Andrew Steingrube

Brothers Joel and Brayden Estby built 11th Hour Coffee into a Santa Cruz gathering place fueled by creative drinks, housemade food and community connection.

Dos Pescados in Aptos pairs coastal Mexican cuisine with ocean views, serving local fish tacos, grilled prawns, calamari and housemade desserts.

The Alley-Oop brings moody New York cocktail-lounge style to downtown Santa Cruz, pairing classic drinks with small plates and late-night date-night atmosphere.

Elite Meal Service brings restaurant-inspired, chef-prepared meals to Santa Cruz County homes, with local sourcing, custom menus and global flavors.

Andrew Steingrube checks in with Solaire Restaurant & Bar at Hotel Paradox, where a revamped menu, local partnerships and poolside energy are giving the restaurant a new identity.

Luna’s Borikén Bites brings Puerto Rican flavor to Abbott Square with empanadillas, chicharrón de pollo, jibarito sliders, slow-roasted pork, traditional desserts and owner Ali Luna’s blend of food, music and cultural heritage.

At Watsonville’s Miyuki Restaurant, longtime server and sushi chef Chris Ishikawa helps preserve a home-cooked Japanese dining tradition built on loyal regulars, standout sushi and a Wednesday-only signature ramen that has earned its own local following.

For nearly 80 years, Stagnaro Brothers Seafood Restaurant has served fresh seafood, family recipes and sweeping Monterey Bay views from its landmark location on the Santa Cruz Wharf.