Find out what readers voted as the best among food and drink.
Best Bread
Companion Bakeshop
- Companion Bakery is 15 years old, and was born out of the love for one specific kind of bread: sourdough.
- Its founder, Erin Lampel, is a self-taught baker with an agriculture degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and completed an agro-ecology and sustainable food program at UCSC.
- Erin met her husband Jeremy at a farmers market in 2008 over bread and avocados. He loves both her and coffee. Jeremy co-manages the bakeshop, runs the coffee bar, works full-time as a registered dietitian and helps her raise their two children, Annie and Quinn.
- Companion was founded on a deep passion for the community and local food ecosystem, and they pride themselves on being a business with heart and soul.
- The bakeshop offers not only many different kinds of bread, but also pastries, pies, coffee, and cookie dough—with gluten-free options. ANDREW STEINGRUBE
Best Brunch
Harbor Café
- Harbor Café has been in business for over 50 years, and prides itself on being a longtime social hot spot in the Santa Cruz community.
- It is dog-friendly and happily welcomes fur babies; there’s even a menu just for dogs complete with pig ears, lamb jerky and peanut butter cookies.
- Serves not only classic Belgian waffles, but also bacon and churro variations.
- Offers a drink—really more of an experience—called the “Bacon Bomb,” which is a shot of Jameson Irish whiskey dropped into a glass of champagne and Red Bull, and served with a strip of bacon.
- Happily hosts private events such as company parties, birthdays, anniversaries and graduation parties. Has a full bar and partners with several popular local food trucks and food catering services. ANDREW STEINGRUBE
Best New Restaurant
Mentone
- The restaurant is named after Menton, a town on the French Riviera close to the Italian border that is known for its French/Italian hybrid culture and Mediterranean climate.
- Not only is owner David Kinch a world-renowned, three-Michelin-starred chef, but he’s also been a Santa Cruz resident for more than 20 years.
- Known for its world-class artisan pizzas, and offers cuisine that draws on influences from France, Italy and California.
- It is family-friendly and kid-friendly, and dogs are not only welcomed, but encouraged.
- By the way, it’s pronounced “Men-tawn-eh.” ANDREW STEINGRUBE
Best Hawaiian Food
Pono Hawaiian Kitchen and Tap
- Pono has been owned for over 10 years by Timmy Hunt, who grew up on the Hawaiian island of Maui and turned his family recipes into Pono’s delicious and locally renowned menu.
- Pono means “righteousness” in Hawaiian, and the restaurant’s goal is to share the aloha spirit with the community in a pono manner.
- Known for its poke bowls, the most popular of which is named after the owner (Braddah Timmy bowl) and comes with sashimi grade ahi and other traditional ingredients such as pickled ginger, seaweed salad, alaea sea salt and furikake seasoning.
- Has a great selection of craft and microbrew beers on tap as well as kombucha, hard ciders and wine.
- Offers super traditional and uniquely Hawaiian items like Spam rolls and poi, as well as desserts like Haupia coconut pudding and chocolate Macadamia nut brownies. ANDREW STEINGRUBE
Best Outdoor Dining During the Pandemic
Crow’s Nest
- The name comes from the small perch high on the mast of a ship that is used as a lookout. Like its namesake, the Crow’s Nest offers incredible views.
- The Crow’s Nest has been part of the Santa Cruz dining scene for more than 50 years.
- There are four different outdoor dining areas—two upstairs in the bar, one enclosed patio downstairs, and a beach tent.
- Famous for its award-winning calamari—often copied but never duplicated—that is probably the hardest appetizer to share in the entire county.
- Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, and has a Beach Market that offers ice cream, pizzas and sandwiches, along with beer and wine. ANDREW STEINGRUBE
Acai Bowl
Samba Rock Acai Café
291 Water St., Santa Cruz, 458-2224
RUNNERS-UP Amazon Juices, Café Brasil
Appetizers
Shadowbrook Restaurant
1750 Wharf Road, Capitola, 475-1511, shadowbrook-capitola.com
RUNNERS-UP Hula’s Island Grill, The Crow’s Nest
Bagel
Bagelry
320 Cedar St., Santa Cruz, 429-8049;
1636 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, 425-8550;
4763 Soquel Drive, Soquel, 462-9888, bagelrysantacruz.com
RUNNERS-UP Firefly Coffee House, Holey Roller
Bakery
Gayle’s Bakery
504 Bay Ave., Capitola, 462-1200, gaylesbakery.com
RUNNERS-UP The Buttery, Companion Bakeshop
Barbecue
Aptos St. BBQ
8059 Aptos St., Aptos, 662-1721, aptosstbbq.com
RUNNERS-UP Mission St. BBQ, Cole’s BBQ & Catering
Bar Food
Parish Publick House
841 Almar Ave., Santa Cruz, 421-0507;
8017 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 708-2036,
RUNNERS-UP The Crow’s Nest, Shadowbrook Restaurant
Bread
Companion Bakeshop
2341 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 252-2253;
7486 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 612-6655
RUNNERS-UP Gayle’s Bakery, Beckmann’s Old World Bakery
Breakfast
Santa Cruz
Walnut Avenue Café
106 Walnut Ave., Santa Cruz, 457-2307, walnutavenuecafe.com
RUNNERS-UP Zachary’s Restaurant, Harbor Café
Aptos / Soquel
Red Apple Café
783 Rio Del Mar Blvd., Aptos, 685-1224, redappleaptos.com
RUNNERS-UP Sunrise Café, Cafe Sparrow
Capitola
Gayle’s Bakery
504 Bay Ave., Capitola, 462-1200, gaylesbakery.com
RUNNERS-UP Avenue Café, The Cook House
Scotts Valley/SLV
Heavenly Roadside Cafe
1210 Mt Hermon Road, Scotts Valley, 335-1210, heavenlyroadsidecafe.com
RUNNERS-UP Auntie Mame’s, Rocky’s Café
Watsonville
Cowboy’s Corner Café
946 Main St., Watsonville, 761-8996, cowboycornercafe.com
RUNNERS-UP Red Apple Café, Beach Street Café
Brunch
Harbor Café
535 7th Ave., Santa Cruz, 475-4948, harborcafesantacruz.com
RUNNERS-UP The Crow’s Nest, Chaminade
Burger
Santa Cruz
Betty Burgers
505 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-8190;
1222 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 600-7056,
RUNNERS-UP Jack’s Hamburgers, burger.
Aptos/Soquel
burger.
7941 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 662-2811, burgerlovesbeer.com
RUNNERS-UP Cafe Cruz, Parish Publick House Aptos
Capitola
Betty Burgers
1000 41st Ave., Santa Cruz, 475-5901, bettyburgers.com
RUNNERS-UP East End Gastropub, Shadowbrook Restaurant
Scotts Valley/SLV
Malone’s Grille
4402 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley, 438-2244, malonesgrille.com
RUNNERS-UP Felton Music Hall, Cowboy Bar & Grill
Watsonville
Wooden Nickel
1819 Freedom Blvd., Freedom, 724-2600
RUNNERS-UP Fat Boy Burgers and Grill, Kong’s Burgers & Cafe
Burrito
Santa Cruz
Tacos Moreno
1053 Water St., Santa Cruz, 429-6095
RUNNERS-UP Taqueria Vallarta, Taqueria Los Pericos
Aptos/Soquel
Taqueria Los Gordos
7488 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 688-0911
RUNNERS-UP El Chipotle, Manuel’s Mexican Restaurant
Capitola
Tacos Moreno
1601 41st Ave., Capitola, 464-8810
RUNNERS-UP Taqueria Vallarta, Mijo’s Taqueria
Scotts Valley/SLV
Los Gallos Taqueria
18 Victor Square, Suite. A, Scotts Valley, 439-9803
RUNNERS-UP Taqueria Vallarta, Maya Mexican Restaurant
Watsonville
El Frijolito
11 Alexander St., Watsonville, 724-8823
RUNNERS-UP Super Taqueria, Ranch Milk
Calamari
The Crow’s Nest
2218 E Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, 476-4560, crowsnest-santacruz.com
RUNNERS-UP Stagnaro Brothers, West End Tap & Kitchen
Caterer
Barbara & Company
