Foodie File

Dylan Dunphy mixes cocktail at Low Tide Bar & Grill

Low-Key Lux

May 27, 2026

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.

Hyper-Local

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.

Un-Pho-Gettable

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

Pie of the Tiger

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

Lots of Heart

Scotts Valley’s Thai Heart pairs authentic Thai flavors with a powerful story of resilience and community support.

Oodles of Noodles

At Oreno Ramen in Scotts Valley, rich broths, authentic Japanese noodles and Korean-inspired flavors come together in a cozy, modern setting.

Brew Chew

A new Aptos Village spot blends craft beer with elevated comfort food. Other Brother Beer Co. offers everything from nostalgic classics to inventive small plates in a welcoming neighborhood setting.

Fun Fusion

From authentic Szechuan roots to creative fusion dishes, Chef Hongmin Mo is cooking up something truly unique in Santa Cruz.

Melded and Melted

At Originals Pizza in Soquel, chef Israel Arroyo fuses Mexican flavors with Italian tradition, creating bold, unexpected pies that stand out.

Succession Success

Sisters Melia and Lilly Spooner carry forward their grandmother’s legacy at Alta Organic Coffee, the beloved Westside Santa Cruz café known for small-batch organic roasting and a no-wi-fi community vibe.

Crudo & Creative

Owner and chef Jun Park blends traditional sushi with modern creativity at Sushi Qu, a Watsonville favorite known for fresh fish and imaginative rolls.