Upper Crust Pizza & Pasta – Italian
Upper Crust Pizza & Pasta welcomes guests with the comforting aroma of toasted garlic and slow-simmered marinara, creating a warm neighborhood haven where every meal feels like a soulful homecoming. The kitchen balances bold, savory indulgences like house-made meatballs and zesty Sicilian-inspired appetizers with the crisp, vibrant crunch of artfully composed harvest and Greek salads. It is a place where the sizzle of New York-style sausage and the snap of fresh greens come together to offer a satisfying dining experience that celebrates the heart of Italian-American flavors.
2501 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz 95060 https://uppercrustsc.com/Rating: 3/5 (1 reviews)
Cuisine: Italian
Price range: $
Dietary options: dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, high-protein, nut-free, vegan, vegetarian, heart-healthy, low-fat, low-sodium, mediterranean, paleo, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, anti-inflammatory, dash-sodium-reduced, gerd, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, renal, tlc, volumetrics, zone, macrobiotic, soy-free
Diet fit at Upper Crust Pizza & Pasta
Dairy-Free at Upper Crust Pizza & Pasta
Upper Crust Pizza & Pasta in Santa Cruz has 4 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including New York Style Italian Sausage, Garden Salad and Vegetarian Combo (Small Sicilian). Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Gluten-Free at Upper Crust Pizza & Pasta
Upper Crust Pizza & Pasta in Santa Cruz has 1 gluten-free-tagged dish on its current menu, including New York Style Italian Sausage. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Halal at Upper Crust Pizza & Pasta
Upper Crust Pizza & Pasta in Santa Cruz has 15 halal-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Margherita (Small Sicilian), Harvest Salad and Caesar Salad. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
High-Protein at Upper Crust Pizza & Pasta
Upper Crust Pizza & Pasta in Santa Cruz has 1 high-protein-tagged dish on its current menu, including The Impossible Pizza (Small Sicilian). Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Nut-Free at Upper Crust Pizza & Pasta
Upper Crust Pizza & Pasta in Santa Cruz has 1 nut-free-tagged dish on its current menu, including Garden Salad. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegan at Upper Crust Pizza & Pasta
Upper Crust Pizza & Pasta in Santa Cruz has 4 vegan-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Garden Salad, Vegetarian Combo (Small Sicilian) and Fountain Drink (Bottomless). Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegetarian at Upper Crust Pizza & Pasta
Upper Crust Pizza & Pasta in Santa Cruz has 16 vegetarian-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Margherita (Small Sicilian), Harvest Salad and Cookie Sundae. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Heart-Healthy at Upper Crust Pizza & Pasta
Upper Crust Pizza & Pasta in Santa Cruz has 3 heart-healthy-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Garlic Bread (3 Slices), Garden Salad and Bruschetta. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
How tags work: Dish-level menu analysis by Chefi's rule-based diet engine with AI assistance; nutrition values are estimated from ingredients unless marked verified. Allergen and certification claims are never inferred.
What to order at Upper Crust Pizza & Pasta
| Dish | Net carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Italian Submarine | 15.5 g | 65.9 g |
| Draft Beer Pint | 0 g | 62.3 g |
| Harvest Salad | 156.7 g | 57.2 g |
| California Chicken Salad | 68.8 g | 35.5 g |
| The Impossible Pizza (Small Sicilian) | 11.6 g | 28.9 g |
| Vegetarian Combo (Small Sicilian) | 22.3 g | 27.5 g |
| Greek Salad | 5.7 g | 24.2 g |
| Sicilian Muffaletta Appetizer | 41.8 g | 15.8 g |
| Cookie Sundae | 105.7 g | 13 g |
| Soup of the Day (Cup) | 22.9 g | 11.3 g |
| Bruschetta | 41.6 g | 10.5 g |
| Meat Lasagna | 0.6 g | 10.5 g |
Nutrition values are estimated from ingredients.
