La Posta — Restaurant in Santa Cruz

Haven’t been here since pre-pandemic and we surely have been missing out. So glad to be back.

First and foremost, hands off to our server Misty. She was so nice, very attentive, very knowledgeable about the items being offered as she was so helpful in helping us make some decisions. There are just too many delicious options on the drink and food menu that it was hard to decide. When we asked her questions about some of the items we were thinking about ordering, she would give us a little info and background, to help ease our decision making. She is by far one of the best waitresses we have ever had in our dining lives.

Now, the food…..OMG. Can you say authentic Italian? We started with the Affettati Misti which is kinda like a charcuterie platter. There were two cheeses, lots of pickled veggies, walnuts, fruit and a mix of cured meats. We were hungry so we ate it all and fast, but this can easily serve 3-4. No free bread so we purchased the walnut and rosemary bread. Very well worth the $3.

The pasta is DEFINITELY freshly made and soooo tasty. I had the Chitarra which consists of fresh pasta noodles that look like spaghetti, mixed with a light tomato sauce adorned with squid. The hubby had the Amatriciana pizza which was also delish.

For dessert, we each had a scoop of the gelato.

Ford drinks we went light bc we had post dinner drink plans. I had a glass of the Rinaldini Lambrusco which Misty kindly allowed me to taste first. I highly recommend it. Kind threw me off bc I was a RED sparking. I had never seen such a thing; it tasted delish. The man had a Vermouth Torino; his was good but very much on the LIGHT side.

A few closing notes:

Parking was easy to find even though they are on a busy street.

For indoor dining, you must show proof of vaccination, which I really appreciate bc the hubby and I are fully vaccinated and boosted.

There’s plenty of outdoor dining seats with heat lamps.

Overall, this was one of the best dinner experiences we’ve had in a long time. Everything we ordered was good and the service was over the top (THANKS MISTY). Can’t wait to take my friends and...

Really weird experience here, and posting not to out the place, but as a general watch out. My wife and I go to Santa Cruz for our anniversary every year. It's one of our favorite towns in CA. With Alderwood closing, we were looking for a new spot. We thought it was this...the space was cool. The wine list was great. We bought a $90 bottle. We were ready to spend some money.

And then my wife found a parasite worm in the middle of her halibut. Like a legit worm. Yes, I get it. Halibut has worms. But just like you wash veggies and don't serve them covered in shit, you inspect your halibut filets. It's basic stuff. Especially if you're charging 40-$50 plates.

All that aside, we were ready to let that go, until the parade of staff tried to downplay it as some faux "ocean to table" nonsense and explain it away as part of the seafood experience. C'mon, folks. We're not talking $10 fish and chips on the Boardwalk here. The indifference is what killed me.

I mean, imagine my wife's experience. A wonderful anniversary dinner and then she's trying to stay present and eat something hoping she doesn't have a parasite swimming inside of her. Barely an apology. Not even an attempt to comp anything. But, hey, they redid the plate. And acted like we should be grateful for that. A parasite worm, folks. There. In the fish. On the plate.

So when the check arrives, I'm like, okay, any normal upper-end spot will try to comp something. Especially when you don't know where people work these days and the collateral damage. But nothing. So I go up to the front counter and have to call out the situation. And lo and behold they had two checks waiting. To their credit, they comped the parasite fish (as they should have, and the only reason that I'm not giving a single star) so I'll give them that, but would they have had I not said anything?

I'm not confident. Which is so weird. They had two checks ready. And only the comped one if I said something.

Sorry, folks. That's amateur hour. As is serving parasite fish to a wonderful person on her...

During a delightful evening in Santa Cruz, I had the pleasure of dining at La Posta, a restaurant renowned for its dedication to Italian culinary traditions and its cozy, inviting ambiance. From the moment I stepped inside, I was enveloped in a warm atmosphere that promised an exceptional dining experience.

The standout dish of my visit was the sea scallops, a testament to La Posta's commitment to freshness and quality. Each scallop was expertly seared, presenting a golden crust that contrasted beautifully with its tender, juicy interior. The scallops were served with a thoughtful arrangement of accompaniments that enhanced their delicate flavor without overwhelming it.

Complementing my meal was a wine pairing suggested by our host, Daniel, whose knowledge and enthusiasm for wine made the selection process as enjoyable as the dining itself. He recommended a wine that perfectly matched the scallops' light, buttery profile, elevating the entire dish to a sublime culinary delight. Daniel's approachable manner, sprinkled with a touch of humor, added a unique and memorable twist to our interactions, making the evening all the more enjoyable.

La Posta's commitment to an authentic Italian dining experience is evident in every detail, from the rustic yet elegant decor to the impeccably curated menu. The restaurant offers a perfect blend of casual comfort and refined taste, making it an ideal spot for anyone looking to indulge in the art of Italian cuisine in Santa Cruz.

The evening at La Posta was not just a meal but a celebration of Italian culinary arts, paired beautifully with exceptional wines and enhanced by heartfelt hospitality. It's a gem within Santa Cruz, perfect for anyone who cherishes food crafted with passion and served...