The 2025 Lookout List: Food & Drink Experiences

Winner: Gayle’s Bakery & Rosticceria

504 Bay Ave., Capitola 95010

Gayle’s Bakery & Rosticceria remains a beloved Capitola staple thanks to its unmatched variety, quality and consistency. Lookout List voters praised its beautiful cakes, friendly service and “so much to choose from,” calling every visit “a treat.”

Winner: Marianne’s Ice Cream

Locations in Santa Cruz and Aptos

The Favorite Sweet Treat category was the runaway favorite, earning more votes than any other in the Lookout List. Marianne’s pulled away with the victory this year with its classic flavors, creamy cones and playful, nostalgic vibe that is “simply the best ice cream anywhere.”

Winner: Beer Thirty

2504 S Main St., Soquel 95073

From its rotating taps to fridges stocked with hundreds of cans and bottles, Beer Thirty delivers a friendly, neighborhood atmosphere with an excellent dog-friendly craft beer experience. Lookout List readers highlighted the spot’s varied selection, saying “love it’s not all IPAs and they are always bringing in some new beers to try.”

Winner: Humble Sea Brewing Co.

820 Swift St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Humble Sea has become a Santa Cruz favorite for its creative beers, relaxed outdoor space and rotating lineup of local food trucks and pop-ups. Voters love its friendly staff, dog-friendly patios and consistently top-notch brews, saying that Humble Sea has the “best new beer, best food pop-ups.”

Winner: Crow’s Nest Restaurant

2218 E. Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz 95062

At the beachfront perch of the Crow’s Nest Restaurant, craft cocktails meet sweeping sunset views of the Santa Cruz Harbor and Walton Lighthouse. Lookout List voters say they love the sound of waves and birds, noting that the nostalgic atmosphere keeps them coming back again and again.

Winner: Crow’s Nest Restaurant

2218 E. Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz 95062

The Crow’s Nest draws diners with bay views that make every meal feel special. Voters praised the combination of scenery, attentive service, fresh seafood, a salad bar and a relaxed, inviting atmosphere.

Winner: Steamer Lane Supply

644-670 W. Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz 95060

Steamer Lane Supply draws diners with its prime perch overlooking the waves at Steamer Lane on West Cliff Drive. Voters praised the combination of fresh, approachable fare, saying it is “the epitome of laid-back Santa Cruz” with “The ‘Dillas’ and the view!!” having them return again and again.

Winner: Hula’s Island Grill

221 Cathcart St., Santa Cruz 95060

Hula’s Island Grill stands out as a favorite dog‑friendly restaurant thanks to its dog‑friendly patio and welcoming staff who treat furry guests like friends. Voters appreciated the tropical, relaxed ambiance with dinner and happy hour options that “never disappoint.”

Winner: Hula’s Island Grill

221 Cathcart St., Santa Cruz 95060

Hula’s Island Grill earns praise for its upbeat, island‑vibe happy hour scene – running every evening and all night on “Tiki Tuesday” with pupus, tiki drinks and house wines for stellar deals. Lookout List voters love the combination of fun cocktails, discounted plates and a laid‑back patio atmosphere.

Winner: Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen

200 High Rd., Santa Cruz 95060
131 Esplanade, Aptos 95003

Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen is a favorite for drinks with friends thanks to its inventive cocktails, “cool vibe” and welcoming staff. Voters highlighted the creative drink menu – with its house-made distilled liquors – and lively, social setting that make it an ideal spot to gather and unwind.

Winner: Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen

200 High Rd., Santa Cruz 95060
131 Esplanade, Aptos 95003

Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen is known for its inventive mocktail menu, offering flavorful, well-balanced drinks that rival its spirited counterparts. Voters highlighted the creativity and freshness of the nonalcoholic options, making it a go-to spot for anyone seeking an elevated, alcohol-free experience.

