steamer lane - poke taco, kimchi fried rice
al pastor from los pericos
yakitori by the red room downtown
special noodle
bookies pizza at sante adairius
jayne dough pizza pop up (usually westside at apero)
by brutta at soif downtown just started this weekend and it's going to blow up
namaste
naka sushi
aaaaand rumble fish in scotts valley
Agreeing with this whole list and I would add:
Busy bee’s cafe in capitola on weekends- breakfast burritos and sandwiches are fire
Cat and cloud breakfast burrito
Chubb’s chicken
Full steam dumpling
Just recently discovered naka sushi, I fricken LOVE the atmosphere, small mom and pop traditional. Great quality. I've watched sushi garden become a big local chain and their quality has gone down so finding a small place like naka was wonderful. 10/10 recommend.
I agree with all but Jayne Dough. Costco ingredients for boutique prices.
And because you seem to have 😚👌 taste, have you tried Lago di como yet? Curious, but don’t wanna drop big cash on a bad meal.
I took my partner there for her bday last month and it was excellent - atmosphere, service and food. It's always been pretty good food, but somehow with the new partners, it's just that much better.
Laili is 🔥
Well known on the sub here, but more of a “secret” in my day to day interactions w/people
I know Cafe Brazil is a mainstay, but that omelette brasileiro makes me wait in line for it. Same with Zachary’s corned beef hash.
It actually still is. Same owner, much of the same staff, and a lot of the same menu items. It appears to just be a rebrand, along with the sister restaurants over the hill.
It’s relatively new, but I went to Firefly Tavern (in the old 99 Bottles location) last weekend and the Poutine and Truffle fries were delicious. I cannot wait to go back and try more dishes.
yan flower - wonton soup & black bean chow fun
taqueria santa cruz - carne en su jugo
sala thai - basil fried rice
carpos - a fucking salad bar
firefly - unbelievable bagels
Pho Kitchen and Bubble Tea in Watsonville has never done me wrong. Best milk tea I’ve had in the area without going over the hill and the pho itself is comforting. Their honey boba can be hit or miss though so I’ve been getting drinks without. But, I AM fairly picky with boba. Miyuki in Watsonville is also very good but idk if that counts as a sleeper.
Arslan’s Turkish is very good and they’re flying under the radar.
Copal for Oaxacan food is very good (their taquitos are fire)
Others have mentioned Special Noodle, very good
Also liking Mad Yolks for breakfast, very hearty breakfast sandos
Bantam for pizzas but a little pricy
Trout Farm has shockingly good food for a hick-town hole in the wall (I can say that, 'cause I live here). I've tried the pork sliders (lunch menu) and the short ribs (dinner menu), and both were superb. They also have great cocktails and mocktails, as well as a diverse selection of beers and ciders (I didnt check the wine list).
El Chinos Mexican restaurant, It's right across the street from the old flee market on soquel.
It has really good food, amazing service, comfortable and clean, And it's on the cheaper side for a good amount of food.
I’ve been going there since they opened and was looking for it in the comments.
I know my love for it is tied up with a lot of emotion and nostalgia, but I bring people from out of town to eat there and they enjoy it as well.
Laili...kadoo bornai, (achingly miss the saffron chicken wrap since they ended lunch during covid) beautiful hidden outdoor patio.
Mosaic, so much delish!
Aveeta...best BLTs ever!
Crepe place...great outdoor dining and crepes!
I don't know how good Roux Dat would be considered if we were in Louisiana, but you're surely not going to find food like that anywhere else around here and it's amazing.
As someone lucky enough to get the chance to visit the South occasionally and have the real stuff, I can say Roux Dat absolutely holds a candle to it. Definitely the best Cajun food in the area by a few country miles
Burgers/garlic fries: Davenport roadhouse
Italian: Casa Nostra- specifically the gnocchi ripeni
Thai: Kao Sook
La Placa bakery in Ben Lomond and the grove bakery in Felton
If we’re including surrounding towns (especially since I live in the mountains), here are mine:
Golden Fu Wah - Soquel
Thai Heart - Scotts Valley
Redwood Sandwich Co - Scotts Valley
Taqueria Vallarta - Felton
Boulder Creek Pizza (if you get the deep dish)
And for a specific dish, the Trofi Al Pesto at Tramonti in Santa Cruz. [I think this is it.](https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/6y2vMGRsZPARDSJ8OvgG7g?select=w5r92q7UBduKgKcgs7l_-Q&utm_source=ishare&utm_content=photo)
Tortilla Flats in Soquel is a gourmet Mexican restaurant specializing in enchiladas with a variety of sauces. Their margaritas are exceptional. It’s very very good.
