Best Breakfast /SLV-Scotts Valley
Auntie Mame’s
- Auntie Mame is an exuberant character in a 1958 technicolor comedy based on a novel of the same name. She hosts frequent parties with bohemian guests, and her repeated motto is “Life is a banquet, and most poor suckers are starving to death!”
- At this classic American breakfast spot, you have a choice between hash browns and home fries.
- Health-food trends may come and go, but Auntie Mame’s chicken fried steak and homemade biscuits and gravy is forever.
- Kids can order a pancake shaped like a mouse face and play with toys while they wait.
- Known for fast and friendly service and generous portions.
Best Brunch
Harbor Café
- Harbor Café has one of the biggest patio areas in town, with large picnic tables to accommodate hungry groups.
- Start your weekend early with the mimosa specials on Friday, then extend it with $4 Bloody Marys on Monday. Recover on Tuesday with banana pancakes for $2? Yes.
- Dogs are so welcome they get their own menu.
- Vegetarians and vegans can get their fill here, too, with favorites like the veggie bene and Mexican tofu scramble.
- If you have to wait for a table, you can do so with self-serve coffee or a drink from the tiki bar. Try the pomegranate or fresh-squeezed grapefruit greyhound and you’ll hardly notice your wait.
Best Cheap Eats
Charlie Hong Kong
- Long before Bon Appetit began featuring the bowl as the superior plating method on their magazine covers, CHK was serving up their signature bowls of rice or noodles, proteins and fresh veggies with savory sauces for only $7.
- Charlie Hong Kong, named after the original chef, Charlie Deal, has been serving Southeast Asian street-food-inspired dishes in the heart of the Seabright neighborhood for 21 years.
- The building was originally a 1950s ice cream stand.
- They are a certified Green Business and passionately support local organic farmers.
- CHK owner Carolyn Rudolph maintains a blog on its website, charliehongkong.com.
Best Clam Chowder
Stagnaro Brothers
- The Stagnaro family emigrated from Italy in 1913, started their wharf business in 1937, survived the Great Depression, and have been a Santa Cruz staple ever since.
- Stagnaro Bros. is the largest fish market in Northern California.
- Chowder is served in a cup or an edible bread bowl (the environmentally friendly choice).
- Clams have been a source of food on the West Coast of California for thousands of years, and were the primary source of nourishment for the Chumash people native to Santa Cruz.
- Located at the end of the Wharf, Stagnaro Bros. has a superb view of the Monterey Bay from their upper-deck lounge.
Best Desserts – Restaurant
Chocolate
- Almost everything on the menu (including entrées) contains chocolate.
- The restaurant grew from David Jackman’s experience as a pastry chef on a farm in Bologna, Italy during the height of the slow food movement in the 1980s.
- They serve 10 kinds of hot chocolate, with non-dairy options available.
- The natural chemicals in cocoa, called flavanols, have been shown to relax the blood vessels, improve blood flow and thereby lower blood pressure, according to a Harvard study.
- The heated, plant-filled patio has become a beloved oasis on Pacific Avenue.
Best Frozen Yogurt
Top A Lot
- Ready with 49 toppings, Top A Lot offers a local alternative to plain frozen yogurt.
- They have a buy-one, get-one-free special on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-7 p.m.
- Flavors vary weekly, but the original fro-yo flavor, Euro Tart, is always available.
- Avoid the mall, and get your kid’s picture with Santa at this family-owned establishment instead.
- They are open until 10 p.m.—perfect for late-night munchies.
Best New Restaurant
Alderwood
- James Beard finalist Miles Macquarrie curated the cocktail program to complement Chef Jeffrey Wall’s cuisine.
- Dry-aging beef—like the 60-day-aged steak offered at Alderwood—transforms the enzymes into smaller, more flavorful fragments, and the collagen dissolves into gelatin during cooking, making it more succulent.
- Now you don’t have to head over the hill for a steakhouse that delivers on flavor with a unique coastal vibe.
- For $10 during one of their two happy hour options (4-5:30 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday; plus 9:30 p.m.-midnight on Fridays and Saturdays), you can get a delicious burger and a Miller High Life beer–Wall’s nod to service-industry workers—or take advantage of their fresh oysters for $1.25 each.
- They do not charge a corkage fee on the first two bottles of wine. For each additional bottle, the fee is $25.
Best Restaurant / Santa Cruz
Oswald
- On special occasions like New Year’s and UCSC graduation, Oswald offers special set prix-fixe menus.
