Full Steam Dumpling
Downtown: https://maps.app.goo.gl/sy2eMRgGZXg8VM8i9We eat here almost every Friday. Open wed-sat inside 11th Hour coffee (see "coffee"). After Hours Cocktail Bar in same shared space. Prices slightly higher than average (but quality is higher as well!) Almost everything on the menu is amazing but our go-to is the ramen and gyoza.
Home
Soquel: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jsKifLE1Z1UNxWQR6Upscale new american food. Pricier but fantastic food and wine. Need to make reservations in advance (same day is sometimes possible). Get seating on the back patio is possible so you can explore the garden.
Gabriella Cafe
Downtown: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5iNDS8torSzFVuVZ6?g_st=iFavorite italian restaurant out of the MANY italian restaurants in Santa Cruz. Intimate/romantic spot that offers italian classics w/ a slight twist. La Posta and Tramonti are good italian options just down the street from our house
Hanloh
Downtown: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5to5R3EPgkXL9HH97?g_st=iUpscale thai food inside Bad Animal (see Bars section). Very authentic and quite different than American Thai. Great date spot.
Emerald Mallard
Felton: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ NRU3xE1LM7NhXCjv7Inside Humble Sea Tavern from Weds-Sun with a unique mix of amazing smash burgers, oysters and elevated michelin-quality appetizers. Sells out early!
Bookies Pizza (Sante Adairus)
Seabright: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BfZtbxeHYhf7KQ4PAInside Sante Adairus Seabright location. Unique deep dish pizza with creative salad and appetizer options (buffalo shitake mushrooms and green goddess salad are our go-tos). Plus you got tons of beers on tap.
Pretty Good Advice
Soquel: https://maps.app.goo.gl/u3Y7RVXq5rmJZyNk7Casual farm to counter vegitarian breakfast sandwiches, burgers, salads and vegan soft serve. Nice outdoor patio out front. New downtown location just opened up but havent tried.
Chubb’s Chicken
Downtown: https://goo.gl/maps/cbaAbktTPUxRNgEN6Another 11th Hour evening food joint (sensing a pattern?) Spicy chicken sandwich is heaven on a bun.
Seabright Deli
Seabright: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ofCNMLUL5uuiGQ1b8?g_st=icBomb sandwiches. That’s all. Eat one. Favorite is the “Surfer”
Los Pericos
Downtown: https://maps.app.goo.gl/dQ2NH7rZ2fRdSMJCAOur go-to taqueria in Santa Cruz. A vibe late at night with all the people packed into this small shop. We typically go for some early morning desayuno when its a little more chill.
Penny Ice Creamery
Pleasure Point: https://goo.gl/maps/X8JLNT1jj9STP2h48 Downtown: https://goo.gl/maps/yuBRo5GdUEyHsDSy9High-end icecream with unique rotating flavors. Get the waffle cone with the toasted marshmallow fluff on top. You won’t regret it.
Los Viejones
Seabright-ish: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kh4jYtAnZUHySDRV6?g_st=icMANY taco trucks in SC but this is our favorite (so far). Super tacos are huge, I get full off two
VIM
West Side: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jWDex3kWdhGteJeDA?g_st=icElevated family run restaurant with unique flavor combos. Desserts and cocktails here are also some of the best in Santa Cruz
Zen Musubi
Downtown: https://maps.app.goo.gl/eDNoJjwJuBoqxDFq8?g_st=icAuthentic musubi and onigiri from downtown food stall
NahNa
Downtown: https://maps.app.goo.gl/P3Vc55GpeyPTQjhe7?g_st=icAfrican food at downtown food stall and Wednesday farmers market. Lovely owner!
Hook + Line
Downtown: https://maps.app.goo.gl/RqK76cgcbJcj4wbJ8Brand new trendy seafood restaurant located downtown. Great fresh food with nice cocktails to boot