Winner: The Crêpe Place

1134 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz 95062

The Crêpe Place delights diners with its charming outdoor seating and casual, inviting atmosphere paired with regular live music shows. Lookout List voters appreciate the combination of fresh, flavorful dishes and the relaxed, sunlit patio, making “the whole vibe a 10/10.”

Winner: Abbott Square Market

725 Front St., Santa Cruz 95060

Abbott Square Market is a top pick for a casual first date thanks to its relaxed, open-air vibe, diverse food options, live entertainment and tasty drinks. Lookout List voters shared their experiences, noting it offers “plenty of fresh air dancing!” and has proven success, with one writing, “This was my first date with my now-fiancée.”

Winner: Shadowbrook

1750 Wharf Rd., Capitola 95010

Shadowbrook is a go-to destination for visitors thanks to its beautiful hillside setting and classic California cuisine. One Lookout List voter summarized it as “Iconic restaurant, iconic scenery, iconic menu, iconic drinks” while another says its “always a hit with people who have never been there before, and often requested upon subsequent visits.”

Winner: Cat & Cloud

Locations in Santa Cruz, Live Oak and Aptos

Cat & Cloud stands out for its carefully crafted matcha drinks, combining high-quality ceremonial-grade tea with seasonal flavor twists. Lookout List voters praised the café’s welcoming atmosphere across all locations and the consistently smooth, flavorful matcha that is “a dream in a cup.”

Winner: Cat & Cloud

Locations in Santa Cruz, Live Oak and Aptos

Each location at Cat & Cloud has its own vibe, but they all serve as the perfect place to catch up over a cup of coffee. Lookout List voters appreciate the inviting atmosphere and quality drinks with fun seasonal twists.

Winner: Harbor Cafe

535 7th Ave., Santa Cruz 95062

Harbor Cafe shines as a go-to spot for brunch with friends, offering hearty plates, fresh ingredients, a fun drink menu and a lively atmosphere. Voters praised the café’s friendly service, generous portions and “its pup-friendly patio.”

Winner: Shadowbrook

1750 Wharf Rd., Capitola 95010

Shadowbrook is a go-to spot for anniversaries, offering a romantic setting filled with plants, candlelit tables and sweeping views of Soquel Creek. Voters praised the elevated ambiance, saying, “When you bring your significant other to Shadowbrook, it shows that you really care for them.”

Winner: The Parish Publick House

841 Almar Ave., Santa Cruz 95060
8017 Soquel Dr., Aptos 95003

Both locations of the Parish Publick House draw sports fans with its multiple big‑screen TVs, lively atmosphere and wide selection of drinks and pub fare. Voters highlighted the energetic crowd and welcoming staff, making it a go-to neighborhood spot to cheer on a favorite team.

Winner: Soquel Vineyards

8063 Glen Haven Rd., Soquel 95073

Soquel Vineyards stands out for its inviting tasting room, scenic vineyard views and “affordable, spectacular wines.” Voters praised the “phenomenal vintners” who elevate each visit, calling it the perfect tasting experience with a “great location” and “wine like none other — outstanding.”

Winner: Shopper’s Corner

622 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz 95062

Shopper’s Corner stands out for its abundant selection of wines alongside friendly, knowledgeable setting. Voters highlighted the store’s expert staff and approachable guidance, making it a reliable stop for both casual sippers and serious collectors with one voter saying they “Love to buy local wine at a local shop.”

Winner: Busy Bees Catering

1200 41st Ave., Suite B, Capitola 95010

Busy Bees Catering draws praise for delivering dependable, high-quality catering options ranging from cinnamon rolls to a Parisian-inspired menu. Lookout List voters shout out the excellent service, with one satisfied customer saying, “The owner is marvelous and so easy to work with. Great suggestions for what to serve and how much to order.”

Winner: Busy Bees Catering

1200 41st Ave., Suite B, Capitola 95010

Busy Bees has also become a go‑to for work lunches thanks to its reliable, high‑quality meals and friendly service. Clients praise the variety of lunch options for serving hungry groups, satisfying and stress-free.

