Cafe Mare - Restaurant in Santa Cruz - 740 Front St STE 100, USA

The food here was good, nothing impressive but still good quality. Nice ambiance and good service as well. Calamari was great, I ordered pasta and meatballs that were good but I wish their sauce was a bit more herby and aromatic. The other pasta we ordered was a penne with a more interesting flavor to it, Id particularly recommend that one over the traditional spaghetti. Restaurant is worth the visit.

Last night we went for an early 6pm dinner at Cafe Mare. There were some hits, but also some misses. We were seated immediately. Our friendly server greeted us promptly offering us a basket of bread and waters while getting our choice beverages. The bread was inedible. It was thinly sliced and unbelievably stale. When our server returned with our drinks, we ordered the calamari appetizer. It was delicious. The breading was not too heavy and it was not at all greasy for being fried. I would have liked cocktail sauce and opposed to marinara. But it’s an Italian restaurant so I get it. For entrees, my bf ordered the fettuccine alfredo with shrimp. The fettuccine was cooked well but the Alfredo sauce was thick and clumpy like eating thin oatmeal. The shrimp were over cooked and very tough to eat. I ordered the crepe with butternut squash, walnuts and brown butter sage sauce. It was incredible. The crepe was cooked perfectly and the balance of the squash with the sage sauce was absolutely amazing. For dessert we ordered two americano coffees that came piping hot, the chocolate soufflé and the lemon meringue house made ice cream. Both desserts were fine. Not bad, not great, basically mediocre. Overall, the service was excellent, the appetizer was delicious, one entree was incredible one a total flop and dessert we could have passed on and not known the difference. We’ll go back again. But not anytime in the near future.

We made a last minute decision to have lunch here. It was a great choice. I'm Italian and had my mom cooking fresh past for is growing up. GNOCCI is my test of a good Italian restaurant. They nailed it along with excellent service. Hands down you have to check them out when in Santa Cruz

The food was above average but not exceptional. The bread was burned, dry and old. The Ravioli Mare was good but lacking. The service was great though. The Host and Server brought the review from a 3 star to a 4 star.

Oh my goodness! Italian food at it's finest. Our first time at this restaurant - we will definitely be back again soon. Our waiter, I believe his name was Luca, was exceptional. He gave us time to look over the many delicious choices, told us about the specials, and treated us In a very friendly, professional way. We had appetizers, main dishes, wine and dessert. All of which were of the highest quality and the portions were quite large. I recommend you make reservations ahead of time. They had a very nice bar as well, but we did not make use of it during our visit - next time; and there will be a next time soon.

Nice local restaurant with large indoor and some outdoor sitting. The food was good and so was the service. Pizza was ok but I preferred the pasta. Also good mozzarella salad. They have a large bar too. The bread was a bit too stiff and sour.

They have a pretty standard menu of nicely executed food, but outside of pasta the variety is pretty small. The dining area is one large circular room, which I personally disliked, but some may enjoy. Music is played fairly loudly from the bar, and it rarely fits the mood. If I recall correctly they played mostly pop and pop country.

Came here on a recommendation from a friend who used to be a local. Great recommendation! Everything from the food to the service was exceptional. We ordered a bunch of different items and the servers (I believe Cheyenne) were very polite and friendly. The portions are great (had some the next day) and they even pampered my dog. Give it a visit if you’re in the area!