Ocean-fresh seafood, an emphasis on natural ingredients, casual atmosphere and an eclectic mix of ethnic cuisines characterize Santa Cruz's culinary culture. This Santa Cruz dining guide is based upon visits to these restaurants by dining reviewers for the Metro Santa Cruz weekly newspaper.
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American
Bluewater Steak House
110 Monterey Ave, Capitola, CA; Tel. 831.464.2500
Superb grilled meats and inventive appetizers with an ocean view. $$$
Buffalo Belle
107 Leonard St., Santa Cruz, CA; Tel. 831.425.8457
Buffalo Belle is a Santa Cruz favorite among hot wing loving locals. Santa Cruz's Buffalo Belle also serves sandwiches, flavored fries and other pub-style grub. $
Crow's Nest
2218 East Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA; Tel. 831.476.4560
Steak and seafood restaurant. Ocean view and full bar that's a favorite of locals. $$
Davenport Roadhouse
1 Davenport Road, Davenport, CA; Tel. 831.426.4122
Fresh and inventive cuisine based on organic and locally-raised ingredients. Noisy, convivial atmosphere in a great room with a fireplace at one end and guitarist at the other. $$
Hindquarter
303 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA; Tel. 831.426.7770
Americana. Ribs, steaks and burgers are definitely the stars. Full bar. $$
Walnut Avenue Cafe
106 Walnut Ave, Santa Cruz, CA; Tel. 831.457.2307
American diner. Fresh ingredients, friendly service and a complete lack of trendiness. $$
Zachary's
819 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA; Tel. 831.427.0646
American. A breakfast tradition that meets and exceeds expectations. Try the Mike's Mess. $
Bakeries
The Bagelry
320 Cedar St, Santa Cruz, CA. Tel. 831.429.8049
1636 Seabright Ave, Santa Cruz, CA. Tel. 831.425.8550
4763 Soquel Dr, Soquel, CA. Tel. 831.462.9888
Bagels are only half the story at this sleek, streamlined, no-fuss home of freshly made soups, salads, spreads and, yes, hyperdelicious bagels. The egg salad is legendary, as is the albacore, the hummus and the dazzling array of flavored and spiced cream cheese possibilities. The Duke—a voluptuous arrangement of cream cheese, apple butter and cashews on raisin bagel—is the stuff of inexpensive fantasies. Friendly and easy to like, the Bagelry is a top spot to park yourself for a lunch date. $
Beckmann’s Old World Bakery
2341 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA. Tel. 831.423.2566
Beckmann’s sourdough rounds are found at farmers markets and better grocery stores throughout the Greater Bay Area, but we alone are lucky enough to have regular access to Beckmann’s great oatmeal cookie. A wonder of chewy goodness packed with flavorful walnuts, this is a destination snack. The sandwiches in the deli case—especially the tarragon-inflected chicken salad on croissant and ham and swiss—are also superb, making this the quintessential provisioning stop when heading up the coast for a picnic or a hike. $
The Buttery
702 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA. Tel. 831.458.3020.
Santa Cruz’s favorite bakery on the Eastside expanded last year into a pit-stop for full-on lunches and early dinners. The famed zucchini muffin, lemon tarts and pecan sandie are still among the best sweet temptations available. But the poached egg breakfasts, Joe’s Favorite Black Forest ham sandwich and Caesar salad lunches now have their own devoted followings. $$
Emily’s Good Things to Eat
1129 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA. Tel. 831.429.9866
For decades, Santa Cruzans have made a point of stopping in the little shop on Mission Street with the comforting motto above the door (“Relax … you have plenty of time”) for a muffin or a sandwich, and it’s never disappointied. Proprietress Emily Reilly (who’s served two terms as mayor) runs a happy shop; the staff is pleasant and cheerful, and the cakes are always fresh. $
Gayle’s Bakery & Rosticceria
504 Bay Ave, Capitola, CA. Tel. 831.462.1200
Saturday mornings, Gayle’s is packed with locals in the know who’ve been working up a jones all week for a flaky downtowner or a buttery croissant breakfast sandwich. The gorgeous Princess cakes in the long pastry case are the stuff of fantasy, and the coffee is just about the best in town. Gayle’s also has a phenomenal deli with daily blue-plate specials for carryout—ribs, roast chicken and gorgonzola pasta are the undisputed stars here. The Jewish rye, sold in half-loaves, is truly extraordinary. $$
Kelly’s
402 Ingalls St, Santa Cruz, CA. Tel. 831.423.9059
Kelly’s French Bakery is a perennial Santa Cruz favorite, and no wonder. Its chewy, flavorful francese and compagnon (whole wheat sourdough) breads are regionally famous, and it turns out real French cream puffs and pain au chocolat. The olallieberry tarts and pumpkin pies in their buttery crusts are excellent as well, leaving us very pleasantly confused as to what really is Kelly’s specialty. We’ll take it all, thanks. $$
Bistros
Beach Street Cafe
399 Beach St., Santa Cruz, CA; Tel. 831.426.7621
Located within steps of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the Beach Street Cafe serves up delicious breakfasts and lunches, featuring a daily champagne brunch. $$
Bittersweet Bistro
787 Rio Del Mar Blvd, Aptos, CA; Tel. 831.662.9799
Classic and elegant entrees and an expert touch with chocolate. $$$
Café Rio
131 Esplanade Aptos, CA; Tel. 831.688.8917
Café Rio in Aptos, California is a local favorite for brunch, dinner and everything in between. $$$
