Laili Restaurant: A Mediterranean Culinary Oasis in Santa Cruz

Food and service is always incredible. I always eat here. The patio is lovely. The different appetizers (especially the squash dish) and tray with naan and multiple sauces are incredible.

Centrally located downtown, this Mediterranean spot is perfect for a casual yet memorable date night. The ambiance strikes a comfortable balance--dim lighting and understated decor create an intimate feel without tipping into pretentiousness. While the outdoor seating looked inviting, it was full during our visit, so reservations are likely a smart move if you want to snag a prime spot. Even indoors, the atmosphere felt warm and relaxed, an ideal setting for good conversation and great food. Speaking of food, the lamb shank was a standout. Perfectly braised, the meat was meltingly tender and infused with a deep, earthy flavor, complemented beautifully by roasted root vegetables that added a rustic touch. For dessert, the rose meringue stole the show. Delicately crisp on the outside with a soft, airy center, it balanced subtle floral sweetness with an almost ethereal lightness. Visually stunning and utterly satisfying, it was the perfect way to end the meal. This is a place where thoughtful flavors and a relaxed vibe come together seamlessly--definitely worth a reservation for your next date night.

Great ambiance. Excellent service. Terrific food. Do not skip the mixed appetizer with the unique flavors for familiar options. We very much enjoyed our experience here- Afghan food is marvelous.

Mediterranean restaurant in downtown Santa Cruz with a beautiful, hidden patio. Interior of restaurant looked a little stuffy and formal, but outside patio was amazing!!! Service was friendly. Our appetizer was hands down the best butternut squash I have ever tasted! Had a roasted chicken for dinner which was solid, but not inspired. Looking forward to my next visit and more butternut squash!

Food was great but the service was exceptional! I was visiting Santa Cruz and had heard great things about Laili, definitely a great place to try My party and I enjoyed our meal in the outdoor seating area, the waiters were attentive and checked up on us often. The food came out quick and the servers were great with accommodating our needs. I got the filet mignon kabobs, while it was nothing out of the world. I enjoyed it. The portion was good for one person to be fully satisfied, but personally half of an order was enough for me. Meat was tender and went well with the broccoli and zucchini. Wished there were roasted tomatoes, but overall the dish was yummy.

What a beautiful restaurant setting! My parents took me here when I was visiting them recently. I didn't even feel like I was in Santa Cruz sitting in their courtyard. The food tasted so fresh and delicious. There was so much flavor in each dish I loved every bite. The hostess and our server were very friendly and incredibly helpful. Everyone was great and I can't wait to come back!

This was by far our favorite eateries during our Santa Cruz trip. The plate were large enough to share as a group, the plates itself were delicious and filled with flavor. There is inside and outside seating. We came on a busy day so our food did take a bit to come out but it was worth the wait. Kid friendly as well, they had a kid menu which was perfect for my niece and nephew. Price, was pricey but compared to other similar restaurants it was decent. Would love to visit again but I'm not from the area.

Beautiful restaurant in downtown SC. Came by for dinner and was seated in their outdoor patio which had a beautiful ambiance. Ordered their braised lamb pasta and was blown away by the fresh ingredients, herbs used and of course the tender lamb. We also ordered the spinach salad and their spinach Bolani which was delicious! Highly recommend this spot for a nicer night out!

We had a lovely Saturday lunch at Laili. A late lunch around 215 meant very few people. We pretty much had the entire patio to ourselves. If the weather permits, I highly recommend dining out in the patio as it is beautiful - lots of vines and creepers, pretty lights, and heaters to keep you toasty. The Mediterranean plate was a good start to the meal. We enjoyed all the 4 lunch entrees - roasted cauliflower, chicken kabobs, veggie wrap, and the braised lamb pasta. The pasta was probably my favorite. I was a little surprised to see only 4 pieces of chicken though. Both the veggie wrap and the cauliflower were satisfying and filling. Oh and the dips accompanying the dishes - walnut-jalapeño, tomato-ginger, yogurt - are all delicious!