Food & Drink

Slam Dunk

Alley Oop finally opens in downtown Santa Cruz with date-night energy and chef-driven plates, as SF Beer Week and local breweries raise the bar across the county.

Mad Drip

Pearl’s stunning cocktails anchor this week’s Dining column, with Valentine’s sips, floating feasts, and local Good Food Awards finalists rounding out the menu.

Mangia Market

New York–Italian style sandwiches, fresh handmade pasta, and curated Italian specialties make La Bottega del Lago a welcome new addition to Live Oak.

Hidden Gem

“A hidden gem boutique winery in the Santa Cruz Mountains” is how owners Joshua and Sarah Stewman describe their winery in Ben Lomond –...

Airwave Crave

The food revolution isn’t being televised — it’s broadcast. Santa Cruz’s culinary sleuth has taken to the airwaves, finding the best new restaurants, food stories, and people who make the scene hum.

Pho-nomenal

In Watsonville, a deeply loved neighborhood spot is doing everything right, from soul-warming bowls of pho to scratch-made boba drinks to keep regulars coming back again and again.

Hot New Spot

Blue Lava Café brings French-inspired crepes, classic eggs Benedict, and locally sourced breakfasts to Capitola, taking over the former Sweet Peas space with a fresh, ocean-themed vibe.

Game of Life

A Santa Cruz Warriors game night delivers more than basketball—local food partnerships, community spirit, and a feel-good dining experience.

Cranberry & Clove

Demetria Estate’s 2023 Pantheon red delivers a sophisticated yet approachable blend, offering layers of cranberry, clove, and sour cherry in a wine made for both celebrations and quiet evenings.

For Shore

Cliffside Coffee occupies a rare locale—a postage-stamp-sized space next to storied Pleasure Point surf break and The Point Market.

Arrive and Thrive

Tucked into the historic Brookdale Lodge, Brookdale Diner channels classic midcentury Americana with a menu built on comfort and nostalgia.

Come and Get It

From buzzy brunch debuts to airport dining and free tastings, here’s a roundup of the food and drink projects shaping Santa Cruz County in 2026.
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