Avanti Restaurant

1917 Mission St, Santa Cruz CA 95060
$$$ California Recommended New

At Avanti Restaurant, we have been committed to the local food culture since 2019. We serve you organic vegetables, sustainable seafood, pasture-raised meats and poultry, organic milk, butter and eggs, locally roasted coffee, and house-made desserts. We have a full bar featuring seasonal cocktails and a variety of spirits.

Reservations

Business Info

  • Address: 1917 Mission St, Santa Cruz CA 95060
  • Cross Street: Bellevue Street
  • Location: Santa Cruz County
  • Cuisine: California | Contemporary | French | Italian | Pasta | Seafood | Spanish | Steak | Vegetarian |
  • Cost: | Moderate
  • Category: Upscale Casual
  • Star Rating:
  • Reservations: Recommended
  • Dress Code: Casual
  • Meals Served: Dinner |
  • Parking: Private Lot |
  • Payment Options: VISA | Amex | MasterCard | Discover | Cash | Apple Pay | Debit |
  • Corkage Fee: 20.00 | 2 bottles per table
  • Phone: (831) 427-0135
  • Features: Full Bar, Organic Ingredients, Outdoor Seating, Private Room, Takeout Available, Happy Hours, Healthy Options, Farm-to-table,
  • Occasion: Child Friendly, Romantic Dining, Dining Alone, Business Dining, Meet for a Drink, Special Occasion, Vegetarian, Trendy / Hip, Date Night,

Photos

Avanti Restaurant - Cauliflower
Avanti Restaurant - ciopino Avanti Restaurant - burrata

Business Hours

Reservations Available
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
Dinner - Restaurant 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Thursday
Dinner - Restaurant 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Friday
Dinner - Restaurant 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday
Dinner - Restaurant 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Sunday
Dinner - Restaurant 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
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Customer Reviews & Ratings

4.66 out of 5 stars based on 1278 votes

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Mar 20, 2023
Kate S.
Excellent food and excellent service. We love Avanti!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 10/10
Jan 25, 2023
Tracy H.
Our party had such a great time. The food was wonderful with perfect timing. The desserts were delicious. The impeccable service just made the whole experience.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jan 21, 2023
Robert B.
Great food and cocktails. The bar staff were very helpful and attentive!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jan 13, 2023
Kelly R.
It's been awhile since we have been to Avanti and we were not disappointed. The service was fantastic, the food was absolutely wonderful and the ambiance was warm and welcoming.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jan 10, 2023
Mark C.
We have been to Avanti over a dozen times and I'd say that our recent meal was the best. We had the pasta special with mushroom sauce and I added prawns to mine. It had been awhile since we had been there and the restaurant was completely full on a rainy night which surprised us. I think the food has improved over the past few years and the updated restaurant decor definitely has a better ambiance.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jan 09, 2023
Natasha C.
Nice ambience - more upscale like you're having a nice dinner, but still casual enough to feel comfortable. Food was very tasty, and service was quick.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Dec 13, 2022
Anna S.
A delicious dinner with wonderful service! So lovely!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Dec 12, 2022
Lisa V.
Wonderful evening, great food and awesome venue!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Dec 04, 2022
Scott G.
Excellent service and delicious food! As always!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Nov 14, 2022
Kris I.
Food & service was great. The only negative was the pounding, deep rumbling, vibrating noise noticed by us as well as other diners. Our server let us move to another table which was marginally better.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 10/10
Oct 28, 2022
Daneé O.
We're from out of town and made the special occasion even better..great food service and atmosphere

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 8/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Oct 13, 2022
Dennis B.
The waiter/owner(?) had too many tables to serve. While gracious, we waited an inordinate amount of time to be served. Despite this annoyance, the food, ambience and experience were outstanding. We will definitely return.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Aug 22, 2022
Cynthia G.
Loved the roasted shishito peppers on corn soufflé. We came on Sunday specifically for the fried chicken. It never disappoints. Whenever we are in Santa Cruz, Avanti is at the top of our list. Great food, wonderful staff, and always memorable.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 7/10
Value: 8/10
Aug 21, 2022
Joan F.
The food at Avanti's has always been so flavorful. It was wonderful yet again. Their homemade pasta is perfect.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Aug 16, 2022
Marie G.
The service and food was great as usual! That’s why we keep coming back.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Aug 10, 2022
Bette H.
Lovely food. Nice service. Great meal.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Aug 06, 2022
Danielle I.
So good!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Jul 09, 2022
Susie E.
Everything was wonderful. Our server, Natalie, was outstanding. We haven’t been in a while so it was a great treat! Our only complaint is that it’s pricey for retired folks on a fixed income. But everyone and everything was superb!!!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jul 09, 2022
Ken M.
An exceptional experience! Food, ambiance, and service were all superb and prices were not outrageous. Highly recommend!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jul 06, 2022
Robin M.
total pleasure from the first moment to the last!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jul 02, 2022
Nancy H.
Very good food, ambiance and service.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jun 18, 2022
Bill K.
Great place, everything is good, we will be back again. Thank you.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 10/10
May 26, 2022
John E.
When you wake up the next morning you dream of the GREAT meal & flavors. Wait staff were fun and very helpful.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
May 25, 2022
Madeline S.
Both now and during all these very difficult Covid years you have been the best in town. I had duck, one of many times, and it was cooked to perfection, tender and juicy with the accompanying shoots and potatoes perfect. The entrees for the other three were great too. We all loved our dinners. Always great service. And you have done a super job with the outside and takeout. Kudos. Periodically the web site for reservations is cranky.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 8/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
May 23, 2022
Rose L.
I haven’t dined here in a long time (pre-pandemic) but excited to come in again to check things out. Best experience ever! Food- so amazing and delicious. Service- phenomenal! Drinks- so great! Everyone so friendly and about their craft! Just made our night. Thank you so much.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
May 06, 2022
Kenneth M.
Lee, our server, was super attentive and friendly.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Apr 09, 2022
Tony T.
Excellent dining experience

