Santa Cruz Good Times

Aldo’s / 616 Atlantic Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-426-3736 / Aldo’s has been delivering some form of great flavors around these parts since the 1950s. In addition to its revered breakfast menu—lunch is a kick on the harborside deck—look for a new dinner menu here, too. It’s been heralded for its amazing eggs Benedict, calamari and fresh salmon, but don’t stop there. Everything here is fresh and the atmosphere is a winner, too.

Aloha Island Grille / 1700 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz, 831-479-3299, alohaislandgrille.com / Just one block from the beach and 3,000 miles away from Hawaii right here in Santa Cruz is Aloha Island Grille, known for its large portions, incredible prices and ono (good) food. Aloha has an ambiance true to Hawaii. Take note of some of these amazing local classics: Kalua pork with cabbage, grilled mahi mahi, loco moco, kal-bi ribs, teriyaki portabello and even SPAM musubi! True taste of Hawaii.

Asana Teas / 103 Lincoln St., Santa Cruz, 831-425-8327, asanateas.com  / Quite the hotbed of activity in the last year, Asana Teas, located in Downtown Santa Cruz, features more than 60 world class teas.  There’s some creative nuances here, too, like the tea smoothies and local, seasonal dishes.

Photo: Kelly Vaillancourt

Aqua Bleu  / 1108 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-423-6999  /  Beautifully decorated with a blue hue, it’s an interesting place to visit and socialize. Look for sushi, sashimi, Balinese dishes—and even specialty burgers—superbly cooked and presented.

Aquarius at the Dream Inn / 175 West Cliff, Santa Cruz, 831-426-4330, dreaminnsantacruz.com /  What a refreshing welcome this new venue is.  Aquarius offers a nice  take on the American bistro, featuring sustainable seafood, local, organic produce and an impressive selection of local wines, as well as those from Monterey and San Luis Obispo counties. Attractive, with 2,900-square feet of features—wrap-around windows, a canopy of handmade surfboards and many teardrop-shaped lamps. Meanwhile smooth, pebbled flooring fills the lounge area. One of the hottest new spots in Santa Cruz.

Black China Bakery & Cafe / 1121 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-460-1600 / This combination—and newly expanded—outdoor cafe/home furnishings/accessories and gift store is exciting and full of flair. Great desserts.

Boulder Creek Brewery / 13040 Highway 9, Boulder Creek, 831-338-7882, bouldercreekbrewery.net / The old-time setting in the heart of Boulder Creek on the way to Big Basin State Park boasts a family-friendly atmosphere, early bird menu and an extensive lunch and dinner menu, as well as a coffee bar. Highlights: Homemade desserts, great salads, garlic fries, pizza, Mexican, barbecue and expected pub favorites. Possibly the best suds of local brewpubs.

The Brook Room at The Brookdale Inn / 11570 Highway 9, Brookdale, 831-338-1300  / One of the county’s crown jewels of hospitality, and that reputation extends to the dining room, which is routinely voted one of the nicest places to pamper your palate. Live music and a local focus only add to the fun. Farm fresh Santa Cruz mountain food + excellent local wines + full bar + entertainment = great experience.

Café El Palomar / 2222 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, 831-477-0371 / Specializing in taqueria Mexican food and premium margaritas, this breezy location is beloved by the locals. Try the chicken mole, or just find any excuse to order up the homemade corn tortillas. Inexpensive beachside dining.

Cafe Limelight  / 1016 Cedar St., Santa Cruz, 831-425-7873, cafelimelight.com / It’s become one of the brightest spots downtown—and right around the corner from the movie theater to boot. Part of Limelight’s charm has a good deal to do with the great concept designed by chef/co-owner Farouk Algsaibi. Less is more here, but you certainly get plenty: hot panini sandwiches, hearty salads, wines, espresso and desserts. Outdoor seating.

Caffe Lucio / 381 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-427-0164, caffelucio.com / Wild! What can we say? The owner is a kick in the pants, the place sizzles with entertaining banter, the Italian food rocks and the bar has a wide variety of wine and well drinks. Unforgettable and, most of all, fun, fun, fun!