Currently open
Hours
- Sunday - Thursday
- 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Friday - Saturday
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
What diners are saying
Guests appreciate Upper as a reliable destination for a casual meal with friends, frequently noting the relaxed atmosphere that suits low-key social gatherings. Reviewers highlight the consistent service and adequate portion sizes, which provide a straightforward and dependable dining experience for those seeking a no-fuss outing. Celebrated for its accessibility, the venue is praised for its functional approach to everyday dining and its ability to accommodate groups in a comfortable, unpretentious setting.
Menu
Appetizers
- Bruschetta - $7.95: Toasted crostini, chopped tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Sicilian Muffaletta Appetizer - $6.95: Sesame seed pizza dough, olive oil, Italian spices, cheese, house-made ranch Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Spicy Buffalo Wings (10 Wings) - $13.95: Wings served with house-made ranch or blue cheese dressing Available at: dinner, lunch
- Garlic Bread (3 Slices) - $5.5: Toasted bread with garlic Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- House-made Italian Meatballs - $7.5: 2 large hand-rolled meatballs, house-made meat marinara Available at: dinner, lunch
- New York Style Italian Sausage - $7.5: Sliced sausage, house-made meat marinara Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
Soups & Salads
- Garden Salad - $8.5: Mixed green lettuce, shredded carrots, green onions, croutons Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Renal, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Caesar Salad - $8.5: Romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, croutons, Caesar dressing Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
- Harvest Salad - $9.95: Mixed green lettuce, blue cheese, dried cranberries, candied walnuts, croutons, balsamic vinaigrette Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Greek Salad - $9.95: Romaine lettuce, tomatoes, Kalamata olives, red onions, cucumbers, feta cheese, Italian dressing Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Mediterranean, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- California Chicken Salad - $14.95: Mixed green lettuce, grilled chicken breast, tomatoes, red onions, bacon, avocado, croutons Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Soup of the Day (Cup) - $5.95: Served with house-made garlic bread Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
Pizza
- Original Meat Combo (Small Sicilian) - $20.25: Sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers Available at: dinner, lunch
- Meat Lover's (Small Sicilian) - $20.25: Sausage, pepperoni, ham, turkey bacon Available at: dinner, lunch
- Vegetarian Combo (Small Sicilian) - $20.25: Mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, black olives, tomatoes Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Anti-Inflammatory, Low-Cholesterol Available at: dinner, lunch
- The Impossible Pizza (Small Sicilian) - $20.25: Plant-based Impossible Meat, mushrooms, onions Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
- Margherita (Small Sicilian) - $17.5: Chopped tomatoes, fresh basil, olive oil base Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
Pasta
- Custom Pasta - $16.95: Choice of Spaghetti, Rotini, Ravioli, or Tortellini with choice of Marinara, Alfredo, or Pesto. Served with garlic bread Available at: dinner, lunch
- Meat Lasagna - $16.95: Traditional house-made lasagna served with garlic bread Available at: dinner, lunch
Sandwiches
- Turkey Breast Sandwich - $14.95: Oven-roasted turkey, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, mustard, mayonnaise Dietary tags: Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Italian Submarine - $14.95: Salami, ham, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, Italian dressing Available at: dinner, lunch
- House-made Meatball Sandwich - $14.95: Hand-rolled meatballs, meat marinara, cheese Available at: dinner, lunch
Desserts
- Cookie Sundae - $8.5: Warm chocolate chip cookie, vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Sicilian Cannoli - $4.95: Pastry shell, sweet creamy filling, chocolate chips, powdered sugar Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Nutella Pizza - $8.95: Thin crust, Nutella, powdered sugar Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian
- Molten Lava Cake - $10.95: Chocolate lava cake, vanilla ice cream Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, High-Fiber
Beverages
- Fountain Drink (Bottomless) - $3.5: Coke, Diet Coke, Coke Zero, Root Beer, Sprite, Pink Lemonade, Iced Tea Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian
- Root Beer Float - $6.95: Marianne's vanilla ice cream and root beer
- Draft Beer Pint - $8: Selection of local and domestic drafts
- House Wine Glass - $8.5: Pinot Grigio or Chianti
Sides & Add-ons
- Side Dipping Sauce (2 oz) - $0.95: Ranch, Blue Cheese, Marinara, or Pizza Sauce Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Anti-Inflammatory
- Add Grilled Chicken Breast - $5.95: Add-on for salads or pasta Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Renal
Frequently Asked Questions about Upper Crust Pizza & Pasta
- How does this restaurant compare to others in the same cuisine type?
