Lookout readers know their go-to bakeries, barbecue joints, breakfast spots, breweries, coffee shops and every delicious stop in between. From nostalgic ice cream shops to neighborhood delis, favorite burritos, date-night Italian and can’t-miss sushi, the 2025 Lookout List: Restaurants winners and runners-up highlight the places that locals return to again and again. These picks reflect the community’s 2025 taste, shaped by an open call for nominations and a final vote that showed just how passionate Santa Cruz County is about good food. Find more Lookout List winners here.
Favorite Bakery
Winner: Gayle’s Bakery & Rosticceria
504 Bay Ave., Capitola 95010
Gayle’s Bakery & Rosticceria won over voters with its range of pastries, whole cakes, pies, sandwiches and prepared foods that readers described as the “very best treats” and “simply the best with the greatest selection.” Fans praised its friendly staff, well-run operation, seasonal specials and consistently delicious baked goods, saying “everything is delicious.”
Favorite Barbecue
Winner: Aptos St. BBQ
8059 Aptos St., Aptos 95003
Aptos St. BBQ stands out for its quality smoked meats and extras like hearty baked potatoes, mac and cheese and its well-liked beans. Lookout List voters praised the flavorful cuts and welcoming atmosphere, calling it their go-to spot for great barbecue and drinks.
Runner-up: Mission St. BBQ
1618 Mission St., Santa Cruz 95060
Favorite Breakfast
Winner: Harbor Café
535 7th Ave., Santa Cruz 95062
Harbor Café draws locals with its hearty breakfast plates, fresh ingredients and warm, welcoming atmosphere. Voters praised the generous portions, fun drink menu, friendly service and reliable quality that make it a favorite spot to start the day with loved ones.
Runner-up: The Walnut Avenue Cafe
106 Walnut Ave., Santa Cruz 95060
Favorite Brewery
Winner: Humble Sea Brewing Co.
820 Swift St., Santa Cruz 95060
Humble Sea stands out for its creative craft, locally brewed beers, inviting taproom and lively outdoor spaces perfect for enjoying a pint with friends. Voters praised the rotating selections, friendly staff and “the best food to have with beer” offerings.
Runner-up: Discretion Brewing
2703 41st Ave., Suite A, Soquel 95073
Favorite Burger
Winner: Jack’s Hamburgers
202 Lincoln St., Santa Cruz 95060
Jack’s Hamburgers earns praise for its classic, juicy burgers, fresh ingredients and casual, welcoming atmosphere. Readers highlighted the consistently tasty patties and flavorful toppings that keep them coming back for a satisfying, no-frills meal.
Runner-up: Betty Burgers
Locations in Santa Cruz and Aptos
FROM THE LOOKOUT NEWSROOM
Favorite Burrito
Winner: Taqueria Los Pericos
139 Water St., Santa Cruz 95060
Taqueria Los Pericos stands out for its flavorful, generously sized burritos made with fresh ingredients and authentic flavors. Lookout List voters highlighted the consistent quality, plentiful fillings and friendly service that make it a go-to spot to satisfy that burrito craving.
Runner-up: Taqueria Vallarta
1221 Mission St., Santa Cruz 95060
608 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz 95062
893 41st Ave., Santa Cruz 95062
Lookout Staff Pick: Favorite Burrito
Taqueria Jalapeños y Pupuseria makes the best burrito in town: the “super burrito” with chicken and avocado. It’s the perfect amount of food, served in a warm tortilla and with tasty ingredients. – Hillary Ojeda
Favorite Chinese Cuisine
Winner: Special Noodle
415 Ocean St., Santa Cruz 95060
Special Noodle draws diners with its authentic, fresh Chinese dishes, generous portions and wide selection of dim sum and noodles. Readers raved that the dumplings are “to die for” and praised the restaurant’s consistently high quality and “huge portions of quality food.”
