A month of eating across Santa Cruz County highlighted playful dishes, from a wild Tostilocos snack in Watsonville and indulgent French toast at a local coffeehouse, to sourdough with compound butter at Emerald Mallard, viral fruit-shaped desserts at Sugar Bakery and fresh spring rolls at Dharma’s Restaurant.
The best things I ate and drank in Santa Cruz County this month 2026
Lookout correspondent Lily Belli’s 2026 monthly look back at standouts on the local food and drink scene.
Posted inFood & Drink
The best things I ate and drank in Santa Cruz County in March
March’s warm weather coincided with a strong showing from Santa Cruz County’s food scene, with several standout dishes highlighting local bakeries, markets and new restaurants.
Posted inFood & Drink
The best things I ate and drank in Santa Cruz County in February
Wet February weather led Lookout food and drink correspondent Lily Belli to seek warm flavors at restaurants, food trucks and bakeries across Santa Cruz County. She selects from a month of eating to highlight a loaded jacket potato, tender conchas, a comforting and lively cabbage dish and a familiar favorite at a longstanding cantina.
Posted inFood & Drink
The best things I ate and drank in Santa Cruz County in January
Defying January doldrums, Lookout food and drink correspondent Lily Belli launches a monthly food-and-drink dispatch from Santa Cruz County’s dining scene. She selects from a month of eating to highlight brothless ramen, a revived Syrian pop-up, the return of a Capitola classic and hand-pulled noodle soup as the most memorable bites.