Andrew Steingrube

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.

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

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.

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.”

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.

The View at Chaminade serves modern American cuisine with French technique, global influence and hyper-local touches, from Monterey Bay seafood to on-property honey.

Super Noodle in Capitola delivers rich, satisfying pho and Vietnamese favorites, built on a deeply flavorful broth and fresh ingredients.

A new spot near UCSC, Pogonip Pizza serves artisan thin-crust “tiger-style” pies with bold flavors and a local twist.