FOOD

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.

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. 1711 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 425-1807. pizzeriaavanti.net.

Pleasure Pizza

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

Local organic pizza, lasagna, salads, beer, and wine since 2005. 6205 Hwy. 9, Felton, 335-1500. redwoodpizza.com.

Upper Crust

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.

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.

224 Mt. Hermon Rd. Ste. D, Scotts Valley, 438-2002. cantonscottsvalley.com

Golden City Chinese

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

Fast-casual Korean comfort bowls in a choose-your-ownadventure format. 1102 Pacific Ave. Ste. A, Santa Cruz, 217-1133. homkoreankitchen.com.

Kaito

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, 4389260. sushi-garden.com. 36 >

< 32 Sushi Market Sprouts Grab-and-go sushi and traditional Japanese sweets. 300 7th Ave., Santa Cruz, 465-1177.

Wasabi Tapas

Sushi and Thai just down from Trader Joe’s in Brown Ranch Plaza. Try the bento-style lunches and the Thai iced teas. 3555 Clares St. Ste. M, Capitola, 515-7535.

GREEK

Nick the Greek

Local fast-casual franchise packed with staples of Mediterranean street food: gyros, souvlaki, pita wraps, and of course, french fries. 1133 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 431-6313. nickthegreeksj.com/ santa-cruz

Vasili’s

This eatery bursts at the seams with students chowing down on delectable Mediterranean fare. Think kebabs, gyros, pita bread, and more. 1501 Mission St. Ste. A, Santa Cruz, 458-9808. vasilisgreekrestaurant. com.

ETHNIC

Charlie Hong Kong

Open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, this culinary gem specializes in “organic Asian street food” at affordable prices. Think organic veggies and savory meats. Vegan friendly. 1141 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 4265664. charliehongkong.com.

Malabar Restaurant

Malabar has mastered the art of vegetarian and vegan Sri Lankan cooking. Great ambiance, even better food. Now serving alcohol and tapas. 514 Front St., Santa Cruz, 201-4438.

Mozaic

Mediterranean and Middle Eastern fusion with enticing happy hour deals and live belly dancing every Friday evening. 110 Church St., Santa Cruz, 4548663. mozaicsantacruz.com.

Oyunaa’s

Delicious and traditional Mongolian fare—and a few Russian dishes— prepared from scratch every day. Allow ample time to enjoy your dining experience. This joint is way too classy to offer “fast” food, though its close location to the Crepe Place and Rio Theatre makes it a great stop before a show. 1209 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 4699900. oyunaas.com.

Pearl of the Ocean

Healthy, local and organic food. The chef’s knowledge of Ayurvedic cooking results in delicious Sri Lankan vegan and vegetarian dishes, plus at least one chicken dish. 736 Water St., Santa Cruz, 457-2350.

Royal Taj India Cuisine

Traditional Indian dishes, including an extensive lunch buffet. 270 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 831427-2666. royaltajsc.com.

Zameen Mediterranean Cuisine

Casual dining experience with falafel, kabobs and much more in picturesque Aptos, or a location in Pleasure Point. 7528 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 6884465;

851 41st Ave., Santa Cruz, 713-5520. zameencuisine.com.

BBQ

Aptos St. BBQ

This roadhouse serves up the best of the South with authentic barbecue, live blues seven nights a week from 6 to 8 p.m. and 30-plus craft beers. 8059 Aptos St., Aptos, 662-1721. aptosstbbq.com.

Cole’s BBQ

Longtime Eastside favorite is a regular Best of Santa Cruz County winner for BBQ. 2590 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz, 476-4424. colesbbq.com.

Holy Smokes Country BBQ

Enjoy ribs, brisket, chicken, and more, either on site or around the corner at East Cliff Brewing Co. 21505 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, 471-8787. holysmokescountrybbqandcatering. com.

Mission St. BBQ

This mouthwatering barbecue joint is a sister to Aptos St. BBQ. Live music seven nights a week. 1618 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 4582222. missionstbbq.com.