Caffé Pergolesi / 418 Cedar St., Santa Cruz, 831-426-1775, the perg.com  / One of Santa Cruz’s oldest coffeehouses and a great student hangout. Plus: stellar art shows and live entertainment

Café Sparrow / 8042 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 831-688-6238 / The best infusion of “country French” comes alive here in this charming Aptos Village restaurant. Café Sparrow is also the ideal spot for a romantic dinner, but the establishment is perfect for family get-togethers or special parties. If your idea of comfort food runs to gourmet, this is your kind of place.

Photo:  karen petersen

Carniglia’s / 49A Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz,  831-458-3600  / For starters, you can’t beat the view.  Most everything on this menu is created with flair. Try the roasted garlic and baked Harley Farm’s goat cheese for an appetizer, then move on to the fresh garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, tomatoes and fresh basil over bucatini. Better still, take in the ravioli del Funghi, a fresh egg pasta filled with mushrooms, red onions and ricotta cheese that comes with a cream sherry sauce. And check out the great wine list here,

Caruso’s Tuscan Cuisine / 115 San Jose Ave., Capitola, 831-465-9040, carusoscuisine.com / Authentic Italian cookery fueled by the passion of a Tuscan maestro—David Caruso. Every dish has its own distinct style. There’s no shortage of variety here either: lamb shanks, sea bass, pizza and, of course, some of the best pasta dishes around. Great, cozy atmosphere.

Center Street Grill / 1001 Center St., Santa Cruz, 831-423-4745, thecenterstreetgrill.com / A fine mention in Travel & Leisure magazine continues to give this popular spot fuel to be inventive. Things that caught our attention: mahi dishes, creative salads, and the service.

Chaminade / 1 Chaminade Lane, Santa Cruz, 831-475-5600, 800-283-6569, chaminade.com / A buffet-style breakfast, lunch and dinner awaits in this beautiful resort and conference center. Outdoor dining offers a splendid ocean view of Monterey Bay. Linwood’s Bar & Grill has a selection of appetizers, sandwiches, salads, light fare and entrees. Live music some weekends. Where the locals go when they want to really treat themselves to something special.

Chill Out Cafe / 860 41st Ave. Capitola, 831-477-0543 1222 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-426-4889 / For the best breakfast burritos—there are 20 to choose from—and sandwiches, salads, coffee and smoothies, make sure to stop in at either location for Chill Out Cafe. This cute Santa Cruz cafe always satisfies. The service is quick, while the rotating art exhibits always give you something to admire while your food is cooking.The name just about says it all.

Chocolate / 1522 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-427-9900 / The hot chocolate is killer—truly, you’ll find nothing like this authentic brew anywhere. But the food here stands out, too. Fresh, innovative and complete with a nice wine list. A casual spot in Downtown Santa Cruz that deserves your attention.

Cilantros Mexican Restaurant / 1934 Main St., Watsonville, 831-761-3564 / Both innovative and fun, Cilantros is one of the most happening places to dine in south county. Here, a festive atmosphere accompanies some terrific Mexican fare—and the entrees are abundant. Great list of appetizers and a nice selection of beverages. Consistently considered Watsonville’s best restaurant.

Clouds Downtown / 110 Church St., Santa Cruz, 831-429-2000, cloudsdowntown.com / Known for its selection of specialty martinis and consistently good fresh California cuisine with a Pacific Rim influence. You’ll find a mature crowd of Hawaiian-shirt-clad golfers mingling with tanned women, decked-out prom dates cuddling cokes, and families noshing with their kids. Excellent seared ahi tuna, Caesar salad, espresso martini and vanilla bean bread pudding. Great selection of after-dinner drinks. Chic, modern, upscale, friendly.

Crow’s Nest / (2218 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz. Call 831-476-4560, crowsnest-santacruz.com)  / Celebrating 40 amazing years. (Thank you, CW.) This venerable venue is perched in the Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor and offers stunning ocean views. Popular, lively and just the type of Santa Cruz experience visitors relish. Comedy and entertainment on hand, too. The restaurant delivers with its variety—fresh seafood, steaks, chicken and stellar appetizers. CW also boasts an in-house rotisserie and a large salad bar, plus homemade desserts. The outdoor deck and bar area on the upper level offer the best views. One of the best dining hotspots on the coast!

Davenport Roadhouse / 1 Davenport Ave.,Davenport, 831-426-8801, davenportroadhouse.com / Revamped and fully prepped for original offerings, the DR delivers on a number of counts. You can’t go wrong with breakfast here—the potatoes and artichokes are delicious—but check out the nice new additions on the lunch and dinner menus where things like pizettes and butternut squash risotto fight for your attention. Fun atmosphere and great food make for an even greater combination.

