Restaurants near Monterey Bay

A Fantastic Brunch Experience at Jack O’Neill Restaurant & Lounge Our large group recently had the pleasure of enjoying brunch at Jack O’Neill Restaurant & Lounge, and it was just fabulous! From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with warm hospitality and seated with a breathtaking view of the water—truly one of the highlights of this restaurant. The food was absolutely delicious, with every dish beautifully presented and packed with flavor. Whether it was the classic brunch staples or more unique offerings, everything exceeded our expectations. The cocktails were another standout—expertly crafted and perfectly balanced, making for a delightful complement to our meal. Accommodating a large group can sometimes be challenging, but the service was attentive, friendly, and seamless. It’s rare to find a place that delivers on all fronts: great food, fantastic drinks, stunning views, and excellent service. If you're looking for a top-tier brunch spot with a spectacular setting, Jack O’Neill Restaurant & Lounge is a must-visit. We’ll definitely be back!

This is our favorite restaurant and we always return for important celebratory events. Last night, every single food item we ordered was off the charts delicious. Nancy was a lovely waitress who was also enjoyable to chat with. The only wrinkle in our experience was that our table was not ready for us despite having a reservation, so we had to wait. But it is Valentine's Day weekend and was a busy evening at Cafe Cruz. We had a lovely evening and a fabulous meal!

Always reliable quality and service. Happy to see new items on the menu too.

La Posta has been and remains one of the top three restaurants in Santa Cruz and, truly, the whole Bay area. Yes, there are some great places in SF, but La Posta is competitive. Tonight I wasn't terribly hungry but I had the most exquisite baby carrots and crab croquettes. And the service was of course perfect. They're lucky to have such an amazing staff and a phenomenal chef. I do wish the portions were a bit bigger, but in the scheme of things economically speaking, they've managed to keep their prices pretty even. My friends had the most gorgeous Pizza I've seen in a very long time. Same goes for the pasta. They're from New York and they loved it, so that says a lot! I'm bringing another friend on Saturday. What can I say? I love this restaurant and it's in my neighborhood. How lucky am I?

Always great. Always friendly. Always accommodating. One of our dishes was over-spiced and the server let us switch to another option, no questions asked. We appreciate the responsiveness and the hospitality