Santa Cruz County, with its stunning coastal views, vibrant community, and active lifestyle, is the perfect place to indulge in a delicious and nutritious açaí bowl. Originating from the Amazon rainforest, the açaí berry has taken the world by storm, becoming a popular superfood known for its rich antioxidants, fiber, and heart-healthy fats. Blended into a creamy, sorbet-like consistency and topped with an array of fresh fruits, granola, and other delectable toppings, açaí bowls have become a favorite among health enthusiasts and foodies alike.
In Santa Cruz County, the açaí bowl trend is thriving, with numerous local spots offering their unique takes on this refreshing treat. Whether you’re looking for a post-surf snack, a quick and healthy breakfast, or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, you’ll find a variety of options that cater to all tastes and dietary preferences. From hidden gems to popular favorites, we’ll guide you through the top destinations to enjoy this tropical delight, ensuring your açaí experience in Santa Cruz is nothing short of amazing!
1.) Samba Rock Açaí Cafe
291 Water St, Santa Cruz
Samba Rock is a beloved local institution that serves up some of the best açaí bowls in town! Samba Rock brings Brasil right here to Santa Cruz County with an extensive menu that ensures there is something here for everyone. Whether you want a classic bowl or a unique twist like a peanut butter blended base, you will leave feeling like you’ve indulged in a sweet treat that won’t use up your cheat day! Samba Rock has been one of the leaders for açaí bowls in the county having founded their açaí cafe back in 2009. The fresh organic fruit here is excellent and they have so many options like papaya, mango, and traditional strawberry and banana. Each bite is a perfect blend of refreshing açaí, flavorful fruit, and crispy granola. Try the Carmen Miranda and the Pelé bowls to see why they are must-try menu items!
2.) Roxa Hammock Cafe
On Abbott Square in breezeway, 110 Cooper St Suite 100g, Santa Cruz
Roxa is famous for being the nation’s first hammock cafe, but don’t miss out on their excellent açaí menu to enjoy while you hang out! This wonderful eclectic cafe features non-alcoholic elixirs, coffee, and a full menu of delicious açaí bowls. Each bowl is carefully crafted from a unique blend of ingredients and features lots of homemade add-ons like their freshly made almond butter. Everything here is gluten-free and designed to maximize your health while enhancing your wellness. Tucked away in the breezeway next to Abbott Square Market, Roxa is an atmospheric experience that will leave you full and relaxed! Try out items like the O Bombom with delicious homemade raw almond butter, Bringadeiro cream, and fresh fruit. Or try their more adventurous items like the Kambô with avocado, super tonic, and goji berries. Each creation is an expertly crafted, delicious and nutritious treat! Pair it with one of their sober elixirs and take a swinging seat in a hammock to truly get the full Roxa experience.
3.) Mr.Z’s Crêpes & Teas
7518 Soquel Dr, Aptos
45 Aviation Way #2, Watsonville
Mr. Z’s is a beloved creperie with spots in Aptos and Watsonville with an acai menu you don’t want to miss! Known primarily for their mouth-watering crepes and refreshing teas, Mr. Z’s also excels in crafting açaí bowls that are both delicious and wholesome. Their dairy-free organic açaí bowls are perfectly paired with the teas or crepes. Each bowl is the best fuel to power your day whether you want a decadent protein-rich option like the PBC Protein açaí bowl or fruity offerings like the Tropical or Apple Pie açaí bowls. The fruit options like the mango and kiwi in the Tropical bowl are an excellent combination you have to try!
4.) Sampa Brazilian Kitchen
841 N Branciforte Ave, Santa Cruz
Sampa Brazilian Kitchen offers an authentic taste of Brazil right in the heart of Santa Cruz County, and their açaí bowls are a standout feature of their menu. Known for their commitment to traditional Brazilian flavors and culinary techniques, Sampa Brazilian Kitchen crafts açaí bowls that transport your taste buds straight to São Paulo. Each bowl is carefully prepared with a smooth, creamy açaí base, topped generously with fresh fruits, crunchy granola, and a drizzle of honey, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The attention to detail and commitment to using high-quality ingredients sets Sampa’s açaí bowls apart from the rest. Each meal at Sampa is a heartfelt reflection of their family’s culinary journey and when you sit down to eat a meal here, they welcome you as family too!
5.) Terra Superfoods
1855 41st Ave Suite R03, Capitola
Tucked away in the Capitola Mall food court, Terra Superfoods is a true hidden gem for lovers of açaí and plant-based foods. Terra Superfoods began in Monterey but now brings excellent fresh plant-based food here to the Santa Cruz County community. Customers can choose from their selection of delicious bowls or build their own perfect açaí bowl from an extensive selection of bases and toppings. Whether you choose the Terra or the owner’s namesake creation, Jade’s Bowl, you can try unique ingredients like pitaya, blue majik, hemp seeds, mulberries, goji berries, and bee pollen. With so many excellent options, there is truly something wonderful waiting for any customer coming to Terra Superfoods!
6.) Amazon Juices
1066 41st Ave, Capitola
Amazon Juices on 41st Avenue, created by the owners of the beloved Café Brasil, is one of Santa Cruz’s top spots for açaí bowls that are as fresh as they are flavorful. Drawing on their deep knowledge of authentic Brazilian flavors, the owners have crafted a menu that highlights the best of the Amazon’s superfoods with delicious bowls, juices, and to go meals. Their açaí bowls are a standout, made fresh with every order using nutrient-rich açaí berries and a mix of local and exotic fruits like acerola and caju (cashew fruit). Each bowl is not only a delight to the taste buds but also a powerhouse of vitamins and natural nutrients, offering a wholesome and satisfying experience. For those looking to enjoy a truly authentic taste of Brazil, Amazon Juices provides a refreshing, health-focused treat that reflects the quality and passion the Café Brasil team is known for.
7.) Café Brasil
1410 Mission St, Santa Cruz
Café Brasil is a lively and colorful haven that brings the vibrant flavors of Brasil to the local community. This favorite local’s brunch spot is known for its authentic cuisine. Café Brasil has an excellent açaí bowl that is a true classic favorite you have to add to your list! The bowl features a smooth, rich açaí base, adorned with an array of fresh fruits, and crunchy granola, creating a delightful symphony of flavors and textures. The café’s commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients ensures that every bowl is not only delicious but also brimming with nutritional benefits. The energetic atmosphere, complete with Brazilian decor and friendly service, makes Café Brasil a standout spot for those seeking a genuine taste of Brasil in Santa Cruz. Whether you’re in for a hearty breakfast or a revitalizing snack, Café Brasil’s açaí bowl offers a refreshing and authentic experience that keeps both locals and visitors coming back for more.
8.) Makai: Brews and Bowls
49A Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz
Makai, located on the scenic Santa Cruz Wharf, offers the best views in town while you enjoy your açaí bowls! Their Brews and Bowls window is a take-out window that enables customers to enjoy the island cuisine Makai dishes in a casual, to-go manner. They offer coffee, cocktails, and açaí bowls that make the perfect portable meal to enjoy while soaking up the sun on the wharf. They have two açaí bowl options, the Makai and the Tropical, both offer a selection of fresh fruits and coconut flakes with a side of granola to ensure it stays crispy! What better way to enjoy an açaí bowl than watching the waves crash against West Cliff as the sound of sea lions echo around you? There is ample bench seating and a few tables around the corner from the Brews and Bowls window where you can take your açaí bowls to get the full wharf experience!