- Bring your date to Oswald for an unforgettable romantic dinner.
- You can always find good spirits and good conversation at the bar.
- Always go for the seasonal cocktail, which delivers a burst of (sometimes exotic) fresh-squeezed juice without fail.
- It has been argued (including by some in the pages of GT) that Oswald has the best gourmet burger in Santa Cruz.
Best Sushi / Watsonville
Imura
- Imura attracts patrons from all parts of Santa Cruz County.
- In addition to sushi, Imura offers a full menu of Japanese and Korean dishes.
- Imura grew from humble beginnings in 1992 and now employs over 30 people, many of them family members.
- Great alternative to a sports bar for having a beer and watching a game.
- The crunchy magana is one of the most popular sushi rolls on the menu.
Best Vegetarian
Dharma’s
- Originally named McDharma’s for being virtuous (dharma) fast food, but in 1984 McDonald’s began challenging the name in court. The David-and-Goliath battle went on for four years and ended with Dharma’s losing on a technicality in court.
- The incident received international media attention, and owner Ben Shapiro says they are still McDharma’s, but the “Mc” is silent.
- Rae Dawn Chong and Kenny Loggins are among its fans.
- Known for huge portions that have impressed even fervent meat lovers.
- All vegetarian, vegan optional. Dharma’s serves nothing with meat, fish or eggs.
Acai Bowl
Samba Rock Acai Café
291 Water St., Santa Cruz, 458-2224
RUNNERS-UP Café Brasil, The Palm Deli
Appetizers
Hula’s Island Grill
221 Cathcart St., Santa Cruz, 426-4852, hulastiki.com
RUNNERS-UP The Crow’s Nest, Shadowbrook Restaurant
Bagel
Bagelry
320 Cedar St., Santa Cruz, 429-8049;
1636 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, 425-8550;
4763 Soquel Drive, Soquel, 462-9888, bagelrysantacruz.com
RUNNERS-UP Bagel Cafe, Main Street Bagels
Bakery
Gayle’s Bakery
504 Bay Ave., Capitola, 462-1200, gaylesbakery.com
RUNNERS-UP The Buttery, Companion Bakeshop
Barbecue
Aptos St. BBQ
8059 Aptos St., Aptos, 662-1721, aptosstbbq.com
RUNNERS-UP Cole’s BBQ & Catering, Mission St. BBQ
Bar Food
Parish Publick House
841 Almar Ave., Santa Cruz, 421-0507;
8017 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 708-2036, theparishpublick.com
RUNNERS-UP 515 Kitchen & Cocktails, The Crow’s Nest
Bread
Companion Bakeshop
2341 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 252-2253;
7486 Soquel Drive, Aptos, companionbakeshop.com
RUNNERS-UP Beckmann’s Old World Bakery, Gayle’s Bakery
Breakfast
Zachary’s Restaurant (Santa Cruz)
819 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 427-0646, zacharyssantacruz.com
RUNNERS-UP Harbor Café, Walnut Avenue Café
Red Apple Café (Aptos/Soquel)
783 Rio Del Mar Blvd., Aptos, 685-1224, redappleaptos.com
RUNNERS-UP Silver Spur, Sunrise Café
Avenue Café (Capitola)
427 Capitola Ave., Capitola, 515-7559, avenuecafecapitola.com
RUNNERS-UP Cliff Café, Gayle’s Bakery
Auntie Mame’s (Scotts Valley/SLV)
3103 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley, 438-1840, auntiemamescafe.co
RUNNERS-UP Heavenly Roadside Café, Rocky’s Café
Cowboy’s Corner Café (Watsonville)
946 Main St., Watsonville, 761-8996, cowboycornercafe.com
RUNNERS-UP Beach Street Café, Red Apple Café
Brunch
Harbor Café
535 7th Ave., Santa Cruz, 475-4948, harborcafesantacruz.com
RUNNERS-UP Chaminade, The Crow’s Nest
Burger
Betty Burgers (Santa Cruz)
505 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-8190;