Dolphin Restaurant / 71 Municipal Wharf, 831-426-5830 / Boasting some of the freshest seafood on the wharf, Dolphin is a great place to grab just-from-the-ocean food to go. The dining room is also open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. And there’s a special menu for kids. A nice casual environment to enjoy with the family, with beautiful views of Monterey Bay. Don’t worry. Dolphin is not actually on the menu.

Drunk Monkeys / 415 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-713-5195, mydrunkmonkeys.com / Voted Best New Restaurant in Santa Cruz by GT Readers, DM delivers plenty of variety. Think healthy dining, with everything from somen noodle salads, to coconut, lime and lemongrass soup to seared scallops, and more. Cozy, friendly, and boasting a passion for creative dishes.

Photo : charles mixson

Engfer Pizza Works / 537 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-429-1856, engferpizzaworks.com / You have to love a place that offers built-to-suit toppings, where the traditional mushroom and sausage compete with more avant-garde arrangements like broccoli and pesto. Engfer’s brightens up the Seabright district of Santa Cruz with variety and what seems to be a perfect combination of styles and flavors. You’ll feel at home here.

El Alteño / 323 Main St., Watsonville, 831-768-9876 / Generous portions of gourmet, regional Michoacan Mexican food with a California flare and bright, warm, friendly atmosphere of this Watsonville favorite are far from taqueria style. Lively, family oriented ambiance with a colorful outdoor veranda and bar for dining alfresco. Fresh fish, seafood, salads, tropical fruit salsas, Peruvian beans and black beans, as well as traditional favorites, give the menu a unique twist. Good margaritas and reasonable prices.

El Palomar / 1336 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-425-7575) / Mango margaritas, grilled snapper tacos, handmade corn tortillas, pozole, fresh local seafood and other gourmet, regional, Michoacan recipes. Try the taco bar for a quick bite, or dine in style in the historic El Palomar hotel dining room. Get there early to put your name on the list. This remains one of the hottest cantinas in town.

515 Kitchen & Cocktails / 515 Cedar St., Santa Cruz, 831-425-5051 / A great place to come for a quieter atmosphere without sacrificing a social environment, 515 has a myriad of specialty cocktails, as well as a fine wine and beer list that could well qualify as gourmet. Coupled with great food, they’ve found a winning combination.

The Greek / 435 Front St., Santa Cruz, 466-9660, Open for lunch and dinner. Note: Cash only. / Vasili Karagiannopoulos recently opened up his latest enterprise—The Greek. And he takes his authentic Greek food to a whole new level—cooking up unusual Greek dishes that you wouldn’t find in most Greek restaurants, as well as Greek staples such as moussaka and spanakopita. Karagiannopoulos’ ebullient personality spreads throughout the restaurant. It’s guaranteed you will enjoy the whole experience, especially if you’re drinking some good Greek wine.

Green Valley Grill / 40 Penny Lane, #5, Watsonville, 831-728-6008 / Ray Rodriguez opened the Green Valley Grill in 1991. A local man with a strong background in the produce business, Rodriguez strives to incorporate as much locally grown fare as possible in its eclectic menu. The Green Valley Grill looks to local artists to perform in the bar on Friday and Saturday nights. All shows are free. And the food—memorable.

Photo:  karen petersen

Hank’s At the Hook / 800 41st Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-479-3662, hanksatthehook.com  / Indoor/outdoor dining with casual atmosphere. Delicious house salads—you choose the ingredients. Fresh carved turkey, chicken and tri-tip sandwiches, mashed potatoes, steamed, grilled vegetables, fruit salad, mac and cheese, garlic fries and more. Daily specials, soups, desserts. Local wines, draft beers and sodas. Comfort food served hofbrau style.

Hawgs Seafood / 1917 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 831-458-3474, hawgsseafood.com / Surf, turf and a full bar are what this restaurant offers. In return, they only ask that patrons wear a shirt, shorts and flip-flops. Happy hour lasts until 6 p.m. every day and the full menu is available until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Hindquarter Bar & Grille / 303 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-426-7770, thehindquarter.com / Hindquarter’s Smokey Platter has a bit of everything, including Chicago baby back ribs. Aged Angus top sirloin steaks, catch-of-the-day fish, live Maine lobster, pastas, burgers and huge steak-cut french fries are the restaurant’s specialties. Meats are house smoked.  Great place for steaks, ribs, applewood-smoked pork chops and chicken.