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Apr 08, 2022
Annie P.
It was a great evening and delicious food!!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Mar 27, 2022
Marcia M.
I tie 10 to all. We enjoyed the long time eating, and our fine waiter. Positive and friendly. Thank you new owner you are doing things that make old customers happy and remaining faithful to Avante.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Mar 24, 2022
Marilyn B.
We all went in to Avanti masked and felt very comfortable with table separation. But just as importantly, food was wonderful and the best was the lasagne! Wonderful dining experience.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Mar 14, 2022
Laura R.
Always feel like royalty here!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Mar 04, 2022
Shari C.
We had great food and friendly and efficient service.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Mar 02, 2022
Bruce L.
We loved our server! She was so much fun, very playful and very good. It was our first time back in a long while and it was good. My husband had the fried chicken and wanted 2 thighs and it was only available with a leg and a thigh. If anything, I am sure that would be the thing he would comment on. Thank you!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 7/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Feb 22, 2022
Cheryl W.
Disappointed that my birthday meal was not up to par. The sable fish was fishy, with the skin on the underside becoming soggy, and the risotto was runny versus creamy. Otherwise great service and salad, lamb meatballs and lemon tart were excellent.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Feb 19, 2022
Bill C.
The restaurant software program needs to allow a person booking a reservation to the main dining room whether they prefer a booth by the outside window or the back wall with the stone and overhang. The meal was all very good as well as the service.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Feb 11, 2022
Kelly W.
Great food. Great service. Yummy. Thanks.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Feb 06, 2022
Marianne P.
Food was good, but not quite as good as when they were at the location that is now the pizzeria.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Feb 06, 2022
Doug B.
Food and service was excellent. However, given we live in a great wine region they need to seriously consider UPGRADING their wine offerings.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jan 30, 2022
Carolyn I.
The 4 of us all raved about the food.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jan 30, 2022
Renee H.
Excellent service and amazing food!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jan 09, 2022
Bill K.
The services is Excellent, My service lady is very nice and very helpful. We took our friend for his birthday. He really loved it. We will be back soon. J&B

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Dec 19, 2021
Megan R M.
My pod of girlfriends were most happy with the food, SERVICE and ambiance that Avanti Restaurant provided us to gather and celebrate the holiday spirit!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Dec 12, 2021
Peggy D.
Excellent as always!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Dec 10, 2021
Lisa G.
Absolutely delicious and the servers were amazing and attentive.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Nov 21, 2021
Michael O.
Lovely place; lovely people; lovely food!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Nov 21, 2021
Rukhsaana S.
We will be back to Avanti! Service was amazing and the food delicious

Overall: 10/10
Food: 8/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Nov 02, 2021
Linda D.
Nicole was lovely. Made our evening especially nice

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Oct 27, 2021
Rebecca N.
Had a wonderful time. Food was great. Service was great. Lovely stormy night and temp is always so comfortable inside....that alone is not always easy to find in Santa Cruz.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Oct 24, 2021
Angela C.
Great food and service, thank you!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 9/10
Oct 05, 2021
Lois W.
Delicious food, interesting choices, waitress and her trainee were wonderful. I love Avanti