1222 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 600-7056, bettyburgers.com
burger. (Santa Cruz)
1520 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 425-5300, burgerlovesbeer.com
RUNNERS-UP Jack’s Hamburgers, West End Tap & Kitchen
burger. (Aptos/Soquel)
7941 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 662-2811, burgerlovesbeer.com
RUNNERS-UP Carpo’s, Parish Publick House Aptos
Betty Burgers (Capitola)
1000 41st Ave., Santa Cruz, 475-5901, bettyburgers.com
RUNNERS-UP East End Gastropub, Paradise Beach Grille
Malone’s Grille (Scotts Valley/SLV)
4402 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley, 438-2244, malonesgrille.com
RUNNERS-UP Bruno’s Bar & Grill, Cremer House
Wooden Nickel (Watsonville)
1819 Freedom Blvd., Freedom, 724-2600
RUNNERS-UP California Grill, Main Street Burger & Brew
Burrito
Tacos Moreno (Santa Cruz)
1053 Water St., Santa Cruz, 429-6095
RUNNERS-UP Taqueria Vallarta, Taqueria Los Pericos
Taqueria Los Gordos (Aptos/Soquel)
7488 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 688-0911
RUNNERS-UP El Chipotle, Manuel’s Mexican Restaurant
Tacos Moreno (Capitola)
1601 41st Ave., Capitola, 464-8810
RUNNERS-UP El Toro Bravo, Taqueria Vallarta
Los Gallos Taqueria (Scotts Valley/SLV)
18 Victor Square Ste. A, Scotts Valley, 439-9803
RUNNERS-UP Habaneros Bar & Grill, Taqueria Vallarta
El Frijolito (Watsonville)
11 Alexander St., Watsonville, 724-8823
RUNNERS-UP Cilantros Parrilla y Cantina, Super Taqueria
Calamari
The Crow’s Nest
2218 E Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, 476-4560, crowsnest-santacruz.com
RUNNERS-UP Riva Fish House, West End Tap & Kitchen
Caterer
Barbara & Company
2431 Chanticleer Ave., Santa Cruz, 426-6051, barbara-company.com
RUNNERS-UP Gordo Gustavo’s, Five Star
Cheap Eats
Charlie Hong Kong
1141 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, 426-5664, charliehongkong.com
RUNNERS-UP Betty’s Noodle House, Taqueria Vallarta
Cheese Selection
Shopper’s Corner
622 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-1398, shopperscorner.com
RUNNERS-UP New Leaf Community Market, Staff of Life
Chinese Cuisine
Canton
900 41st Ave., Santa Cruz, 475-8751, cantonsantacruz.com
RUNNERS-UP Panda Inn, The Red Pearl
Chocolatier
Donnelly’s Chocolates
1509 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 458-4214, donnellychocolates.com
RUNNERS-UP Mackenzies Chocolates, Chocolate
Clam Chowder
Stagnaro Brothers
59 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, 423-2180
RUNNERS-UP The Crow’s Nest, Riva Fish House
Coffeehouse (Independent)
Cat & Cloud
3600 Portola Dr, Santa Cruz;
Abbott Square, 725 Front St., Santa Cruz, catandcloud.com
RUNNERS-UP Lulu Carpenter’s, Verve
Cookies
Pacific Cookie Company
1203 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 429-6905, pacificcookie.com
RUNNERS-UP The Buttery, Gayle’s Bakery
Cupcakes
Buttercup Cakes & Farmhouse Frosting
1411 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 466-0373, farmhousefrosting.com
RUNNERS-UP The Buttery, Gayle’s Bakery
Date Night Restaurant
Laili (Santa Cruz)
101 Cooper St., Santa Cruz, 423-4545, lailirestaurant.com
RUNNERS-UP Gabriella’s, Oswald
Cafe Cruz (Aptos/Soquel)
2621 41st Ave., Soquel, 476-3801, cafecruz.com
RUNNERS-UP Home, Café Sparrow
Shadowbrook Restaurant (Capitola)
1750 Wharf Rd., Capitola, 475-1511, shadowbrook-capitola.com
RUNNERS-UP Paradise Beach Grille, Sotola Bar & Grill
Cremer House (Scotts Valley/SLV)
6256 Hwy. 9, Felton, 335-3976, thecremerhouse.com
