! D O O F PIZZA Bantam With an open stove burning almond wood at close to 1,000 degrees, Bantam pizzas cook fast, searing the outside into a flavorful crunch while leaving the inside perfectly chewy. The textures, fresh veggies and high-grade local meats, plus the laid-back atmosphere, all make Bantam the place to be. 1010 Fair Ave., Santa Cruz, 4200101. bantam1010.com.
Engfer Pizza Works This hotspot offers built-to-suit toppings, including avant-garde arrangements like broccoli and pesto. There is an extensive beer and wine selection. 537 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, 429-1856. engferpizzaworks.com.
Joe’s Pizza and Subs An eclectic array of pizzas, gourmet sandwiches, falafel, burgers, and more. And they’re good. 841 N. Branciforte Ave., Santa Cruz, 426-5955.
Kianti’s Pizza and Pasta Bar Weekend pizza spinning and performances accompany pizzas, pastas and salads, plus great wines, cocktails and beer. Patio seating. 1100 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 469-4400. kiantis.com.
Mangiamo Pizza & Wine Bar Taste a variety of pizzas, sandwiches and salads. Try the Tropical Chicken Pizza, which comes with barbecue sauce, pineapple and jalapeños. 783 Rio Del Mar Blvd. #45, Aptos, 688-1477. mangiamopizza.com.
Pizza My Heart Surf themes make for a stellar vibe, and the pizza is consistently award-winning. Great combo packages, by-the-slice options and salads.
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1116 Pacific Ave. #B, Santa Cruz, 426-2511; 209 Esplanade, Capitola, 475-5714; 2180 41st Ave., Capitola, 475-6000. pizzamyheart.com.
Pizzeria Avanti Intimate dining room and a commitment to local organic produce and meat, the delicious pizza, calzones, fresh salads and more have amassed a loyal following since opening in 2012.
ASIAN Akira Flavorful rolls feature freshcaught seafood and local produce. Vegan and vegetarian friendly. A neighborhood favorite. 1222 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 600-7093. 105 #D Post Office Drive, Aptos, 708-2154. akirasantacruz.com.
Canton Restaurant Known for its casual, contemporary atmosphere, full bar and fresh ingredients. No MSG. Vegetarian friendly. A standout among Chinese restaurants. 900 41st Ave., Santa Cruz, 4758751. cantonsantacruz.com.
1711 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 425-1807. pizzeriaavanti.net.
224 Mt. Hermon Rd. Ste. D, Scotts Valley, 438-2002. cantonscottsvalley.com
Pleasure Pizza
Golden City Chinese
Check out weekly specials like Wings Wednesday and Beer & Bacon Thursday at this homegrown business where the slices are large and the crust chewy. 400 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz, 4316058. pleasurepizzasc.com.
Redwood Pizzeria
Large portions, student-friendly prices and family recipes make Golden City Chinese stand out. 1230 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 4230688. goldencityfood.wordpress. com.
Hom Korean Kitchen
Local organic pizza, lasagna, salads, beer, and wine since 2005.
Fast-casual Korean comfort bowls in a choose-your-ownadventure format.
6205 Hwy. 9, Felton, 335-1500. redwoodpizza.com.
1102 Pacific Ave. Ste. A, Santa Cruz, 217-1133. homkoreankitchen.com.
Upper Crust
Kaito
Sicilian square pizza, muffaletta sandwiches and more in a casual atmosphere. The owners have shared their family recipes since 1979—like their superb homemade ranch dressing sides. Delivery. 2415 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 4239010. uppercrustsc.com.
Woodstock’s Pizza Try the “All-Meat Orgy,” the “Garlic Bird” and “Kauai Pie.” Great variety, stellar flavors and a whole-wheat crust option. Outdoor patio and lively scene. Delivery. 710 Front St., Santa Cruz, 4274444. woodstockscruz.com.
Village Host Pizza & Grill A winner in GT’s Best Of readers’ poll, expect pizza with a crispy crunch, plus mouthwatering cheeseburgers. 819-C Bay Ave., Capitola, 4648455; 4 Seascape Village, Aptos, 685-8646. villagehostpizza.com.
Fresh traditional ramen and sushi are the focus at this cozy Japanese eatery. 1855 41st Ave., Capitola Mall, 4642586. smilekaito.com.
Mayflower Chinese Restaurant Chinese restaurant serving traditional dishes, beer, wine, and sake in a casual and cozy setting. 3555 Clares St., Ste. RR, Capitola, 476-4688. mayflowerfood.com.
Mobo Sushi A variety of super-creative sushi and Japanese food made by master chefs. One of the first to think outside the Bento box and craft fusion recipes. 105 River St., Santa Cruz, 425-1700. mobosushirestaurant.com.
Pacific Thai Reasonably priced Thai food with a local sensibility, including excellent
bubble teas and take-out. 1319 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 4201700. pacificthaisantacruz.com.
Real Thai Kitchen Truly authentic Thai food in a charming dining room in midtown beloved by many locals. Visit any weekday for the $8.95 lunch buffet. 1632 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, 427-2559. realthaisantacruz.com.
Sabieng Thai Cuisine Filling curries and noodle dishes with all the traditional favorites and Thai beverages. Winner of many awards. 1218 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 4251020. Sabiengthaicuisine.com.
Sala Thai Featuring authentic Thai cuisine and traditional Vietnamese Pho. 353 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 4261214. salathaisc.com.
Sapporo Ramen Featuring a variety of traditional ramen, as well as creative Japanese dishes. 1200 41st Ave., Capitola, 475-3688.
Sawasdee Thai Cuisine Award-winning Thai food and a full bar in two great locations— Soquel Village and Main Street near the Boardwalk. 101 Main St., Santa Cruz, 466-9009. sawasdeebythesea.com; 5050 Soquel Drive, Soquel, 462-5051. sawasdeesoquel.com.
Shogun Japanese Restaurant Shogun offers a variety of scrumptious sushi, plus lunch and dinner boxes. 1123 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 469-4477. facebook.com/ ShogunSantaCruz.
Star of Siam Serving traditional Thai cuisine for over 30 years. Open for lunch and dinner. 3005 Porter St., Soquel, 479-0366. starofsiamsoquel.com.
Sushi Garden Big portions of traditional nigiri, plus a sweet outdoor garden and full bar. 820 Bay Ave., Capitola, 464-9192; 1441 Main St., Watsonville, 7289192; 5600 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley, 43836 > 9260. sushi-garden.com.
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