belly bursting happiness. lillian's is right down the street where i live, so it proves to be my favorite local restaurant and a usual for my boyfriend and my "date nights." it's small, crowded, and loud, but a lot of the time i like that-it's a hopping spot in a small space. the food is insanely good forsantacruz, perhaps the best i've tasted in the area spanning all kinds of cuisine. they're insanely rich and decadent sauces match well with their amazing pastas, which i'm told they get fresh daily from a small pasta maker in san jose. so yeah, happiest i've been in asantacruz restaurant. call ahead, be hungry, be happy.