RUNNERS-UP Ristorante Casa Nostra, Malone’s Grille
California Grill (Watsonville)
40 Penny Lane, Watsonville, 722-8052, californiagrillrestaurant.com
Ella’s at the Airport (Watsonville)
100 Aviation Way., Watsonville, 728-3282, ellasinwatsonville.com
RUNNER-UP Cilantros Parrilla y Cantina, Jalisco Restaurant
Deli
Zoccoli’s Deli
1534 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-1711, zoccolis.com
RUNNERS-UP Erik’s DeliCafe, Garden Deli
Desserts (Bakery)
Gayle’s Bakery
504 Bay Ave., Capitola, 462-1200, gaylesbakery.com
RUNNERS-UP Buttercup Cakes & Farmhouse Frosting, The Buttery
Desserts (Restaurant)
Chocolate
1522 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 427-9900, chocolatesantacruz.com
RUNNERS-UP Bittersweet Bistro, Shadowbrook Restaurant
Donut Shop
Ferrell’s Donuts
2227 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 457-2760
RUNNER-UP Allbright’s Donut Shoppe
Falafel
Zameen
851 41st Ave., Santa Cruz, 713-5520, zameencuisine.com
RUNNERS-UP Falafel of Santa Cruz, Falafel House Downtown
Food Event
Greek Food Festival
Downtown Santa Cruz
RUNNERS-UP Clam Chowder Cook Off, Grazing on the Green
French Fries
Betty Burgers
1000 41st Ave., Santa Cruz, 475-5901;
505 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-8190;
1222 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 600-7056, bettyburgers.com
RUNNERS-UP 515 Kitchen & Cocktails, West End Tap & Kitchen
Frozen Yogurt
Top A Lot Yogurt
738 Water St., Santa Cruz, 426-1375, topalot.com
RUNNERS-UP Cruz Creamery, Juicy Sweet
Greek
Vasili’s Greek Restaurant
1501A Mission St., Santa Cruz, 458-9808, vasilisgreekrestaurant.com
RUNNERS-UP Mozaic, Zameen Mediterranean Cuisine
Hawaiian Cuisine
Pono Hawaiian Grill
120 Union St., Santa Cruz, 426-7666, ponohawaiiangrill.com
RUNNERS-UP Aloha Island Grille, Hula’s Island Grill
Hot Dog
Gary’s Old Fashioned Snappy Dogs
930 Almar Ave., Santa Cruz, 295-3610
RUNNERS-UP Happy Dog Hot Dog, Taylor Bros Hot Dogs
Ice Cream
Marianne’s
1020 Ocean St., Santa Cruz, 458-1447;
218 State Park Drive, Aptos, 713-4746;
104 Stockton Ave., Capitola, 479-8888, mariannesicecream.com
RUNNERS-UP Mission Hill Creamery, Penny Ice Creamery
Indian Cuisine
Ambrosia India Bistro
207 Sea Ridge Rd., Aptos, 685-0610;
6006 La Madrona Dr., #D, Scotts Valley, 713-5594, ambrosiaib.com
RUNNERS-UP Mumbai Delights, Malabar
Italian Cuisine
Lillian’s Italian Kitchen
1148 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 425-2288, lilliansitaliankitchen.com
RUNNERS-UP La Posta, Ristorante Italiano
Juice Bar / Smoothies
New Leaf Community Markets
1101 Fair Ave., Santa Cruz, 426-1306;
1134 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 425-1793;
1210 41st Ave., Capitola, 479-7987, newleaf.com
RUNNERS-UP Amazon Juices, Staff of Life
Kid-Friendly Eatery
Carpo’s
2400 Porter St., Soquel, 476-6260, carposrestaurant.com
RUNNERS-UP Kianti’s Pizza & Pasta Bar, Woodstock’s Pizza
Late-Night Eatery
Saturn Café
145 Laurel St., Santa Cruz, 429-8505, saturncafe.com
RUNNERS-UP 515 Kitchen & Cocktails, Crepe Place
Mexican Cuisine
El Palomar (Santa Cruz)
1336 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 425-7575, elpalomarsantacruz.com
RUNNERS-UP Tacos Moreno, Taqueria Los Pericos
Manuel’s Mexican Restaurant (Aptos/Soquel)
261 Center Ave., Aptos, 688-4848, manuelsrestaurant.com
RUNNERS-UP Palapas Restaurant y Cantina, Tortilla Flats
El Toro Bravo (Capitola)
123 Monterey Ave., Capitola, 476-1553, eltorobravorestaurant.com
RUNNER-UP Margaritaville, Taqueria Vallarta