2431 Chanticleer Ave., Santa Cruz, 426-6051, barbara-company.com
RUNNERS-UP Five Star, Feast for a King Catering
Cheap Eats
Charlie Hong Kong
1141 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 426-5664, charliehongkong.com
RUNNERS-UP Taqueria Vallarta, Monster Pot
Cheese Selection
Shopper’s Corner
622 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-1398, shopperscorner.com
RUNNERS-UP New Leaf Community Market, Cheese Shop 831
Chinese Cuisine
Panda Inn
783 Rio Del Mar Blvd, Suite 5, Aptos, 688-8620, pandainntogo.com
RUNNERS-UP Panda Inn, Shun Feng
Chocolatier
MacKenzies Chocolates
1492 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 425-1492
RUNNERS-UP Donnelly Fine Chocolates, Mutari
Clam Chowder
Stagnaro Brothers
59 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, 423-2180, stagnarobrothers.com
RUNNERS-UP The Crow’s Nest, Riva Fish House
Coffeehouse (Independent)
Cat & Cloud
3600 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz;
Abbott Square, 725 Front St., Santa Cruz, catandcloud.com
RUNNERS-UP Verve, Lulu Carpenter’s
Cookies
Pacific Cookie Company
1203 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 429-6905, pacificcookie.com
RUNNERS-UP The Buttery, Gayle’s Bakery
Cupcakes
Buttercup Cakes & Farmhouse Frosting
1411 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 466-0373, farmhousefrosting.com
RUNNERS-UP The Buttery, Cutesy Cupcakes
Date Night Restaurant
Santa Cruz
Laili
101 Cooper St., Santa Cruz, 423-4545, lailirestaurant.com
RUNNERS-UP Oswald, The Crow’s Nest
Aptos/Soquel
Cafe Sparrow
8042 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 688-6238, cafesparrow.com
RUNNERS-UP Bittersweet Bistro, Home
Capitola
Shadowbrook Restaurant
1750 Wharf Road, Capitola, 475-1511, shadowbrook-capitola.com
RUNNERS-UP Cafe Cruz, East End Gastropub
Scotts Valley/SLV
Ristorante Casa Nostra
9217 Hwy 9, Ben Lomond, 609-6132, ristorantecasanostra.com
RUNNERS-UP Scopazzi’s, The Cremer House
Watsonville
California Grill
40 Penny Lane, Watsonville, 722-8052, californiagrillrestaurant.com
RUNNER-UP Ella’s at the Airport, Cilantros Parrilla y Cantina
Deli
Garden Deli
1815 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz, 475-9191, scgardendeli.com
RUNNERS-UP Zoccoli’s, Erik’s Deli
Desserts (Bakery)
Gayle’s Bakery
504 Bay Ave., Capitola, 462-1200, gaylesbakery.com
RUNNERS-UP The Buttery, The Farm Bakery & Gifts
Desserts (Restaurant)
Shadowbrook Restaurant
1750 Wharf Road, Capitola, 475-1511, shadowbrook-capitola.com
RUNNERS-UP Bittersweet Bistro, Chocolate
Donut Shop
Ferrell’s Donuts
2227 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 457-2760
RUNNER-UP Dunlap’s Donuts, Donut Station
Falafel
Zameen
851 41st Ave., Santa Cruz, 713-5520, zameencuisine.com
RUNNERS-UP Falafel of Santa Cruz, Falafel House
Food Event
Greek Food Festival
Downtown Santa Cruz
RUNNERS-UP Grazing on the Green, Clam Chowder Cook Off
French Fries
Betty Burgers
1000 41st Ave., Santa Cruz, 475-5901;
505 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-8190;
1222 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 600-7056, bettyburgers.com
RUNNERS-UP Jack’s Hamburgers, Carpo’s Restaurant
Frozen Yogurt
Yogurtland
1955 41st Ave Suite A4, Capitola, 462-3100
1487 Main St #102, Watsonville, 761-1500
RUNNERS-UP Juicy Sweet
Greek
Vasili’s Greek Restaurant
1501A Mission St., Santa Cruz, 458-9808, vasilisgreekrestaurant.com
RUNNERS-UP Zameen Mediterranean Cuisine, Nick the Greek
Hawaiian Cuisine
Pono Hawaiian Grill
3744 Capitola Road, Santa Cruz, 426-7666, ponohawaiiangrill.com
RUNNERS-UP Hula’s Island Grill, Aloha Island Grille
Hot Dog
Gary’s Old Fashioned Snappy Dogs
930 Almar Ave., Santa Cruz;
334 Ingalls St., Santa Cruz
RUNNERS-UP Taylor Bros Hot Dogs, burger.