Hoffman’s Bakery & Café  / 1102 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-420-0135 / Family operated café on the mall in downtown Santa Cruz. Great variety, from tomato-tofu sauté with eggs, to meat loaf sandwiches, but European style baked goods are their specialty. Terrific desserts round out their amazing menu. Definitely as upscale as the café experience can get.

Hula’s Bar & Grill and Tiki Lounge / 221 Cathcart St., Santa Cruz, 831-426-4852, hulastiki.com / Hula’s has secured its niche in the bevy of restaurants in downtown Santa Cruz. It has become a favorite dinner place among locals. With tasty plates to choose from like Duke’s Luau Pork Plate, Island Style Cioppino, Sweet Potato Fries and much more, combined with all organic ingredients and reasonable prices for a dinner joint, it’s not particularly surprising that Hula’s remains one the downtown favorites.

I Love Sushi. / 516 Front St., Santa Cruz, 831-421-0706 / Fun, wild, zany. Great karaoke, too. And the food—downright impressive. A must for visitors.

Ideal Bar & Grill  / (106 Beach St., Santa Cruz, 831-423-5271, idealbarandgrill.com  / You can’t beat the location. Ideal is situated near the entrance to the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, so expect some of the best views around. As for the food, think fun and hearty. Ideal creates a wide variety of fish, steak and pasa dishes, along with an impressive appetizer and drink menu. Downright fun—and tasty.

Photo : karen petersen

Jalisco Restaurant / 618 Main Street, Watsonville, 831-728-9080, jaliscorestaurant.com / Traditional Mexican fare and a selection of 24 premium tequilas, make Jaliscos the perfect place to get an authentic south of the border meal without leaving the state. Meals are prepared as they traditionally would be in the southern Mexican state of Jalisco. An open fire mesquite grill is used to cook all of the restaurant’s charbroiled entrees.

Jia Tellas / 1336 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-425-7575)18 Victor Square, Scotts Valley, 831-438-5005, jiatellas.com / Exotic and healthy. Since the traditional Cambodian cuisine served at Jia Tellas uses very little fat, few meats and plenty of vegetables, patrons can be sure to get a well-balanced meal. Cambodian food also incorporates elements of Vietnamese and Chinese cooking. Local musicians perform here each Friday and Saturday.

Johnny’s Harborside / 493 Lake Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-479-3430, johnnysharborside.com  / Perfectly located near the harbor, great views and winning menu items work together well here. The drunken clams steamed in beer and garlic turned our heads on the appetizer list. But take note of the variety here. You’ve got wildly entertaining specialty drinks—from the mango mojito to the mandarin cosmo—and a fine offering of hearty seafood fixings. Take note of the crab and shrimp melt or fried sand dab sandwich or skirt steak sandwich. Hearty and wholesome.

Kianti’s Pizza and Pasta Bar / 1100 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-469-4400, kiantis.com / A fun, wild time indeed. The staff dances, the cooks create wonderes. What’s not to like?  Kianti’s remains one of downtown Santa Cruz’s hotspots. The patio features a fireplace and heaters for cool nights. On the plus-side: It’s kid-friendly. Check out the unique brands of pizza, pasta and salads along with great wines, cocktails and beer.

A (Slice of) Kianti’s / 46 Front Street, Santa Cruz, 831-469-4421, kiantis.com. / Spinning off of the success of its larger, full-service location, A Slice of Kianti’s is a quick fix for those looking for a quality slice of pizza in a jiffy. Customers won’t find pasta here. However, patrons may enjoy pizza by the slice, calzones, sandwiches and a few items not found at the Pacific Avenue Kianti’s, all in a casual bistro setting.

King Chwan Chinese Restaurant / 415 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, 831-429-5898 / Often cited as the best Chinese food in Santa Cruz, King Chwan might not be the most attractive building in the cutest area of town, but it’s what’s on the plate that counts. With more than 175 dishes to choose from—spanning the specialties of Mandarin, Hunan, Cantonese, and Szechwan China—there’s certainly going to be something scrumptious for everyone to enjoy. Takeout is also available. If you get that sudden craving for Chinese, start here.

