Presentation on Map Reviews Nearby

Bedda Mia in Santa Cruz

4.8 (74) 736 Water St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States

Categories

Restaurant

Location on the map

Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz County, California, US

Phone: +1 831-201-4320
Site: https://beddamiarestaurant.com/

Opening hours

Monday:4–9:30 PM
Tuesday:4–9:30 PM
Wednesday:4–9:30 PM
Thursday:4–9:30 PM
Friday:4–9:30 PM
Saturday:4–9:30 PM
Sunday:4–9:30 PM

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Total reviews rating 4.8

74 Reviews for Bedda Mia 2024:

Review №1

2023-07-14 00:57:03

We went to Bedda Mia on the east side for a late afternoon lunch. Overall, we don’t regret giving them a try. The staff, though slow, were all incredibly friendly and kind. Both of our entrees were delicious. But unfortunately our appetizer was a disappointment and the corrugated plastic roofing over their outdoor seating area was so hot it was like eating in a greenhouse.We started with the calamari and crab cake appetizer. The calamari was lightly breaded (which we love) but unfortunately extremely salty. We couldn’t finish it. The crab cakes were quite overcooked, dry and not very flavorful.My bf ordered the fettuccine with fish ragu . It had an abundance of mussels, clams, salmon and calamari. He loved it. The seafood was cooked perfectly and the fettuccine was wonderful.I ordered the mushroom risotto. I’m a huge mushroom lover and this risotto did not disappoint, full of porcini and cremini mushrooms. This is hands down the best risotto I have ever eaten!We will definitely go back. However, we will sit inside on our next visit and skip the calamari and crab cakes.

Review №2

2023-08-07 01:57:15

Amazing entrées and dessert! The staff were extremely helpful and very knowledgeable about what they served. Having been my first time at this restaurant, i was curious to see what they would recommend. They hit the nail on the head for me. We started with Calamari which was very tasty and flaky with a delicious sauce. For an entrée I had the Risotto Al Frutti Di Mari and the others in my party had the lasagna. Large portions and such delicious food. Finished it off with a canoli they they specifically make a certain way. It was amazing! Thank you for the great recommendation for dinner I will be returning on my next visit!!

Review №3

2023-05-15 22:55:15

We drove down from Santa Rosa to celebrate my husbands birthday and to finally experience Bedda Mia and it did not disappoint.The food was absolutely on point. We had the arancini platter for dinner (was too busy enjoying it to take a picture lol), 4 different pasta dishes, and Gelato for dessert.Arrivederci e alla prossima volta.

Review №4

2023-01-20 03:59:06

Everything was very good, especially the arancini, of which there were 3 variations. The white wine, sage and butter sauce on the short rib ravioli with speck was also quite tasty. A family run affair. Will definitely be coming back.

Review №5

2023-04-23 03:05:11

Not what I was expecting but the food was delicious! I choose the ravioli and my husband had the salmon piccata. Both were delicious! We had the arrnchini appetizer as well. Service was fast and friendly

Review №6

2023-02-12 05:19:14

Fantastic food. Wonderful family owned place. Another patron paid his bill and asked to meet the chefs. Gave them a hug and shared some thanks in Italian. Cant say how much we enjoyed this meal.Calamari fritaChicken picattaSquid ink Linguini del mare

Review №7

2023-11-05 02:07:43

Everything we tried was absolutely amazing. We’ve been to many restaurants in Santa Cruz county over the 40 plus years we’ve been here. This was by far one of the best dining experiences we’ve had. It felt like my Italian mother cooked me dinner tonight with love

Review №8

2022-09-04 05:14:30

The family that owns La Placa Family bakery in Ben Lomand has partnered to open this cozy new restaurant and we’re glad they did. The food is fantastic. A combo of Sicilian and Genovese flavors. The real deal. We live half the year in Southern Italy and are spoiled by the quality of food there. This measures up and is excellent value for the money. Started splitting the Gustosa salad. Greens, bacon, pecans (normally walnuts), cranberries with a raspberry vinegar dressing. Irina had the salmon and I had a huge piece of sword fish. Finished off with a raspberry eclair that was heavenly.

