Santa Cruz’s thriving downtown is constantly growing and seeing new additions to the culinary scene. From long-standing institutions that have served the foodie community for years to brand new restaurant ventures entering the vibrant Santa Cruz food world, there is a perfect bite for everyone just waiting to be discovered. Here is a list of Downtown Santa Cruz’s hottest new spots to check out!
1.) Pretty Good Advice
The second location for vegetarian and vegan cult favorite, Pretty Good Advice, has opened downtown to buzzworthy acclaim. The mural-decorated interior pops with personality, and each menu item highlights fresh, hyper-seasonal, vegetarian, and vegan ingredients. From breakfast sandwiches to burgers or salads to delicious drinks, there is something for everyone to enjoy! All of their sandwiches and burgers are full of great toppings, oozing with delicious sauces, and bright with flavors. Don’t skip out on their house-made hot sauce or their great drinks, including their Iced Caramel Coconut Coffee or their fresh-squeezed lemonades. Local favorites include the Mikes Good Morning Deluxe, which features a fried egg, crispy potato, avocado, bell pepper, and pepper jack cheese. This spot is a true haven for vegetarians and vegans that really elevates vegetarian cuisine!
2.) Hook + Line
Hook + Line is making waves as a buzzworthy new addition to downtown Santa Cruz. This modern California seafood eatery celebrates the bounty of the California coast with an ocean-centered culinary lineup that epitomizes Santa Cruz’s rich farming and fishing traditions. As a seasonal restaurant, Hook + Line offers a unique take on seafood with an ingredient-driven menu that showcases the freshest local produce and catch. Highlights include the Local Halibut Ceviche, Mussels and Fries, and a rich Bouillabaisse, all designed to delight seafood enthusiasts. Complementing the culinary offerings is an excellent cocktail menu featuring standout drinks like Muse Tea and Pink’s Margarita. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, don’t miss out on this vibrant new spot where every dish and drink celebrates the flavors of California.
3.) Obló Kitchen and Cocktails
Oblò Kitchen and Cocktails is the latest culinary gem in downtown Santa Cruz. This new addition seamlessly blends diverse influences with California’s seasonal bounty. Offering an array of specialty cocktails and thoughtfully curated plates, Oblò ensures a memorable dining experience. Explore a fusion of flavors inspired by global culinary trends, expertly crafted to take your taste buds on a journey. Their signature cocktails are incredible and full of creative flavor combinations that lovers of classic cocktails and adventurous drinkers alike will enjoy. Don’t miss out on indulging in the extraordinary Berries & Cream cocktail, featuring perfectly balanced vodka, with blackberry compote, lemon, yuzu liqueur, elderflower, and meadow cream. Exceptionally aesthetic and equally delicious, their cocktails are definitely worth the buzz! From Seafood Paella to succulent Lamb Chops, the menu satisfies every palate. The signature Fritto Misto, a mouthwatering combination of deep-fried calamari, tiger shrimp, and organic Shishito peppers, and their perfectly crispy Brussel sprouts shine on their menu. Experience the vibrant fusion of flavors at Oblò, where every dish tells a story!
4.) Izzy’s Ices
Tucked away in downtown Santa Cruz, Izzy’s Ices is a must-visit spot for anyone seeking a refreshing and nostalgic treat. This old-school Italian ice shop brings a piece of the East Coast to the West Coast, delighting customers with its diverse selection of flavors. Any ice cream fan will fall in love with Italian Ice, a pleasantly light, while still decadently sweet, treat bursting with flavor. Izzy’s Ices is a tribute to the owner’s father and allows patrons to experience authentic New York Italian ice delivered straight from the Big Apple. Izzy’s has something for everyone, with a menu featuring a huge selection of vegan, non-vegan, or sugar-free options, making it easy to find your perfect icy treat. Their offerings include flavors like Guava, Pineapple, and Chocolate Chip Cannoli, to name a few of our favorites! The shop’s mission is to recreate cherished memories of classic Italian ices while helping patrons create new ones. With a welcoming atmosphere and a dedication to quality, Izzy’s Ices invites you to become a regular and savor the joy of this timeless dessert.
Still Causing a Buzz
Numerous other restaurants in the downtown area are still causing a buzz that visitors and locals have fallen in love with since their openings. Don’t miss out on spots like Hanloh, a marvelous mash-up of comfort food and traditional Thai country cooking that has taken up residency in Bad Animal’s book and wine bar. If you’re looking for a buzzworthy breakfast spot in the heart of Downtown, definitely check out Mad Yolks. Celebrating all things eggs, Mad Yolks levels up the breakfast game in Santa Cruz by serving up unique breakfast food and delectable fresh-squeezed juices, matcha drinks, and teas. Ivetá Downtown is a cozy bistro and wine bar serving incredible dinners nightly plus, they have an excellent weekend brunch and lunch menu. All of the businesses in the downtown area of Santa Cruz offer unique and exciting experiences.