- This budget-friendly Italian restaurant is rated 3.0/5 and recognized as a reliable, no-fuss destination for consistent service and straightforward meals.
- What are the most popular dishes at this restaurant?
- Popular menu highlights include house-made meatballs, New York style Italian sausage, Sicilian muffaletta, meat lover's pizza, and various fresh salads.
- Which diets does this restaurant support based on its menu?
- This restaurant supports keto, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, high-protein, dairy-free, and mediterranean diets with dishes like bruschetta and Italian sausage.
- Is this restaurant good for casual dining or more upscale?
- This budget-friendly Italian restaurant offers a casual, relaxed atmosphere ideal for low-key social gatherings and no-fuss everyday dining.
- What is the restaurant's atmosphere and style?
- Upper Crust Pizza & Pasta offers a relaxed, casual neighborhood atmosphere suitable for low-key social gatherings and no-fuss group dining.
- What do customers love most about this restaurant according to reviews?
- Guests praise the relaxed atmosphere, consistent service, and adequate portion sizes, making it a reliable destination for casual group dining.
- What are the main concerns mentioned in customer reviews?
- Customer reviews indicate no specific complaints, though the 3.0/5 rating suggests a functional, no-fuss experience with average overall satisfaction.
- Does this restaurant have good options for group dining with mixed dietary needs?
- This restaurant accommodates mixed dietary needs with vegan, keto, gluten-free, and high-protein options like bruschetta, Italian sausage, and various salads.
- Is this restaurant currently open and operational?
- The provided data does not include specific operating hours or current status to confirm if the restaurant is currently open.
- What type of diner would most enjoy this restaurant?
- Diners seeking a budget-friendly, casual Italian meal with friends will enjoy this relaxed neighborhood spot for its dependable, no-fuss atmosphere.
- Is Upper Crust Pizza & Pasta dairy-free-friendly?
- Yes. Upper Crust Pizza & Pasta has 4 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including New York Style Italian Sausage, Garden Salad and Vegetarian Combo (Small Sicilian).
- What can I eat at Upper Crust Pizza & Pasta on a dairy-free diet?
- New York Style Italian Sausage, Garden Salad and Vegetarian Combo (Small Sicilian) carry the dairy-free tag, out of 4 tagged dishes on the current menu. Every dish's diet tags are listed in the menu.
- Does Upper Crust Pizza & Pasta have vegan options?
- Yes. 4 dishes are tagged vegan on the current menu, including Garden Salad and Vegetarian Combo (Small Sicilian).
- Is Upper Crust Pizza & Pasta gluten-free?
- 1 dish is tagged gluten-free on the current menu. Chefi never infers allergen tags from a dish name alone, but a tag is not a certification — confirm preparation with the restaurant if you have celiac disease or a severe sensitivity.
- What is the highest-protein dish at Upper Crust Pizza & Pasta?
- Italian Submarine, at roughly 65.9g of protein (estimated from ingredients).
Restaurants near Upper Crust Pizza & Pasta
- Engfer Pizza Works — Italian
- Woodstock's Pizza — Italian
- Pizza My Heart — Italian
- Zachary's — Italian
- Venus Pie Trap — Italian
- Cafe Ivéta Downtown — Italian
- Discretion Brewing — American
- Pretty Good Advice — American
- Shadowbrook — Steakhouse
- Verve Coffee Roasters — American
- Windmill Café — American
- Akira — Japanese
