We started driving 50 miles to Santa Cruz when Ristorante Avanti was in the Palm Center. The ambiance wasn't fancy, but the food and service made us return often. Now there's lovely atmosphere to boot! The dishes are very tasty, made with fresh ingredients, and LARGE portions. The service is friendly and the staff are extraordinarily accommodating. Our first visit... More

On Mission St. (aka Highway #1) in Santa Cruz. Friendly staff, tasty meals, well-prepared, fresh Everything. Imagination... only reservation is: it can be noisy! But it's a popular spot and "where the locals eat" (with their friends from out of town). Enjoy!

I ate at the new Ristorante Avanti which moved from down the street this past year. The space is so much bigger and it is really beautiful. The lighting is especially nice, very unique hanging lamps. But all that just adds to the great food. All of us got something different and you would be hard pressed to pick a... More

They did a great job with this place, the atmosphere is wonderful! The food is very pricy and not a big selection. If your looking for good basic Italian food, such as spaghetti, fettuccine or angel hair, this place does not have it. I would recommend Ristorante Italiano or Lillian's kitchen if your looking for great pasta and big portions.... More

We were taken to this terrific Italian restaurant by locals and thoroughly enjoyed our meal.The emphasis is on fresh, local and organic food. The location on Mission Street is away from downtown and the beach but only a couple minute drive.

This place was sort of Italian but not quite. Loved the special menu. Real interesting and special food served nicely. Nice wines too. Prices were ok.

Now in their new larger facility, the food continues to be both inventive and sublime--what they do with brussell sprouts is magical. and the lamb and fish dishes are also great. But it is very busy, crowded and noisy. We had a reservation and still had to wait 30 minutes for a table. They need more wait staff, as everything... More

This was my first time in the new location. We were a party of 2 with a 6:15 reservation on a Friday, that I was able to get earlier that same day. We arrived a couple of minutes after 6, thinking we'd get a glass of wine at the bar. Though there is a bar, it was packed with diners.... More

My husband and I enjoyed dinner here on a Friday night. We went early so there was no wait, but the place filled up quickly and was packed by the time we left. Service was attentive without hovering and the food was out of this world. Can't wait to go back!