Runner-up: Canton Restaurant
900 41st Ave., Santa Cruz 95062
Favorite Coffee Shop
Winner: Cat & Cloud
Locations in Santa Cruz & Aptos
Cat & Cloud stands out for its expertly roasted and brewed coffee, bright and welcoming cafés, and friendly baristas who make every visit enjoyable. Voters love the consistently high-quality drinks and comfortable atmosphere that make it a favorite spot to meet friends or grab a morning pick-me-up.
Runner-up: 11th Hour Coffee
1001 Center St. #1, Santa Cruz 95060
402 Ingalls St., Suite 19, Santa Cruz
Favorite Deli/Sandwich Shop
Winner: Zoccoli’s Delicatessen
1534 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz 95060
Zoccoli’s is beloved for its classic, made-to-order sandwiches, fresh bread and generous portions. Readers raved about the “quality sandwiches with fast service” praising the consistently delicious flavors, fast service and nostalgic deli charm.
Runner-up: Garden Liquors & Deli
1815 Soquel Dr., Santa Cruz 95065
Lookout Staff Pick: Deli/Sandwich Shop
I always thought that the late Warren Zevon’s bromide on savoring life, “Enjoy every sandwich,” would make a wonderful name for a sandwich shop. But even if I had the will and wherewithal to open such a shop, I’d never do it in Santa Cruz. That would mean competing with Seabright Deli, which, to local sandwich lovers, is like Wrigley Field to baseball fans, one of those things you have to experience before you die. I’ll often stand outside, staring in awe at the photos of the sandwiches in the front window as if they were works of art — which, of course, they are. With names like The Mermaid, The Neptune and The Beach Bum, the sandwiches at Seabright Deli, a five-minute walk from Seabright Beach, fit the neighborhood. But you don’t need scenery to enjoy these astounding sammies (The Smoke Show is my current fave, but that changes day to day). These are leave-me-alone, not-even-looking-at-my-phone delicious. Good enough, in fact, to conjure Warren Zevon from The Great Beyond.
– Wallace Baine
Favorite Dive Bar
Winner: Brady’s Yacht Club
413 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz 95062
Brady’s stands out as a classic dive bar with “just the right mix of grit and a healthy dose of whiskey.” Lookout List voters love the welcoming atmosphere, calling it a reliable go-to for drinks and “everything you could want from a neighborhood dive bar.”
Runner-up: Mission West
2405 Mission St., Santa Cruz 95060
Lookout Staff Pick: Dive Bar
Brady’s Yacht Club: Karen Madura is the dive bar queen of Santa Cruz County. As the owner of the Rush Inn, the Jury Room and Brady’s Yacht Club, she oversees some of the county’s most celebrated dives. But it’s Brady’s that’s earned my patronage the most and not just because it’s also my neighborhood watering hole. From its ironic name (don’t confuse it with the actual Santa Cruz Yacht Club) to its slightly rough-around-the-edges aesthetic, Brady’s is a perfect specimen of the category. The drinks are still cheap, it’s cash-only and there’s a pool table. Brady’s drinks aren’t just cheap, though; they’re also really good – some are even made with fresh-squeezed juices.
– Jessica M. Pasko
Favorite Food Truck
Winner: Scrumptious Fish & Chips
Scrumptious wins over fans with its crispy fried fish, thick-cut chips (aka fries) and flavorful curry ketchup served with generous portions and friendly service. Readers raved that it’s “authentic fish & chips” and among the “best I’ve ever had,” making it a must-visit food truck in town wherever it pops up.
Runner-up: My Mom’s Mole
Favorite Gluten-Free Menu
Winner: Charlie Hong Kong
1141 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz 95062
Charlie Hong Kong stands out for its fresh, local ingredients, organic options and a wide variety of gluten-free and vegan dishes. Readers praised the generous portions, great service and flavorful meals, calling it “really good food for a great price” with “so many options.”