Ice Cream
Marianne’s
1020 Ocean St., Santa Cruz, 458-1447;
218 State Park Drive, Aptos, 713-4746;
104 Stockton Ave., Capitola, 479-8888,
RUNNERS-UP Penny Ice Creamery, Mission Hill Creamer
Indian Cuisine
Ambrosia India Bistro
207 Sea Ridge Road, Aptos, 685-0610;
6006 La Madrona Drive, #D, Scotts Valley, 713-5594, ambrosiaib.com
RUNNERS-UP Mumbai Delights, Royal Taj
Italian Cuisine
Lillian’s Italian Kitchen
1148 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 425-2288, lilliansitaliankitchen.com
RUNNERS-UP Ristorante Italiano, Tramonti
Juice Bar / Smoothies
Amazon Juices
1066 41st Ave., Santa Cruz, 854-2225, amazonjuices.us
RUNNERS-UP New Leaf Community Markets, Staff of Life
Kid-Friendly Eatery
Carpo’s
2400 Porter St., Soquel, 476-6260, carposrestaurant.com
RUNNERS-UP Eastside Eatery, burger.
Kombucha/Probiotic (Local)
Beer Thirty Bottle Shop & Pour House
2504 S Main St., Soquel, 477-9967, beerthirtysantacruz.com
RUNNERS-UP MeloMelo Kava Bar, Pretty Good Advice
Late-Night Eatery
Saturn Café
145 Laurel St., Santa Cruz, 429-8505, saturncafe.com
RUNNERS-UP Crepe Place, Charlie Hong Kong
Mexican Cuisine
Santa Cruz
El Palomar
1336 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 425-7575, elpalomarsantacruz.com
RUNNERS-UP Taqueria Los Pericos, El Jardín
Aptos / Soquel
Manuel’s Mexican Restaurant
261 Center Ave., Aptos, 688-4848, manuelsrestaurant.com
RUNNERS-UP El Chipotle Taqueria, Tortilla Flats
Capitola
El Toro Bravo
123 Monterey Ave., Capitola, 476-1553, eltorobravorestaurant.com
RUNNERS-UP Tacos Moreno, Taqueria Vallarta
Scotts Valley/SLV
Maya Mexican Restaurant
3115 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley, 438-7004, mayasv.com
RUNNERS-UP Los Gallos, Taqueria Vallarta
Watsonville
Cilantros Parrilla y Cantina
1934 Main St., Watsonville, 761-2161, elpalomarcilantros.com
RUNNERS-UP Jalisco Restaurant, El Frijolito
Middle Eastern
Laili
101 Cooper St., Santa Cruz, 423-4545, lailirestaurant.com
RUNNERS-UP Zameen, Mozaic
New Restaurant
Mentone
174 Aptos Village Way, Aptos, 708-4000, mentonerestaurant.com
RUNNERS-UP Copal, Vim Dining & Desserts
Patio Dining
Santa Cruz
The Crow’s Nest
2218 E Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, 476-4560, crowsnest-santacruz.com
RUNNERS-UP Crepe Place, Laili
Aptos / Soquel
Bittersweet Bistro
787 Rio Del Mar Blvd., Aptos, 662-9799, bittersweetbistro.com
RUNNERS-UP Cafe Cruz, Mentone
Capitola
Shadowbrook Restaurant
1750 Wharf Road, Capitola, 475-1511, shadowbrook-capitola.com
RUNNERS-UP Zelda’s on the Beach, Paradise Beach Grille
Scotts Valley/SLV
Ristorante Casa Nostra
9217 Hwy 9, Ben Lomond, 609-6132, ristorantecasanostra.com
RUNNERS-UP Cowboy Bar & Grill, Malone’s Bar & Grill
Watsonville
Cilantros Parrilla y Cantina
1934 Main St., Watsonville, 761-2161, elpalomarcilantros.com