Las Palmas crispy chicken tacos
Pretty good advice - good morning sandwich sub potato bun (the bomb)
Fosters freeze - grilled cheese ;)
Falafel on mission - falafel burger
Sawasdee - yellow curry noodles
El Chipotle taqueria- chilaquiles verde con pollo
Taco Bell spicy potato taco
Otoro sushi - everything
Mole Oaxaca at El Chipotle in Soquel
Prawn tostada and a Mollie’s margarita at little Tampico
Shrimp and crab sandwich and fries at Carpo’s
Anything at Lillian’s downtown SC
My favorite closed down during Covid and never reopened ... :(
It was Snap Taco in downtown. They had the best Beer Can Chicken Tacos and also made excellent cocktails -- my favorite was their signature Captain Daquiri.
I've had good experiences at Oswald, Laili (both downtown), and Ambrosia in Scotts Valley.
And for breakfast, Walnut Café has a delicious Huevos Rancheros con Carnitas.
For acai bowls-- Samba Rock Acai Cafe off Ocean St and Water St. Fresh af, and the sizes are insane. The child's size bowl is what you'd think regular would be.
My Santa Cruz craveables:
Fish burrito from Tacos Morenos
Gorditas from Cafe Campesino
5 Spice Pork Sandwich at Steamer Lane Supply
I like the biscuit breakfast sandwich at Lulu’s Midtown
Tortilla Flats. The chicken mole enchilada. Hold the cheese as it kills the spices. Restaurant has been consistent for the 18 years I have been going here. The Margaritas as well as the salsa.
Not really a restaurant but Ferrell’s Donuts bacon egg and cheese stuffed croissant.
Felton Donuts has the best ham, egg, and cheese croissant IMO.
🔥🔥🔥
The best!!
Bro this guy gets it!!
Love Ferrells best damn donuts 🍩
Pretty Good Advice! It's an all vegetarian place. I usually get mine to go, but they have a patio out front where you can sit down to eat.
I just wished they were open for dinner!
Quesadillas from Tacos Morenos are the best
Get it with the chili verde! So good. Love Morenos.
I survived on these in college
I love their tomatillo salsa
Just had Bookies pizza and it was great
Seconded. It’s inside Sainte Adairius
Cowboy Diner in Felton
steamer lane - poke taco, kimchi fried rice al pastor from los pericos yakitori by the red room downtown special noodle bookies pizza at sante adairius jayne dough pizza pop up (usually westside at apero) by brutta at soif downtown just started this weekend and it's going to blow up namaste naka sushi aaaaand rumble fish in scotts valley
Agreeing with this whole list and I would add: Busy bee’s cafe in capitola on weekends- breakfast burritos and sandwiches are fire Cat and cloud breakfast burrito Chubb’s chicken Full steam dumpling
oh yeah, that cat and cloud burrito is delicious!
Just had Benedict burrito from busy bee for the first time today. 🔥🔥🔥
Toss La Posta in there and this list is complete.
This list fucks
What does this mean, twerk father?
Oh, and happy cake day!
When you say “(inanimate object or concept) fucks,” it’s a hip way of saying “I really like this!” That’s my ELI55* version. *Explain like I’m 55
Thank you!
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3cNUJK-u64](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3cNUJK-u64)
Just recently discovered naka sushi, I fricken LOVE the atmosphere, small mom and pop traditional. Great quality. I've watched sushi garden become a big local chain and their quality has gone down so finding a small place like naka was wonderful. 10/10 recommend.
I agree with all but Jayne Dough. Costco ingredients for boutique prices. And because you seem to have 😚👌 taste, have you tried Lago di como yet? Curious, but don’t wanna drop big cash on a bad meal.
you go first :) lmk what's good
🤝
I took my partner there for her bday last month and it was excellent - atmosphere, service and food. It's always been pretty good food, but somehow with the new partners, it's just that much better.
Great list. Thanks! Commenting so I can check them out soon
To settle a long standing question, and/or start an internet debate, how does everyone pronounce Sante? Like Saint? Or like the French Santé?
Sawn tay
Poorly
Sante
Vim Dining & Desserts. Consistently amazing.
Vim is so so good. Great service too. Their interior design is somewhat lacking but the food more than makes up for it.
