Tucked away in the heart of downtown Santa Cruz, Laili Restaurant is where the sun-drenched flavors of the Mediterranean meet the culinary creativity of the Bay Area. With its award-winning garden patio, polished service, and refined, soulful cuisine, Laili has earned its reputation as one of the Central Coast’s top fine dining destinations—and a regional favorite for those in the know.
Recognized with multiple awards including Best Fine Dining, Best Romantic Restaurant, and Best Outdoor Dining in Santa Cruz, Laili isn’t just a local favorite—it’s a destination that draws food lovers from across the Bay Area.
Bay Area Roots, Mediterranean Soul
The story of Laili begins long before its Santa Cruz debut. Founder Wafi Amin immigrated to the United States from Afghanistan in 1975, shortly after graduating high school. Like many immigrants, his early years in the U.S. were defined by grit, determination, and a relentless work ethic. He landed in the Bay Area, where he worked in restaurants while pursuing his studies. It didn’t take long for his natural talent in the kitchen to shine.
Amin quickly moved from the front of house to the kitchen, eventually becoming the head cook at a French restaurant. There, he refined his culinary techniques, mastering classic European preparations and developing an appreciation for balance, presentation, and precision. Those early lessons in French cuisine would leave a lasting impact, shaping how he would approach food for decades to come.
After years of successful restaurant and business ventures throughout the Bay Area, Amin made his way to Santa Cruz in 2010. He saw an opportunity to bring something new to the local dining scene: a place where guests could experience the rich, spice-laced flavors of the Mediterranean and the cultural warmth of Afghan hospitality, all elevated through the lens of fine dining.
“I wanted to create a space where people could gather, relax, and enjoy beautiful food that told a story—where every dish had meaning,” Amin says.
Laili’s menu is anything but ordinary. It draws from the diverse cuisines that flourished along the ancient Silk Road, where Afghanistan sat at the heart of East-West trade routes and cultural exchange. But instead of a strictly traditional approach, the restaurant takes these influences and infuses them with fresh, local ingredients and a California-Mediterranean sensibility.
Here, you’ll find dishes that are both comforting and refined—grilled kabobs, spiced lamb, tender chicken, and vibrant vegetarian creations—each one prepared with intention and balance. Amin’s dedication to both the cultural roots of Afghan cuisine and the diversity of flavors and ingredients found throughout California shines through in every dish.
Signature Dishes That Speak for Themselves
The herb-marinated chicken kabobs remain a beloved favorite—expertly grilled to juicy perfection and served alongside aromatic saffron rice and roasted seasonal vegetables. Equally compelling, the filet mignon kabob is finished with a bright garlic-lime sauce and presented with fragrant kabuli rice and a vibrant medley of vegetables. For a truly indulgent experience, the braised lamb shank is slow-cooked until exquisitely tender, infused with warming spices and enriched by a deeply flavorful reduction.
A true standout, Laili’s Braised Lamb Pasta offers a rare and refined twist on comfort food. Slow – braised lamb is folded into house-made fettuccine with a rich tomato cream sauce, zucchini, carrot, green onion, and fresh parsley. Distinctive and unforgettable, it’s a guest favorite for good reason.
A Plant-Forward Approach for Modern Diners
While Laili’s meat and seafood offerings are stunning, the restaurant also shines in its vegetarian and vegan selections—not as afterthoughts, but as standout stars in their own right.
Take the mantu dumplings, for example: delicate, hand-folded dumplings traditionally filled with spiced vegetables, topped with a savory lentil sauce and a drizzle of herbed yogurt. The dish is both comforting and layered, offering an intricate blend of textures and flavors.
Other highlights include roasted cauliflower with tahini and eggplant flatbread, each designed to showcase how deeply satisfying and creative plant-based cuisine can be. The emphasis is always on balance—allowing the ingredients to speak for themselves while elevating them with Mediterranean-inspired seasoning and preparation.
A Space That Transports You
Laili isn’t just known for its food—it’s also one of the most beautiful places to dine in Santa Cruz. The enclosed garden patio feels like a hidden courtyard in the Mediterranean, complete with string lights, greenery, and a sense of calm that contrasts the bustle of downtown just outside its gates.
Inside, the dining room blends rustic textures with modern elegance. Wood accents, soft lighting, and curated art pieces create a space that feels both upscale and inviting. Whether you’re stopping by for a casual lunch or celebrating a milestone, the atmosphere always feels just right.
“We wanted Laili to feel like a retreat—somewhere you could relax, enjoy great food, and forget everything else for a little while,” Amin explains.
A Wine & Beer Program Built for Pairing
Laili also offers a thoughtfully curated wine and beer list, selected to complement the restaurant’s bold and diverse flavors. The list includes Mediterranean and California wines, as well as craft beers that pair beautifully with both meat-based and vegetarian dishes.
At its core, Laili is a celebration—not just of Mediterranean cuisine, but of community, culture, and connection. It reflects the story of its founder, the flavors of his journey, and the culinary richness of the Bay Area and Central Coast.
Credit: Laili Restaurant
The name “Laili” itself is a reference to a Middle Eastern love story, symbolizing passion, devotion, and longing. Fitting, then, that so many guests leave feeling just that—a longing to return.
Whether you’re a Santa Cruz local, a visiting traveler, or a Bay Area foodie in search of your next favorite spot, Laili delivers an experience that’s as flavorful, heartfelt, and unforgettable as the story behind it. For reservations and more information, you can visit our website or follow us on Instagram for all the latest!