RUNNERS-UP Ella’s at the Airport, Jalisco Restaurant
Pizza
Santa Cruz
Pizza My Heart
1116 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 426-2511, pizzamyheart.com
RUNNERS-UP Woodstock’s Pizza, Upper Crust Pizza & Pasta
Aptos/Soquel
Pizza 1
253 Center Ave., Aptos, 684-1110, pizza-1.com
RUNNERS-UP Mentone, Village Host Pizza & Grill
Capitola
Pizza My Heart
2180 41st Ave., Capitola, 475-6000;
209 Esplanade, Capitola, 475-5714,
pizzamyheart.com
RUNNERS-UP Pleasure Pizza, Village Host Pizza & Grill
Scotts Valley/SLV
Redwood Pizzeria
6205 Hwy. 9, Felton, 335-1500, redwoodpizza.com
RUNNERS-UP Boulder Creek Pizza & Pub, Papa Murphy’s
Watsonville
Cassidy’s Pizza
1400 Freedom Blvd., Watsonville, 724-2271
RUNNERS-UP Corralitos Pizza, Slice Project
Restaurant
Santa Cruz
Oswald
121 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-7427, oswaldrestaurant.com
RUNNERS-UP Lillian’s Italian Kitchen, The Crow’s Nest
Aptos/Soquel
Café Sparrow
8042 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 688-6238, cafesparrow.com
RUNNERS-UP Cafe Cruz, Bittersweet Bistro
Capitola
Shadowbrook Restaurant
1750 Wharf Road, Capitola, 475-1511, shadowbrook-capitola.com
RUNNERS-UP East End Gastropub, Paradise Beach Grille
San Lorenzo Valley
Ristorante Casa Nostra
9217 Hwy 9, Ben Lomond, 609-6132, ristorantecasanostra.com
RUNNERS-UP Felton Music Hall, Cowboy Bar & Grill
Scotts Valley
Ambrosia India Bistro
6006 La Madrona Drive, #D, Scotts Valley, 713-5594, ambrosiaib.com
RUNNERS-UP Bruno’s Bar and Grill, Otoro Sushi
Soquel
Home
3101 N. Main St., Soquel, 431-6131, homesoquel.com
RUNNERS-UP Cafe Cruz, Tortilla Flats
Watsonville
Ella’s at the Airport
100 Aviation Way, Watsonville, 728-3282, ellasinwatsonville.com
RUNNERS-UP California Grill, Cilantros Parrilla y Cantina
Salad
Cafe Cruz
2621 41st Ave., Soquel, 476-3801, cafecruz.com
RUNNERS-UP The Crow’s Nest, Carpo’s
Sandwich
Zoccoli’s
1534 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-1711, zoccolis.com
RUNNERS-UP Garden Deli, Surf City Sandwich
Seafood
Santa Cruz
Stagnaro Brothers
59 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, 423-2180, stagnarobrothers.com
RUNNERS-UP The Crow’s Nest, Riva Fish House
Aptos/Soquel
Café Rio
131 Esplanade, Aptos, 688-8917, caferioaptos.com
RUNNERS-UP Cafe Cruz, Scrumptious Fish & Chips
Capitola
Shadowbrook Restaurant
1750 Wharf Road, Capitola, 475-1511, shadowbrook-capitola.com
RUNNERS-UP Paradise Beach Grille, The Fish Lady
San Lorenzo/SLV
Scopazzi’s
13300 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek, 338-6441, scopazzisrestaurant.com
RUNNERS-UP Rumble Fish, Ristorante Casa Nostra
Watsonville
The Fish House
972 Main St., Watsonville, 728-3333
RUNNERS-UP California Grill, Mariscos El Nayarita