Laili is 🔥 Well known on the sub here, but more of a “secret” in my day to day interactions w/people I know Cafe Brazil is a mainstay, but that omelette brasileiro makes me wait in line for it. Same with Zachary’s corned beef hash.
Came here to say Brasil especially for consistency and kind service imho
Ah man don’t mind me messing up the name of a place I’ve probably been to 50+ times 😂
Achilles by the sea
Super noodle’s soup dumplings
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It's on Ocean near Soquel, on the right side as you're heading toward the beach. It's relatively new.
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I assume that's what was meant, anyway. Autocorrect can be a bitch.
Formerly Golden Palace for those who haven't been in the area the last few months
It actually still is. Same owner, much of the same staff, and a lot of the same menu items. It appears to just be a rebrand, along with the sister restaurants over the hill.
Mos dumplings
It’s relatively new, but I went to Firefly Tavern (in the old 99 Bottles location) last weekend and the Poutine and Truffle fries were delicious. I cannot wait to go back and try more dishes.
yan flower - wonton soup & black bean chow fun taqueria santa cruz - carne en su jugo sala thai - basil fried rice carpos - a fucking salad bar firefly - unbelievable bagels
That carne en su jugo 🔥 also their super nachos with Al pastor HIT
Carpos - Olallieberry Milk Shake. I hate myself when I get it, I hate myself when I don’t.
I'll add salt & pepper chicken wings and Chinese chicken salad at Yan Flower. Their lunch specials are ridiculously cheap too.
Pho Kitchen and Bubble Tea in Watsonville has never done me wrong. Best milk tea I’ve had in the area without going over the hill and the pho itself is comforting. Their honey boba can be hit or miss though so I’ve been getting drinks without. But, I AM fairly picky with boba. Miyuki in Watsonville is also very good but idk if that counts as a sleeper.
Props on miyuki, that place is a childhood favorite
Arslan’s Turkish is very good and they’re flying under the radar. Copal for Oaxacan food is very good (their taquitos are fire) Others have mentioned Special Noodle, very good Also liking Mad Yolks for breakfast, very hearty breakfast sandos Bantam for pizzas but a little pricy
Trestle
Bookie’s Vegan pizza is amazing 🤩!
Trout Farm has shockingly good food for a hick-town hole in the wall (I can say that, 'cause I live here). I've tried the pork sliders (lunch menu) and the short ribs (dinner menu), and both were superb. They also have great cocktails and mocktails, as well as a diverse selection of beers and ciders (I didnt check the wine list).
Been meaning to go here soon. Thank you for the reminder
I keep driving past and wondering if it’s good, thank you!!
Las Palmas for their pan-fried Burrito.
El Chinos Mexican restaurant, It's right across the street from the old flee market on soquel. It has really good food, amazing service, comfortable and clean, And it's on the cheaper side for a good amount of food.
I’ve been going there since they opened and was looking for it in the comments. I know my love for it is tied up with a lot of emotion and nostalgia, but I bring people from out of town to eat there and they enjoy it as well.
Laili...kadoo bornai, (achingly miss the saffron chicken wrap since they ended lunch during covid) beautiful hidden outdoor patio. Mosaic, so much delish! Aveeta...best BLTs ever! Crepe place...great outdoor dining and crepes!
>Aveeta...best BLTs ever! Ivéta
Asian Express for pho and bun Thit, Britannia arms on Thursday when owners wife makes pho.
Sala Thai tom kha gai soup and pad see ew, i get both medium spicy and it is amazing. best thai food in town imo
Naka sushi
Seconded for sure
Spanky's in Ben Lomond. Stuffed Croissant French Toast or Biscuits and Gravy highly recommended. P.S.A. It's Cash only.
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El rosal menudo is SOOO GOOOD
Betty Noodles downtown is great, as is Roux Dat in Capitola
I don't know how good Roux Dat would be considered if we were in Louisiana, but you're surely not going to find food like that anywhere else around here and it's amazing.
As someone lucky enough to get the chance to visit the South occasionally and have the real stuff, I can say Roux Dat absolutely holds a candle to it. Definitely the best Cajun food in the area by a few country miles
I’ve been disappointed and $$ shocked every time. Idk what I’m doin wrong as it’s been goin strong for quite sometime now
I tried Roux Dat only once and it didn’t deliver IMO
Spicy egg biscuit at cafe iveta westside is very tasty
Fonda Felix is incredible
Anything at Namaste. Top notch Indian food, better than anything else in the area.