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 6/10
Value: 8/10
Sep 20, 2021
Addison J.
Food and service were terrific. We had a lovely dinner. Sat outside for obvious reasons and there was road noise to contend with. Otherwise it was a very present setting.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Sep 14, 2021
Saarin S.
Everything about the dining experience was wonderful! One comment about the reservation: it allows you to choose a seating area preference, but that did not show up on the confirmation, so I wasn’t sure if it had been noted.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Sep 11, 2021
FLiP H.
Soooo good!!!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 7/10
Value: 10/10
Sep 06, 2021
Kerena S.
Food was awesome! broccoli soup was amazing and focaccia.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Aug 29, 2021
Mario B.
The patio was a lovely place to dine. The food was delicious and beautifully prepared and Franklin our server was professional, warm and accommodating.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Aug 29, 2021
Bob P.
Avanti is welcoming and a Westside classic that always delivers quality

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Aug 28, 2021
Pat N.
First time there and a pleasant surprise. Great service, environment and food. We will be back.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Aug 23, 2021
Eric N.
Excellent overall experience Great food Great service Nice comfortable outdoor dining area

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jul 31, 2021
Helen G.
Avanti is always amazing. We had a great meal and excellent service.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 10/10
Jul 22, 2021
Jennifer G.
The only thing I would do to improve the experience is to block the street noise, although I’m not sure how. It was a lovely dinner - thank you!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jun 14, 2021
Karen Ray G.
Very nice option for dining outdoors. Attentive servers (but not too much!). Delicious food with lots of choices.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 8/10
Service: 8/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 7/10
Jun 01, 2021
Melina C.
Shoutout Tatiiiii

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
May 21, 2021
Joel K.
Loved our server , food and drinks were great , overall experience was terrific as we feel at home there !

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
May 10, 2021
JR R.
Always a 10

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
May 04, 2021
Elley C.
Fabulous! Great service!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Apr 28, 2021
Bob P.
Welcoming staff, great Negronis, wonderful meal on all counts

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Apr 23, 2021
BERNADETTE W.
I love being back at Avanti! Everyone very welcoming. We were still uncomfortable sitting inside but we were accommodated in the garden room. Lasagna superb as well as the Hangar Steak. Wine was divine! Thank you again. We'll be back.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Apr 13, 2021
Lori-Ann T.
Excellent service and the food was perfection!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Mar 26, 2021
Michelle S.
We had such a good time and the food was fantastic!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Mar 21, 2021
Kathleen F.
Everyone from the hostess, bar tender and servers did a fabulous job in ensuring we had a wonderful evening! The welcoming spirit, great drinks and delicious meal made for the perfect evening. Thank YOU!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Mar 08, 2021
Kathy C.
clicked on 10 in all categories but not sure it registered. Everyone loved their meal. I would prefer less tomato paste in gnocchi but otherwise good!! Your restaurant is a favorite with us. Thank you for great food & good service!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Mar 08, 2021
Doug B.
Our dinner was fabulous and our server was very nice and attentive. We will most certainly come back and often.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Dec 13, 2020
Michelle N.
Always a lovely experience. Great food, wine, and service. We’re treated so well, even during these chaotic times.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 6/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Nov 24, 2020
Dave H.
Typically come here for the food but this time the halibut was way over cooked. Other than that, we love Avanti and will be back.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Nov 22, 2020
Felicity S.
Excellent food and service, as usual!!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 8/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Nov 17, 2020
Sandy C.
Great service. Nice and warm with the heat lamps outside. Food good. Would have liked to know chicken was dark meat before ordering. Possibly note on menu.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Oct 31, 2020
Nick R.
Best calamari we have ever had. Hands down. Service was warm and friendly, and the wine was outstanding!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Oct 17, 2020
David D.
It was awesome

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Oct 12, 2020
Julia D.
Pleasant, funny waitress, felt comfortable with outdoor spacing, chairs a little uncomfortable (I felt shorter than everyone and I’m already short to begin with), great food as always - this was really about dining out, as opposed to picking up and dining in as usual. Good experience.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Oct 09, 2020
Mary jayne W.
Perfect evening. We loved everything. The food was wonderful. The service excrlk

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Oct 09, 2020
Mary jayne W.
We had a wonderful evening. Our food was excellent. Everyone was very helpful and friendly. We will come back!!!!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Oct 05, 2020
Brad P.
One of Santa Cruz’s best restaurants!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Sep 19, 2020
Edward R.
Great food as always as well as attentive, friendly service and staff, looking forward to my next visit!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 7/10
Value: 9/10
Sep 08, 2020
Trisha D.
All so great! Sitting outside is dreamy, except for the road noise. What about putting the tables back behind the kitchen? Thank you!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 7/10
Sep 06, 2020
Antone S.
This is dining during Covid at its finest. The food, wine, and service were all outstanding! The outdoor setup creating a pleasant and safe dining experience. The chef and staff need to be congratulated—we cannot wait to return!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Aug 03, 2020
Linda G.
I regret to say we needed to postpone. Im very sorry I didnt notify the resturant and promise not to do that again. Hopefully some happy customers got to fill that space. I love Avanti. Would return more frequently if it wasnt quite so expensive. And ... I realize fresh farm to table is not something to compromise on. Grazi.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jul 13, 2020
Margaret W.
everything was lovely!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jul 02, 2020
Brad P.
One of the top restaurants in Santa Cruz. Everything from the service to the food was perfect!

