Andrew Steingrube

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.”

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.