Sid’s Smokehouse

This is the real deal. Sid’s smokes its meats “low and slow,” and serves them with all the fixin’s. They also offer wood-fired pizzas, a great selection of craft beer and local wines. Come on in and watch the game. 10110 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 6622227. sidssmokehouse.com.

MEXICAN

Cilantros

Distinctive Mexican dishes and a distinguished but laid-back ambiance have made Cilantros a Watsonville favorite for decades. 1934 Main St., Watsonville, 7612161. cilantroswatsonville.com.

El Hermoso Mar

Mexican food on the beach gives that south-of-the-border feeling. Traditional recipes plus seafood platters, ceviche tostadas, snapper, and shrimp burritos. 313 Beach St., Santa Cruz, 423-2200.

El Jardín

Authentic Mexican cuisine made with locally grown and fresh ingredients. Full bar, daily happy hour and award-winning mole. 655 Capitola Rd. Ste. 102, Santa Cruz, 477-9384. eljardinrestaurant. net.

Maya Mexican Restaurant

Original family recipes passed down through generations from the Mexican state of Aguacalientes have made Maya a favorite in the Scotts Valley and Ssan Lorenzo Valley communities. 3115 Scotts Valley Dr., Scotts Valley, 438-7004. mayasv.com.

El Palomar

El Palomar’s grand dining room is an institution, but check out the taco bar and the bar seating, too. Ample servings and variety.

1336 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 4257575. elpalomarsantacruz.com.

Little Tampico

Fantastic little restaurant with local and organic produce where possible, and a full margarita bar. 2605 Main St., Soquel, 475-4700. littletampico.com.

Margaritaville

Margaritaville’s got it all: fabulous atmosphere, great drinks, stunning views, flavorful food, and sustainable seafood. 231 Esplanade, Capitola, 476-2263. margaritavillecapitola.com.

Manuel’s

Manuel’s son shares his father’s original recipes and passion for Mexican cuisine. Consider reservations at this popular spot. 261 Center Ave., Aptos, 688-4848. manuelsrestaurant.com.

Palapas

Seaside spot draws its inspiration from the owner’s family trips to coastal Mexico in the 1980s. Where your drink can always have an umbrella. 21 Seascape Village, Aptos. 662-9000.

Tacos Moreno

Authentic, no-frills tacos, burritos and quesadillas. 1053 Water St., Santa Cruz, 4296095; 1601 41st Ave., Capitola, 464-8810; 201 Esplanade, Capitola, 515-7507.

AMERICAN

515 Kitchen & Cocktails

Extensive cocktail list, wonderful salads and a late-night menu (try the truffle fries), all served up in a hip, two-story lounge that offers tables, an upstairs patio, two bars, couches, and fireplaces. 515 Cedar St., Santa Cruz, 4255051. 515santacruz.com.

Alderwood

Downtown, Central Coast, seasonally driven, wood-fired cuisine with French undertones. 155 Walnut Ave., Santa Cruz, 5883238. alderwoodsantacruz.com.

Avenue Cafe

Friendly neighborhood restaurant with two locations. Family owned, serving traditional breakfast and lunches as well as Mexican dishes. Winner of the Best 38 >

< 36 Breakfast in Capitola. 427 Capitola Ave., Capitola, 515-7559. avenuecafecapitola.com.

Back Nine Grill & Bar

Steak and seafood with plenty of vegetarian options at the Pasatiempo Inn. 555 Hwy. 17, Santa Cruz, 226-2350. backninegrill.com

Betty Burgers

A beloved stop for classic burgers (no antibiotics or hormones) and shakes with three locations, so you can get a bit of the “secret lube” wherever you roam. 1000 41st Ave., Santa Cruz; 505 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz; 1222 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz; 415 Trout Gulch Rd., Aptos. bettyburgers.com.