Overall: 9/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 7/10
Value: 8/10
Feb 19, 2023
DAVID D.
Great place. A little noisy but I would definitely return. Thank you.

Overall: 9/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 6/10
Value: 9/10
Feb 06, 2023
Michelle M.
Excellent food. Somewhat slow service but very nice staff. Very loud! They need acoustic tiles for noise reduction. Couldn’t hear anyone in our party talking.

Overall: 9/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 7/10
Value: 10/10
Jan 16, 2023
Scotty B.
Avanti is a wonderful restaurant. The staff are absolutely first rate, they know their stuff and they are just good people, attentive and fun to talk to. We had an all-vegetarian meal, which was great. The Brussels are very tasty and creative. My friend loved the cauliflower side; I thought the spices were a bit over the top, but certainly interesting. The Spanish sheep's milk dish simply called "Melted Cheese" is just delicious. The fettuccine with chanterelles had wonderful flavor, thought could have used a few more chanterelles. The chocolate mousse is hands-down fabulous! We ate outside on the patio on a January evening, out of an abundance of caution, and were comfortable and well cared-for. Overall, a memorable evening.

Overall: 9/10
Food: 8/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 6/10
Value: 8/10
Jan 14, 2023
Robin B.
The food was very good. We enjoyed the Sangria; Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and lamb meatball appetizers; as well as the lasagna entree, and chocolate mouse for dessert. The Sangria was very good and a nice treat, but I've had better. If I had to guess, I'd say it probably wasn't cured 24 hours ahead but rather made on the spot. The Brussels sprouts and cauliflower appetizers recipes were original, creative and delicious. The lamb meatballs were pretty good but I would try to elevate them a little with wine or spice or something more. The lasagna was rich and tasty buy very mushy like moussaka. The pasta needs to be firmer for sure. The chocolate mouse was delicious--not too sweet and very tasty with the added candied lemon rinds and cookie. The only constructive feedback I can offer about the dessert is that it looked like it was served in a small dog bowl. It would look a lot nicer in any glass parfait or other dessert dish. Finally, as for the ambiance, the decor is very nice. But I couldn't help but notice the background music playing really detracted from the atmosphere. It just does not go with the food. I wish they would try playing jazz, classical, opera, old standards, anything but rock 'n roll. And I like rock 'n roll and don't often listen to those other types of music. But in that setting, I think getting the music right would make big impact. Still, overall, I was very impressed with the restaurant, food, and server--Kristy (SP).

Overall: 9/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Jan 03, 2023
craig l.
ALWAYS LOVE GOING TO AVANTI = RELIABLY GOOD FOOD AND SERVICE I HAVE BEEN A CUSTOMER FOR OVER 25 YEARS SINCE THE OLD LOCATION ON MISSION ST

Overall: 9/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 6/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Dec 10, 2022
Madeline S.
Servers very nice but never aware of needs for utensils to serve salads, etc, to several people and large plates when sharing hors d’oeuvres.

Overall: 9/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Oct 15, 2022
Sharon P.
Great service and good food. Caesar salad was a little soggy and not crispy cold. Otherwise all delicious! Please start serving lunch again. Thank you!

Overall: 9/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 8/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Oct 08, 2022
Jacqueline B.
I love Avanti so much! The food and atmosphere are always tremendous!

Overall: 9/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 10/10
Oct 07, 2022
Lynn H.
The food is fantastic, reasonably priced, fresh, lovely! We wished for a bigger wine selection, but we’ll bring our own next time.

Overall: 9/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 7/10
Value: 10/10
Aug 31, 2022
Diane S.
We ate outside so the latter part of this review does not pertain to the inside restaurant. The food was really really good...some of the best we have had in Santa Cruz. We shared a wonderful kale salad and a beet salad. My husband had pappardelle and I had the lamb meatball appetizer as my main course. Wow - both were excellent. However, the outdoor space was not too comfortable. It is in their parking lot right off busy, loud Mission Street. The seats are uncomfortable patio type seats and the asphalt slopes so it is not good for comfortable sitting. But otherwise a great restaurant.

Overall: 9/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 7/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Aug 17, 2022
Karen S.
Service was slow, only 3 waiters for the entire restaurant. Otherwise superb!

Overall: 9/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Jan 26, 2022
Wimala B.
Food was delicious, best crispy fried chicken. My husband got gluten free pasta with chanterelle mushroom, delish. Dino kale salad was wonderful. The only problem we had we stood by the entrance not being greeted for 10 minutes until the Host got us. She was busy with to go order and nobody else covered her to greet customers.