Gabriella Cafe
910 Cedar St, Santa Cruz, CA; Tel. 831.457.1677
Bistro. Offbeat combinations and superb desserts. $$$
Burgers
Betty Burgers
505 Seabright Ave, Santa Cruz, CA. Tel. 831.423.8190.
Why the long lines on the weekends? Must be the generous burgers slathered with “secret lube” that this newish Seabright stand serves up with bacon, cheese, guacamole and anything else a burger-lover might desire. Shoestring fries or onion rings accompany. Betty also serves exotically flavored shakes (like blackberry) made with local Marianne’s ice cream. $
Carpo’s
2400 Porter St, Soquel, CA. Tel. 831.476.6260.
When the namesake burger is a half-pound Angus situation on a sourdough baguette, you know you’re in a place where they do things right. This Santa Cruz institution is also beloved for its French fries. $$
Jack’s
202 Lincoln St, Santa Cruz, CA. Tel. 831.423.4421.
Two dings of the bell at Jack’s elicits a pavlovian response for a whole subset of Santa Cruz locals, for it means a cheeseburger basket with fries and onions is on the way. Damn, these are good burgers—not too big, not too sloppily dressed, wrapped in wax paper and served with perfect, crispy fries on a sunny downtown patio. That’s living. $
Saturn Café
145 Laurel St, Santa Cruz, CA. Tel. 831.429.8505.
Only in Santa Cruz would the Metro Santa Cruz Goldies bronze medal for best burger go to a vegetarian joint. We’re just guessing here, but we think the fact that Saturn Café also rates high in the fries category is helping its gardenburgers achieve greatness. $$
99 Bottles of Beer
110 Walnut Ave, Santa Cruz, CA. Tel. 831.459.9999.
Enormous, warm, freshly grilled burgers topped with blue cheese and thick-cut bacon, or guacamole and melted jack, or chili or cheddar or mushrooms and swiss. It’s big, it’s fresh, it comes with addictive crispy waffle-cut fries and any one of a vast assortment of cold, delicious beers. $$
California/New American
Café Cruz
2621 41st Ave, Capitola, CA; Tel. 831.476.3801
Quality smoked meats, rotisserie chicken and generous organic salads in a charming warren-like setting. Great patio. $$$
Café Limelight
1016 Cedar St, Santa Cruz, CA; Tel. 831.425.7873
Unusual sandwiches, gourmet soups and perfect salads make for dependable and delicious light fare.
Casablanca Restaurant
101 Main St, Santa Cruz, CA; Tel. 831.426.9063
California/New American restaurant. Landmark dining room showcases the skills of Chef Scott Cater and company. Classic filet mignon. $$$
Chaminade
One Chaminade Lane, Santa Cruz, CA; Tel. 831.475.5600
New American restaurant. The seafood buffet hosts salads, cheeses and fresh vegetables, oysters and prawns, and hot entrees. $$$
Clouds
110 Church St, Santa Cruz, CA; Tel. 831.429.2000
American, California-style. With a great bar scene, casually glamorous setting and an attentive waitstaff. $$
Shadowbrook
1750 Wharf Rd, Capitola, CA; Tel. 831.475.1511
Seafood, steak and other tastefully prepared classics grace the menu of this romantic landmark establishment overlooking Soquel Creek. $$$
Chinese
Charlie Hong Kong
141 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA; Tel. 831.426.5664
Open daily from 11am to 11pm, this spicy treasure specializes in huge flavors for cheap prices. Singapore street food meets pan-Asian fusion in a menu full of rice bowls and noodle soups. A memorable tomato-tamarind sauce highlights the colossal pad thai, and the spicy ginger beef sandwich served on Kelly’s French roll is a global gourmet triumph. Order your choice of dish, and then choose a topping from vegan to juicy, messy hoisin pork and teriyaki salmon. Mega-value in flavor intensity. $
O'mei
2316 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA; Tel. 831.425.8458
From its astute list of locally made wines to its small plate appetizers, O’mei continues to wow the tastebuds, just as it’s done for two decades. The sleek interior rewards adventurous fans of avant garde Chinese cuisine with specialties ranging from plump red oil dumplings to a succulent ma po tofu. The Yuxian eggplant has changed lives, as had the tea-smoked sea bass and almost anything with black bean and garlic sauce. Desserts, such as the warm apple pastry, are outrageous and unexpected. $$
Confectioners
Donelly Fine Chocolates
1509 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA. Tel. 831.425.0678
Donnelly’s gorgeously wrapped chocolate bars are flavored with everything from rose to Chinese five-spice and available all around town. The truffles and ganaches are award-winning.
