If you enjoy fresh, innovative Italian food in the Santa Cruz area, then you must dine at La Posta, on Seabright Ave. Amazingly fresh-tasting thin crust pizzas, good Italian wine, delightful desserts. A great little neighborhood gem. Best food in Santa Cruz. Tuesday evenings they have a great family special.

We chanced upon this place by accident on our way back from a day at Santa Cruz boardwalk. After a day of passing kiosks selling deep fried everything, this place was like a breath of fresh air. The menu on offer is not huge but then than that tells you that everything is freshly made. They made up a special pasta for my 8 year old as they didnt have a childrens menu. The food was the best Italian I have tasted in a long time. I had pasta with Nettles included in the ingredients. Fantastic!!!!

We were so pleasantly surprised here for an early dinner after a long afternoon on the beach. Wonderful Italian wine list with many by the glass. Lovage Papardella with Veal Ragu. Saffron Canalonni with Braised Lamb and Toasted Pine Nuts. Shaved Squash Salad. But the item that really impressed was the special pizza with sliced fresh black figs, fresh mozzarella, spec, saba & baby arugula. Terrific!

We have been to La Posta quite a few times now and I can honestly say it is the best Santa Cruz has to offer. We've taken friends from the San Francisco area and they agree with us that it even holds up to restaurants in the City (and certainly less expensive). The food is not what I would call traditional Italian. There are pasta and pizza dishes which we love, but we usually order several appetizers to share and a main vegetarian or meat dish. We often get an additional vegetable dish only because they are all so good! Their bread is made there and is wonderful. The menu changes often and uses seasonal, local ingredients in inventive and fabulously delicious ways. I have not ever had any dish that didn't meet or exceed expectations. The portions are a good size and I even take home part of my main dish quite often. The atmosphere is also good. The decor is low key but interesting. It's in an old post office hence the name. There is a beautiful bar often with neighborhood folks hanging out and enjoying a drink and conversation. The wait staff have always been first class. Knowledgeable and attentive without being too much so. I honestly can't understand why anyone would not be pleased after a meal here unless they were expecting a lasagna, spaghetti and meat balls place which it is not. If you like fresh, inventive dishes with lots of taste that is not overdone or heavy, then you will enjoy this restaurant. Tip: Wednesday evenings are easiest to get a reservation at the last minute and there is parking behind the restaurant.