Private Dining Experiences In Santa Cruz

When it comes to dining options in and around Santa Cruz, the city offers a diverse selection of cuisine from around the world. For a quick bite at a street food place during a busy lunch break, or a fancy meal at a fine dining restaurant to celebrate an anniversary, there’s something for all budgets and all occasions.

For smaller events, such as a family dinner or a get-together with friends, Santa Cruz has a number of restaurants that offer casual or semi-private dining spaces. However, for something a bit more special, some locations in Santa Cruz do offer private dining—a more secluded experience, either at tables sequestered away from the rest of the crowd or in a separate room altogether.

Discover some of the area’s unique restaurants with private dining experiences below.

Home

3101 North Main Street, Soquel, CA

Serving New American cuisine, Home is a family-owned restaurant that is perhaps most well-known for its beautiful wine cellar and vast selection of wines. They offer four dining areas: the main room, the private wine cellar, the yellow room, and the outdoor patio (only available in warmer months). With unique ambiance and charm, Home features delicious dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. Vegetarian and some vegan options are available. 

Home requires different reservations depending on the size of the party. For sixteen people and above, a special menu is offered. Home also hosts large events for parties of up to one hundred and twenty people. Learn more about their reservations, the menu, and the wines offered on their website.

Back Nine Grill & Bar

555 Highway 17 at Pasatiempo exit, Santa Cruz, CA

Located within The Inn at Pasatiempo, Back Nine Grill & Bar is a laid-back restaurant offering burgers, steak, seafood, and other classic American grill menu items. With both cozy, indoor dining and an outdoor seating area, Back Nine Grill & Bar also hosts large events for up to two hundred guests in their additional dining space. Back Nine Grill & Bar also has Happy Hour and a kids' menu.

Reservations for large events can be made through their website, found here.

Crow’s Nest Restaurant

2218 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA

A Santa Cruz staple, The Crow’s Nest is famed for its exceptional location on the harborfront, offering diners views of the sunset over the water and of the Walton Lighthouse. The Crow’s Nest serves primarily American-style cuisine and seafood with two main dining areas: the interior hall and the outdoor patio—which is most popular with guests. The upstairs portion of the restaurant also houses the Breakwater Bar & Grill.

Private events must have a minimum of ten people in attendance, though the restaurant can accommodate quite large parties. Additionally, The Crow’s Nest also provides a range of special event menus, including three or four-course experiences or lighter menus for lunches. Their website can be found here.

Shadowbrook Restaurant

1750 Wharf Road, Capitola, CA

A landmark in the Santa Cruz area, Shadowbrook Restaurant serves American-style cuisine in a quirky and cozy space. With a cable car that takes guests up the hill, this restaurant provides a refined and unique experience for diners—as well as exceptional food.

Shadowbrook Restaurant offers private rooms (the Owner’s Private Reserve, the Redwood Room, the Wine Cellar, and the Greenhouse Room) for special events, with the smallest of the four holding sixteen diners. The restaurant also hosts weddings for those interested. More information regarding menus, guests, and pricing can be found on their website here.

In Summary

As a note for all restaurants, reservations should be made as far in advance as possible, as they may not always be able to accommodate the event and/or the number of guests. Despite this, a private dining experience can be a great way to celebrate a milestone, a birthday, or a company get-together in a friendly and welcoming space—and guests can enjoy some delicious eats as well.

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