Foodie File

Brothers Brew

Brothers Joel and Brayden Estby built 11th Hour Coffee into a Santa Cruz gathering place fueled by creative drinks, housemade food and community connection.

By the Sea

Dos Pescados in Aptos pairs coastal Mexican cuisine with ocean views, serving local fish tacos, grilled prawns, calamari and housemade desserts.

New York Style

The Alley-Oop brings moody New York cocktail-lounge style to downtown Santa Cruz, pairing classic drinks with small plates and late-night date-night atmosphere.

Dining In

Elite Meal Service brings restaurant-inspired, chef-prepared meals to Santa Cruz County homes, with local sourcing, custom menus and global flavors.

Aire Apparent

Andrew Steingrube checks in with Solaire Restaurant & Bar at Hotel Paradox, where a revamped menu, local partnerships and poolside energy are giving the restaurant a new identity.

Luna’s Borikén Bites brings Puerto Rican flavor to Abbott Square with empanadillas, chicharrón de pollo, jibarito sliders, slow-roasted pork, traditional desserts and owner Ali Luna’s blend of food, music and cultural heritage.

Signature Ramen

At Watsonville’s Miyuki Restaurant, longtime server and sushi chef Chris Ishikawa helps preserve a home-cooked Japanese dining tradition built on loyal regulars, standout sushi and a Wednesday-only signature ramen that has earned its own local following.

Family and Feast

For nearly 80 years, Stagnaro Brothers Seafood Restaurant has served fresh seafood, family recipes and sweeping Monterey Bay views from its landmark location on the Santa Cruz Wharf.

Main Place

Mane Kitchen & Cocktails serves coastal Californian food, polished craft drinks and lively Leo energy in downtown Santa Cruz.

Low-Key Lux

Low Tide Bar & Grill at La Bahia Hotel & Spa offers Santa Cruz a polished beachside dining experience, with cocktails, California-Pacific dishes, Mediterranean touches and a “South Pacific living room” feel.

Beers for Cheers

Downtown Santa Cruz taphouse Lúpulo pairs its coveted craft beer selection with Latin American and Spanish-inspired plates, from papas machas and tacos to vegan lion’s mane “crab cakes.”

Italian I Scream

Gran Gelato Caffe brings Italian-trained gelato craft to downtown Santa Cruz, with rotating flavors, espresso drinks, cannoli, tiramisu and a lunch menu featuring handmade focaccia panini.