Santa Cruz’s Best Eats: Top 5 Food & Drink Spots

So, are you thinking of swinging by Santa Cruz, perhaps? You may find that this cool Californian city is so much more than just surf and sunshine. Actually, that foodie scene? It’s totally popping! When you explore around a bit, it’s almost like you find an absolute wealth of dining spots that are really are just bursting with some delightful flavors, local charm, and totally unforgettable eating experiences. I’ve actually chowed down at loads of places in Santa Cruz and put together a list of, like, the five absolutely best spots you just can’t skip.

1. The Picnic Basket: Laid-Back Beach Bites

First, there’s this absolutely awesome joint called The Picnic Basket, and you know, it’s so perfect for grabbing a bite when you’re, you know, just chilling near the beach. In a way, this place, it’s almost a casual café but elevated just that little bit, featuring dishes that use ingredients which come straight from nearby farms. That menu? Well, it might be reasonably simple, yet everything on there, I am telling you, it’s just super tasty and made with love. Seriously!

So, what should you grab? To be honest, I usually head right for their unbelievably awesome sandwiches, and yes, that grilled cheese on levain bread, it’s something truly special. Then there’s, let’s say, the ever-so-slightly adventurous tuna melt, that’s also pretty incredible, especially when you’re trying to balance simple yet so delectable. And of course, they serve Verve Coffee; they’re, like, an institution over here and so totally delicious. You’re really supporting a local legend, so to speak!

Actually, their pastries? Basically, those are baked fresh every day, so, so hard to refuse that delicious little sweet treat. The Picnic Basket just ticks all the boxes. The vibe there? So super casual, great grub, and, like, a very great place to begin or finish your day by the shore.

Read our full review: The Picnic Basket Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Check Menu)

2. Bantam: Pizza Perfection in a Cozy Spot

Next up is Bantam, alright? You could argue that this restaurant is a really rustic-chic restaurant. Like your friendly, corner pizzeria. Very probably one of the absolute best locations in Santa Cruz for yummy artisan-style pizza. The locale is all cozy and quite comfortable with that wood-fired oven really bringing all kinds of life and flavor to the entire space. They actually are dedicated to utilizing seasonal ingredients, which very much means their menu usually rotates and also features new pizzas that depend on the, you know, available local produce.

Well, what should you try? Oh man, just everything is a treat. As a matter of fact, their handmade pizzas are total works of art! That crust? Thin, perfectly crispy, plus just the right amount of chew, too. They usually have something that suits any taste bud – via traditional margherita all of the way through to the kinda creative combos incorporating things such as kale, butternut squash, and even house-cured meats. You understand?

Bantam offers, like, way more than only great pizzas. You could argue that Their salads and small plates happen to be wonderful for sharing, as well as their craft beer and wine selections are quite well-curated. All around, it is nearly almost perfect place to visit with pals and simply savor just some brilliant food inside a genuinely warm atmosphere. The restaurant itself is just great.

Read our full review: Bantam Pizza Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Check Availability)

3. Humble Sea Brewing Co.: Craft Brews and Good Times

Now, if you happen to be someone that likes craft beer, there’s Humble Sea Brewing Co., basically a local brewery. Like a super cool place with, let’s say, some interesting beers along with a super relaxed atmosphere. So, founded by a couple of Santa Cruz natives, Humble Sea often experiments with, like, tons of various beer styles. They, well, are known to have something for absolutely everybody. The brewery’s tasting room? Very comfortable, which means it could be a fun spot for just chilling and sipping on some brews.

Want recommendations? They almost always feature something brand new on tap, which means you might consider trying a flight to get a good taste of various brews they have, to be honest. I have often enjoyed some of their IPAs, that have a great flavor profile. Yet arguably, their stouts, lagers, and some other seasonal offerings tend to be really delicious, too. They often have special events coupled with some limited-release beers, usually giving you lots of something fresh and exciting to anticipate.

Beyond the brews, Humble Sea is generally focused on the community and sustainability, with them usually working on eco-friendly methods and local partnerships. It actually is almost the perfect location to taste a local beer when having some friends.

Read our full review: Humble Sea Brewing Co. Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (View Beer Selection)

4. West End Tap & Kitchen: Gastropub Delights

You could argue that the West End Tap & Kitchen, well, it actually is almost a seriously hip gastropub located in the West End neighborhood in Santa Cruz. So, it’s arguably a great location when trying to find elevated comfort food, matched with great craft drinks. Very nearly known just for a totally chill vibe plus some dedication to making use of local, seasonal ingredients, and this is where this eatery really does stand out.

When it comes to food, there’s some elevated comfort fare for basically anyone. Now, their burger is usually amazing with something uniquely delightful about the entire flavor makeup of all the ingredients they incorporate. That menu actually offers various items to select from such as things such as tasty mac & cheese meals to creatively yummy tacos plus some well-done salads.

Clearly, the beverage list there actually is something not to skip either with, arguably, loads of California beers on tap plus some great wines and artisan cocktails. West End happens to be almost the perfect destination, specifically when you’re searching for tasty grub, an amazing selection of beverages along with an ambiance which can be all parts casual and complicated.

Read our full review: West End Tap & Kitchen Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (See the Menu)

5. Lillian’s Italian Kitchen: Classic Comfort

At the end, if you like real food, you could head to Lillian’s Italian Kitchen! That is arguably the best location whenever you are searching for that comfortable but so delicious and cozy dining atmosphere, the particular menu which focuses on classic Italian comfort meals, actually. The food establishment gives some genuinely warm atmosphere. All meals actually are handmade every day, guaranteeing only absolute freshness to any recipe. That really is their goal, seriously.

Just what needs to get purchased there? Very arguably their handmade pastas tend to be where they really perform shine. Also it is actually just almost ideal for comforting foods such as pasta dishes that usually just warm the tummy. I am referring to, perhaps you want classic spaghetti and meatballs. You could argue their chicken Parmesan or their particularly wonderful lasagna would surely just give you food pleasure at any instance.

Furthermore, it must be noted Lillian’s does boast very generous parts, it’s so perfect for a sizable, yummy feast. Basically it offers an inviting atmosphere as well, that has some superb customer support. You could agree with me when I say Lillian’s happens to be so extremely ideal in the case that you require an appropriate place along with an amazing conventional food.

Read our full review: Lillian’s Italian Kitchen Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (View Menu)