Review №9

2022-10-20 03:38:41

The best gnocchi I’ve ever had. We also ordered the vongole. Authentic home cooked Italian food. We got spaghetti and meatballs to go but I didn’t get a good photo. Everything was amazing along with our server, Mateo. Can’t wait to try more dishes. Cheers!

Review №10

2022-09-15 22:54:01

What a fantastic new Italian addition to the neighborhood! Well go again and again. Highly recommend!My husband and I went to Bedda Mia for the first time for dinner on a Monday, which was very convenient as so many restaurants are only open W-Sat for dinner. We had 6:30pm reservations, showed up 10 minutes early, were greeted so warmly and seated right away. We chose to sit outside since it was a nice day. Plenty of tables outside to suit you.Our server was Maddie and she was incredibly prompt, friendly, and extremely knowledgeable about the menu, drinks, and specials. Had a great personality, and even dealt with a less than friendly person with poise and kindness. 5 stars for Maddie!!We ordered the onion soup as an appetizer and oh wow. Well definitely be ordering that again, especially in the cooler months. It was smooth, aromatic, warming, and had many layers of flavor. Its not a French onion soup even though it comes with a fontina smothered crostini. Its so much more than that. ☺️My husband ordered the Chicken Cotoletta alla Milanese. And holy Moses. Was it incredible! Its lightly breaded, pounded flat, cooked to a beautiful golden color - and STILL so tender and juicy. Take advantage of the roasted onions and peppers that come with it, its a wonderful flavor combination. The potato fries that come with it arent your normal fries. They are thinly sliced, airy, crispy, and seasoned to perfection. This dish is a winner!I got the Trofie Pesto pasta and added chicken. This dish... Im so glad the servings are so large because I had enough for lunch the next day and got to experience it twice. The pasta, perfect texture. Pesto, gorgeous. The tomatoes and sliced almonds add texture and depth to the dish. And of course, the chicken was perfectly tender and flavorful.This chef is working with magic, Im telling you!The check came out fast after it was requested, and they even have a super convenient option to pay for the check online from your phone. That was a nice surprise!All in all, excellent food, outstanding service, and I cant wait to see and eat whats next at this new restaurant!

Review №11

2022-08-15 03:44:49

Had a great meal at Bedda Mia on Water street. Our wait person, Mateo, was friendly and accommodating. Had two appetizers (plus the bread and olive oil). And an entree to share. And a bottle of wine and got out the door for less than $100. Loved the Caprese and Onion soup. We sat outside. I suggest they get a large strip of beautiful fabric and hang it along the tent bottom outside. It was a sunny night and we could have used some reprieve. All in all, a wonderful new restaurant! And within walking distance! And this was just their second week. Kudos!

Review №12

2023-09-14 03:00:54

Hidden gem right here! Wide range of option on their menu. Certainly enough dishes to please any size party. Large list of seasonal specials. Lots of seafood dishes. Large salads. And of course they have pizza too.

Review №13

2023-08-20 03:10:12

Solid Italian food! Been a few times and have never been disappointed. Salmon dish was delicious, spaghetti and meatballs, risotto, seafood soup, all great. Staff is friendly and attentive. Yummy desserts as well!

Review №14

2022-12-14 18:45:38

Located ~5 minutes from Pasatiempo golf course, we came here for dinner after our round and were very impressed. Ordered the meat and cheese plate appetizer (pictured) as well as the calamari. I had the spaghetti alla carbonara and it was perfect. Also had the cannoli for dessert (as well as 2 others I cant remember the name of) and all were amazing. And to top it off, the server was the friendliest guy ever with suggestions for every course. Would definitely come back when in the area.Drinks (alcoholic), Appetizers, Entrees, dessert, tax, tip $70/pp

Review №15

2023-06-08 05:10:16

What a fantastic Italian restaurant! The pasta dishes came out super hot off the pan, no microwaving. The service is very friendly and attentive. We had Gnocchi and Pasta Amatriciana. The restaurant is clean and the food is outstanding. Can’t wait to go back. And there is parking!!!