La Bella Vita Bistro / 257 Center Avenue, Aptos, 831-685-8111, labellavitabistro.com. / Michael Greer has been passionate about cooking for 20 years— and in 2007 he finally made his passion his profession. La Bella Vita combines flavors from all over the world into its mostly Italian-based cuisine. The quaint Tuscan-themed restaurant makes many of its pastas by hand in house, including lasagna. La Bella Vita is open during the summer Tuesday through Sunday.

La Posta / 538 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz,  831-457-2782, lapostarestaurant.com / A cozy neighborhood spot that offers a stellar wine bar and a passionate mix of Italian food. La Posta’s ambiance and memorable service stand out—makes you feel as if you’re dining in Italy.

Linda’s Seabreeze Cafe / 542 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-427-9713, seabreezecafe.com / This long-time favorite continues to wow. Buttermilk hotcakes anyone? How about a fresh roasted turkey breast, avocado and cheese omelet? You can get a Greek scramble or the famous Seabreeze Spuds—homefries sautéed with bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and tomatoes, and covered with melted cheese and topped with sour cream. We’ll see you there. You can’t go wrong at Linda’s.

Lillian’s Italian Kitchen / 1116 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-425-2288 / Lillian’s is friendly and affordable, sure, but all the food comes from recipes handed down to the owner from his family. Customers get a wild taste of old-fashioned favorites—and in bounty. Take note of the  many Italian specialties here. Mangia! Mangia!

Limoncello / 503 Water Street, Santa Cruz, 831-427-0998, tavernettalimoncello.com / Expect some of the finest authentic Italian recipes from this excellent eatery on Water Street. The appetizer menu is vast and the dinners are impressive. Added bonus: A nice wine list, too.

Mangiamo Pizza & Wine Bar / 845 Almar Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-458-1000, mangiamopizza.com / This bright spot on the Westside wins points for simplicity in its wide variety of choices. Salads, sandwiches and a terrific lineup of pizza options co-exist here in this great little haven. Generous helpings. (Check out the second location in Deer Park Shopping Center in Aptos.)

Margaritaville / 231 Esplanade #101, Capitola, 831-476-2263, margaritavillecapitola.com / Sit back, relax, and enjoy the food and the view here. Located in a prime spot right on the Monterey Bay in Capitola Village, Margaritaville’s got it all: delicious food, fabulous atmosphere, live music and great drinks—not to mention its signature namesake.

Maya Mexican Restaurant and Bar / 3115 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley, 831-438-7004, mayadining.com / Historians are unsure what led to the mysterious decline of the Maya. This restaurant uses what is known of the ancient meso-American culture to craft cuisine similar to what the Maya must have eaten and then some: corn tortillas similar to Mayan corn cakes are served as well as over 75 varieties of tequila at the restaurant’s full bar. A banquet room is perfect for all pre-Columbian parties.

Michael’s on Main / 2591 Main St., Soquel, 831-479-9777, michaelsonmain.net / Cutting-edge comfort food prepared by gourmet chef Michael Clark. Old-fashioned foods such as mashed potatoes and cauliflower are served, along with dishes such as blackened ahi tuna, grilled artichoke with tomato aioli. Excellent wine list and “small plates” offered in bar and dining area. Redwood deck overlooking creek for outdoor dining. A place to indulge gourmet tastes.

Photo : charles mixson

Miramar Fish Grotto  / 45 Municipal Wharf, 831-423-4441 / In the mood for a hearty steak or some tender lobster? It’s all here at Miramar. This culinary haven on the Wharf offers a nice variety of food as well as daily lunch and dinner specials. Great prices. Good service. Fish tastes better when you’re looking at the sea.

Mobo Sushi  / 105 South River St., Santa Cruz,  831-425-1700 / One of the best sushi spots in the area delivers a huge variety of selections, all made by the masters. A great local spot with friendly service.

Mr. Toots / 231 Esplanade, Capitola, 831-475-3679, tootscoffee.com / A local favorite, this village coffeehouse is situated upstairs, above Margaritaville, with acoustic music and great coffees, desserts and a wonderful view. For a place to talk and relax, make sure to stop by and enjoy this special one-of-a-kind coffee haven. If coffee shops are defined by their quirks, this one has a long definition.