Mackenzie's Chocolates
1492 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA. Tel. 831.425.1492
At Mackenzie’s they go beyond the truffle. There’s a mold for everything, and if there’s a mold Mackenzie’s will fashion it into something deliciously chocolate. How about a chocolate banana slug?
Marini’s
1308 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA. Tel. 831.423.3299
Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf: #55A, Santa Cruz, CA. Tel. 831.425.7341
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz, CA. Tel. 831.423.7258
A trip to Santa Cruz doesn't count unless the visitor returns with a bag of Marini’s saltwater taffy. This local candymaker also whips up cotton candy, chocolates, caramel popcorn, candied apples, lollipops, and fudge galore—plus ice cream with local flair. “Pacific Double Header” is made with cookies from the Pacific Cookie Company, while “The Great Morgani”—coffee ice cream, espresso beans, toffee and chocolate—is named for the costumed, accordion-playing street musician.
Crepes
The Crepe Place
1134 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA; Tel. 831.429.6994
Crepes and more. Featuring the spinach crepe and Tunisian doughnut. Full bar. $$
Greek
Vasili's
1501 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA; Tel. 831.458.9808
Greek restaurant. Taverna-style specials from horiatiki salad to roast lamb. Plenty of spunk and friendly atmosphere. $$
Indian
Royal Taj
270 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA; Tel. 831.427.2400
Indian restaurant. Complexly spiced Indian dishes are served in a relaxed and easygoing atmosphere. $$
Irish
Rosie McCann's
1220 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA; Tel. 831.426.9930
Irish Pub & Restaurant. Informal pub fare with reliable execution. $$
Island
Hula's
221 Cathcart St, Santa Cruz, CA; Tel. 831.426.4852
The theme here is Hawaii and surf, which means this tiki-themed restaurant serves plenty of grilled ono, mahi mahi and ahi to enjoy while the surf videos run nonstop. $$
Italian
Bocci's Cellar
140 Encinal St., Santa Cruz, CA; Tel. 831.427.1795
Bocci's Cellar in Santa Cruz features free bocce ball every night, along with tasty Italian cuisine and an excellent happy hour.
Carniglia's
49A Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA; Tel. 831.458.3600
Italian/seafood restaurant. Provides culinary depth without tourist-fare condescension. $$
Kianti's
1100 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA; Tel. 831.469.4400
This popular downtown restaurant serves pizzas, generous platters of pasta and nice salads at reasonable prices. $$
La Posta
538 Seabright Ave, Santa Cruz, CA; Tel. 831.457.2782 Soif's Tuscan cousin serves Italian fare that's both sophisticated and pleasantly rustic in a cozy, convivial atmosphere. A wine menu of great depth allows for plenty of exploration. $$$
Lillian's
1116 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA; Tel.831.425.2288
Hearty Sunday gravy, enormous meatballs and generous platters of homemade pasta make this a new neighborhood favorite. $$
Ristorante Avanti
1711 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA; Tel. 831.427.0135
Italian restaurant. Always delicious, often inspired Mediterranean cookery. Eclectic wine bar and seasonally inspired menu. Rotating wine-tasting flights every night. $$$
Ristorante Italiano
555 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA; Tel. 831.458.2321 Italian-American restaurant. Lasagnas, pastas, scampi in generous portions. Full bar, patio dining. $$
Sestri
2655 Capitola Rd, Santa Cruz, CA; Tel. 831.479.0200
Cal-Ital fare made with the highest quality ingredients make this Eastside trattoria a hit among the cognoscenti. $$$
Star Bene
2-1245 E. Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz, CA; Tel. 831.479.4307
Italian restaurant. The restaurant draws its menu from the owner's and chef's roots in Italy's Calabria. $$$
Zoccoli’s
1534 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz. 831.423.1711
Landmark downtown deli offers a touch of the last century loaded with flavor freshness. Specialty sandwiches like the legendary Mediterranean, the Castroville—big on marinated artichokes—and the meal-sized muffaletta all turn lunch into a community event. Every deli salad imaginable fills the menu along with a fresh soup each day. Italian pastas, candies, and sauces add to the carry-out temptation. Mostly it’s a treat just to step back into the past and enjoy a genuine, family-run atmosphere. $
