Foodie File

Hot New Spot

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.

Arrive and Thrive

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

Cheesy Check

At d20 Pizza, Detroit-style pies meet board games and gastropub flair, creating a welcoming third space for Santa Cruz diners.

Downtown Deli-ciousness

Zoccoli’s has been a downtown Santa Cruz institution since 1948, serving old-school Italian deli classics, handmade soups and sandwiches.

Family Affair

Imura in Watsonville blends Japanese and Korean cuisines with a deeply personal approach, from fresh sushi and bento boxes to bibimbap and dumpling soup.

Sunflower Soul

The mobile pop-up Girasol Pizza is bringing authentic Chicago tavern-style thin-crust pizzas and Italian beef sandwiches to Santa Cruz.

Pastry Prowess

Spontaneous Confections features unique French-leaning pastries that combine worldly inspiration with Chef Justin’s own creative instincts and talents.

Taco Tradition

Las Palmas Taco Bar, first opened in 1955, features Jalisco-born recipes, blending traditional Mexican favorites with American touches.

Ocean’s Bounty

At Moss Landing's Sea Harvest, the cioppino shines, also grilled fish Caesar salad, shrimp Louie, steak-cut calamari strips and inflation-proof $2 brownie.

Switch It Up

Switch Bakery's breads are headlined by the rice flour-based focaccia with rosemary and garlic, seeded and brown sandwich breads, baguettes and buns.

Thai Score

Intimately involved with food throughout her entire life, Kae Bailes was born and raised in northeastern Thailand before moving to Santa Cruz 22 years...