Gabriella Cafe
Gabriella Cafe
Live Earth Farm Crispy Cauliflower
Lunch BLTA Sandwich
Steak of the Day with potatoes and market vegetables
a plate of pasta and a glass of wine
Sidewalk
Patio sitting
Storrs Petite Sirah
Porcini Gnocchi
Pan Amore
Flowers at Dusk, black lager
Prosciutto wrapped asparagus
Tanuki Cider
Gabriella- Santa Cruz
Vegetable and Chicken Apple Sausage Hash
Focaccia
Truffle Ravioli
New York Steak with Horseradish. Served with steamed vegetables and roasted potatoes.
Chilaquiles
Porcini Gnocchi
Egg Florentine
Spinach Frittata, Eggs florentine
Grass Grassfed Burger
Pan Amore
Roasted beet salad and brussel sprout appetizer
Sharon H.
Sep 7, 2024
Super super cute little spot, tucked away a block away from the main street. As soon as my daughter and I walked by, we both wanted to dine here. The restaurant is in a cozy house- with indoor, outdoor and alley-way seating. The alley way seating was so cute, like out of a little Italian romance scene. Service was top notch- our server was so super sweet. Huge breakfast/brunch/lunch menu- We had the vegetable hash which was super tasty, and also a simple but refreshing Market salad
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Nikki G.
Jan 26, 2025
It had been a few years since I last ate at Gabriella Cafe but it had always delivered good food, great service and quaint ambiance. A group of six had a reservation Friday night and we were disappointed on all counts. Our table situated in what looked like an amateur art display of drawing of men's faces- The prices were outrageous, the "famous" Caesar salad was lettuce drenched in a flavorless mayo dressing. The focaccia was expensive, cold, and no better than store bought. Several of our party ordered appetizers to share and when finished had to ask to remove the dirty plates and wait 20 minutes for the three pasta entrees. All of which are bested by Trader Joe's ravioli. I had to ask the server if the crispy cauliflower appetizer was supposed to be chilled- it wasn't. We ordered 7 appetizers and three entres and our bill was $320. We didn't order wine or drinks. Overall, Gabriella Cafe failed on all accounts. We didn't even look at the dessert menu as the food was so bad, service so awkward, we couldn't wait to get out of the restaurant.
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Sarah C.
May 22, 2024
We went years and years ago and had a memory that it was quite good. Some of the current reviews made me question if my memory was accurate, but after dining there again I still think it was quite good.Small, very cute space. (although for the size they have quite a few tables!). And they have both outdoor and semi-outdoor options. I was surprised how busy it was on a Wednesday evening.Focaccia was delicious (when is it not?).Prosciutto wrapped asparagus was delicious. Loved the arugula and basaltic with it.My truffle mushroom ravioli was quite good. Very rich creamy sauce that the sausage paired with very well. I suppose maybe the only complaint is that the flavor of the mushroom in the ravioli was maybe a little buried. But it was very good. My husband enjoyed his Porcini Gnocchi. Hi sauce wasn't as good as mine, but the Gnocchi themselves were super fresh and tasty.They have a good wine list, as well as good beer on the menu.It did seem they were a little understaffed - food came out in the time frame expected, but we didn't get checked on much - needed to flag someone down for more water. But I can see how it could be hard to prepare for a Wednesday - like I said, it was busier than I would have expected.
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Shane H.
Dec 19, 2024
Everything we had tonight was amazing other than the porcini gnocchi. Service was normal Santa Cruz service. Slow but friendly.. But the gnocchi was absolutely rancid! I've had this multiple times in the past and it tasted nothing like tonight. My friend and I took one bite each and then inspected it because the rancid taste was lingering.. something was way off. Told the server and he apologized and said he was going to the kitchen to taste it. Came back and offered a comped dessert. We asked for 2 to-go desserts. Check came and 1 dessert was charged and the gnocchi was still charged. If a customer literally can't eat the food because it was that off maybe you should be smart and take the dish off the bill.. no wonder you are all slowly loosing this gem we used to patronize monthly 4 years ago.. so sad, this restaurant will clearly not last and they don't care.. steak was amazing! Paul had this place so well run.. Gema is now ruining it because she thinks everything she cooks is perfection. Open ur eyes and listen to ur customers! Appreciate all your precious hospitality Paul. You had such a special place for so long
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Carol M.
Dec 13, 2024
I always go here for Thanksgiving dinner. I went again this year. Food was great. Only criticism is that I agreed to sit on the patio where people came in and out and the server brought our appetizers and our salads at the same time. Other than that, I will always eat here. The food is great. I just won't choose the Patio next time - especially right next to the gate. I am also sure the waiter was overwhelmed because it was Thanksgiving. I had asked for all white meat, but I got mostly dark meat. Next year I will be more specific.
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Shab F.
Oct 7, 2023
The restaurant is super cute and cozy. Similar to what you see in Europe. Staff were friendly. We went there for lunch on Saturday they only had their brunch menu which was fine but i do say their seasonal food is a bit over priced. Butternut squash ravioli is $32 on a brunch menu! We got burgers and lemon mint iced tea which was really refreshing. I like to go back there for dinner to only experience it at night.
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Amelia M.
Dec 13, 2022
Gabriella Cafe is my go-to spot for an elegant meal with ambience! Entering the cafe is like stepping in a charming cafe in Europe, whether you choose inside or outside dining. Service has always been excellent (very warm and helpful), and the food is beautifuly presented and really delicious. The brussel sprout appetizer with apple and hazelnuts and roasted beat salad were particularly great! There is an extensive wine list, and the pours were generous.Main entrees are $30+ but for any special occasion, it is hard to beat Gabriella Cafe.
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Sandy M.
Jul 20, 2024
We were headed to Jack's for a burger and decided to try Gabriella's instead. Loved the cauliflower appetizer and we shared the burger! It was the best burger! Nice spot outside in the shade and they are dog friendly!
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Jim U.
Feb 24, 2025
The BEST restaurant in Santa Cruz and maybe our planet. We couldn't finish the ample portion of our amazing, delicious dinner, took it home and had two great dinners from that, each one better than the last. We are very lucky to have such talented, kind and friendly people at Gabriella Cafe. The best!
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Darren G.
Jan 2, 2025
Beautiful intimate setting, delightful food... felt like we took a short vacation to a European cafe when we visited.Loved it, will be back!
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