The Rio Del Mar beachfront operation serves up traditionally made coffee and brick-oven pizza

The renowned ice cream spot serves up wild flavors like Southern Banana Pudding—oat milk-based vegan options are also available

Todd Parker’s pizza operation goes from pop-up to permanently available at Sante Adairius Brewery

Before executive chef Ben Kralj’s culinary career, he was a pilot

The authentic Turkish street food has quickly become a Santa Cruz staple

The downtown spot’s Northern Italian cuisine and cozy atmosphere is a formula for romance.

Head chef Kaitlyn Woodward discovered her culinary calling after graduating with a global studies degree.

Sam Khanal brought mouth-watering North Indian cuisine to Monterey and Santa Cruz counties.

The Santa Cruz Mountains spot uses organic, locally sourced ingredients and offers vegan and gluten-free options.

Michael and Dorte McBride offer killer quiche and one of the best breakfast burritos in Capitola.

The Pleasure Point restaurant serves Cantonese and Szechuan dishes.

Matt Moreno’s giant leap from the golf industry to the restaurant biz

The Corralitos spot does in-house fermentation and apothecary.

Oversized sandwiches and homemade potato chips fuel the Soquel spot’s success.

Ella King follows up Ella’s Cafe with another Watsonville favorite

Owner/head chef Ernesto Garcia began as the restaurant’s dishwasher

Simplicity, value and love for Santa Cruz keep customers coming back for more

How bagels represent the ‘American Dream’ for one Cambodian family

The peanut butter, banana and honey smoothie, Sho ‘Nuff, is another crowd-pleaser

Whiskey bar, outdoor beer deck, games and upscale pub fare is just the beginning

Aly and Kevin Trinh’s original varieties—like crème brûlée and s'mores—are irresistible

The Westside spot offers fresh seafood and pasta and an amazing outdoor dining space

The first restaurant Matt McNamara opened, Sons & Daughters—a high-end San Francisco spot centered around an innovative tasting menu—earned a Michelin star. The coveted...

The seaside locale’s unique pairings include bacon with cinnamon-sugar apple slices

Owner/Boba aficionado Chase Park’s goal is to offer customers a multi-sensory experience

Chef Nick Sherman’s new spot offers an inspired and eclectic menu

Veronica Carrillo’s spot on Main Street a fixture after 30 years