Review №16

2023-06-08 03:18:05

Wonderful place! Truly a hidden gem. My polipo alla piastra (octopus) was cooked to perfection!

Review №17

2023-09-24 06:34:04

Flavors of the two main dishes I tried kept me eating. The spaghetti vongole was fresh and flavorful, the spaghetti alla carbonara had a lot of flavorful meat bits in it, but the creamy sauce didn’t seem to have absorbed those flavors. The minestrone was classic: just the right combination of broth and veggies and no pasta. I have many dishes yet to try.

Review №18

2023-10-28 02:55:48

Very authentic, the owner is Sicilian. Staff is incredibly nice, and the food is outstanding. Would recommend to anyone in the area looking for the best Italian food.

Review №19

2023-06-10 23:25:20

Service was excellent and the food was great. Had the fettuccine Alfredo with prawns. Prawns were cooked perfectly and the presentation was simple but had just the right touch. Will go back over and again for sure. Oh, and the $$ was spot on. Great value.

Review №20

2023-07-12 21:35:08

What food is awesome. I love Italian, and the rich flavors of the sauces and pasta was fantastic. And the service was even better, the smile of the owner and his enthusiasm was so great to see.

Review №21

2023-04-21 19:58:08

From the fresh home made tomato sauce to the perfectly cooked chicken; this place did not disappoint! Friendly staff with a small family business vibe. Very reasonably price with generous (sharable) portions. Be sure to try the Arancini appetizer as well! Cant wait to come back and try their dessert🤤

Review №22

2022-08-15 23:36:05

Everything we tried was excellent, executed flawlessly. The beef short rib ravioli (del Doge) was the best beef ravioli Ive ever had. I cant wait to eat my way through the rest of their menu!

Review №23

2023-11-18 06:44:20

Great food, with the BEST tiramisu and Americano!Somehow it wasnt packed, and we were seated immediately.The staff was attentive and helpful.

Review №24

2023-06-13 00:23:53

Sorry about this review. We (two adults) went there end of May for dinner. What struck us first was that they gave us a few slices of bread in a small paper bag. A paper bag! The bread was dry and tasted old. We had Italian classics like the Lasagne Bolognese, the Ravioli al Salmone, and the Tiramisu. The Tiramisu was great. But both the Lasagne and the Ravioli were completely oversalted and uneatable. The Lasagne was hot on top but cold in the middle like they warmed it up in the microwave. Also, the Ravioli had a very fishy taste like not fresh. We could not eat that either. The waiters were friendly but very loud. Shouting like we will take care of you or no problem, so everyone could hear.We are sorry for this review but for $100 excluding tip (and we drank only water) we expected more.

Review №25

2023-10-08 15:59:03

Delightful family run restaurant. Excellent and really interesting Italian dishes. Truly authentic. Cant wait to return.

Review №26

2022-09-02 02:28:24

It is a really good place for Italian food... the pizza is unique 😋 and affordable.

Review №27

2022-11-09 19:03:03

Best seafood risotto in town!Everyone was so friendly, and the food is amazing.Highly recommend!

Review №28

2023-05-30 23:27:32

A hidden gem. Intimate atmosphere, attentive staff and tasty dishes that are a nice blend of tried and true classics mixed with more unusual tastes for those looking for something different. Multiple desserts. A good spot for couples or small groups to catch up over food and wine.

Review №29

2023-05-10 01:28:35

If youre looking for an authentic Italian dining experience, look no further than this family-owned restaurant. From the moment you walk in, youre greeted with warm hospitality that makes you feel like youre part of the family.The menu is filled with classic dishes that are expertly prepared and bursting with flavor. The bresaola is a must-try, with thinly sliced cured beef that melts in your mouth. The antipasto caldo is also a standout, with a variety of hot appetizers that are perfect for sharing.But the real star of the show is the steak. Cooked to perfection and served with a variety of sides, its hard to resist ordering it every time you visit. Whether you prefer it rare or well-done, the steak is always tender and juicy.Overall, this restaurant is a gem that shouldnt be missed. With delicious food, friendly service, and a cozy atmosphere, its the perfect place to enjoy a night out with family or friends.

