We are  lucky in Santa Cruz to have a wide array of the finest restaurants around. I am just starting to build this list of favorites....more to come!

 

Dharma's
A family trip to this vegetarian haven is like Mom's home cooking, only better. 4250 Capitola Road, Capitola. 831.462.1717. 8am-9pm daily.

 

Sestri
One of my personal favorites. Sestri is Santa Cruz's sister city in Italy-great Italian/California gourmet delight! Organic veggies, local wines & fish. 655 Capitola Road, Santa Cruz. 831.479.0200. Daily 5pm-close.

 

The Buttery of Santa Cruz

Breakfast or Lunch anyone! Just need a coffee or excellent pastry fix. Order a cake or pie for a special event that is hard to beat. 702 Soquel Ave. Santa Cruz 831.458.3020 7am-6pm daily

 

The Crepe Place

A long time establishment of Santa Cruz. You can enjoy a light snack & drinks in the sports bar or the wonderful lists of available entree crepes or dessert crepes on the menu. Try the Gatsby or the Jambalaya on for size.1134 Soquel Ave Santa Cruz 831.429.6994. Open Monday-Friday Lunch, Dinner & Bar, Saturday & Sunday, Breakfast as well.

 

Visilis Greek Restaurant

I was practically raised around Greeks and this place is great. Occasional entertainment when you are lucky! 1501A Mission Street Santa Cruz 831.458.9808 Closed Mondays Usually 11am-9pm

 

Charlie Hong Kongs

Busy little place that serves a very resonable lunch & dinner. Rice or Noodle bowls with organic veggies and a variety of tofu & chicken toppings you can choose from. Always a good bet! 1141 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz 831-426-5664 Open 11am-11pm daily

 

Thai Sabieng

Another "fav" if you are in the mood for Thai. Try the Yum Woon Sen, a salad with Pork & Prawns that melts in your mouth or the Sticky Rice with Coconut Cream & Mangos for desert. 1218 Mission St., Santa Cruz 831-425-1020  Open daily; lunch  & dinner

 

Mobo Sushi

Yummy sushi place with amazing deviations off the norm. Try the Avalanche-Maguro, crab, coconut, mandarin orange & cashews or the Corruptor-Unagi, basil, garlic & macadamia nuts. 105 South River St. Santa Cruz 831.425-1700 Lunch & Dinner Monday-Saturday Dinner on Sunday

 

Ciao Bella of Ben Lomond

What an experience! Crazy pictures & displays crowd the walls, crazy Cabaret line up during your dinner & good Italian dinners. You will never forget this...one of a kind! 9217 Highway 9, Ben Lomond  831-336-9221 Dinner daily

 

Palapas Restaurant & Cantina

Classy Coastal Mexican cuisine with an emphasis on fish entrees and a killer Mango Margarita. 21 Seascape Village, Aptos 831-662-9000

 

Chaminade

Sunday Champagne Brunch is great! This lavish buffet is served Sundays from 10AM to 1:30 PM and include slow roasted prime rib, an omelette station and a host of delectable entrees.

Amazing views of the Bay & area, hotel accommodations, spa treatments.

 

The Shadowbrook of Capitola

I mention this one as it is an institution in our county. Amazing ambiance, lush landscaping & the well know trolley for access to the dining rooms. The food is decent and Mondays and Thursdays specials are a good deal. Corner of Capitola and Wharf Roads, Capitola 831.475-1511 open daily for dinner-hours vary.

 

The Crow's Nest

Another well known spot of Santa Cruz located at the Yacht Harbor. Great place to watch the boats, enjoy the sunset, dance the night away. Good California cuisine and a local hang out. 2218 E. Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, 831.476-4560 Open daily for lunch and dinner-hours vary