Runner-up: Hula’s Island Grill
221 Cathcart St., Santa Cruz 95060
Favorite Hawaiian Cuisine
Winner: Pono Hawaiian Grill
120 Union St., Santa Cruz 95060
3744 Capitola Rd., Santa Cruz 95062
Known for its fresh poke, flavorful kalua bowls and vibrant atmosphere, Pono Hawaiian Grill has become a local favorite. Voters praised the tasty food, lively patio and live music, saying they have the “best food, best drinks, best bartenders, best patio and above all best music.”
Runner-up: Hula’s Island Grill
221 Cathcart St., Santa Cruz 95060
Favorite Ice Cream
Winner: Marianne’s Ice Cream
Locations in Santa Cruz and Aptos
Marianne’s Ice Cream is a Santa Cruz institution known for its classic flavors, generous scoops and nostalgic, charming atmosphere. Lookout List voters say “every flavor is delicious,” highlighting originals like 1020 and playful new favorites like Otter 841, praising it as “one of the best ice cream places I have ever been to.”
Runner-up: The Penny Ice Creamery
Locations in Santa Cruz, Aptos and Scotts Valley
Favorite Indian/South Asian Cuisine
Winner: Ambrosia India Bistro
6006 La Madrona Dr. # D, Scotts Valley 95066
207 Sea Ridge Rd., Aptos 95003
Ambrosia India Bistro stands out for its flavorful Indian dishes, including classics like butter chicken and freshly baked naan. Readers praised the all-you-can-eat buffet, vegan options and consistently delicious meals.
Runner-up: Namaste Grill & Bar
303 Beach St., Santa Cruz 95060
Lookout Staff Pick: Indian/South Asian Cuisine
It’s pretty much covered in vines now, but a sharp eye can still make out the 20-foot-tall spoon on the Seacliff side of Aptos behind the 76 station. The Blue Spoon restaurant — or, excusez-moi, the Bleu Spoon — closed back in the 2000s. But now the spoon guides the hungry traveler to Ambrosia India Bistro, a beacon for lovers of Indian and South Asian cuisine. Ambrosia is a regional chain, with spots in Scotts Valley, Los Gatos and Monterey, as well as Aptos. For my wife and me, Ambrosia is that special place to bring out-of-town guests, or just because sometimes we deserve nice things. It’s got an extensive vegan and vegetarian menu, as well as seafood, lamb and chicken, and an absurdly long list of naan varieties. There is a delicacy and nuance to this Indian food that I rarely get elsewhere. Go for the Chicken Chettinad or the Bhindi Masala, a revelatory dish that showcases that most criminally overlooked of veggies — okra! Look for the big spoon and bring a big appetite. – Wallace Baine
Favorite Italian Cuisine
Winner: Lillian’s Italian Kitchen
1148 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz 95062
Lillian’s delights diners with authentic flavors, fresh ingredients and a warm, neighborhood atmosphere. Many readers made sure to note it as “the best Italian food, ever,” praising the quality, traditional dishes, friendly service and family-owned charm.
Runner-up: Lago di Como
21490 E. Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz 95062
Favorite Mediterranean/Greek Cuisine
Winner: Laili Restaurant
101 Cooper St., Santa Cruz 95060
Laili Restaurant charms diners with vibrant flavors served in a stunning outdoor courtyard filled with vines and twinkling lights. Readers praised both the food and setting, calling it “probably the best restaurant in Santa Cruz” and highlighting dishes like pomegranate chicken, trout and perfectly seasoned appetizers.
Runner-up: Zameen Cuisine
851 41st Ave., Santa Cruz 95062
Favorite Mexican Cuisine
Winner: El Palomar
1336 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz 95060
El Palomar stands out for its flavorful Mexican classics, from carne asada and carnitas to handmade corn tortillas and house salsas. Lookout List voters called out the welcoming atmosphere, generous portions and margaritas, calling the salsa so good “I could drink it in my water bottle.”
Runner-up: Manuel’s Mexican Restaurant
261 Center Ave, Aptos, CA 95003
Favorite Pho/Vietnamese Cuisine
Winner: Charlie Hong Kong
1141 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Charlie Hong Kong stands out for its fresh, flavorful Asian fusion dishes and thoughtfully prepared pho. Readers praised the generous portions and wide variety of organic options made with fresh local ingredients.