Winner: Rodoni Farms

4444 Coast Road (Highway 1), Santa Cruz 95060

Rodoni Farms is a favorite farmers market vendor for its organically grown vegetables and strong local roots. Lookout List voters appreciate the family-run farm for its friendly service and variety of vegetables, with one noting, “I love their produce and their values! They are great community supporters and always happy to provide samples.”

Winner: Dirty Girl Produce

Dirty Girl Produce brings more than 20 varieties of certified organic fruits and vegetables to its farmers market stand. The family‑run farm stands out for freshness and variety, with one Lookout reader saying it is “head and shoulders above all others for tomatoes, strawberries, chicories, beans – you name it, they’ve got the best ones.”

Winner: Wise Goat Organics

1420 41st Ave, Capitola, CA 95010

Wise Goat Organics stood out at the Felton farmers market for its nutrient‑dense, fermented and organic offerings and hands‑on family‑farm origin. Voters praised its fresh, creative foods and local roots, noting that the brand curates its own line of ferments and ingredients grown with care.

Winner: Companion Bakeshop

2341 Mission St., Santa Cruz 95060

Companion Bakeshop offers classic, hand‑formed, brick‑oven breads and rustic pastries made with local, organic ingredients. Voters noted the bakery’s strong presence at the market, calling it “consistently fresh” with “great organic and gluten-free options.”

Winner: Rodoni Farms

4444 Coast Road (Highway 1), Santa Cruz 95060

Rodani Farms shines with its locally grown, organic vegetables and commitment to sustainable farming. Lookout List voters praised the family-run stall for its freshness, variety and friendly service that keeps the community coming back week after week.

Winner: Ivan’s Baked Potatoes

Ivan’s Baked Potatoes has delighted visitors of the downtown Watsonville farmers market for decades with its massive, perfectly baked Idaho potatoes loaded with fresh toppings. Voters celebrated the family‑run stand’s delicious, long‑standing presence in the community.

Winner: Rodoni Farms

4444 Coast Road (Highway 1), Santa Cruz 95060

Rodani Farms draws shoppers with its colorful, seasonal selections and approachable family‑run vibe. Westside voters highlighted the generous sampling and getting to chat with the growers, making each visit both tasty and personal.

Winner: Full Steam Dumpling

1001 Center St., Santa Cruz 95060

Full Steam Dumpling stands out for its finely crafted dumplings and ramen that blend Asian street food flair with chef‑driven creativity. Lookout List voters celebrated its rotating seasonal menu and thoughtful execution, making it a must‑visit pop‑up destination.

Winner: Zoccoli’s Delicatessen

1534 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz 95060

Zoccoli’s Delicatessen excels as a grab‑and‑go lunch spot with its fast service and consistently fresh, stacked sandwiches made with quality ingredients. Lookout List voters love the selection of premade options and sides, with one reader saying, “They are a relic of the before times! I’ll never stop loving Zoccoli’s!”

Winner: Chaminade Resort & Spa

1 Chaminade Lane, Santa Cruz, 95065

The expansive 300-acre wooded setting of Chaminade Resort & Spa offers sweeping views of Monterey Bay, forest trails, outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Reviewers raved about the resort’s top-notch amenities and stunning scenery.

Winner: Shopper’s Corner

622 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz 95062

Shopper’s Corner is celebrated locally for its old‑school butcher shop where beef and lamb are broken down on site, house‑made sausages line the cases, and the staff brings serious expertise to every cut. Lookout List voters highlighted the store’s dedication to craft and customer service, noting that “the butchers know everything about meat and seafood.”

Winner: New Leaf Community Markets

Locations in Santa Cruz, Capitola and Aptos

New Leaf Community Markets earns its reputation as a local favorite for fresh, organic produce, thoughtfully curated groceries and a strong commitment to community and sustainability. Voters praised the broad selection, convenient locations, generous coupons and a great hot food bar.