Cafe Limelight

Looking for the best-kept secret of Santa Cruz? The Limelight is it! What a friendly and welcoming place. I have eaten there for any number of times for lunch and dinner. It is top on my list when people from out-of-town come to visit. People I've taken to the Limelight have returned to eat there on their own. The staff is friendly, and the owner often comes to the customers' tables and inquires how the food is. 50's music plays softly in the background, so you'll hear Sinatra, Fitzgerald, Doris Day, and others. Their gumbo is exceptional but is served only on the weekends. I'm from the South and I know gumbo! If you love gumbo as I do and plan to eat at the Limelight, you should call and let the owner know because he cooks only so much, and you don't want to miss out. Their specialty is paninis, and they have a wide-selection. Whatever arrives at your table will be piled high with meat and oozing with cheese. A vegetarian panini is also on their menu. They have an excellent selection of cheese and wine. My fifteen year old grandson loves trying out their wide-variety of cheese appetizers. He also loves their creamy root beer floats. His mother is happy because they serve their drinks with paper straws instead of plastic. The owner is very eco-minded. Our family always has problems deciding what dessert to order: creme brulee, chocolate brownie topped with ice cream and rich chocolate sauce, or key lime pie.



People can eat inside or out. Inside you'll find intimate tables with subdued lighting. Outside, you'll see some people eating with their dog next to them. When my son had his 44th birthday, he chose the Limelight for his celebratory dinner. When we arrived, our table was sprinkled with stars and "Happy Birthday" cut-out letters on the table. The Limelight is one of my and my family's favorite places to eat. The food is excellent, service is good, and the staff is congenial and willing to rectify any mistake they might have made.



Definitely put this place on your list of restaurants to try if you like a cozy atmosphere, 50's music, good service, and excellent paninis. You'll be made to feel special and you'll return again and again.