01
Classic mountain institution
Scopazzi's Restaurant
Downtown Boulder Creek • Classic Italian Lodge Restaurant • Special-Occasion Pick
Old-school Italian in a rambling lodge with fireplaces, a leafy patio, and a proper cocktail bar.
Locals head to Scopazzi's when it really matters—anniversaries, visiting relatives, or any night that deserves a white-tablecloth feel without leaving the mountains. Expect generous pastas, steaks, and classic Italian-American dishes, plus a solid wine list and a cozy bar if you just want cocktails and appetizers.
02
Best for a casual night out
The Sawmill Restaurant & Ale House
North Boulder Creek On Highway 9 • Lively American Ale House • Best For Groups
Burgers, smoked meats, and a long tap list anchor this busy spot with a big patio and live-music energy.
The Sawmill leans into its ale house personality with plenty of local beers, hearty pub plates, and portions sized for sharing. The expansive outdoor area and stage make it an easy choice for meeting friends, catching a band, or letting kids roam a bit while the adults linger over another round.
03
Go-to neighborhood pizza
Boulder Creek Pizza & Pub
Central Boulder Creek • Relaxed Pizza Pub • Family-Friendly Favorite
Laid-back, kid-friendly pizza spot with generous pies, pitchers, and a small-town bar feel.
This is the kind of place where Little League teams pile in after a game and regulars greet each other by name at the bar. The menu sticks to what it does best—classic and specialty pizzas, wings, and a few easy crowd-pleasers—making it an obvious choice when you want dinner to be low-key and satisfying.
04
Refined Italian escape
Casa Nostra
Ben Lomond Village On Highway 9 • Upscale Italian Trattoria • Date-Night Pick
Refined Italian dishes and good wine poured in a warm, woodsy dining room and deck tucked among the redwoods.
A short drive down Highway 9, Casa Nostra feels like a little slice of Italy dropped into the forest, with candlelit tables and from-scratch pastas. It’s a favorite for romantic dinners and special evenings, especially if you can snag a spot outside on a warm night with a bottle of red to share.
05
Most distinctive detour
Tyrolean Inn Restaurant
Forest Setting Near Ben Lomond • Cozy Bavarian Beer Garden • Destination Dinner Spot
Hearty German comfort food in a storybook chalet with steins, sausages, and picnic tables under the trees.
Tyrolean Inn is the kind of place you plan an evening around—think schnitzel, bratwurst, big pretzels, and tall beers in a setting that feels straight out of the Alps. The outdoor garden is especially charming on cool mountain evenings, making it a memorable choice when you want something different from the usual California fare.