Santa Cruz · Santa Cruz County, CA

Where to eat in Santa Cruz

Scout analyzed 71 Santa Cruz places and surfaced the ones that actually fit food.

Places analyzed

71

Matches

24

Typical spend

Typical visit

1.1 hr

Scout-verified spots

Verve Coffee Roasters

Opal Cliffs

Verve Coffee Roasters

NorCal-originated chain for thoughtfully sourced coffee drinks in a modern space with wooden decor.

FoodShopping
45 min visit
STAGNARO BROS. SEAFOOD, INC.

Food & Drink

STAGNARO BROS. SEAFOOD, INC.

Seaside eatery turning out seafood staples like chowder & fish 'n' chips with views of the Pacific.

Food
1.3 hr visit
Ugly Mug CoffeeHouse

Food & Drink

Ugly Mug CoffeeHouse

FoodShopping
45 min visit
Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge

Food & Drink

Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge

Relaxed, airy hotel restaurant offering coastal cuisine & cocktails, plus live music & ocean views.

Food
1.3 hr visit
Riva Fish House

Food & Drink

Riva Fish House

Low-key establishment serves hearty portions of prawns, oysters & other American seafood favorites.

Food
1.3 hr visit
11th Hour Coffee

Food & Drink

11th Hour Coffee

FoodShopping
45 min visit
Cat & Cloud Coffee

Opal Cliffs

Cat & Cloud Coffee

Airy, artsy neighborhood cafe for coffee & pastries served in contemporary digs with outdoor seats.

FoodShopping
45 min visit
The Abbey Coffee Lounge

Food & Drink

The Abbey Coffee Lounge

Coffee & pastries served in a laid-back, shabby-chic hangout with local art on display & live bands.

FoodLive musicShopping
45 min visit
Verve Coffee Roasters

Food & Drink

Verve Coffee Roasters

NorCal-originated chain for thoughtfully sourced coffee drinks in a modern space with wooden decor.

FoodShopping
45 min visit
Verve Coffee Roasters

Food & Drink

Verve Coffee Roasters

NorCal-originated chain for thoughtfully sourced coffee drinks in a modern space with wooden decor.

FoodShopping
45 min visit
Mr Toots Coffeehouse

Food & Drink

Mr Toots Coffeehouse

Cozy, seaside coffeehouse offering pastries, sandwiches & ocean views from a 2nd-floor balcony.

FoodShopping
45 min visit
Peoples Coffee

Food & Drink

Peoples Coffee

FoodShopping
45 min visit
Shadowbrook Restaurant

Food & Drink

Shadowbrook Restaurant

Quirky dining rooms & views of Soquel Creek come alongside California cuisine & a wine list.

Food
1.3 hr visit
Chocolat

Food & Drink

Chocolat

Organic American bistro fare plus various truffles & hot cocoas in a charming space with a patio.

FoodCocktails
45 min visit
The View Restaurant & Bar (at Chaminade Resort & Spa)

Nightlife

The View Restaurant & Bar (at Chaminade Resort & Spa)

FoodCocktails
1.5 hr visit
Shrine Coffee

Food & Drink

Shrine Coffee

FoodShopping
45 min visit
Hula's Island Grill

Food & Drink

Hula's Island Grill

Tropical, tiki-inspired outpost offering a range of Hawaiian eats with an American spin & drinks.

Food
1.3 hr visit
FireFish Grill

Food & Drink

FireFish Grill

Casually refined choice for Californian fare & seafood with mesquite grill, full bar & ocean views.

Food
1.3 hr visit
Makai Island Kitchen & Groggery

Food & Drink

Makai Island Kitchen & Groggery

Lively bar & grill for seafood, steaks & pastas in a marine-inspired space with a rotating bar.

FoodCocktails
1.5 hr visit
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Family

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Amusement park offers a variety of games & rides right on a mile-long stretch of sandy beach.

FoodCocktailsOutdoors
1.5 hr visit
Crow's Nest Restaurant

Food & Drink

Crow's Nest Restaurant

Seaside restaurant with exposed beams & views serves an extensive menu of casual American fare.

FoodCocktails
1.5 hr visit
Verve Coffee Roasters

Seabright

Verve Coffee Roasters

NorCal-originated chain for thoughtfully sourced coffee drinks in a modern space with wooden decor.

FoodShopping
45 min visit
La Posta Restaurant - Santa Cruz

Seabright

La Posta Restaurant - Santa Cruz

Inventive Italian dishes crafted from local & seasonal ingredients in a cozy setting.

FoodCocktails
1.5 hr visit
Humble Sea Brewing Co.

Food & Drink

Humble Sea Brewing Co.

Place to sample the brewery's main beers & seasonal releases, with nautical accents & a patio.

FoodCocktailsOutdoors
1.5 hr visit

Outdoors

Patio, trail, or open-air.

Book ahead

Book tours and tickets in Santa Cruz

Lock in the parts of the plan that sell out — tours, tastings and timed-entry tickets across Santa Cruz.

See what's bookable in Santa Cruz(opens in a new tab)

Scout Places may earn a commission when you book through links on this page.

Make it a night out

Staying over in Santa Cruz?

Hotels, resorts and vacation rentals across Santa Cruz — book the stay and make a full weekend of it.

Find places to stay in Santa Cruz(opens in a new tab)

Scout Places may earn a commission when you book through links on this page.