Lillian's Italian Kitchen

4.5 rounded up. What a nice night out. Lillian's is the type of old school nice restaurant that is getting a bit harder to find these days: classic decor, quality food not mean to be presented for social media, great service. 0.5 stars off because even though the food was quality, the flavor profile wasn't great across the board for me.Entering Lillian's, you're greeted with high ceilings, friendly staff, and warm wooden decor. We went on a Sunday night at 5:30 with no reservations, and it was around a 40 minute wait. Not too bad, but would definitely recommend reservations if you're able to!We ordered the garlic bread appetizer with added mozzarella, artichoke and broccoli soup, black truffle stuffed gnocchi with presto sauce (you can choose between pesto, gorgonzola, or tomato cream) and added meatballs, and fettuccini with braised beef ragu. Honestly, the two appetizers were my favorite of the meal. The garlic bread was SO good, perfectly cheesy & garlicky - I don't think I've had proper garlic bread like this in a long time. The artichoke and broccoli soup was also very good (a tad salty), tasting similar to a classic broccoli & cheddar soup.The gnocchi itself was really good, but the pesto sauce was not salty enough for me, and I didn't really like the tomato garnish on top. Meatballs were really good. The fettuccini was also not quite salty enough for me, and was a little lighter than I would've liked. Still, I'd say both pastas were good. Just not great (especially in comparison to how I'd say both appetizers were great).All in all, I would definitely recommend Lillian's, and would personally come back the next time I'm back in Santa Cruz.

Did a girls dinner and we all ordered something different. We started with some drinks and the Spied pear sour I believe it was called. Had the perfect balance of liquor and sweetener . For appetizers we order the burrata, and it was so good, the flavor from the asparagus and prosciutto went well. The fiochetti pasta was okay. But I didn't get much of the sage flavor. But it was still good.Out waiter was super helpful gave us the specials and quick on getting our order and switching the Cesar Salad for the bigger plate.The Cesar salad was amazing!! They topped it off with anchovies.The restaurant is nice and big but it does get busy. And out friend had gotten us the table which the wait was about 30 min

Recently had two Friendsgivings at this restaurant and everything was delicious. It was a mix of first timers and others who had been here before and we all loved it! I got their Caesar salad and fettuccine Alfredo both times. They were both delicious! We also tried their catch of the day which was sea bass. It was very good too! It is a very cute restaurant for date night or a girls night out. Only complaint is that the service was very slow. I think we all went hungry, which kind of back fired as the food took so long to come out. Nonetheless, I really love this place! They also have a parking lot which is shared with a few other businesses. It can be very hard to find a spot when it is busy!

We love Liliana's Kitchen very authentic Italian food, service I have to say is very welcoming and friendly busy restaurant depending on the times you come in the ambiance here is definitely very family friendly all the staff here deserve recognition.

There is street parking and a lot in the back of the building that is shared with other businesses. While spots were designated it seemed at night to be open parking. The food quality was great and the portions were pretty large. Great selection of appetizers, specials of the day for entrees and dessert! Service was efficient. Our order was taken, food delivered, drinks kept full but didn't have any fun conversations or banter with the staff.

Outstanding. Delicious dinner in an attractive, spacious, and relaxed room in Santa Cruz. The bar is slightly removed from the dining room but you can still see a sign for their cocktail of the day (week?). It pays to advertise because that chalkboard message said enough to spark my interest. 'The Popelmo' was refreshing and likely seasonal (Could have sworn I reviewed this in June after our visit, but I guess not). Italian gin, Amaro Montenegro, grapefruit liqueur, and fresh lemon which made for a perfect summer evening 'starter'.We jumped directly to Entrees as it had been a long day and we were hungry, but not to point of appetizers. I had the best King Salmon I've ever had at Lillian's. Heartt, fantastic, and filling, yet not heavy at all. It sat on risotto, if memory serves, with a chimichuri on top (?) Dang, I no longer have my notes, but whatever it was, it was tremendously satisfying. We also ordered a bolognese, which I believe was a lamb bolognese. Packed with flavor and a unique twist away from the traditional beef. Though I only had a single bite of that, it was memorable. The fresh toasted bread that accompanied our meal was warm, fresh, and crispy where you want it.Thoughtful service which complemented a wonderful dining experience.

This is THE dinner spot if you're in the Santa Cruz area. Pasta, braised short ribs (with or without pasta), and the Tiramisu for dessert will complete an outstanding dinner. Atmosphere is classy, with dim lighting and candlelight on tables. Service is on point; filled water glasses proved by busser, then waitress greets you with their specials of the day, which we ordered (ciappino with king salmon, mussels, clams, calamari rings and 20/25 shrimp...Magnifico!! For appetizers we had Brussel sprouts and the creamy artichoke & broccoli soup...heavenly! Highly recommend this fine establishment...make reservations at least a month in advance, or you'll be sorry!

I swear! Every time I eat here - no matter the occasion, I am not ever disappointed. Food is always excellent & full of flavor, my absolute favorite thing to say when I absolutely love the food I eat, the service has always been on point every time, & the restaurant has a good aesthetics, but needs more of a Italian ambiance.

I'm really bummed by our last experience here. We've been coming since they were in their previous tiny restaurant and usually the experience is nothing short of amazing. I understand after Covid. Everything is more expensive but charging for bread? Are you kidding me? We asked our server for bread and butter And we're shocked when we were charged on the bill without being told pretty big bummer.

Great service. Excellent experience and the food was very good.. exceeded our expectations