Bruno’s Bar and Grill

Classic American sports bar with ribs, steak and burgers. 230 Mt. Hermon Rd. Ste. G, Scotts Valley, 438-2227. brunosbarandgrill.com.

burger.

Hungry for a grass-fed beef burger served by an eco-conscious kitchen? This is a modern burger haven with craft beer. 1520 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 4255300; 7941 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 662-2811. burgerlovesbeer.com.

Café Cruz

Rosticceria and bar with a dateworthy ambiance, especially on their outdoor patio, Café Cruz uses healthy, high-quality ingredients. 2621 41st Ave., Soquel, 476-3801. cafecruz.com.

The Crepe Place

The beloved Crepe Place has been serving up delectable crepes since 1973. Since then, the menu has expanded, but crepes are still the main attraction. Brunch served on weekends. Classic Santa Cruz decor, an outdoor garden, diverse bar offerings, and live music make this place stand out. 1134 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 4296994. thecrepeplace.com.

The Crow’s Nest

This ocean-view restaurant offers fresh seafood, steaks, chicken, stellar appetizers, and desserts. Spot-on live entertainment in the bar. 2218 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, 4764560. crowsnest-santacruz.com.

Davenport Roadhouse

From breakfast to lunch and dinner, this tasty restaurant is well worth the gorgeous 10-minute drive up Highway 1 from Santa Cruz. 1 Davenport Ave., Davenport, 4268801. davenportroadhouse.com.

East Side Eatery

Across the street from sister restaurant Pleasure Pizza, ESE offers the same great pizza plus salads, pasta, sandwiches, burgers, and a dog-friendly outdoor patio. 800 41st Ave., Santa Cruz, 4316058. pleasurepizzasc.com.

Ella’s at the Airport

The food and the view make this out-of-the-way spot a choice destination. Highlights include wood-fired pizza, paninis, comfort food and sustainable, high-quality dinners. 100 Aviation Way, Watsonville, 728-3282. ellasinwatsonville.com.

Firefish

Ocean views and an exhibition kitchen that features a mesquite wood-burning grill. The full bar offers the perfect drink. 25 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, 423-5200. firefishgrill.net.

Heavenly Roadside Cafe

A lavish breakfast menu including a benedict bar, scrambles and “Sweet Stuff,” rounded out with salads and burgers. 1210 Mt. Hermon Rd., Scotts Valley, 335-1210. heavenlyroadsidecafe. com.

Hindquarter

The selection of cuts can satisfy the appetite of any meat snob, and the menu pleases vegetarians, too. Don’t miss Friday karaoke. 303 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 4267770. thehindquarter.com.

Ideal Bar and Grill

One of the best views in town at the wharf entrance. Note the diverse menu, drink specials and happy hour. Great breakfast. 106 Beach St., Santa Cruz, 4235271. Idealbarandgrill.com.

Johnny’s Harborside

Fresh-caught seafood served up in a casual harborside atmosphere. Great lunch specials, a full bar, dinner and brunch on weekends. 493 Lake Ave., Santa Cruz, 4793430. johnnysharborside.com.

Michael’s on Main

Good food and a lively atmosphere on Soquel Creek. The owners feature a lot of live music, including Grateful Sundays with live Dead cover bands. 2591 Main St., Soquel, 479-9777. michaelsonmain.com.

Parish Publick House

Two popular locations that pack in lively crowds nightly. Pub fare, cocktails and a rotation of fine beer on tap. 841 Almar Ave., Santa Cruz, 4210507.

8017 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 708-2036. theparishpublick.com.

Red Restaurant and Bar

The room is made for conversation. Imaginative cocktails, good food and a variety of live entertainment. 200 Locust St., Santa Cruz, 4251913. redrestaurantandbarsc.com.

Riva’s Fish House

Views of the ocean, outstanding service and excellent seafood at reasonable prices 31 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, 429-1223. rivafishhouse.com.