Review №30

2023-05-09 06:13:51

The Italian restaurant Bedda Mia is an unforgettable culinary experience! The traditional antipasti such as arancini and mussels and clams are delicious, but the standout dish is undoubtedly the perfectly cooked swordfish. The bresaola is another delightful surprise that should not be missed. The service is exceptional and the atmosphere is perfect for a romantic evening or a dinner with friends. I cannot recommend this restaurant enough!

Review №31

2023-05-21 03:26:08

Authentic Italian fare, curated by two awesome, experienced chefs. Absolutely delicious food, made with love and great care. Everything is made to order and ingredients are super fresh. Save room for dessert!

Review №32

2022-12-31 17:48:02

Came with a larger party, they accommodated us and ensured the meal went perfectly. Mateo was very attentive and impressed us with his service. All of the food was delicious. The octopus was my favorite entree. amazing array of desserts that were heavenly. I will definitely be coming back.

Review №33

2022-08-28 00:11:17

Gnocchi was some of the best we have had and we’ve had a lot, including our own homemade. Delicious, fresh sauce. Service wonderful, friendly, quick. Loved the arancini special!!! The desserts, like their bakery desserts, are some of our favorite in the area! We wish them continued success! Small, intimate setting! Perfect for special occasion dinners or a nice lunch!!

Review №34

2023-04-06 18:50:24

I highly recommend going to Bedda Mia for Italian food. The food was amazing! I ordered the polenta and meatballs, it was fantastic. The service was exceptional. The drinks and dessert were great as well. I will definitely be coming back.

Review №35

2023-08-25 22:24:11

This was, without a question, some of the best food Ive had since coming to Santa Cruz. The food was excellent, and they easily accommodated our group.

Review №36

2023-09-04 04:38:48

Everything we had was delicious and fresh! Highly reccomend the gnocchi! Pillowy and flavorful.

Review №37

2022-08-21 02:45:23

Just had a wonderful Saturday evening dinner at my new favorite restaurant. First time here so we had to try the pizza. Delicious! Can’t wait to come back to try the pasta. Our waiter Max was fantastic and very helpful. The desserts all looked so amazing we took a couple home.

Review №38

2023-06-03 22:54:42

Happened to find Bedda Mia on a quiet afternoon and we had authentic Italian Pasta for lunch, Eggplant Parmesan was the best, if you like to eat Eggplant but with less cheese this is your place

Review №39

2022-09-25 20:03:52

Phenomenal! amazing food. family-run restaurant with great service. all the mains we had were absolutely delicious, but DO NOT skip dessert. We ordered 3 different to share between 4 of us and they were incredible.

Review №40

2022-09-11 15:49:13

We were excited to try this new restaurant (only 5 weeks old). The food was good, but not great. The eggplant parm was very good, the carbonera was a little lacking in taste. The wine list is quite good. Overall, worth a try but there are a lot of great Italian restaurants in the mid-town area.

Review №41

2023-01-07 23:46:57

Fantastic Italian dishes. Super tasty at reasonable price. Service was great. It is a small place, so acoustics are challenging when dinner hour gets into full swing, but delightful nonetheless.

Review №42

2022-08-08 16:13:13

We had lunch at Bedda Mia last Sunday. The food was excellent! The service was also very good! The menu had a wide variety of choices of very authentic Italian food. They also make amazing Italian pastries! We highly recommend this new restaurant!

Review №43

2022-09-04 02:25:02

So excited to be welcoming Bedda Mia to Santa Cruz. Our take-out pizzas and salads were so delicious. Looking forward to dining in and enjoying the staff and all that this skillful kitchen has to offer.

Review №44

2022-11-07 03:02:58

I had a fantastic meal here! I got the beef short rib ravioli which was great. Our server Mateo was very personable and friendly!Can’t wait to come back!