My Thai Beach / located in the Capitola Village (Santa Cruz County) and is serving delicious thai food cuisine with an ocean view.
207 Esplanade Capitola, CA 95010 (831) 464-3800 www.mythaibeach-restaurant-santacruz.com Hours: 11:30am-10pm Daily

Olitas Cantina & Grille / 49B Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, 831-458-9393, olitassantacruz.com / Olitas is a spiffy Mexican restaurant. South of the border food with Yucatan and Veracruz influence and seafood specialties served in this upbeat, lively spot. Happy hour weekdays 3-6pm, with a perfect view of the Monterey Bay.

O’mei Restaurant / 2316 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 831-425-8458 / The cozy atmosphere only enhances the wonderful food that is served here. Specializing in Chinese cuisine from Sichuan, O’mei has a knack for creating wonders with vegetable, meat and fish dishes, and all the sauces and flavors used here make for a memorable dining experience. The desserts are lovely. Everything about O’mei is impressive.

Oswald / 1547 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz,  831-423-7427, oswaldrestaurant.com / Newly reinvented and remodeled, this stellar downtown venue has everything going for it—great location, an amazing wine list, and a consistently creative menu. You can’t beat this dining experience.

Paradise Beach Grille / 215 Esplanade, Capitola, paradisebrachgrille.com, 831-476-4900 / Considered one of the best restaurants in Capitola, this culinary gem in the heart of Capitola Village overlooks the striking Monterey Bay. You’ll find infused flavors of the Hawaiian Islands here as well as authenthic California cuisine. Some delicacies include an amazin array of fish entrees and meat dishes as well. The extensive local wine list is a plus—so are the great martinis. You really cannot go wrong here. The staff is terrific and the vibe is very welcoming.

The Point (Restaurant)/Chop House & Lounge  / 3326 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz,  831-476-2733 / This popular and affordable steak house offers seafood, chicken and pasta. Soups and salads are included with entrées. Full bar with big-screen TV. The Point features the finest California wines and boasts nightly dinner specials. Casual atmosphere. Reservations are not required but accepted. Great place for an easy meal.

Real Colima Restaurant / 1101 East Lake Ave. (Hwy 152), Watsonville, 831-728-2971 / Incredible, authentic Mexican food without a trace of California-Mexican influence. Mind-bending giant bowls of fish stew, made-from-scratch tortillas, huevos rancheros and even menudo. Absolutely worth it. As Mexican as Mexican gets outside of Mexico.

Red Restaurant / 200 Locust St., Santa Cruz, 831-425-1913, redrestaurant.com  / Prepare yourself—the red décor surrounds you here, so you can forget the outside world. Good restaurant serving satisfying comfort food, sandwiches, steaks, pizzas, etc. Home to what’s currently the liveliest late-night bar scene, but the earlier hours of the evening are still mellow and romantic. The place to see and be seen downtown.

Rock of the Sea / 3910 Portola Dr., Santa Cruz, 831-464-1104, redsantacruz.com / This Mexican restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and features one of the better prawn fajita plates in town. The whole tilapia is also a seafood feast worth looking into, and ceviche fans will rejoice over their version of the dish. There is also a full bar, with a happy hour from 4-7 pm every day but Friday and Saturday. If you’re looking for Mexican with a twist, start here.

Rosie McCann’s Irish Pub & Restaurant / 1220 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-426-9930, rosiemccanns.com / You’ll find more than a touch of the Irish at Rosie McCann’s downtown pub. Along with the warm welcome and traditional Irish fare, you’ll find some great California cuisine. Sit at Rosie’s full bar and try one of the 22 draft beers, including the famous hearty Guinness. The pub has two plasma wide screens, and DJ’s rev up the action on Friday and Saturday nights. Best Irish pub in town.

Sabieng Thai Cuisine / 1218 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 831-425-1020 / A great Westside spot for authentic Thai. Often the winner of GT’s readers poll for best Thai food, Sabieng’s extensive menu has everything from curries to tofu specialties to striking salads and unique entrees with pork, chicken, fish and more. Convenient locale near the university.