Roux Dat

Classic Cajun Creole with a great selection of N’Awlins favorites and impressive array of hot sauces. 3555 Clares St., Capitola, 295-6372; 118 Cooper St., Santa Cruz, 8886500. rouxdatcajuncreole.com.

Sanderlings Restaurant

1 Seascape Resort Dr., Aptos, 6627120. sanderlingsrestaurant.com.

Severino’s Bar & Grill

A designed-to-please menu features seafood, pastas and a variety of meat dishes. Severino’s is a relaxing spot for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and happy hour. 7500 Old Dominion Ct., Aptos, 6888987. seacliffinn.com.

Snap Taco

Mexican street-taco-style spot with a snazzy interior and full bar. 1108 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 8246100. eatsnaptaco.com.

Stagnaro Brothers

At the end of the wharf lies the freshest, widest selection of seafood in town. Views of the shimmering ocean, especially from the upstairs bar. 59 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, 423-2180. stagnarobrothers.com.

Stonehouse Bar & Grill

Winning raves for its creative California cuisine, Stonehouse— located inside the Hilton—also boasts a full bar and offers a vast selection of some of the area’s finest local wines and signature brews. 6001 La Madrona Dr., Santa Cruz, 440-1000. hilton.com/en/hotels/ sjcsvhf-hilton-santa-cruz-scottsvalley/dining/.

Süda

With a focus on well-prepared, fresh food and customer service, Süda has a great vibe. Its wellrounded menu includes fish, tacos, hanger steak, amazing burgers, and more. 3910 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz, 600-7068. eatsuda.com.

Surf City Sandwich

A modern sandwich venue with an inspired menu and local craft beer at affordable prices. 4101 Soquel Drive, Soquel, 3466952. surfcitysandwich.com.

Wingstop

Wingstop has taken chicken wings to a whole new level by saucing and tossing them in a choice of nine flavors. 845 Almar Ave., Santa Cruz, 4549464. wingstop.com.

Your Place

This fun, owner-operated Westside restaurant excels at comfort food and fresh produce selected daily from local organic farms, farmers markets and co-ops. 1719 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 4263564. yourplacesc.com.

Zelda’s On the Beach

Located in the heart of Capitola Village with an outdoor patio just steps from the beach. 203 Esplanade, Capitola, 475-4900. zeldasonthebeach.com. 40 >

YUM

< 38 Zoccoli’s Family-owned and operated since 1948, Zoccoli’s has offered its signature sandwiches for three generations. Come by for soups, salads and pasta, too. 1534 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 4231711. zoccolis.com.

HAWAIIAN

Hula’s Island Grill

With flavor galore, organic ingredients and great prices, Hula’s is a local favorite. Happy hour 7 days a week. 221 Cathcart St., Santa Cruz, 4264852. hulastiki.com.

Makai Island Kitchen & Groggery

The makers of Riva Fish House bring you the foods, flavors, flowers and fun of Hawaii and beyond! 49A Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, 466-9766. makaisantacruz.com.

Pono Hawaiian Kitchen and Tap

Teriyaki bowls, wraps, poke bowls, free Wi-Fi, big outdoor patio, live music, full bar, and latenight dining on weekends. 3744 Capitola Rd., Santa Cruz, 4767458. ponohawaiian.com.

ITALIAN

Kianti’s

A pizza and pasta bar with a lively atmosphere—weekend pizza spinning performances, and a prime people-watching heated patio right on Pacific Avenue. 1100 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 4694400. kiantis.com.

Lago di Como

Casual, intimate place offering Italian fare, including wood-fired pizza, plus a wine list and patio. 21490 E Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz. 4548257. lagodicomoristorante.com

Lillian’s Italian Kitchen

Lillian’s is friendly and affordable, and all the food comes from family recipes. Plan for a wait that’s well worth it. 1148 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 4252288. lilliansitaliankitchen.com.

Ristorante Italiano

Many swear by this Italian cuisine, with a full bar and take-out. 555 Soquel Ave. Ste. 150, Santa Cruz, 458-2321. ristoranteitalianosc.com.