Review №45

2023-03-09 17:06:02

Authentic Italian food. Quaint inside dining area and outside patio seating. Everything was delicious from apps to dessert. Extensive dessert menu. Highly recommend.

Review №46

2023-04-25 02:14:39

Food and service is outstanding! The portions are generous. I recommend the meatballs and polenta in marinara with porcini mushrooms.

Review №47

2022-10-02 21:03:53

SO GOOD!! I got the salmon ravioli and it was delicious and so was my husband’s fettuccini Alfredo. If we had been in Santa Cruz a second night, we would have gone back again!

Review №48

2023-04-22 03:12:12

Beware they charge you a service charge for using our credit card.....I have never seen that before. There food was OK but not great. Wait staff were pleasant, friendly and helpful but slow to get back to you re: desserts and bring the check.

Review №49

2023-05-01 02:32:39

It is all about the food. Friends have been recommending this place for months. If you care about interesting, original food, definitely check this place. We need you to keep this place going. Do it for us!

Review №50

2022-11-12 05:25:52

Potentially the best lasagna I have ever had. All of the desserts are delicious. This place is definitely worth a visit.

Review №51

2022-08-08 21:30:43

Molto delizioso! Seriously, if you’re looking for a taste of Italia (without a long plane trip!) stop by for an amazing meal and excellent service! Also… try the tiramisu… you’ll thank me later!

Review №52

2023-02-26 23:34:43

Fabulous family owned business. Food was fantastic, service was super! Mateo treated us like family.

Review №53

2022-08-18 20:09:58

Wonderful food! The waiter Mateo was extremely pleasant. Ill definitely be going back.

Review №54

2023-06-04 04:07:09

Found it by accident. Wonderfully authentic Italian food. Impressively good.

Review №55

2023-10-10 04:23:26

Decent mains but mass produced overpriced deserts.

Review №56

2022-10-05 04:16:55

This ristorante is wonderful. Im half Sicilian, and this dinner is right up there with my Moms best... Really !

Review №57

2023-03-25 04:55:19

Fantastic, authentic food. Mateo did a stellar job. Will be back.

Review №58

2022-10-15 19:57:02

Super friendly and knowledgeable staff. Well-executed Italian classics without breaking the bank.

Review №59

2022-09-03 04:45:27

Thoughtful owner, tasty ravioli, lasagna and wine...will need to save room for dessert next time

Review №60

2022-08-14 00:59:54

This is the real deal! Pizza crust that is so wonderful, crunchy and light! And the fried calamaretti! ahhhh!

Review №61

2023-01-09 16:52:13

Wonderful restaurant. Great food. Great service. Very nice people. Fresh food

Review №62

2023-02-20 01:49:33

Best pizza Ive had in years. Try the San Daniele pizza

Review №63

2023-05-20 01:01:49

Mama Mia!!!! Best Italian food this side the Mississippi!!

Review №64

2022-10-14 04:36:59

Great food and very personable service. Cant wait to go back.

Review №65

2022-10-15 05:51:29

Loved it! The pasta and the sauce completely hit the spot

Review №66

2022-12-17 01:58:41

Excellent service, excellent food, excellent wine

Review №67

2022-08-08 02:00:11

Great food and very authentic feel

Review №68

2023-06-03 02:56:56

Best food ever

Review №69

2023-04-11 01:11:38

Yum. Just simply yum.

Review №70

2023-02-04 03:33:03

Get the arancini tho

Review №71

2023-08-17 04:27:03

Real Italian cuisine, delicious dishes, very kind service and owner. We returned to Italy for an evening. Advised

Review №72

2023-08-25 05:12:12

Finally a REAL Italian restaurant! Great food and spectacular staff. And most importantly, the price is fair

Review №73

2022-10-31 03:37:11

Italian restaurant in California where you can find the real Italian!!! The pizza is spectacular, the Sicilian dishes are delicious. The desserts are the highlight.And this evening with Italian music accompaniment...o sole mio. Highly recommended!!!!

Review №74

2022-08-14 21:52:45

Good atmosphere, super good service and food… highly recommended 😋