There’s more whales in the Monterey Bay this season than we can remember! Come out to Sand Rock Farm and take an ocean adventure with Sanctuary Cruises.
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Local Dining
The Monterey / Aptos / Santa Cruz area is replete with numerous restaurants serving almost every cuisine.
Santa Cruz Country restaurants feature organic and local produce, fresh fish and meat, and a wide variety of flavors — from California fusion, French, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Mexican, and many vegetarian options.
The restaurant options range from an unbelievable sandwich to multi-course dining by candle light. Want to have lunch on the water? Have a romantic getaway? Or just a simple, healthy, and enjoyable meal? Santa Cruz is a great place for restaurants.
Some of our local favorites:
| Name | Description | Town |
Distance (minutes) |
| Theo’s | Excellent California cuisine, complete wine list. Beautiful garden. | Aptos | 10 minutes |
| Avanti | A wonderful casual Italian restaurant with wonderful food featuring local and organic foods. | Santa Cruz | 25 minutes |
| Cafe Sparrow | A delightful local restaurant featuring a nightly prix fixe special in an intimate space. | Aptos | 5 minutes |
| Ambrosia | Fabulous Indian cuisine with a wide variety of delectable savory dishes where unique flavors stand out. | Aptos | 5 minutes |
| Soif | Fabulous wine bar with delectable “small plates” for sharing, fresh, seasonal ingredients, and wonderful wine tasting and wine-pairing recommendations. | Santa Cruz | 15 minutes |
| La Posta | Outstanding, simple italian food – menu changes regularly, prix fixe family meal on Sundays (from the creators of Soif). | Santa Cruz | 15 minutes |
| Caruso’s | Friendly and flavorful Tuscan-Italian in a tiny space in Capitola village | Capitola | 10 minutes |
| Mobo | Excellent “California-style” sushi, outstanding fish, crunchy mac nuts, and creative flair | Santa Cruz | 15 minutes |
| Shogun | A dynamic sushi bar with traditional cuisine and fresh fish | Santa Cruz | 15 minutes |
| Oswald | Intimate mediterranian dining with an absolutely first-class menu. |
Santa Cruz
|
15 minutes
|
| Sestri | Restaurant and bar featuring a lovely Italian menu in a romantic dining room. | Santa Cruz | 10 minutes |
| O Mei | Unsurpassed Chinese; remarkable dishes. If you like spicy Chinese, O’Mei is not to be missed. | Santa Cruz | 25 minutes |
| Shadowbrook | Gorgeous atmosphere, romantic and picture-perfect, ask for the river view in summer, and don’t forget to ride the cable-car to the dining room. | Capitola | 15 minutes |
| Sawasdee | One of our favorites featuring fresh, well seasoned Thai cuisine | Soquel | 10 minutes |
| Palapas | With a gorgeous ocean view, indoor or ocean-deck dining and “fresh-mex” menu with fresh seafood, a great local place. | Aptos | 5 minutes |
| Crow’s Nest | Right on the beach, you feel like you can reach out and touch the sailboats coming out of the Santa Cruz Yacht harbor – features live entertainment | Santa Cruz | 15 minutes |
| River Cafe | A tiny restaurant with out-of-sight sandwiches, fresh soups, and an amazing assortment of cheeses (to eat in or purchase) along with a selection of gourmet products. | Santa Cruz | 15 minutes |
| Parker Lusseau | An amazing French pattiserie near the Monterey Bay Acquarium, features fresh baked goods, excellent sandwiches, and high-quality coffee. | Monterey | 30 minutes |