Japanese
Benten
1541 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA; Tel. 831.425.7079
Japanese sushi bar. Benten delivers the goods without a lot of fuss but with good quality for the price. $$
Mobo Sushi
105 S. River St, Santa Cruz, CA; Tel. 831.425.1700
Japanese/California sushi. Straight sushi and tempura combined with California cuisine. Full bar. $$
Shogun
1123 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA; Tel. 831.469.4477
Sushi. Exceptionally fresh ingredients and large portions. $
Sukeroku Restaurant
1701 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA; Tel. 831.426.6660
Japanese restaurant. Dynamite sushi and a substantial listing of Japanese culinary favorites. $$
Late-Night
Chocolate
1522 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA. Tel. 831.427.9900
Organic ingredients in decadent, inspired combinations (think warm artichoke and cheese pot served with fresh bread or spicy chocolate barbecued pork roast) makes this eatery a favorite with the late crowd (service is til 11pm nightly). If the heated patio isn't warm enough, perhaps a glass of insanely rich hot chocolate (try the Sofia—Italian style) will do the trick. $$$
Crepe Place
1134 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA. Tel. 831.429.6994
The cozy atmosphere at the Crepe Place—coupled with its most excellent patio, a new outdoor stage, a full bar and food the way Santa Cruz hippies used to make it—means the Crepe Place is on everybody's short list for late-night noshing. Crepes, salads and soups are served until midnight Sunday-Thursday and 1am Friday-Saturday. Full bar. $$
Manuel's
261 Center Ave, Aptos, CA; Tel. 831.688.4848
The favorite late-night destination for the Aptos crowd serves up hot platters of flavorful enchiladas and chile rellenos alongside ice-cold margaritas. $$
Pizza My Heart
1116B Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA. Tel. 831.426.2511
The Esplanade, Capitola, CA. Tel. 831.457.5714
After a trip to the bars, nothing satisfies like a delicious, flexible, foldable slice of pepperoni pizza at PMH. Ask for two paper plates if you’re taking it home in the cab. Open til midnight Sunday-Thursday and until 2am Friday-Saturday. $
Red
200 Locust St, Santa Cruz, CA. Tel. 831.425.1913
If the salads don’t get you, the Wimpy Burgers will. The kitchen at this plush, popular downtown nightspot is open til midnight most nights, turning out generous platters of surprisingly sophisticated fare (like ribeye rubbed with espresso and pizzettas with smoked salmon, crème fraiche and chives). It’s also pleasantly easy on the wallet. $$
Santa Cruz Diner
909 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA. Tel. 831.426.7151
When the post-party calls for a pile of hefty pancakes served with ice cream scoop-sized mounds of whipped butter, this is your place. With plenty of crazy stuff on the walls to distract you from the gyrations of the other late-night revelers, this is the perfect meal to have right before a long, well-deserved rest. $$
Saturn Café
145 Laurel St, Santa Cruz, CA. Tel. 831.429.8505
For almost three decades this late-night, all-day vegetarian diner has been serving up instant comfort of the edible variety. The condiment-friendly menu is long on cheeses, salads, faux burgers, french fries and cheeses. Veggie corndogs, mac and cheese, fakin bacon BLTs and mega-salads with vegan dressing all pair nicely with luscious ice cream desserts. Playful décor and rock & roll restrooms, plus inventive meat-free cuisine that caters to the munchies until 3am. Awesome. $$
Mexican
Acapulco Restaurant
1116 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA; Tel. 831.426.7588
Mexican restaurant. Traditional Mexican favorites like steak piccata and chile relleno suiza. $
El Palomar
1336 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA; Tel. 831.425.7575
Gorgeous landmark location, festive Mexican menu—this full-service dining palace has it all. The tequila list is endless (don’t miss the midori margaritas), while spicy lunch legends include the crisp sope, creamy chicken tostada and signature snapper tacos. Salmon with guajillo sauce, and classic red pozole are among the menu stars, especially served with an order of warm house-made corn tortillas. The bar scene is lively and the all-day taco arcade offers fresh burritos, quesadillas, tacos and endless salsa. $$
La Mission
1719 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA; Tel. 831.426.3564