Tramonti

Indoor and outdoor seating with a generous Tuesday “Neighborhood Night” pizza or pasta special that is not to be missed. 528 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, 426-7248. tramontisantacruz.com.

HEALTHY EATS

AJ’s Market & Natural Foods

After fuelling up your car at Chevron, enjoy AJ’s fresh-baked bread, healthy produce, locally caught fish, hand-pressed hamburgers, gyros, and chicken shawarma wraps. 5955 Soquel Drive, Soquel, 4790399. ajsmarket.com.

Aptos Natural Foods

The closest natural food store to Cabrillo College, this is a friendly neighborhood place to shop for groceries and supplements. 7506 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 6853334. aptosnaturalfoods.com.

Amazon Juices

If you’re thirsty for juices or hungry for sandwiches and salads, Amazon has you covered. Try the açai bowl. 1066 41st Ave. Ste. 105, Capitola, 854-2225. amazonjuices.us.

Café Campesino

Mexican aromas waft from this sidewalk kiosk, where you’ll find old-school family dishes, including homemade sauces, tortillas and free-range eggs. 1130 Pacific Ave. Kiosk 1, Santa Cruz. 425-5979. cafe-campesino. cafe-inspector.com.

Café Gratitude

From its vast list of treats and drinks to its inventive fresh and organic food creations, you’ll be grateful for this little café. 103 Lincoln St., Santa Cruz, 4279583. cafegratitude.com.

Chocolate

Authentic and fresh. Think organic salads and unique sandwich choices. Desserts are a specialty. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Daily. 1522 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 427-

Dharma’s

Natural vegetarian and vegan food in generous portions—whether Mexican, American, Thai, or Italian. This place is creative with tofu, tempeh and gluten-free items, and they have vegan milkshakes. 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Daily. 4250 Capitola Rd., Capitola, 4621717. dharmasrestaurant.com.

Farmers Markets

The Santa Cruz Community Farmers Markets and the Aptos Farmers Market feature regional organic produce, pastureraised meats, eggs and dairy, sustainably harvested seafood, and artisan-made goods. santacruzfarmersmarket.org; montereybayfarmers.org/markets/ aptos-farmers-market.

Food Bin

Near UCSC, the Food Bin is open until midnight and is a natural foods super-convenience store with organic produce. Next door, the Herb Room offers healthful supplements and products. 1130 Mission St. Ste. 3527, Santa Cruz, 423-5526. foodbinherbroom. com.

Gabriella Cafe

Delicious, local, seasonal fare in a romantic downtown niche. 910 Cedar St., Santa Cruz, 457-1677. gabriellacafe.com.

New Leaf Community Markets

Popular, homegrown grocery stores with a superb selection of healthy foods, including meat, fish and fresh produce. For all locations and contact info, visit newleaf.com.

Samba Rock Açai Café

Serves a completely original variety of 100% organic acai bowls, smoothie creations, excellent coffee, and unique Yerba Mate blends. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 291 Water St., Santa Cruz, 458-2224. facebook.com/ SambaRockAcaiCafe.

Shopper’s Corner

This beloved, longtime grocery store offers a variety of fresh local produce, meats, 150 types of imported and domestic cheese, local wine, gourmet pastas, salsas, sauces, and fresh bread from local bakeries. 622 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 4231398. shopperscorner.com.

Staff of Life

Reasonable prices and 750 bulk items are made for a student’s budget. Organic products and produce, plus a deli, salad bar, homemade soups, homemade chai, and local butcher. 1266 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 4238632; 906 E Lake Ave., Watsonville, 726-0240. staffoflifemarket.com.

Wild Roots Market

A trusted connection to the highest quality food. “Know your food. Know your farmer. Know your roots.” 6240 Hwy. 9, Felton, 335-7322; 13159 Hwy. 9, Boulder Creek, 3387211. wildrootsmarket.com.