When you think of dining in Santa Cruz County, you probably think of oceanfront seafood spots and farm-to-table favorites—and while those are great, some of the real culinary treasures are a little more off the beaten path. Whether tucked into the redwoods, hidden in plain sight, or secretly churning out some of the most delicious food in the county, these spots are redefining what it means to dine well in Santa Cruz. Here are six hidden gem restaurants you’ll be thrilled to discover.
The Grille at DeLaveaga
It might be located on a golf course, but don’t let that fool you—The Grille at DeLaveaga is one of the best-kept culinary secrets in Santa Cruz. Recently refreshed with a new chef, new cocktail program, and longer hours, this spot is a destination for brunch, lunch, and elevated comfort fare that’s as local and organic as it is delicious. The ambiance doesn’t hurt either: fireplaces for cozy indoor dining, a spacious patio with panoramic views of the Monterey Bay, and a cocktail bar that would be right at home downtown. Whether you’re swinging by after a hike or looking for a sunny weekend brunch with a view, The Grille delivers a standout experience—no golf clubs required.
Emozioni
Nestled on Porter Street in Soquel, Emozioni brings a taste of Italy’s finest dessert traditions to Santa Cruz County. This elegant little bakery specializes in traditional Italian pastries—think beautifully layered cakes, fruit-glazed tarts, and the kind of decadent treats you’d expect to find in a Naples café. But Emozioni doesn’t stop at sweets: they also serve slices of authentic pizza, baked to perfection with blistered crusts and simple, high-quality ingredients. Their special porchetta-topped focaccia-style pizza is a true hidden gem that you won’t find anywhere else in the county! A secret menu item you have to try is the Rum Babá used as a cup for your gelato of choice! It’s like using a delicious Italian donut as a cone to hold your favorite gelato flavors like stracciatella, mocha, or vanilla. Whether you’re stopping in for a morning espresso and a slice of something sweet or grabbing a savory lunch that will transport you to Italy, Emozioni is a hidden gem you do not want to miss.
Ozzy’s
If you think you’ve had every kind of pizza Santa Cruz has to offer, Ozzy’s is here to prove you wrong. This pizza joint has gained a loyal following thanks to its wildly creative topping combinations that somehow always work. The Date with a Hot Pig, a thin crust pizza topped with candied bacon, medjool dates, and gorgonzola cheese, is a must try item you won’t find at any other pizza joint in town! Each pizza has a perfectly crispy thin crust and generously topped with ingredients that make each menu item a star you have to try. From seasonal vegetables to unexpected flavor pairings, each pie feels like a chef-driven experiment in deliciousness. It’s casual, quirky, and consistently delivers pizza that surprises in the best possible way. A must for adventurous eaters and pizza lovers alike.
Lago di Como
Tucked away in a quiet corner of Santa Cruz, Lago di Como is the kind of place that feels like a secret—until you realize every table is full with couples celebrating anniversaries or friends sharing a bottle of wine. This is authentic Italian cuisine at its most heartfelt, with a deep dedication to the craft that shows in every handmade pasta, every sauce, and every perfectly balanced dish. Whether you’re planning a romantic date night or celebrating a special occasion, Lago di Como offers an intimate, transportive dining experience that feels like a little piece of Italy on the Central Coast.
Emerald Mallard
What started as a beloved smash burger pop-up has blossomed into a true hidden gem in the mountain town of Felton. Emerald Mallard now calls this redwood-lined community home, and it’s become a go-to for high-end, no-frills food served with heart. With a constantly evolving menu that might include handmade cannolis on Sundays or inventive new specials every week, this place thrives on creativity and community. It’s the kind of place where you can grab a mind-blowingly good burger and still feel like you’ve discovered something special every time you visit.
Whether you’re exploring the coast or heading into the mountains, Santa Cruz County is full of low-key spots serving high-end food with tons of personality. These hidden gems prove that the best bites are often just around the corner—if you know where to look.