Mariela Rios of Staff of Life. Photo by Chip Scheuer.
NewsCuisineWine
May 14, 2013
Anniversary party, Greek Festival, Vintners Fest upcoming.
→ Read More
-
Cuisine
May 14, 2013
The surf is the turf of the owner and head chef of Olitas.
→ Read More
-
NewsCuisine
May 07, 2013
Charcuterist Justin Severino returns for Outstanding in the Field.
→ Read More
-
Cuisine
May 07, 2013
Masood Madani named his biggest burger after himself. The rest he named after towns in the San Lorenzo Valley.
→ Read More
2415 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831.423.9010
Upper Crust Pizza has been a family-owned and community-loved establishment for over thirty years, and all it takes is one whiff of their authentic italian food to remind food lovers why people keep on coming back. Their delicious pasta dishes take home cooking and blend it with that restaurant appeal. Their wide array of dishes (name a pasta and it's on the menu; no pizza topping goes uneaten) will be sure to keep all kinds of food lovers coming back for seconds. Weekday specials are perfect for Santa Cruz's healthy heap of students, and weekly trivia nights have helped expand Upper Crust's standing as one of the community's favorite spots.
493 Lake Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831.479.3430
A long-time favorite restaurant, Johnny’s Harborside is a Santa Cruz institution. This restaurant and bar taps local purveyors to find fresh, seasonal ingredients to weave into flavorful fish and seafood dishes boasting Mediterranean, Californian and Pan Asian influences. Stunning views of the Santa Cruz Harbor accompany meals and the popular happy hour celebrations.
611 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz CA 95060
831.425.7100
Solaire Restaurant + Bar is a true local dining destination offering guests unexpected and offbeat twists on local ingredients and flavors. Located at Hotel Paradox on Ocean Street in downtown Santa Cruz, the atmosphere of the restaurant allows guests to enjoy a playful experience centered on the indoor-outdoor bar and vibrant pool scene in the summer and during the winter, guests can cozy up to the fireplace or by an outdoor fire pit. The restaurant mirrors the laid-back attitude of Santa Cruz and incorporate the surrounding natural elements.
One Seascape Drive, Aptos, CA 95003
831.662.7120
Sanderlings Restaurant is a dining experience you won't soon forget. Located less than ten miles south of Santa Cruz, Sanderlings is an elegant and casual restaurant, where the spectacular ocean view is matched by an equally spectacular, award-winning menu. The menu houses traditional and contemporary dishes, but with fresh local ingredients that make each item a unique concoction. The restaurant's selection of fine local wines is the perfect compliment to an unforgettable meal. It's the perfect setting for birthdays, anniversaries—or even a quiet night for two.
175 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831.460.5012
A refined beachfront restaurant in Santa Cruz, the Aquarius Restaurant offers panoramic coastal views in tandem with California Coastal cuisine deftly prepared with an emphasis fresh, local produce and ingredients and sustainable seafood. This top-rated Santa Cruz seafood restaurant also includes a regional wine list offering ample pairing opportunities.
740 Front St, #100, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831.458.1212
A timeless, relaxing downtown dining spot, Café Mare is a Santa Cruz Italian restaurant offering brunch, lunch and dinner menus focusing on simply prepared, fresh and flavorful Italian cuisine. With a quiet ambiance and polite, unobtrusive service, this classic restaurant is suitable for everything from lunch gatherings to romantic dates before strolling around downtown.
1336 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831.425.7575
A favorite Santa Cruz Mexican restaurant, El Palomar has been a top choice among locals and visitors for many years. The freshest, locally sourced ingredients are skillfully woven into the traditional menu of Mexican cuisine, which emphasizes components that are made fresh daily. The historic dining room also boasts an award-winning Taco Bar and a quirky cantina with potent cocktails and tasty appetizers.
1102 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831.420.0135
Hoffman's Bistro is a casual yet stylish Santa Cruz restaurant known for pairing creative American and European cuisine with an approachable wine list for lunch and dinner, as well as sweet dessert offerings from legendary owner/pastry chef Ed Hoffman. Live jazz kicks off every evening at 6:30 pm, adding a unique and lively touch to the already enjoyable atmosphere.
101B Cooper St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831.423.4545
Inspired by the Silk Road, Laili offers a diverse menu comprised of flavorful, artfully plated dishes of cuisine from the Mediterranean, Afghanistan and India. This colorful and opulently designed restaurant also impresses with an indulgent desert menu and an atmosphere that is equally suitable for social gatherings, impressive business lunches or romantic evenings.
538 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95062
831.457.2782
At La Posta, fresh, local and largely organic ingredients are skillfully woven into plates of authentic Italian cuisine on the seasonally changing menu, including house-made pastas, brick-oven breads and fresh interpretations of classic entrees. This Santa Cruz Italian restaurant also offers a well-scripted selection of Italian wines to pair with the flavorful cuisine.
121 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831.423.7427
A contemporary restaurant in the heart of Santa Cruz, Oswald features a modern style and a relaxed atmosphere. This Santa Cruz restaurant features a well scripted menu of modern American cuisine, including dishes like homemade summer squash ravioli, fried chicken, Northern halibut with potato-corn risotto, and pan roasted skirt steak with blue cheese butter.
736 Water St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831.457.2350
Organic cuisine of an Indian and Sri Lankan persuasion is at its best at Pearl of the Ocean. The exotic menu offers perfectly cooked vegetarian and vegan dishes, as well as plates of delicately spiced meat and seafood. Regularly named among the best of Santa Cruz by local publications, Pearl of the Ocean emphasizes locally sourced ingredients alongside a few imports directly from Sri Lanka.
1220 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831.426.9930
A local favorite for a post-work pint or a lively night out, Rosie McCann's Irish Pub & Restaurant is a traditional Irish pub in Santa Cruz that offers brunch, lunch and dinner daily. The menu includes both classic pub fare and creative dishes like bacon wrapped prawns with spicy aioli & organic greens, bloody mary oyster shooters, and whiskey-soaked portabella mushrooms.
105 Walnut Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831.423.2020
Soif Wine Bar & Restaurant is a stylish spot for supping on tasty cuisine matched expertly with fantastic wines. This downtown Santa Cruz wine bar features over 50 wines by the glass and more than 400 wines by the bottle, as well as a menu of daily changing, seasonally inspired cuisine ranging from small plates and cheeses to hearty entrees and creative deserts.