Maya Mexican Restaurant (Scotts Valley/SLV)
3115 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley, 438-7004, mayasv.com
RUNNERS-UP Los Gallos, Taqueria Vallarta
Cilantros Parrilla y Cantina (Watsonville)
1934 Main St., Watsonville, 761-2161, elpalomarcilantros.com
RUNNERS-UP El Frijolito, Jalisco Restaurant
Middle Eastern
Laili
101 Cooper St., Santa Cruz, 423-4545, lailirestaurant.com
RUNNERS-UP Mozaic, Zameen
New Restaurant
Alderwood
155 Walnut Ave, Santa Cruz, 588-3238, alderwoodsantacruz.com
RUNNERS-UP HōM Korean Kitchen, Primal
Patio Dining
Laili (Santa Cruz)
101 Cooper St., Santa Cruz, 423-4545, lailirestaurant.com
RUNNERS-UP Crepe Place, The Crow’s Nest
The Hideout (Aptos/Soquel)
9051 Soquel Dr, Aptos, 688-5566, thehideoutaptos.com
RUNNERS-UP Bittersweet Bistro, Cafe Cruz
Shadowbrook Restaurant (Capitola)
1750 Wharf Rd., Capitola, 475-1511, shadowbrook-capitola.com
RUNNERS-UP Paradise Beach Grille, Zelda’s on the Beach
Malone’s Grille (Scotts Valley/SLV)
4402 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley, 438-2244, malonesgrille.com
RUNNERS-UP Cowboy Bar & Grill, Cremer House
Ella’s at the Airport (Watsonville)
100 Aviation Way, Watsonville, 728-3282, ellasinwatsonville.com
RUNNERS-UP Cilantros Parrilla y Cantina, Red Apple Café
Pizza
Pizza My Heart (Santa Cruz)
1116 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 426-2511, pizzamyheart.com
RUNNERS-UP Bantam, Woodstock’s Pizza
Pizza 1 (Aptos/Soquel)
253 Center Ave., Aptos, 684-1110, pizza-1.com
RUNNERS-UP Showtime Pizza, Upper Crust Pizza & Pasta
Pizza My Heart (Capitola)
2180 41st Ave., Capitola, 475-6000;
209 Esplanade, Capitola, 475-5714, pizzamyheart.com
RUNNERS-UP Pleasure Pizza, Village Host Pizza & Grill
Redwood Pizzeria (Scotts Valley/SLV)
6205 Hwy. 9, Felton, 335-1500, redwoodpizza.com
RUNNERS-UP Boulder Creek Pizza & Pub, Tony & Alba’s
Cassidy’s Pizza (Watsonville)
1400 Freedom Blvd., Watsonville, 724-2271
RUNNERS-UP Big J’s Pizza, Corralitos Pizza
Probiotic Drink
Vida Juice
fermentvida.com
RUNNER-UP Drink La Vie
Restaurant
Oswald (Santa Cruz)
121 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-7427, oswaldrestaurant.com
RUNNERS-UP The Crow’s Nest, Laili
Café Sparrow (Aptos/Soquel)
8042 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 688-6238, cafesparrow.com
RUNNERS-UP Bittersweet Bistro, The Hideout
Shadowbrook Restaurant (Capitola)
1750 Wharf Rd., Capitola, 475-1511, shadowbrook-capitola.com
RUNNERS-UP East End Gastropub, Paradise Beach Grille
Cremer House (Scotts Valley/SLV)
6256 Hwy. 9, Felton, 335-3976, thecremerhouse.com
RUNNERS-UP Ristorante Casa Nostra, Cowboy Bar & Grill
Malone’s Grille (Scotts Valley/SLV)
4402 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley, 438-2244, malonesgrille.com
RUNNERS-UP Jia Tella, Ambrosia Indian Bistro
Cafe Cruz (Soquel)
2621 41st Ave., Soquel, 476-3801, cafecruz.com
RUNNERS-UP Home, Tortilla Flats
California Grill (Watsonville)
40 Penny Lane, Watsonville, 722-8052, californiagrillrestaurant.com
RUNNERS-UP Cilantros Parrilla y Cantina, Ella’s at the Airport
Salad
The Crow’s Nest
2218 E Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, 476-4560, crowsnest-santacruz.com
RUNNERS-UP Cafe Cruz, Carpo’s
Sandwich
Zoccoli’s
1534 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-1711, zoccolis.com
RUNNERS-UP Garden Deli, Surf City Sandwich
Seafood
Johnny’s Harborside (Santa Cruz)
493 Lake Ave., Santa Cruz, 479-3430, johnnysharborside.com
RUNNERS-UP The Crow’s Nest, Stagnaro Bros.