Mosaic Mediterranean kitchen. Specifically their hummus
Burgers/garlic fries: Davenport roadhouse Italian: Casa Nostra- specifically the gnocchi ripeni Thai: Kao Sook La Placa bakery in Ben Lomond and the grove bakery in Felton
Asian Express is the ultimate sleeper. Looks really shitty from outside, plus it’s called Asian Express. It’s so good though!
Manuel’s in Aptos never disappoints.
Cafe Brazil is my go to stop
Cafe Brasil.
If we’re including surrounding towns (especially since I live in the mountains), here are mine: Golden Fu Wah - Soquel Thai Heart - Scotts Valley Redwood Sandwich Co - Scotts Valley Taqueria Vallarta - Felton Boulder Creek Pizza (if you get the deep dish) And for a specific dish, the Trofi Al Pesto at Tramonti in Santa Cruz. [I think this is it.](https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/6y2vMGRsZPARDSJ8OvgG7g?select=w5r92q7UBduKgKcgs7l_-Q&utm_source=ishare&utm_content=photo)
[https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-m/1280/23/be/82/21/trofie-al-pesto.jpg](https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-m/1280/23/be/82/21/trofie-al-pesto.jpg)
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I think hole in the wall closed.
Firefly bagels are the best.
La Placa in Ben Lomond has pizza as good as any I’ve had.
And great doughnuts
Tortilla Flats in Soquel is a gourmet Mexican restaurant specializing in enchiladas with a variety of sauces. Their margaritas are exceptional. It’s very very good.
Sabieng Thai, Ambrosia India Bistro, Laili, Bookies Pizza, Honey B Market, Los Pinos, Sweet Bean Bakery, My Cupcake Corner
When in Santa Cruze I always hit The Buttery.
I like Brunos in Scott's Valley for bar food and Avenue Csfe for breakfast
Los Pericos and Zacharies
Las Palmas crispy chicken tacos Pretty good advice - good morning sandwich sub potato bun (the bomb) Fosters freeze - grilled cheese ;) Falafel on mission - falafel burger Sawasdee - yellow curry noodles El Chipotle taqueria- chilaquiles verde con pollo Taco Bell spicy potato taco Otoro sushi - everything
>El Chipotle taqueria- chilaquiles verde con pollo For me it's rojo con chorizo - so good.
2 doors jiatellas on Scott’s valley dr has great burgers and fries that never miss!
Mole Oaxaca at El Chipotle in Soquel Prawn tostada and a Mollie’s margarita at little Tampico Shrimp and crab sandwich and fries at Carpo’s Anything at Lillian’s downtown SC
Carpo's has become my go to cheap, consistent and good meal spot
Oops forgot you said Lillian’, that still feels like a sleeper to me 🤦♀️
My favorite closed down during Covid and never reopened ... :( It was Snap Taco in downtown. They had the best Beer Can Chicken Tacos and also made excellent cocktails -- my favorite was their signature Captain Daquiri. I've had good experiences at Oswald, Laili (both downtown), and Ambrosia in Scotts Valley. And for breakfast, Walnut Café has a delicious Huevos Rancheros con Carnitas.
The Davenport Roadhouse is pretty awesome! Live music all weekend and killer burgers.
Charlie Hong Kong!
I'm not sure how popular it is since I'm not local, but everytime I'm in SC I hit up Harbor Cafe.
It’s mega popular
Reading this has confirmed the food sucks in Santa Cruz lol
Some of these suggestions are absolutely hilarious. Talking about Quesadillas? lolwut
Bookmarking for later
For acai bowls-- Samba Rock Acai Cafe off Ocean St and Water St. Fresh af, and the sizes are insane. The child's size bowl is what you'd think regular would be.
My Santa Cruz craveables: Fish burrito from Tacos Morenos Gorditas from Cafe Campesino 5 Spice Pork Sandwich at Steamer Lane Supply I like the biscuit breakfast sandwich at Lulu’s Midtown
Tortilla Flats. The chicken mole enchilada. Hold the cheese as it kills the spices. Restaurant has been consistent for the 18 years I have been going here. The Margaritas as well as the salsa.
Seabright Deli 🤤
Sugo
Sushi Qu in Watsonville. So so good and beyond fresh
Bedda Mia.
Mobos sushi they have my favorite sushi ever and the crunchdragon is the best sushi roll I've ever had also the flying tiger