Santa Cruz Good Times

Dining, Restaurant list in Santa Cruz County

Acapulco Restaurant

1116 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-426-7588  Authentic Mexican, seafood and American offerings come in a variety of dishes: Try the chicken mole, chile verde, sizzling fajitas, crab and shrimp enchiladas, garlic portabella fajitas, grilled chicken fettuccini with artichoke hearts, or the glazed chicken teriyaki.

Aldo’s Harbor Restaurant

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: Kahlua pork with cabbage, grilled mahi mahi, loco moco, kal-bi ribs, teriyaki portabello and even SPAM musubi! True taste of Hawaii.

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.

Aptos Burger Company

106 Rancho Del Mar, Aptos, 831-688-1282  Fans of this spot, conveniently located near Cabrillo College, may appreciate the ’50s vibe, but the food is certainly memorable. Veggie burgers with avocado anyone? Salads and free refills on fountain drinks are a plus. But the burgers definitely stand out.

Aquarius at the Dream Inn

175 West Cliff DRIVE, 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.

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 are some creative nuances here, too, like the tea smoothies and local, seasonal dishes.

Backstage Lounge
1209 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 469-9900  Situated next door to the Rio Theatre, it’s the perfect spot for before- or after-the-show dinner. Featuring sandwiches, pasta, chipotle ribs, Chinese chicken salad and delicious desserts, this casual dining spot is reasonably priced. Breakfast is served from 7am to 2pm. It’s the sister café to Chocolate in Downtown Santa Cruz.

Betty Burgers
100 41st Ave., Capitola, 475-5901, 505 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-423-8190  The new eatery in Capitola is the second Betty Burgers to open in the Santa Cruz area. The first Betty Burgers on Seabright Avenue took off like a rocket, so a second one was bound to happen. Serving up delicious burgers (made from Black Angus beef), plus fries, onion rings and all that other good stuff, Betty Burgers is one of the most popular places around.

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 Brasil
1410 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 831-429-1855  Welcome to your new hangout. Café Brasil attracts both students and locals—and in droves, apparently. Expect great service and great vibes here—CB poaches both your idea of a traditional morning meal, and your eggs. Specializing in South American cuisine that you won’t find anywhere else in Santa Cruz, here’s a place to dine at if you want a healthy and exotic meal (lunch is on the menu, too), for a price that’s under $10. The options are too extensive to list, so just know that most anything is scrumptious here. A renowned favorite is the açai bowl—açai blended up with apple juice, bananas, strawberries, guarana syrup and granola on top. Honestly, you’ll get addicted.

Cafe Cruz
2621 41st Ave., Soquel, 831-476-3801, cafecruz.com  A hit with locals and travelers, Cafe Cruz stands out for its commitment to serving some of most creative continental cuisine you could imagine. That, coupled with a superior wine list, make this culinary haven well, a haven. Perfectly located on 41st Avenue, right near Hwy 1.

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.

Cafe Mare
740 Front St., Santa Cruz, 831-458-1212, cafemare.com  A Downtown Santa Cruz treasure and a hotbed of uniquely presented Italian cuisine. The recipes here seem to come from the heart—and they’re all hearty. Great wine list and friendly staff.

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.

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.

Carniglia’s
49A Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, 831-458-3600  It sports one of the most dynamic views on the wharf and happens to have a stand-out menu. We were impressed with the appetizers here, but the main meals are filling and robust. Grab a seat right before sunset. Always a winner.

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.

Casablanca
101 Main Street, Santa Cruz, 831-426-9063, casablanca-santacruz.com  One of the area’s finest restaurants just gets better with age. Here, right across the street from Main Beach, you can find some of the area’s best cuisine—and a wine list that will knock your socks off. Charming, authentic, delicious. For decades, this venue has thrived so soak it up and explore the diverse menu here.

Cellar Door
328 Ingalls Street, Santa Cruz, bonnydoonvineyard.com  David Kinch of Manresa Restaurant in Los Gatos teamed with local wine titan Randall Grahm to launch this dynamic spot, so wonderfully located on the Westside of Santa Cruz. Local greens, unique soups, organic meats and, of course, all the wine you can imagine. A real treat.

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.

Charlie Hong Kong
1141 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 426-5664  It’s hard not get a bit addicted by this curious culinary portal, perfectly located on Soquel Avenue near the Rio Theatre. Featuring “organic Asian street food,” you get quite a bit for your buck—organic veggies and savory meats. Take note: all noodle and rice bowls are vegan-based.

