We were visiting Santa Cruz for 4th of July weekend and happened upon Tramonti for dinner on the 4th of July after another place we tried around the corner was closed. We had an amazing experience! Especially in contrast to a very negative experience we had at another restaurant on the pier the day before.

First off, we walked up to Tramonti randomly and asked if we could be seated for a party of 7, 4 adults and 3 children. We were asked if we had reservations. We did not. We were told it would be a 45-60 minute wait. We figured that was probably our best bet at this point anyhow, so we opted to wait.

The hostess was very kind and accommodating. There was some outdoor seating where we could wait for our tables, we were even able to order some drinks for the adults and the children while we waited. There were some arcade machines inside for the kids while they waited. I doubt we were even waiting a half an hour before our table was ready.

We sat on their outdoor patio. I'm not sure if it's a temp COVID setup or what, but the large picnic style table was nice and set up for us. I really enjoyed the outdoor setting.

Shortly after sitting, a man who I presumed to be the owner came by and passionately described the evening's special in his Italian accent. At that moment, I knew we were in good hands and that we were in for an excellent dinner.

Dinner did not disappoint! We ordered a wide selection from the menu, and everyone shared a little bit with everyone else, and it was all exquisite! This place has ruined Italian food for me. It will be hard to find anywhere in my neck of the woods that is nearly as good as this was.

The staff treated us and our children with kindness, the service was great, given the quality and amount of food we ordered, I think everything was reasonably priced.

I can't recommend this place enough! The next time we're in Santa Cruz, I'm sure we'll be back.