The picturesque Westside, on the northern end of Santa Cruz, is full of beautiful parks, panoramic views of Monterey Bay, and a fantastic food scene. From bakeries to farm-to-table fare, and everything in between, the Westside is filled to the brim with enticing food choices. Here, we’ve narrowed down the list to six delectable options. Whichever you choose, your taste buds will delight in these first-rate flavors!
Avanti Restaurant
Avanti Restaurant, a cherished local institution, is redefining itself with a farm-to-table renaissance. Nestled along bustling Mission Street, Avanti’s warm and welcoming ambiance is complemented by a carefully curated wine list and delightfully inventive cocktail menu, setting the stage to whisk you away on an adventure for your taste buds! Their ever-evolving menu celebrates fresh, locally sourced ingredients, like organic vegetables, pasture-raised meats, and sustainable seafood, all while serving up Italian classics like their housemade pastas. Their array of delectable, in-season dishes will certainly inspire repeat visits to taste the new fare as the months change. Each bite at Avanti reflects their commitment to quality, flavor, and the community!
Izakaya West End
Tucked away inside Swift Street Courtyard, at the heart of the Westside, is Izakaya West End: a Japanese-style gastropub! Their elevated yet relaxed atmosphere makes for an impeccable landing place to enjoy a drink, have a date night out, or settle in for a meal with friends. When it comes to the food, don’t miss a chance to pick from the raw menu: from maguro to hamachi, oysters, and carpaccio, every item is hyper-fresh and delicious! Moving through the menu, their Wagyu smash burger, steamed bao buns and karaage fried chicken are all standout dishes. To drink, there are plenty of beers on tap, wines to savor, and cocktails to sip. Take the Sabe Mule for a spin: blending Sabe yuzu with ginger beer and lime, it’s a refreshing Japanese-style take on the classic Moscow Mule. The distinctive Japanese-gastropub ambiance, mouthwatering menu, and delicious drinks put Izakaya West End on the Santa Cruz foodie map!
Bantam
The enticing smell of baked dough emanates from Bantam, a modern yet cozy restaurant whose wood-fired pizzas are the star of the show! This isn’t your average pizza joint, however: Bantam’s Neopolitan-style pizza toppings are dreamed up early each morning depending on what’s in season locally. With freshness at the forefront, you can rest easy knowing that every item on their all-organic menu highlights the best of what Santa Cruz County has to offer! Whether you’re grabbing pizza to-go or settling in for a relaxed meal, Bantam delivers a dining experience that’s both sophisticated and approachable. It’s easy to see how Bantam has become a treasured local eatery!
Copal
Stepping into Copal feels like being transported to an oasis on the southern coast of Mexico. Papel picado, hanging tropical plants, and vibrantly colored decor pop against dark hues and set the stage for the fabulous Oaxacan cuisine to come. Copal’s Chef, Ana Mendoza, pays homage to the recipes passed down through generations from the village of San Martin Tilcajete by integrating traditional methods into her dishes. Dive in with the Copal Margarita, whose smoky mezcal flavor superbly complements its tangy tequila. Rimmed with spicy sal de gusano and topped with a lime, you won’t want to miss out on this marg! Pair it with a Oaxacan signature dish: Mole. Not sure where to start? Ask for the Mole Sampler and you’ll have the opportunity to try an assortment of mole sauces, picking the one that’s right for your palate. We recommend the Mole Estofado, which is made with raisins rather than chocolate, rarely seen outside of Oaxaca. The sauce has a unique sweetness, while the slow-cooked spices linger on the tongue. The care and preparation that Copal puts into each dish is evident in every delicious bite, something you absolutely have to try for yourself!
Café Ivéta
The sweet smell of baked goods greets you as you enter Café Ivéta, an Italian-style cafe tucked away just blocks from scenic West Cliff Drive. Its bright interiors and cozy corners make you feel welcome as you peruse their collection of pastries and beverages. Snag something off the menu, like the scrumptious Green Egg on Toast, and be sure to try an award-winning scone! Satisfyingly crunchy on the outside, yet soft on the inside, Ivéta’s scones will have your mouth watering for more. While their flavors rotate often, some are too good to miss, like the delectable Lavender White Chocolate Scone. It’s delicate floral flavor pairs perfectly with the added sweetness of the white chocolate chips. You can even grab a scone mix to bring home – they’re that good. With their scrumptious scones and pastries, assortment of beverages, and more, Café Ivéta has something to tickle the fancy of every palate.
Vim Dining & Desserts
The bright art-deco-inspired interiors and the upscale cuisine of Vim Dining & Desserts transcend time. Soft jazz tones bring you into the 1920s while the food keeps things fresh with its California cuisine changing seasonally. The all-organic menu at Vim has been meticulously curated by Chef and co-owner Jesikah Stolaroff, down to the cocktail pairings. Don’t miss the Gouda Creme Brûlée, which is delightfully innovative. Paired with gluten-free crostini, apples, and date chimichurri, this appetizer blends sweet and savory in a way that’s truly unique. Don’t skip out on dessert, either: considering it’s in the name, Vim specializes in its sweets. Try the Vim Chocolate Cake for a rich finale. Using sustainable and seasonal ingredients makes each trip to Vim a new experience, and after trying it, you’ll want to make this part of your regular rotation!
With freshness at the forefront, the Westside food scene has plenty to buzz about. From Avanti’s farm-to-table fare with an Italian twist to Izakaya’s hyper-fresh raw menu, Bantam’s flavor-forward wood-fired pizzas, Copal’s traditional Oaxacan flavors, Café Ivéta’s crunchy-yet-soft scones, and Vim’s elevated seasonal fare, there’s something that will suit every palate. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a more luxurious meal, the Westside is well-worth exploring with fork in hand!