Chill Out Cafe
860 41st Ave. Capitola, 831-477-0543  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.

Cilantro’s 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 one of Watsonville’s best restaurants.

Clouds Downtown
110 Church St., Santa Cruz, 831-429-2000, cloudsdowntown.com  Known for its selection of specialty martinis and good, fresh California cuisine with a Pacific Rim influence. You’ll be dazzled by the amazing drinks but the crowd here is really festive, too. Take note of some meals that stand out, like the delicious seared ahi tuna, Caesar salad and many meat dishes. Try the espresso martini for a real kick. Great selection of after-dinner drinks. This place is chic, modern, upscale and friendly.

Crepe Place
1134 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. 429-6994  Quite possibly the most beloved dining establishment in Santa Cruz, the Crepe Place has been serving up—you guessed it—delectable crepes since 1973. Since then, the menu has expanded to include more mainstream items, but the giant selection of crepes is still the main attraction. Outlandish décor imbues the Crepe Place with instant character, and the outdoor garden is the perfect backdrop for live music and the ever-popular movie nights. An extensive selection of single malts and an Absinthe Night every Tuesday makes the bar a popular destination for those who appreciate fine spirits.

Crow’s Nest
2218 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz. Call 831-476-4560, crowsnest-santacruz.com  Celebrating 40 amazing years, this noteworthy venue is perched in the Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor and offers stunning ocean views. It’s popular, lively and just the type of Santa Cruz experience visitors relish. Comedy and entertainment is on hand, too. The restaurant delivers with its variety—fresh seafood, steaks, chicken and stellar appetizers. it 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 hottest dining 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.

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. The bright, warm, friendly atmosphere of this Watsonville favorite is 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 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.

Gabriella Café
910 Cedar St., Santa Cruz. 457-1677  Hands down—Gabriella Café is not to be missed. The delectable menu here continues to impress and is based around locally grown produce and sustainable meats and dairy. The fare changes daily in an attempt to encapsulate the newest, freshest ingredients. Combine the fairy lights draped delicately against the stuccoed walls of the entryway, the tiny tables adorned with carafes of lemon-kissed water, the incredibly seductive menu, and voila! Gabriella is the quintessential Santa Cruz date restaurant. Bon appétit.

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, no. 5, Watsonville, 831-728-0644  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.

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. European-style baked goods are their specialty and 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. With organic ingredients and reasonable prices, it’s not particularly surprising that Hula’s remains one of the downtown favorites.

Ideal Bar & Grill
106 Beach St., Santa Cruz, 831-423-5271, idealbarandgrill.com  You can’t beat the location. Ideal is situated of 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 pasta dishes, along with an impressive appetizer and drink menu. Downright fun—and tasty.

India Joze
418 Front St., Santa Cruz, indiajoze.com  The old India Joze restaurant closed down in 1999, but a new one is reborn. Chef Jozseph Schultz, famous for his creative culinary capers, showcases his fabulous food once more in his very own space. His Wok on the Wild Side catering business and cookbooks he’s written make him one of the best-known chefs around, and that’s a bit of fame he’s definitely earned. His ethnic cuisine—Persian, Turkish, Greek, Balinese, you name it—is guaranteed to be packed with flavor.

I Love Sushi
516 Front St., Santa Cruz, 831-421-0706  Fun and wild and just delicious. Ample portions of food and great Japanese beers, combined with great karaoke make for a night of passion. A must for visitors.

Jalisco Restaurant
618 Main St., 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.

Joe’s Pizza & Subs
1207 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 841 Branciforte Ave., Santa Cruz, 426-5955  Here’s where you’ll get a sandwich with a difference. Joe’s is famous for Middle Eastern fare—falafel, hummus, shawarma, tahini, tabouli and baba ghanoush are all served up with delicious pita bread. If you’re looking for flavor, then this is the place. They make a darned good pizza, too.

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. You’ve got wildly entertaining specialty drinks—from the mango mojito to the mandarin cosmo—and a fine offering of hearty seafood fixings. The crab and shrimp melt, fried sand dab sandwich or skirt steak sandwich, are 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.

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 longtime 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, and 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.

Linwood’s Bar & Grill at 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 the 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.

