Pizza, Pasta, and Italian Food in Santa Cruz, CA
At Upper Crust Pizza & Pasta, we have been serving Santa Cruz since 1979 with the kind of food people come back for again and again. Our authentic Italian pizza, fresh pasta, sandwiches, salads, desserts, and drinks are built on time-honored family recipes, local ingredients, and a real commitment to doing things the right way. We’re proud to be known for our Sicilian square pizza, our full pizza and pasta menu, and the warm, familiar atmosphere that has made us a local favorite for more than 45 years. For dine-in, pizza takeout, pizza delivery, or Italian catering, we make it easy to enjoy a true Santa Cruz classic.
Santa Cruz’s Home for Authentic Sicilian Pizza Since 1979
Santa Cruz has never been the kind of place that settles for average food. People here know quality, care about ingredients, and can spot the difference between something made with intention and something made to fit a chain formula. That is exactly where we come in. At Upper Crust Pizza & Pasta, we have spent over four decades serving food that feels rooted, local, and genuinely satisfying.
Read More
Our signature Sicilian square pizza is at the center of that story. This is not a copy of a national brand or a trend we decided to chase. It is a style built from authentic Sicilian family recipes, prepared with the same spirit that has guided us since day one. The crust is thicker, airy inside, crisp on the outside, and made to hold bold flavors without feeling heavy. That is what makes it stand out, and that is why so many people consider us a go-to for gourmet pizza and some of the best Italian food in Santa Cruz, CA.
What Makes Our Food Different
We take pride in keeping things authentic while also making sure there is something for everyone at the table. Our menu goes well beyond pizza, and every part of it reflects the same standards we have built our name on.
Here is what guests can expect from us:
- Sicilian square pizza made from time-honored family recipes
- Authentic Italian pizza featuring local Santa Cruz County ingredients
- Traditional pasta dishes prepared fresh daily
- Brick-oven toasted sandwiches, including our signature Sicilian Muffaletta
- Fresh garden and classic Italian salads
- Appetizers, sides, and Italian starters
- Desserts and Italian-inspired sweets
- Full beer, wine, and beverage service
- Gluten-free pizza options
- Vegetarian pizza and other plant-forward dishes
We use local ingredients because we believe Santa Cruz deserves food that reflects the quality of what grows here. For us, that is not a marketing line. It is part of how we cook and part of how we have earned the community’s trust for two generations.
More Than a Pizza Place
People often come to us for pizza and end up realizing we offer much more. We are a family-friendly pizza restaurant where weeknight dinners, casual lunches, celebrations, and group gatherings all feel right at home. Whether you are stopping in with the kids, grabbing dinner with friends, or planning a larger event, we have options that make the experience easy and enjoyable.
Read More
Our dining options include:
- Dine-in at our welcoming Santa Cruz location
- Easy pizza takeout for quick pickup
- Reliable pizza delivery throughout the area
- Flexible Italian catering for gatherings of every kind
- Pizza catering for office lunches, parties, and school events
- Wedding catering for celebrations big and small
- Corporate and community event catering
That flexibility is a big part of why people keep us in rotation. We can be your Sunday dinner spot, your quick takeout solution, your daily lunch specials stop, or the team handling food for a wedding or company event.
Reasons to Keep Coming Back
A great restaurant should give people more than one reason to visit. We have built our menu and service around that idea. Along with our everyday favorites, we offer regular specials that make each visit feel a little different.
Guests love coming in for:
- Lunch specials, pizza and drink during the week
- Nightly specials that change throughout the week
- Sunday brunch that has become a local tradition
- Seasonal menu features and house favorites
- A casual, comfortable spot to gather with family and friends
We want Upper Crust to feel like the restaurant you can rely on, whether you are planning ahead or just deciding what sounds good at the end of a long day.
How We Make Ordering Easy
We know people do not always need the same kind of dining experience, so we keep the process simple.
Catering
For events, we start with a conversation. Tell us your date, guest count, and what kind of gathering you are planning. We will help build a menu that works for your event, your budget, and your guests. From pizza catering for a team lunch to full wedding catering for hundreds of people, we know how to scale the experience without losing quality.
Takeout and Delivery
When you want the same quality at home, ordering is straightforward. Call us directly, place your order, and we will make it fresh for pickup or delivery. We do not treat takeout or delivery like an afterthought. Your food is made with the same care we give our dine-in guests.
Dine-In
Walk in, get comfortable, and let our staff help you settle in. We are happy to walk you through the menu, point out specials, and make sure your meal fits what you are craving. From pizza and pasta to salads, sandwiches, and desserts, everything is prepared fresh after you order.
Why Families and Event Planners Trust Us
There is a reason we have been part of this community for more than 45 years. We have stayed focused on the things that matter most: authentic recipes, quality ingredients, dependable service, and food people genuinely enjoy.
Read More
Why people choose us:
- Serving Santa Cruz since 1979
- Family-owned and operated for two generations
- Authentic Sicilian family recipes
- Locally sourced ingredients whenever possible
- Gluten-free and vegetarian options
- Full-service catering for events of every size
- A family-friendly pizza restaurant with deep local roots
We’re not trying to be everything to everyone. We are committed to doing Italian food well, treating guests right, and giving Santa Cruz a restaurant that still feels personal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. We offer gluten-free pizza options so more guests can enjoy our menu comfortably. Just let us know your preference when ordering.
Absolutely. We offer vegetarian pizza along with salads, pasta dishes, and other plant-forward menu options.
Yes. We offer pizza delivery throughout the Santa Cruz area. Availability can depend on your address, so call us to confirm delivery details.
We provide Italian catering for weddings, office lunches, school functions, parties, and community gatherings, with catering available for 5 to 500 guests.
Our Sicilian square pizza is based on authentic family recipes, with a thick, airy crust and crisp finish that sets it apart from standard pizza styles.
Bring Upper Crust to Your Table
Whether you are craving authentic Italian pizza, planning a family dinner, picking up pizza takeout, or organizing catering for a major event, we are here to make it memorable. At Upper Crust Pizza & Pasta, we have spent more than 45 years earning our place in the community by serving food that is honest, satisfying, and rooted in Sicilian tradition. From lunch specials, pizza and Sunday brunch to wedding catering and weeknight delivery, we are ready for whatever brings you in. Contact us today to place an order, plan your event, or join us for your next meal.