Cafe Cruz (Aptos/Soquel)
2621 41st Ave., Soquel, 476-3801, cafecruz.com
RUNNERS-UP Akira, Café Rio
Shadowbrook Restaurant (Capitola)
1750 Wharf Rd., Capitola, 475-1511, shadowbrook-capitola.com
RUNNERS-UP Paradise Beach Grille, Zelda’s On The Beach
Ristorante Casa Nostra (San Lorenzo/SLV)
9217 Hwy. 9, Ben Lomond, 609-6132, ristorantecasanostra.com
RUNNERS-UP Rumble Fish, Sushi Blossom Scotts Valley
Fish House Bar & Grill (Watsonville)
972 Main St., Watsonville, 728-3333
RUNNERS-UP Cilantros Parrilla y Cantina, La Perla del Pacifico
Small Plates
515 Kitchen & Cocktails
515 Cedar St., Santa Cruz, 425-5051, 515santacruz.com
RUNNERS-UP Lúpulo Craft Beer House, Soif
Soup
Erik’s DeliCafé
1475 41st Ave., Capitola, 475-4646;
1664 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz, 462-1919;
102 Rancho Del Mar, Aptos, 688-5656;
222 Mt Hermon Rd. J, Scotts Valley, 438-4646;
1074 S. Green Valley Rd., Watsonville, 724-7575, eriksdelicafe.com
RUNNERS-UP Shadowbrook, Staff of Life
Steak
Hindquarter Bar & Grille
303 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 426-7770, thehindquarter.com
RUNNERS-UP Alderwood, Shadowbrook Restaurant
Sushi/Japanese
Akira Sushi (Santa Cruz)
1222 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 600-7093, akirasantacruz.com
RUNNERS-UP Mobo, Shogun
Akira Sushi (Aptos/Soquel)
105 D Post Office Drive, Aptos, 708-2154, akiraaptos.com
Sushi Garden (Capitola)
820 Bay Ave. #148, Capitola, 464-9192, sushi-garden.com
RUNNERS-UP Geisha Japanese Restaurant and Tea House, Takara
Otoro (Scotts Valley/SLV)
235 Mt. Hermon Rd. #G, Scotts Valley, 440-9040
RUNNERS-UP Rumble Fish, Sushi Garden
Imura (Watsonville)
1994 Main St., Watsonville, 761-8799, imurasushi.com
RUNNERS-UP Miyuki, Sushi Garden
Taqueria
Taqueria Vallarta (Santa Cruz)
608 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 457-8226;
1221 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 426-7240, taqueriavallartaonline.com
RUNNERS-UP Tacos Moreno, Taqueria Los Pericos
Taqueria Los Gordos (Aptos/Soquel)
7488 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 688-0911
RUNNERS-UP El Chipotle, Manuel’s Mexican Restaurant
Taqueria Vallarta (Capitola)
893 41st Ave., Santa Cruz, 464-7022
RUNNERS-UP Mijos Taqueria, Tacos Moreno
Los Gallos (Scotts Valley/SLV)
243 Mt. Hermon Rd. #A, Scotts Valley, 439-9507
RUNNERS-UP Habaneros Bar & Grill, Taqueria Vallarta
El Frijolito (Watsonville)
11 Alexander St., Watsonville, 724-8823
RUNNERS-UP Super Taqueria, Taqueria Mi Tierra
Tea House
Hidden Peak
1541 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-4200, hiddenpeakteahouse.com
RUNNERS-UP Tea House Spa, Well Within Spa
Thai Cuisine
Sawasdee
101 Main St., Santa Cruz, 466-9009, sawasdeebythesea.com;
5050 Soquel Drive, Soquel, 462-5051, sawasdeesoquel.com
RUNNERS-UP Real Thai Kitchen, Sabieng
Vegetarian
Dharma’s
4250 Capitola Rd., Capitola, 462-1717, dharmasrestaurant.com
RUNNERS-UP Café Gratitude, Saturn Café
Winery
Bargetto Winery
3535 N. Main St., Soquel, 475-2258, bargetto.com
RUNNERS-UP MJA Vineyards, Stockwell Cellars
Wine List
Soif
105 Walnut Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-2020, soifwine.com
RUNNERS-UP Shadowbrook Restaurant, Vino Cruz
Wine Selection (Retail)
Shopper’s Corner
622 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-1398, shopperscorner.com
RUNNERS-UP Soif, Staff Of Life