The new Ristorante Avanti has a very comfortable enclosed patio for dining.
Now Closed:
Nuevo Southwest Grill
The well-loved upscale Mexican restaurant, located on Eastcliff near 15th, closed about three weeks ago. I’m disappointed I didn’t get to have one last meal there before the closure; I really liked the food at Nuevo.
Now Open:
Ristorante Avanti opened at its bigger location – just up the street from the original location – a week ago, on July 23. This new location (former site of Hawg’s) has a full bar; the old Avanti did not. There is a nice enclosed patio, too. I went for lunch on Friday and the food was fantastic, as usual. I had pan-fried padron peppers with manchego as an appetizer and Italian sausage as my entrée. The old location, in the same plaza as Coffeetopia on Mission, is undergoing renovations and will be open in the future with a focus on pizza. Location: 1917 Mission St., (831)-427-0135
The chain L&L Hawaiian Barbecue now has a franchise at the corner of 7th Avenue & Eaton/Murray in Santa Cruz (former spot of Fandango’s). Location: 460 7th Avenue, (831) 475-8898
Suda opened on June 20 in the Pleasure Point area of Santa Cruz, where Rock of the Sea used to be. It serves breakfast and lunch plus it has a full bar that is open during the evening. The co-owner is Dan Voskoboynikov who also co-owns popular Harbor Café on 7th Avenue near Eaton/Murray. The chef is former Chaminade food/beverage director Anthony Dias. Location: 3910 Portola Drive, (831) 600-7068
Changes:
Clouds in downtown Santa Cruz is no longer open. It’s undergoing renovations, and is going to re-open with the same owner but a different name and menu: Louie’s Cajun Kitchen and Bourbon Bar Restaurant. Location: 110 Church Street, (831) 429-2000
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