Sandabs  / 11 Camp Evers Lane, Scotts Valley, 831-430-065, sandabs.com / Greg Young, co-owner of Sandabs in Scotts Valley, used to own a commercial fishing boat that operated out of Monterey Bay, and the constantly modulating menu at his restaurant reflects this. Young buys the fish directly from the fishermen who catch them. Young and his wife, Edyta, match their passion for fresh seafood with a selection of 71 wines. Voted Best Restaurant in Scotts Valley by GT readers.

Photo: Kelly Vaillancourt

Sawasdee Thai / 5050 Soquel Drive, Soquel, 831-462-5051 / A local favorite for satisfying, rich Thai cuisine, Sawasdee has a colorful interior and a surprising wine list dominated by local vineyards. Husband-and-wife owners Bill and Dee Hongmanee have drawn from every region of Thailand to build their menu, including some unusual additions like pumpkin red curry. A must-visit for people who think they’ve sampled everything Thai food has to offer.

Seabright Brewery Pub and Restaurant / 519 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-426-2739, seabrightbrewery.com / Sometimes pub food is merely a token gesture to keep patrons from falling off their stools. Not so at the Seabright Brewery, where both the home-brewed beer and the grub are excellent. The house salad dressing, a thick, herby balsamic vinaigrette, is good enough to eat with a spoon. Try the portabello mushroom sandwich, cheese fries, burgers, jerk chicken sandwich, soups and appetizers. Huge outdoor seating area with heat lamps, live music and happy hour weekdays. Jam-packed with locals.

Severino’s Grill / 7500 Old Dominion Court, Aptos, 831-688-8987 / It’s acclaimed for its appealing atmosphere, a favorite with the locals and travelers alike. The refined yet comfortable setting complements the award-winning menu featuring seafood, pastas and a variety of meat dishes. Severino’s Grill is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and happy hour. Creative offerings.

Shadowbrook Restaurant / 1750 Wharf Road, Capitola, 831-475-1511, shadowbrook-capitola.com / This well-known “elegant and comfortably casual” restaurant sits in a romantic setting and is reached by a cable car, or by walking through an exotic garden. Spacious bar area with cozy fireplace is the perfect setting for drinks and small bites such as gourmet pizza, steak sandwich or pasta. Full menu in restaurant offers upscale dining and interesting desserts. Extensive list of imported and California wines. Great place to pop the question.

Shogun  / 1123 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz,  831-426-4477 / Perfectly situated in downtown Santa Cruz and fully loaded with a vast selection of rolls, and lunch and dinner boxes. One of the brightest spots on Pacific Avenue.

Soif Wine Bar and Merchants  / 105 Walnut Ave., Downtown Santa Cruz, soifwine.com 831-423-2020 / This festive fine dining/wine bar offers an extensive eclectic selection of international and domestic boutique wines by the glass. The chef creates a new menu each evening using fresh local ingredients that are matched specifically with featured wines. Cheers! Great, friendly service combined with one of the broadest varieties of wine around.

Stagnaro Bros. Seafood, Inc. / 59 Santa Cruz, Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, 831-423-2180 / At the outer end of the Santa Cruz Wharf, with a panoramic view of Steamers Lane, the Monterey Bay and the Boardwalk, they have the largest selection of fresh seafood, steaks and pasta dishes—appetizers, cocktails and sandwiches. “Caught today, cooked today.”

Star Bene  / 21245 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, 831-479-4307, star-bene.com / You’ll find some of the best authentic Italian food here, so get ready to dig in. Dinner menus offer a lovely mix of fresh salads, pastas and even finer choices of fish, pork and veal specialties. At-home feeling and generous helpings in a great cozy dining room.

Surfrider Café  / 429 Front St., Santa Cruz, 831-713-5258 / You can’t get more “Santa Cruz” than this. It’s the perfect surf cafe for the perfect surf town. You can find a bevy of traditional American sandwiches here. There’s beer and wine, too. Friendly atmosphere and downright cozy, and all in the heart of downtown Santa Cruz.

Photo : karen petersen

Sushi Garden / 820 Bay Avenue, Capitola, 831-464-9192; 1441 Main St., Watsonville, 728-9192, sushi-garden.com / Sushi is only more enjoyable in this restaurant’s beautiful setting of bamboo and bonsai surrounding a tranquil koi pond. Traditional nigiri is served in plentiful portions, and there is a large sake list for enthusiasts to peruse. In fact, Sushi Garden is known for its occasional sake- tasting parties. Birthday diners eat free! Open for dinner every night, and lunch on weekdays. For that above-and-beyond atmosphere experience.

