Avanti Restaurant

Great Italian Food. Service is spot on.... Menu choices extensive and done right! Be sure to have a bottle of Chianti Classico Riserva..... You won't be disappointed. Feel free to eat at the bar. Best a/c on the West Side! Ron

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!

Avanti is our go to date night spot. If I go too long without going I start dreaming about their delicious dishes. I consider Avanti one of the best restaurants in Santa Cruz because of their craft cocktails, amazing service, and Italian dishes using fresh, local ingredients. My favorite dishes include the seasonal brussel sprouts, lamb meatballs, and fried chicken. Avanti also offers a great dining atmosphere with an inviting vibe both inside and outside on their patio.

I have been to Avanti many times for special occasions, which is why this visit was so disappointing. We brought our family to celebrate my two grandchildren’s birthdays, and the food quality was noticeably worse than in the past. Our waitress accidentally spilled drinks on the table, soaking three of us. When replacement silverware and napkins were brought out, they had blood on them. Shortly after, the waitress’s blood actually dripped onto my arm while taking our order. She was very apologetic, and we were kind and understanding, even leaving her a good tip, but this was a serious health and cleanliness issue. What was most disappointing was that no manager ever checked on us. We ordered drinks, appetizers, mains, and dessert, yet despite everything we went through, not even the childre

I have been coming to Avanti for years and can't 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