Malabar Café
514 Front St., Santa Cruz. 423-7906  The pear-shaped island of Sri Lanka has been a crossroads of trade and commerce since the 15th century and, as such, foods and spices from multiple nations influenced the country’s cuisine. Malabar Café in downtown Santa Cruz has perfected the art of vegetarian Sri Lankan cooking. The space exudes a mellow Eastern vibe, but once you taste the naan bread and garlic oil (and pretty much anything else on the menu for that matter) your entire focus will shift solely to your food. Best of all, prices are quite reasonable and portions are generous.

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 line-up 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 no.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.  

Mayflower Chinese Restaurant
3555 Clares St., Capitola, 831-476-4688  Some may think that one of the best things about Mayflower is that it does not use MSG. That’s good, but here’s something better. The restaurant wins points for truly authentic Chinese cuisine that’s both healthy and fresh.

May’s Sushi
1800 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-427-0201  From its ample cuts of sashimi to generous rolls, May’s stands out. This is a great local spot that continues to win raves. The menu is diverse and May’s creations are downright creative.

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.

Oak Tree Ristorante
5447 Highway 9, Felton, 831-335-5551, Santa Cruz, oaktreeristorAnte.com  A real find in Felton. Actually, it’s a jewel in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Harmonious gardens and  outstanding Italian cuisine. That, coupled with an impressive wine list, make for an unforgettable experience. (Monday is often Spaghetti Night.)
Photo : Kelly Vaillancourt

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 Szechuan, 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.

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 amazing 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.

Pizza My Heart
1116 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-426-2511; 209 Esplanade,, Capitola, 831-475-5714; 2180 41st Ave., Capitola, 831-475-6000  A fantastic hotspot. Great decor—it’s all surf-related—and a striking variety of pizza options are impressive here. A multiple winner for Best Pizza in GT’s Best of Santa Cruz Readers’ Poll, Pizza My Heart has mastered the art of creating the finest slices—and whole pizzas—around.

The Point 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.

Ristorante Avanti
1171 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 831-427-0135,
ristoranteavanti.com  Bold, delicious, memorable. One of the best restaurants in Santa Cruz continues to get better with age. Avanti wins high marks for its stellar Italian cuisine and the remarkable way it’s able to create a winning meal. Lunch specials are a plus, too, but the dinners here truly stand out.
Photo: Kelly Vaillancourt

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 good selection and outstanding service. Photo: Kelly Vaillancourt

Sawasdee Thai Cuisine
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 Bar & Grill
7500 Old Dominion Court, Aptos, 831-688-8987  Acclaimed for its appealing atmosphere, this spot is 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 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.
Photo: Kelly valliancourt

Shogun Japanese Restaurant
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.

SmoQe
10110 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 831-662-2227, smoqe.com  Get ready for the best damn barbecue around. Recently opened but completely polished when it comes to the smokey, delicious meat and fish SmoQe offers. An added twist—wood-fired grilled pizza. If you walk away hungry from here—shame on you!
PHOTO: Charles Mixson

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 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.

Sushi Garden
820 Bay Ave., Capitola, 831-464-9192; 1441 Main St., Watsonville, 728-9192, sushi-garden.com  Sushi is even 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.

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

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

Tacos Morenos

1053 Water St., Santa Cruz, 831-429-6095; 1601 41st Ave., Capitola, 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.

Tortilla Flats

4616 soquel drive, soquel, 476-1754. tortillaflatsdining.com Capitola, 831-465-9040  Wonderfully authentic and surprisingly hypnotic. This unique portal has managed to create both a diverse menu with a super list of speciality drinks. From its Original Margarita—you’ll taste the orange liqueur—to its impressive house specials, you can’t go wrong. (Take note of the nice corn tamales and the Durango Enchilada, which has hints of Peruvian Aji Chiles.)

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 premiere 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 a terrific line-up of appetizers and drinks. Great late-night hang out, too.

Woodstocks Pizza

710 Front Street, Santa Cruz, 831-427-4444  Well, any place that can boast “legendary meals” for about $5, must be worth it, right? Yes. You can have almost anything you love here. Beyond amazing pizza concoctions, there’s a hearty appetizer list, salads, drink specials, desserts and delicious sandwiches.

Zachary’s Restaurant
819 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-427-0646  One of the best stops to nab a great breakfast or 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.