Food & Drink

Beer tap handles at Steel Bonnet Brewing labeled with rotating brews on painter’s tape.

Open the Taps

June 17, 2026

Steel Bonnet Brewing expands toward Salinas while its Scotts Valley outpost becomes an experimental hub, H&H Fresh Seafood opens on the Westside, and Toriman brings Japanese market and sake-tasting energy to the local dining scene.

Signature Ramen

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.

Pudding Proof

Frank Family Vineyards’ 2025 Carneros Rosé of Pinot Noir brings peach, wild strawberry, white nectarine and citrus notes just in time for summer celebrations.

Coast with the Most

Davenport Roadhouse gets a coastal refresh with chef Jessie Curran, formerly of State Bird Provisions, The Progress and The Anchovy Bar, while DIYine brings homemade pineapple wine, mead, beer and more to Santa Cruz.

Family and Feast

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.

Main Place

Mane Kitchen & Cocktails serves coastal Californian food, polished craft drinks and lively Leo energy in downtown Santa Cruz.

We Have Liftoff

Woody’s at Watsonville Airport begins a casual soft opening in the former Ella’s space, with chef Tim Wood planning salads, sand dabs, steak, burgers and more.

Summer Swirls

Bouchaine Winery’s 2024 Vin Gris of Pinot Noir is a pale-pink Napa Valley Carneros wine made for warm days, friends and summer sipping.

Summer Swell

Santa Cruz summer arrives with wharf views, Stagnaro Bros. calamari, chowder, beer gardens, food trucks and a full slate of free live music from the Boardwalk to Capitola, Soquel and Scotts Valley.

Low-Key Lux

Low Tide Bar & Grill at La Bahia Hotel & Spa offers Santa Cruz a polished beachside dining experience, with cocktails, California-Pacific dishes, Mediterranean touches and a “South Pacific living room” feel.

Beat It, Meat!

The first Santa Cruz Vegan Chef Challenge brought nearly 30 local spots into a monthlong celebration of plant-based food, from vegan pasta and pub bites to sushi, crepes and beeteroni pizza.

Beers for Cheers

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.”

Going Big

This week’s Santa Cruz dining column spotlights Switch Bakery & Bistro’s gluten-free comfort food, Bruno’s Bar & Grill’s towering Bloody Marys and bargain specials, plus beer industry insights and local food news.