One of the quiet pleasures of staying in Santa Cruz is discovering that the food is just as good as the view. Whether you’re after a casual breakfast before a morning surf, a long lunch watching the waves roll in, or a proper sit-down dinner after a day on the beach, the town delivers — if you know where to go.
Here are the spots worth putting on your list.
Stagnaro Bros Seafood
Sitting right on the Santa Cruz Wharf, Stagnaro Bros is the kind of place locals have been going for decades. The clam chowder is the obvious opener, but the grilled local halibut and the cioppino are equally worth your time. Go at sunset and you’ll get views across the whole bay as a bonus.
Bantam
A short drive from the water on Ingalls Street, Bantam is where Santa Cruz locals go when they want something special. Wood-fired cooking, a thoughtful wine list, and a menu that changes with the seasons. Book ahead — it fills up quickly on weekends.
Verve Coffee Roasters
Before you head down to the beach in the morning, Verve is the right first stop. They take their coffee seriously without being precious about it. The Pacific Avenue location has good seating and enough space to ease into the day without feeling rushed.
Laili Restaurant
For something a little different, Laili on Cooper Street serves Afghan-Mediterranean cooking in a beautifully decorated space. It’s a good choice for a group dinner — the mezze-style dishes are made for sharing, and the atmosphere is genuinely relaxed.
Gayle’s Bakery & Rosticceria
If you’re staying a few nights and want to pick up supplies for the house, Gayle’s in Capitola is the local institution everyone mentions. Exceptional pastries, deli items, and prepared foods you can bring back and enjoy at the water’s edge.
A Note on Timing
Santa Cruz gets busy on summer weekends. If you’re visiting in July or August, aim for early seatings or a late lunch to avoid the longest waits. Most places don’t take large-group reservations on short notice, so it’s worth planning a day ahead.
Staying at one of our oceanfront homes puts you within easy reach of all of these. Check availability for your dates and we’ll have everything ready for your arrival.
