February Date Night Restaurant List
For when you want romance without trying too hard.
Date night in Santa Cruz can go a lot of ways.
You can head to a fancy place where you don't know how to pronounce the majority of the words. You can hover the plate trying to find something delicious without it saying the scariest two words on a menu… “Market Price”.
You want good food, a good time, and something with a vibe that says “romantic and ohh this special”
This list is for February. Valentine’s Day or not.
These are restaurants that know how to set a mood and back it up with food that gives you something to talk about.
Gabriella Cafe
Gabriella Cafe | @gabriellacafe_santacruz
Location: 910 Cedar St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Gabriella Cafe is one of those spots that instantly feels special without announcing it. Tucked into Cedar Street, the place takes you out of downtown santa cruz and tucks you into the movie Under the Tuscan sun with Diane Keaton.This is seasonal, Italian inspired cooking that changes weekly, which means you’re eating what’s best right now, not what’s been printed on a menu for months.
Perfect For: Non picky eaters who like to trust the kitchen. This is a great Valentine’s option if you want the night to feel like a 90s romantic movie with European cafe vibes.
Our Romantic Order: Whatever the chef just got from the farmers market. Let the menu guide you. Find a few ingredients that you like and trust the kitchen to make magic.
Pro Tip: Request a table in the hallway. This is a must. Say you’ll tip even more than the 20% you had planned. This is the vibe you want. Easily one of the most intimate seats in the house.
Laili Restaurant
Laili Restaurant | @laili.restaurant
Location: 101 Cooper St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
When you enter Laili, you’ll always be like, “whoa.. This has been here the whole time” It feels like a restaurant that should be in the City. Open kitchen, a diverse menu, and a hidden back patio that feels like you're not in Kansas anymore…
Perfect For: Non-picky eaters who like a lot of seasoning, and unique sauces. Great for couples who want Mediterranean food that's not just in a wrapped pita. From Kabobs to lamb shank that just falls off the bone, this is a solid Valentine’s pick if you want romance with some spices.
Most Romantic Order: Lamb shank, Anar chicken, and the koobideh burger. Add a pomegranate prosecco, and a couple orders of that warm delicious bread while you talk about how much you love each others communication style
Pro Tip: Reserve the back patio. The vines running up the wall, the quietness from the kitchen. You'll love it, I promise.
Photo Cred: @laili.restaurant
Mentone Restaurant
Mentone Restaurant | @mentoneca
Location: 174 Aptos Village Way, Aptos, California
Mentone brings energy to date night. It’s a fun lively restaurant with a menu that leans French and Italian, and everything from the cocktails to the pizzas to the focaccia with the salted butter is a big Yes.
Perfect For: A fun, upbeat dinner when you want great food and a little buzz in the room. Ideal for Valentine’s Day with a lot of energy and great traditional options that are elevated like your heartbeat from that first time you (consensually) put you hand on their leg
Most Romantic Order: Start with the focaccia and stracciatella, then add a soppressata pizza, as your apps. Split the pumpkin ravioli and the oxtail for mains. I know pumpkin ravioli. But it's great.
Pro Tip: Get the frozen bubbly spritz and order your pizza extra crispy. It matters.
Photo Cred: @mentoneca
Hook & Line
Hook and Line | @eathookandline
Location: 105 Walnut Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Hook and Line is for couples who love to share. Small plates, oysters, and seafood that invites a wide variety of conversations. The downtown location keeps things lively while the menu stays intentional with a lot of ocean goodies.
Perfect For: Seafood lovers who want variety. A great Valentine’s option if you like to graze, sip cocktails, and talk about the spicy pineapple margarita.
Most Romantic Order: Deviled eggs, brussel sprouts, seafood platter, and the togarashi crusted kampachi.
Pro Tip: Order two deviled eggs apps. Each order comes with three halves. If you want two each, get two orders. Also you have to get the Pink’s Margarita (that's the pineapple one we were talking about).
Photo Cred: @visitsantacruz
Shadowbrook Restaurant
Shadowbrook Restaurant | @shadowbrook_restaurant
Location: 1750 Wharf Rd, Capitola, CA 95010
Shadowbrook is a classic romance. Old school. White tablecloths. The cable car ride down sets the tone before you even sit down. This is the spot for people who want tradition, nostalgia, and a night that feels like a special time.
Perfect For: An old school Valentine’s date or anyone craving a timeless, local favorite.
Most Romantic Order: Baked brie to start. Prime rib for the main. No need to overthink it.
Pro Tip: Take the trestle down and request a table with a view or outside if weather allows. Dress warm if you’re dining outdoors. Also the salads here are surprisingly great.
Photo Cred: @opposite.of.east
Bad Animal
Location: 1011 Cedar Street, Santa Cruz, California
Bad Animal is a choose your own adventure date night. Wine bar meets bookshop meets restaurant with a fancy menu. It’s intimate in a different way. Less traditional, more playful.and incredibly hip.
Perfect For: Creative couples, first dates, or anyone who wants Valentine’s Day to feel relaxed and a little weird in a good way.
Most Romantic Order: Get the steak au poivre, the chanterelle pasta, and the brick chicken.
Pro Tip: Get there early, grab a glass of wine, and wander the bookshop together. Try to pronounce author names, and try not to mention the 70s playboy magazines.
Photo Cred: @badanimalbooks
HOME Restaurant
Location: 3101 N Main St, Soquel, CA 95073
HOME feels exactly like it sounds. Warm, comforting, and personal. It’s the kind of place where you get a home cooked meal that you couldn't make at home.
Perfect For: A dinner that feels very special and approachable. Ideal for Valentine’s Day if you want intimacy without formality.
Most Romantic Order: HOMEmade charcuterie, pappardelle, ricotta gnocchi, osso bucco, and the beef cheeks.
Pro Tip: Always get the charcuterie. They cure their own meats in house. And if you like chicken, the fried chicken deserves serious attention.
Photo Cred: @homesoquel
Date night doesn’t have to be complicated, even with Valentine’s Day right around the corner and reservations filling fast. It just has to feel intentional, fun, and special.
Pick a spot that sets the tone. Order well. Sit close. Put your phones face down, and take the time to let the other person know how you feel.
If there’s a place we missed, let us know. We’ll add it to the list.