Where to Eat and Drink in Santa Cruz

 West Coast best coast for so many reasons, obviously. One of these reasons is our fresh fish and our consequently amazing sushi. Not only does Akira deliver on taste (just trust the chef’s recommendation; you will not regret doing so), but their aesthetic is so on point. 

This beautiful space houses, NuBo, a 2 story brewery, plus outdoor seating with the patio that offers a great ocean breeze. Just blocks to the beach. Everything is good on the menu, try anything and you’re sure to love it.

 We tried to decide which hot chocolate to recommend on this list, be it the Frida, a dark Mexican hot cocoa with a spicy kick, the Belga, a rich hazelnut cocoa that tastes like liquid Nutella, or even the Sofia kettle, which is basically a huge 22-oz. pot of melted chocolate to “share” with your “friends” (ha yeah oookay), but we got distracted. And thirsty. Just try them all.

If you’re ready and willing to slip into the most satisfying sugar coma of your life, order a cake from Santa Cruz’s premier hotspot for birthday cakes. We recommend their Favorite Chocolate Cake, which consists of layers of dense and fudgy chocolate cake covered in a blanket of rich ganache.

 Head to Verve Coffee Roasters to see a very particular culture in Santa Cruz − the coffee shop hipsters. It can be a little intimidating going into a coffee shop that’s not Starbucks, we know, but here’s a little tip: Order the Bowl of Soul. It comes in a cup, more like a bowl as big as your face, dusted with cinnamon and nutmeg, and it tastes like a warm hug. Paired with a monster-sized cookie… Nothin’ better.

Between the hours of 5 and 9 pm Monday through Thursday, enjoy $3 tacos, $4 burritos and $3 select beers at El Palomar’s taco bar. The ladies behind the counter are magicians; they somehow crank out some of the most delicious and authentic tacos at lightening speeds for hungry crowds of people and still manage to be pleasant. How?

Instead of the classic English muffin and Canadian bacon, this version sits atop an open-faced croissant and features regular bacon and avocado. And at a restaurant with killer Bloody Marys and dog-friendly outdoor dining, how Californian can you get?

Charlie Hong Kong is such a local favorite, we were almost scared to not put this spot on the list for fear of revolt. And rightly so; with Asian-inspired rice and noodle bowls in a quirky setting and the majority of their options being vegan (gluten-free by request) and still bursting with flavor, it’s a wonder you can ever find a seat. The Little Dan’s Delight is our go-to bowl with wheat noodles, veggies, organic peanut sauce, and organic peanuts all for $8 and change.

No fancy sauces, no weird ramen buns, no truffle oil fries with shaved parmesan. Just a classic, no BS burger and side of fries. Perfection.

Vasili’s offers a wide variety of authentic and delicious Greek cuisine and they give you monster portions. You won’t leave hungry — you will leave with leftovers.

If you’re in town, and you want to go to Linda’s for breakfast, which you do, get there early because there is always a line out the door for this well-loved cafe. One of the reasons for this extreme popularity is the cinnamon roll that comes with many of their basic breakfasts. Sticky and sweet, and just ever so slightly warm, it’s the perfect start to your morning.

Real talk, you can’t come to Santa Cruz and not get Marini’s Saltwater Taffy. It might as well be an official rule. They come in pre-packaged bags if you’re in too much of a hurry to choose your own combination from their plethora of flavors. And the Boardwalk location has a window into which you can peep to view the taffy-pulling process.

 You can’t visit a California wharf and not get a bread bowl of clam chowder. Stagnaro Bros is a long-time local favorite, and its New England chowder is as iconic as the wharf itself. 

The Penny Ice Creamery is known for its unique, gourmet ice cream flavors and perfect atmosphere for snapping a quick pic of your cone before you devour it. You can taste ice cream until your heart’s content and finally decide on a flavor, but once you do, be sure to ask them to top it with their marshmallow fluff, which they then torch to toasty perfection — all reminiscent of childhood, summer, and camping.

 Phil’s of Moss Landing always has a line out the door. Fight your way through the crowd, grab a bowl of their tasty cioppino, and eat it with of view of the sea lions.

Stop at Hula’s for a fun island atmosphere and a stellar selection of allergen-friendly foods. Their Jungle Tofu Bowl is not only colorful, it’s also gluten and dairy free and vegan.

We have no idea what a normal “moco” is, or what exactly makes it “loco,” but if it comes topped with fried eggs and smothered in gravy, we don’t wanna be “normal” anyway.

Overpriced? Of course. Low calorie? We don’t even wanna go there. But ohh, so very worth it.

The dough-tossers behind the counter at Kianti’s are true athletes. Watch them flip pizzas with acrobatic ease as you people-watch downtown and enjoy any of their scrumptious, customizable pies.