Sushi Totoro / 1701 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 831-426-6660 / Named for the gentle Cheshire-like kitty of Hiyao Miyazaki’s animated masterpiece “My Neighbor Totoro,” this offshoot of a successful San Jose sushi bar is every bit as fun and friendly as its namesake. The small space features about 10 stools at the bar and a few tables for couples. Be sure to try the crunchy rolls and futomaki. Convenient re-fuel place before a trip up the Pacific Coast Highway.

Sweet Pea’s Cafe / 2121 41st Ave., Capitola, 831-476-2737 / It’s the perfect pitstop when you’re shopping at Capitola Mall, sure, but there’s a bit of heart and soul in this charming little cafe. The combination of a great service and some of Capitola’s tastier treats, make this venue stand out.

Tacos Morenos  / 1053 Water St., Santa Cruz, 831-429-6095, tacosmoreno.com / You can’t beat this—great prices and some of the area’s most popular Mexican food. This favorite hot spot for locals delivers the spices and then some. From its great variety of burritos to, well, the tacos, you’re destined to have a fine meal here. Perfectly situated on one of the main thoroughfares heading into town. Worth the stop.

Taqueria Vallarta / 1101 Pacific Ave. Santa Cruz, 831-471-2655 / Order at the counter and sit in the festive dining room or outside on the patio to watch the world go by. Huge selection of Mexican meats for burritos, tacos, enchiladas and everything else. Many vegetarian options too. Great late night eats! For a quick bite of authentic Mexican food, this is your place.

Takara Japanese Restaurant Sushi Bar & Grill  / 3775 Capitola Road, Capitola,  831-464-1818, takarasushi.com / Authentic Japanese cuisine with sushi bar and grill. Featuring tempura vegetables, fresh fish and combination dinners. Dining available in cozy booths. Beautiful décor with antique Japanese artifacts in festive ambiance. Takara has a full bar serving 10 different kinds of sake, along with local wines and beer. Sushi with a bit of a tiki bar flavor for good measure.

Trout Farm Inn / 7701 E. Zayante Rd. Felton, 831-335-4317  / If you’re looking for a great place for steaks and seafood with a great view and fun for all, then Trout Farm is the place to be. Nestled up in the redwoods, with a full bar with live music on weekends and karaoke on Sundays, you’re sure to have a great time. This historic, romantic, creek side setting is a sure must.  The large pool with a diving board is a hit with the family.

Tyrolean Inn / 9600 Hwy. 9, Ben Lomond, 831-336-5188 / The only German restaurant and beer garden in the county. Expect classic Bavarian and continental cuisine here in this cozy, rustic chalet. Eight German beers on tap, fine regional and local wines and a full bar. Fine dining, patio dining,

kid friendly.

Vasili’s Greek Restaurant / 1501 Mission St.,  Santa Cruz,  831-458-9808 / One of the best places to experience really fantastic Greek food. Small, cozy, but fully loaded. Try moussaka (with eggplant), spanakopita (spinach pie) and souvlaki. Greek wine and beer specialties.

Vida / 1222 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz,  425-7871, vidasc.com / A premier spot in downtown Santa Cruz that serves some of the very best “California” dishes—everything from organic salads to fresh fish and meats, as well as terrific line-up of appetizers and drinks. Great late-night hang out, too.

Zachary’s Restaurant / 819 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-427-0646. / One of the best stops to nab a great breakfast of lunch in the downtown area. The omelets may be impressive, but actually, everything on the menu here is pretty dynamic—and bountiful. Salads are fresh and come in healthy portions, and the variety of sandwiches is noteworthy. Great atmosphere—perfect for a nice break and a vigorous refuel.

Photo : charles mixson

Zameen Mediterrean Cuisine / 7528 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 688-4465, zameencuisine.com. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.  / Zameen takes ancient Middle Eastern dishes and serves them up with its own modern twist. Enjoy a casual dining experience in this beautiful Morroccon-style eatery in the Aptos Center. Order at the counter and the food is delivered to your table. Try Zameen’s falafel, kebabs (including vegetarian) and spicy lamb dishes. Entrees come in three sizes and the price is right. Beer and wine are served – and don’t miss dessert. Zameen’s Citrus Yogurt Cake is simply heavenly.

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