and Sunday from 9:30am to 2:30pm. New spring and summer brunch and dinner menu started on May 20th. Live music Fri & Sat. Nestled in a historic Victorian building in the heart of vibrant downtown Los Gatos, we offer brunch, dinner, and a lively happy hour, featuring a distinctive French-Asian fusion menu with a good local twist. Open seven days a week, Gardenia also serves as a welcoming coffee house, with beans sourced from around the world. In addition, we’re a popular venue for private events, known for our inviting atmosphere and exceptional service.Gardenia offers a unique seating experience, with traditional restaurant tables available both indoors and outdoors. For a more relaxed setting, we also provide comfortable couches in both areas—perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee or a glass of wine.
A photo of La Foret restaurant
8. La Foret
4.7
Exceptional(1922)
$$$$
• French • San Jose
Booked 20 times today
La Foret offers fine French dining in an old country setting. We are proudly now offering outdoor dining!!!The historically significant building rests next to a quietly meandering stream in the verdant foothills of New Almaden. Picture windows surrounding the entire dining area allow you to fully enjoy the quietly beautiful surroundings during your meal. Specializing in fine French cuisine, La Foret has earned its place among the area's finest restaurants and in fact has been listed among the 50 best French restaurants in the United States. La Foret ha an extensive wine list, which includes French and Napa Valley selections. It offers a tasting menu and brunch on Sundays. This restaurant has private rooms for catering banquet-style private events. It also hosts weddings with capacity for up to 130 guests.
A photo of Il Fornaio - Carmel restaurant
9. Il Fornaio - Carmel
4.5
Awesome(2452)
$$$$
• Italian • Carmel
Booked 21 times today
Il Fornaio is celebrated for its authentic, award-winning Italian cuisine, premium wine selections and craft cocktails. Signature dishes include housemade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, grilled entrées and seasonal salads. Guests enjoy a timeless, elegant indoor atmosphere and al fresco dining on our coastal patio, perfect for romantic dinners, business lunches, or special celebrations. Featuring a plethora of dining options ranging from happy hour to fire lit private dining, Il Fornaio is highly rated as one of the best Italian restaurants in the area. Located in the historic Pine Inn Hotel just a few blocks away from the beach, Il Fornaio offers an unforgettable Italian dining experience.
A photo of PortaBella Restaurant restaurant
10. PortaBella Restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1960)
$$$$
• French • Carmel
Booked 47 times today
Our cuisine features beautiful specialties from France, Italy and Spain. The dishes are rich in color and flavor.PortaBella is picturesque: awarded First Prize for Beautiful Flowerscaping from the Carmel Garden Club.The ambience is stylish and romantic, the setting historic

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Marko
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We had a lovely date night at The View.. it was both our first times there and we sat outside, near the edge. The food was delicious, albeit the tacos were not hugely portioned, and the atmosphere and service were top notch. Huge kudos to the staff. Would definitely come again.
    More info
    The View Restaurant & Bar$$$$• Contemporary American• Santa Cruz
    •
    4.1
  • JANE
    Hawaii •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    This is Pinnell fantastic Diane’s experience of my life! The service was beyond outstanding! They did everything they could to make me feel comfortable and welcome – they were so very kind. The food was outrageously. Delicious! This was my first experience at the sardine factory, but I’m certain it will not be my last.
    More info
    Sardine Factory$$$$• Seafood• Monterey
    •
    4.8
  • Tony
    Fresno / San Joaquin Valley •26 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We were welcomed as we arrived. The server made suggestions for beverages and their special meals. Food was delicious and served attractively. Ahi tuna carpaccio was excellent. The pork skirt steak was absolutely delicious. Cocktails were some of the best we’ve had!
    More info
    Mane Kitchen & Cocktails$$$$• Seafood• Santa Cruz
    •
    4.3
  • PamelaGold
    San Francisco Bay Area •14 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jun 14, 2026
    We had a lovely lunch. The food was delicious and the service was wonderful.
    More info
    Gardenia Los Gatos$$$$• Contemporary French• Los Gatos
    •
    4.1
  • Kathy
    California Central Coast •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jun 13, 2026
    Service is excellent . Food was delicious and great choices. Perfect cocktails . A little pricey, but worth it.
    More info
    Paradise Beach Grille$$$$• Contemporary American• Capitola
    •
    4.6

Explore OpenTable

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Restaurant Management Solutions
  • Restaurant Reservation Software
  • Restaurant Marketing Software
  • Restaurant Event Software
  • OpenTable For Restaurants
  • OpenTable For Restaurant Groups
  • OpenTable Pricing & Plans
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2026 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo