Avanti Restaurant - Santa Cruz (CA)

5 /5 Emilee Vilardi: We really enjoyed our dinner here. Huge plus that the patio is dog friendly! They brought our pup a bowl of water too, so sweet! The food was yummy and fresh. I got the raviolis along with the burrata with grilled peaches (that was a special, yum!). The Elder Bloom cocktail was so yummy too! Lastly, the crème brûlée was one of the best I have ever had. We didn’t sit inside since we had our dog but the inside looked so cool and vibey from what I could see from the host stand. Our server was Gabriella and she was so sweet, personable and attentive. We will absolutely be back!

5 /5 System Security: Great Italian Food. Service is spot on.... Menu choices extensive and done right! Be sure to have a bottle of Chianti Classico Riserva..... You wont be disappointed. Feel free to eat at the bar. Best a/c on the West Side! Ron

5 /5 Rana Ghana: This is by far the coolest restaurant in the entire city of Santa Cruz. The owner and all the entire team there are so friendly and chill. On top of that, I like the modern style of the building itself and the well-done grounds. Go for the vibes if nothing else.

1 /5 Ari Lessin: So that was weird. We went to get a cocktail and an appetizer and a $200.00 gift card. Ended up ordering a meal and the lasagna special to go. The bartender was very nice but was not trained properly and did not know the special was for in person dining only. The manager came up to us and made us very uncomfortable by delivering the salad in the special with the salad dressed even though we requested it be on the side. She rudely told us the special was not for “to go” like we should know better or something. Have not been to Avanti in 15 years and probabaly will wait another 15 before we go back. Also the whole place feels tired. Oh and when they finally gave us the lasagna which we then boxed to go she informed us it was not the meat option we ordered. There was no apology or offer to change it for the correct one. Bizarre and awkward .. spent $340.00 with the gift card. Hopefully my client s have better luck with the gift card.

5 /5 Gopala Walker: I have been coming to Avanti for years and cant say enough good things about the food and experience. The service is fantastic, welcoming and knowledgeable. It is ideal for both larger family gatherings or quieter romantic meals. On our last visit we enjoyed the fresh and tasty burrata, and the crispy and perfectly tender calamari fritti for starters. My son had the seafood puttanesca which was packed with flavor. My wife had a steak which was seasoned and cooked to perfection. I had a fish that was one of the weekly specials that was paired with a delicious sauce and vegetables. My wife and I love the wine selection as well. Having lived in Santa Cruz most of my life, I have found a few restaurants that have become firm favorites, and Avanti remains at the top of the list. If you went through our photo albums, it would be the backdrop for countless birthdays, graduations and anniversaries but even if we didnt have a special occasion to celebrate the meal would still be special and memorable. The fried chicken on Sundays is also something that is dangerously addictive and should not be missed.