Andrew Steingrube

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.

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

Elevated pub fare, 20 beers on tap and a dog-friendly patio make Laughing Monk Brewing a Scotts Valley standout. Meet the gastropub that’s redefining comfort food.

Moss Landing’s Power Plant amps up its artisan menu with caprese avocado toasts, rock cod tacos and smash burgers—all served in a lush, light-filled space.

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

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.

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.

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