In 1980 John and Julie Clymer bought a small coffee shop with the hopes of turning it into an Italian restaurant. In Italy most restaurants are labeled simply "Ristorante Italiano," so that became our name. Floods and earthquakes aside, things went well and, needing more space, we moved to our current location here in the Branciforte Plaza in 1991. We have tried to create an ambience and taste of Italy and hope that you enjoy your visit with us.The Branciforte Plaza was built in 1929 as the major hospital in the City of Santa Cruz. The city of course outgrew it and a new hospital (Dominican) was built. This building was renovated as retail and office space in 1976. In the hallway entering Ristorante Italiano is a list of babies born in the hospital.In July of 1998 we completed our three-story mural facing our patio. The artist is Dong Sun Kim from Seaside. We have chosen to place photos of the mural on our menu covers so that we can all enjoy it year-round.
Call (831) 458-2321 for reservations for groups of six or
more. Lunch Mon-Fri, 11:30-4:00, Dinner nightly from 5:00. 555 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, California 95062.
Located in the historic
Branciforte Plaza.
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