Small Plates
Barceloneta
1541 B Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 900-5222, eatbarceloneta.com
RUNNERS-UP Hula’s Island Grill, Shadowbrook Restaurant
Soup
Erik’s Deli
1664 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz, 462-1919, eriksdelicafe.com
1475 41st Ave., Capitola, 475-4646
RUNNERS-UP Shadowbrook Restaurant, Zameen
Steak
Shadowbrook Restaurant
1750 Wharf Road, Capitola, 475-1511, shadowbrook-capitola.com
RUNNERS-UP Hindquarter Bar & Grille, Cafe Cruz
Sushi/Japanese
Santa Cruz
Akira Sushi
1222 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 600-7093, akirasantacruz.com
RUNNERS-UP Mobo, Shogun
Aptos/Soquel
Akira Sushi
105 D Post Office Drive, Aptos, 708-2154, akiraaptos.com
RUNNERS-UP: Sushi Garden Aptos, Deluxe Foods of Aptos
Capitola
Sushi Garden
820 Bay Ave. #148, Capitola, 464-9192, sushi-garden.com
RUNNERS-UP Geisha Japanese Restaurant and Tea House, Naka Sushi
Scotts Valley/SLV
Otoro
235 Mt. Hermon Road #G, Scotts Valley, 440-9040
RUNNERS-UP Rumble Fish, Sushi Garden Scotts Valley
Watsonville
Imura
1994 Main St., Watsonville, 761-8799, imurasushi.com
RUNNERS-UP Miyuki, Sushi Garden Watsonville
Takeout
Scrumptious Fish and Chips
RUNNERS-UP Charlie Hong Kong, Zameen
Taqueria
Santa Cruz
Taqueria Vallarta
608 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 457-8226;
1221 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 426-7240,
RUNNERS-UP Taqueria Santa Cruz, Tacos Moreno
Aptos/Soquel
Taqueria Los Gordos
7488 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 688-0911
RUNNERS-UP El Chipotle, Manuel’s Mexican Restaurant
Capitola
Tacos Moreno
1601 41st Ave., Capitola, 464-8810
RUNNERS-UP Taqueria Vallarta, Mijos Taqueria
Scotts Valley/SLV
Los Gallos
243 Mt. Hermon Road #A, Scotts Valley, 439-9507
RUNNERS-UP Taqueria Vallarta, Taqueria Los Amigos
Watsonville
El Frijolito
11 Alexander St., Watsonville, 724-8823
RUNNERS-UP Super Taqueria, Mi Tierra Carniceria y Supermercado
Tea House
Hidden Peak
1541 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-4200, hiddenpeakteahouse.com
RUNNERS-UP Well Within Spa, Tea House Spa
Thai Cuisine
Sawasdee
101 Main St., Santa Cruz, 466-9009,
sawasdeebythesea.com;
5050 Soquel Drive, Soquel, 462-5051,
RUNNERS-UP Real Thai Kitchen, Sabieng
Vegetarian
Dharma’s
4250 Capitola Road, Capitola, 462-1717, dharmasrestaurant.com
RUNNERS-UP Café Gratitude, Saturn Café
Winery
Beauregard
10 Pine Flat Road, Santa Cruz, 425-7777, beauregardvineyards.com
RUNNERS-UP Bargetto Winery, Soquel Vineyards
Wine List
Shadowbrook Restaurant
1750 Wharf Road, Capitola, 475-1511, shadowbrook-capitola.com
RUNNERS-UP Soif, Bittersweet Bistro
Wine Selection (Retail)
Shopper’s Corner
622 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-1398, shopperscorner.com