Runner-up: Asian Express
1955 41st Ave. # A2, Capitola 95010
Lookout Staff Pick: Pho/Vietnamese Cuisine
Since moving to Watsonville last March, my partner and I have been continually impressed by South County’s food scene, and Pho Kitchen on Main Street is a standout that is well worth the sometimes rough Highway 1 drive. Its beef short rib pho and spicy bún bò hué are my go-tos on chilly days, while the bánh mi sandwiches and vermicelli bowls make for quick, affordable lunches (best paired with a wintermelon boba tea). The team at Pho Kitchen are the real deal, and it’s exciting to see more mom-and-pop Asian restaurants bringing authentic flavors to Santa Cruz County. – Duffy Barret
Favorite Pizza
Winner: Pizza My Heart
Locations in Santa Cruz, Capitola and Aptos
Pizza My Heart is a Santa Cruz classic known for its thin-crust pizzas and generous toppings. Readers praised the variety of options, including vegan choices, and called it “closest to New York pizza I’ve had in California.”
Runner-up: Bookie’s Pizza
1315 Water St., Santa Cruz 95062
Favorite Ramen
Winner: Full Steam Dumpling
1001 Center St., Santa Cruz 95060
Full Steam Dumpling started in 2019 as a street-food pop-up and now operates inside the Art Center downtown, bringing authentic Asian American flavors to the heart of Santa Cruz. Voters praise the rich, flavorful ramen and other dishes, noting the fresh ingredients and generous portions.
Runner-up: Special Noodle
415 Ocean St., Santa Cruz 95060
Favorite Seafood
Winner: Hook & Line
105 Walnut Ave., Santa Cruz 95060
Hook & Line, which opened in 2018, has quickly become a Santa Cruz favorite for its inventive, fresh seafood and elevated yet approachable dining experience. Voters love the seasonal local menu, creative cocktails and thoughtful service, highlighting the consistently high-quality, visually appealing dishes and welcoming vibe.
Runner-up: Johnny’s Harborside
493 Lake Ave., Santa Cruz 95062
Favorite Sushi/Japanese Cuisine
Winner: Akira
1222 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz 95062
105D Post Office Dr., Aptos 95003
Akira stands out for its fresh, flavorful sushi and inventive special rolls that keep diners coming back. Voters praised the restaurant for its consistently high-quality fish, variety of vegetarian options, and convenient locations.
Runner-up: Otoro Sushi
235 Mount Hermon Rd., #G, Scotts Valley 95066
Favorite Thai Cuisine
Winner: Sawasdee Thai Cuisine
5050 Soquel Dr., Soquel 95073
Sawasdee delights diners with its authentic flavors, generous portions, and attentive service. Readers say the restaurant consistently delivers well-seasoned, fresh Thai dishes whether it’s takeout or dining in.
Runner-up: Hanloh Thai Food
1011 Cedar St., Santa Cruz 95060
Favorite Vegetarian/Vegan Cuisine
Winner: Pretty Good Advice
1319 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz 5060
3070 Porter St., Soquel 95073
Pretty Good Advice stands out for its creative plant-based dishes, fresh ingredients, and vibrant flavors. Voters loved the creative dishes and said the restaurant makes vegetarian and vegan meals “incredibly flavorful and satisfying.”
Runner-up: Dharma’s Restaurant
4250 Capitola Rd., Capitola 95010
Favorite Winery
Winner: Windy Oaks Estate
550 Hazel Dell Rd., Corralitos 95076
Windy Oaks Estate charms visitors with its stunning hilltop views, relaxed woodsy setting, and dog-friendly atmosphere. Voters raved about the exquisite pinot noirs, attentive family-run service and the winery’s thoughtful approach to tastings that makes every guest feel welcome.
Runner-up: Storrs Winery
303 Potrero St., Suite 35, Santa Cruz 95060