Buttery tart shells cradle sweet custard filling and layers of fresh, perfectly placed fruit. The fruit tarts from The Farm are just as much of a work of art as the items in their gift shop.

There is nothing on the menu you would not want to eat. The food is delicious. The green avocado toast contains a homemade biscuit, fresh avocado, greens, and a baked egg. Parrot with a chai latte for a great breakfast. This is a great hang out café with outdoor seating.

Sweet, juicy pulled pork, a spicy kick from a jalapeño glaze, and gooey melty cheese atop a mountain of fries.

This tropical bar and grill features live music, island decor, and a variety of poke bowls, all made to order.

Everything from Kelly’s is excellent, but their macarons are something entirely next level. Light, slightly chewy meringue is filled with various flavors of sweet, fluffy whipped cream filling, and some even have fresh fruit.

With a name like Surf City” and a slogan like “stoked on sandwiches,” this place screams Santa Cruz. Grab their Classic Hot Pastrami with brisket and melted Swiss piled high on thick-cut marble rye and drive 5 minutes down the street to watch the surf roll in.

Pacific Thai is a hole-in-the-wall gem in the heart of downtown SC that you could easily pass if you’re not looking for it. You will not want to miss this place, for the boba and the food.

The Pink Flamingo spread blends lox and dill right into the cream cheese. Genius.

Confession time: It took us way too long to pick something from Gayle’s to put on this list. You can’t go wrong with any of their cute, delectable pastries, their fresh baked bread, or their hot lunch items, but the gorgonzola shells and the garlic bread are all time favorites, so you can start there.

Gizdich Ranch is the best for its fresh berry pie. Berries are picked and pies are baked all on site — talk about farm to table.

Like regular popcorn, but ~fancy~. Pair it with a nice cold pint of brew for a perfect start to your meal.

Speaking of brew… Head to Beer Thirty for a unique, dog-friendly, backyard-esque atmosphere and 30 different quality beers and ciders on tap.

Pick yo meat, pick yo side, pick yo teeth when you’re done because you’ll probably need to.

Authentic Italian food in an intimate setting makes for a perfect date spot. Impress said date by ordering this classy appetizer with creamy burrata, tomatoes, and basil (bonus — it won’t fill you up before your meal even gets to the table).

If you think you’ve seen every waffle hack in the book, be prepared to think again. This little beauty is a Belgian waffle dipped in French toast batter and grilled on a flat top like a pancake. It’s like the three best breakfast foods had a beautiful, butter-filled baby.

If you want a nice sit-down Mexican restaurant, look no further than Manuel’s in Aptos. And if you want to take their signature house salsa home to guzzle without judgement, you can buy as many jars as you desire, and we will look the other way.

 Fried rice? Good. Pineapple fried rice? Better. Pineapple fried rice served in a pineapple? Best.

Prepare yourself: This burger is insane. The beef patty is stuffed with cheese and bacon and then deep fried. Honorable mention: Their mac and cheese bites.

Step inside Cafe Cruz and you can’t miss the massive rotisserie with about 20 whole chickens at a time slow-roasting to perfection. They have vegetarian and vegan menus available, but let’s be honest: That juicy bird looks damn irresistible.

If you can manage to snag a table at this popular joint, be sure that someone in your party orders the French toast with bananas and walnuts. It’s fluffy, crunchy, sweet, and almost a little bit savory.

We like enchiladas, and we love enchiladas when they’re swimming in sauce. Mosey on into Tortilla Flats for some comforting Mexican food and una selección grande de margaritas.

Another perfect date spot. (Laili’s Afghan Middle Eastern menu is a parade of dishes that will satisfy your sophisticated palate as well as your need for quality aesthetics. Try the Pomegranate Eggplant for a hearty and gorgeous vegetarian option.

Everyone in Santa Cruz knows that Zocc’s is a local staple, and it’s your best bet for quick Italian fare. Their spaghetti plates are not to be missed, but if you want a stellar sandwich experience, grab a massive Chicken Pesto. Ask for breaded chicken — you will not be disappointed.

If you’re in the mood for Italian and want more of a sit-down place, wander into Lago Di Como and order the Spaghetti Carbonara. It’s simple, elegant, and delicious, which is all you can ask for in traditional Italian food.

Tom Kha Soup combines quintessential Thai ingredients like coconut milk, galangal, and lemongrass to give you a soup wholesome enough to be a meal.

Circled in red on their menu as a local favorite for a reason, it’s served open-faced on a sourdough roll with sweet crab and melty, gooey, bubbly cheese. Be sure to try to get a window seat since this restaurant is right on the wharf.