The Farm
6790 Soquel Dr., Aptos, CA
831.684.0266
Imagine, if you will, the love child of Frida Kahlo and James Beard joining forces
with the spawn of Martha Stewart and Jerry Seinfeld. Such a union might create
an enterprise like the Farm—beautiful, iconic, simple, delicious, with an eye for
ambience and a twist of humor to keep it all in perspective. The Farm is all this and
home to a bakery, cafe and gift shop.
Bittersweet Bistro
787 Rio Del Mar Blvd, Aptos, CA
831.662.9799
Classic and elegant entrees and an expert touch with chocolate. $$$
Au Midi Bistro
7960 Soquel Dr., Suite E, Aptos, CA
831.685.2600
The dining room is simple and sophisticated; a warm wash of yellow covers the walls
and white linens dress the small tables. A collection of paintings portrays idyllic
seaside spots and the mood is comfortable and inviting.
Manuel's
261 Center Ave, Aptos, CA
831.688.4848
This favorite late-night destination for the Aptos crowd serves up hot platters
of flavorful enchiladas and chile rellenos alongside ice-cold margaritas.
Zameen
7528 Soquel Dr., Aptos, CA
831.688.4465
A marriage of luxury—a decent wine and beer listing, custom-cooked grilled
items, authentic sauces—and streamlined infrastructure, Zameen lets you
visually shop before you buy.
Ma Maison
9051 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA
831.688.5566
Mousse, paté, French onion soup, Ma Maison's dinner menu brings on the
Gallic temptation and then proceeds to deliver the goods.
Ambrosia India Bistro
207 Sea Ridge Road, Aptos, CA
831.685.0610
One of the great cuisines of the world, Indian cooking in all its glory is once
again available without driving over the hill.
Café Rio
131 Esplanade Aptos, CA
831.688.8917
A local favorite for brunch, dinner and everything in between.
The Panda Inn
5 Deer Park Center, Aptos, CA
831.688.8620
Fresh vegetables and attention to detail make the Panda Inn an Aptos standout.
Bangkok West
2505 Cabrillo College Dr., Aptos, CA
831.479.8297
Full flavor and enchanting ambience make this flavor haven a worthy
destination.
Palapas at Seascape
21 Seascape Vlg, Aptos, CA
831.662.9000
The upscale Mexican restaurant has a breathtaking view of the ocean, ample sun
and, yes, a few of the grass umbrellas from which it took its name. Heat lamps
keep the terrace warm come nightfall.
Red Apple Café
783 Rio Del Mar Blvd, Aptos, CA
831.685.1224
Devotees dig in to the Bear Claw French Toast, the Bacon Waffle and one of
the best Eggs Benedicts around on the sun-kissed back patio of this breakfast
institution.
Sanderling’s at Seascape
1 Seascape Resort Dr, Aptos, CA
831.662.7120
The flagship restaurant at the four-diamond resort serves up exemplary
California cuisine and wines and boasts a million-dollar view of a manicured lawn
stretching down to a cypress-dotted stretch of beachfront.
Severino’s Grill
7500 Old Dominion Ct, Aptos, CA
831.688.7300
The restaurant, situated in a conveniently located hotel, serves classic
continental fare and has a charming patio.
Phil's Fish Market
7600 Sandholdt Road, Moss Landing, CA
831.633.2152
For over 25 years, Phil and Judy DiGirolamo have given new meaning to the phrase 'catch of the day.'
Real Colima
1101 E. Lake Ave, Watsonville, CA
831.728.2971
The first taste of the wickedly complex green salsa set the tone for a fine rainy day lunch at Real Colima. We’ve passed this yellow roadhouse umpteen times on the way to Gilroy and parts south. Inside, the colorful interior—geranium windowsills, yellow walls and pale green sideboard—feel like a country bungalow, with salsas and the floral oilcloth table coverings repeating the pastel hues. Starting with icy Bohemias, we worked our way through as much as we could of the substantial Real Colima menu, helped along by
friendly service and plenty of mariachi tunes.
D'La Colmena
129 W. Lake Ave., Watsonville, CA
831.724.4544
I love surprises. Though tempted, I force myself not to look at the last page of a
book so that every moment unfolds in the fullness of its own time. You can leave a
wrapped package with me and know I won't open it until your bidding, however long
the wait.
Cilantro’s
1934 Main St, Watsonville, CA
831.761.2161
Cilantro’s is the sister restaurant to the beloved El Palomar in Santa
Cruz. Its cantina patio looks out onto the street.