Mexican restaurant. A neighborhood establishment with no gimmicks, on-target cooking and authentic flavors. $
Manuel's
261 Center Ave, Aptos, CA; Tel. 831.688.4848
The favorite late-night destination for the Aptos crowd serves up hot platters of flavorful enchiladas and chile rellenos alongside ice-cold margaritas. $$
Pizza
Engfer Pizza Works
537 Seabright Ave, Santa Cruz, CA; Tel. 831.429.1856
Pizza. Wood-fired oven produces pizza in two sizes with a wealth of toppings, including 100 percent vegan pies. $
Pizza My Heart
1116B Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA. Tel. 831.426.2511
The Esplanade, Capitola, CA. Tel. 831.457.5714
After a trip to the bars, nothing satisfies like a delicious, flexible, foldable slice of pepperoni pizza at PMH. Ask for two paper plates if you’re taking it home in the cab. Open til midnight Sunday-Thursday and until 2am Friday-Saturday. $
Tony & Alba's
817 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA; Tel. 831.425.8669
Pizza. Inventive pizza specials are supplemented by pastas, soups and salads. $
Pubs
Seabright Brewery
519 Seabright Ave, Santa Cruz, CA; Tel. 831.426.2739
Coastal brewpub. Burgers, clam chowder, grilled eggplant and red pepper sandwiches plus the brewery's assortment of microbrews. $
Seafood
Riva Fish House
500 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA; Tel. 831.429.1223
Seafood restaurant. Riva offers a traditional seafood house menu complete with a sleek interior and terrific view. $$
The Wharf House
1400 Wharf Rd, Capitola; Tel. 831.476.3534
Located at the end of the Capitola Wharf, The Wharf House serves up good, fresh seafood with an unbeatable view. $$
Tea Houses
Chaikhana Tea Culture
317-A Cedar St, Santa Cruz, CA. Tel. 831.423.4200
Proprietor David Wright has a strong commitment to spreading the joys of tea. He has curated a large collection of rare brick loose-leaf teas and teaware available for purchase. He offers informative Sunday tea sessions for up to five people by reservation. $
Chateau Chansons d’ Amour
437 Hillside Ave, Ben Lomond, CA. Tel. 831.336.9632
Open Friday-Sunday, 1pm and 3pm, by reservation only.
Zeda and Dennis Dowell offer weekend tea service in their recently renovated 1903 mansion. Over 20 teas are available to be with a changing menu of soups, tea sandwiches, quiche, scones, fruit and petit fours flown in weekly from France. $$
Lulu’s at the Octagon
118 Cooper St, Santa Cruz, CA. Tel. 831.429.5858
The well-organized tea collection features dozens of herbal, green and black selections, all available to smell in accompanying tins with flavor descriptions documented in an informative menu. $
The White Raven
6253 Highway 9, Felton, CA. Tel. 831.335.3611
Home of “Larry’s Famous Chai,” an aromatic and orange-spiced blend brewed to order with a variety of milk options, the White Raven also offers a floor-to-ceiling wall of loose leaf teas to choose from. $
Verve
816 41st Ave, Capitola, CA. Tel. 831.475.7776
Attention to quality from small-scale sources creates high integrity beverage options. Several whole leaf, farm-direct teas available, procured from Teance in Berkeley, which emphasizes traditional tea cultivation techniques. $
Thai
Real Thai Kitchen
1632 Seabright Ave, Santa Cruz, CA; Tel. 831.427.2559
Thai restaurant. Real Thai does southern Thai curries simply and well. Spicy duck curry is a destination dish. $
Sabieng Thai Cuisine
1218 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA; Tel. 831.425.1020
Reliable and welcoming, this Westside neighborhood treasure has delivered its weight in lemongrass and chiles over the years. Somehow there’s always room at this incredibly popular pit-stop for spicy Thai specialties and zesty take-away. The fiery tom yum soup and sensuous bean thread noodle salads share the spotlight with a kaleidoscope of curries. Fresh, colorful entrees power dial taste buds to a world of jasmine rice, coriander and garlic. It all works. $$
Sawasdee
5050 Soquel Dr, Santa Cruz, CA; Tel. 831.462.5051
This newish Thai restaurant in charming Soquel village has become a serious neighborhood favorite. Try the fish cakes. $$
Thai House
353 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA; Tel. 831.458.3546
Thai restaurant. Offering chicken and eggplant, and a spicy prawn salad and more. $$
Wine Bars
Soif Wine Bar & Merchants
105 Walnut Ave, Santa Cruz, CA
Extensive wine bar and gourmet dining. Live jazz Tuesday and Wednesday. Open weekdays until 11pm, bar open as long as customers are still drinking.
