Sustainable, ethical & organic options

We try to keep our list of eateries up to date, but things change.

[tabs][tab title=”Mid-county (Aptos, Capitola, Pleasure Point, Soquel)”]

APTOS

Akira
Casual, Sushi
Fusion Japanese cuisine combined with western flare. Lunch, happy hour, dinner.
105 D Post Office Dr, Aptos Village (831) 708-2154

Ambrosia India Bistro
Bistro, India cuisine
Lunch buffet, weekend brunch, happy hour, dinner.
207 Sea Ridge Rd, Aptos/Seacliff (831) 685-0610

Aptos Street BBQ
Casual, BBQ
Home style BBQ with a variety of local beers on tap and live blues shows daily.
8059 Aptos St, Aptos Village (831) 662-1721
Locally owned

Bangkok West
Fine dining, Thai
Eclectic, ornate eatery with Asian art offering Thai classics.
2505 Cabrillo College Dr., Aptos (831) 479-8297

Bittersweet Bistro & Cafe Bittersweet
Elegant dining & casual bar and patio
Bittersweet is located in the former Deer Park Tavern built in 1933. Mediterranean-inspired American cuisine with local, organic and sustainable options. Dog-friendly patio, full service bar with TVs, breakfast, lunch, dinner.
787 Rio Del Mar Blvd., Aptos (831) 662-9799
Locally owned
Monterey Bay Green Business certified

burger.Aptos
Casual
Hangout serving burgers, hot dogs, salads, shakes and a long list of craft beers.
7941 Soquel Dr, Aptos (831) 662-2811

Cafe Rio
Casual, yet elegant dining
Seafood specialties, full bar, a dog-friendly patio and an peak of the bay.
131 Esplanade, Aptos (831) 688-8917
Locally owned and operated

Manuel’s
Casual, Mexican
A local tradition since 1965. Fresh, local, organic, sustainable options. Lunch, dinner, bar.
261 Center Ave, Aptos (831) 688-4848
Locally owned

Panda Inn
Casual, Chinese
Mandarin and Sichuan entrees.
783 Rio del Mar Blvd, Ste 5 Aptos (831) 688-8620

Parish Publick House
Tavern
Classic comfort food and a rotating lineup of craft beer on tap.
8017 Soquel Dr, Aptos Village (831) 708-2036
Locally owned

Persephone
Fine dining
Farm to table, fresh seasonal fare, overlooking the Aptos Creek.
7945 Soquel Dr, Aptos (831) 612-6511
Locally owned

Pino Alto
Fine dining, California cuisine
Located in Cabrillo College’s beautiful and historic Sesnon House. Operated and meals prepared by students and instructors in the Culinary Arts department. Mostly organic, seasonal wild seafood, free range chicken.
6500 Soquel Dr, Aptos (831) 479-6524

Red Apple Cafe
Cafe
A cozy cafe with a traditional, fresh menu.Breakfast & lunch. Outdoor patio.
783 Rio del Mar Blvd, Aptos (831) 685-1224

Sanderlings
Fine dining, American cuisine
An elegant yet casual dining room with a wide array of traditional and contemporary options. Ocean views, outdoor patio, full bar, lunch and dinner. Located at the Seascape Beach Resort.
One Seascape Resort Dr, Aptos (831) 662-7120

Taqueria Los Gordos
Casual, Mexican
Tucked away in a corner, they offer fresh ingredients and easy take-out. A local favorite.
7488 Soquel Dr, Aptos (831) 688-0911
Locally owned

The Farm Bakery & Cafe
Cafe, bakery, gift shop
Folksy scene with breakfast plates, sandwiches and signature fruit tarts, plus a gift shop. Breakfast, lunch, early dinner. Patio.
6790 Soquel Dr. Aptos (831) 684-0266
Locally owned

Zameen
Casual, Mediterranean
Fresh, some organic, vegan options. Dining, take-out, catering, food truck.
7528 Soquel Dr., Aptos (831) 688-4465

CAPITOLA

Dharma’s
Casual, Organic & Vegetarian
Farm-to-Table, natural, organic, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free options. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
4250 Capitola Rd., Capitola (831) 462-1717
Organic & Vegetarian

Geisha Sustainable Sushi
Casual, Sushi
Local, organic, vegan and sustainable options.
200 Monterey Ave., Capitola (831) 464-3328
Locally owned
Seafood Watch

San Marcos Charquito Tacos & Torta
Casual, Mexican
Authentic Mexican Taqueria (aguascalientes/Mexico city style). Tacos, tortas, nachos and quesdaillas. Tortillas and bread are made from scratch daily. Cash only.
718 Capitola Ave, Capitola (831) 888-6697
Locally owned & operated

Shadowbrook
Restaurant, California. Mostly organic, seasonal wild seafood, free range chicken.
1750 Wharf Rd., Capitola (831) 475-1511
Fish Wise

Taco Moreno
Casual, Mexican
Tacos and burritos. Vegetarian options. Cash only.
1601 41st Ave, Capitola Next to See’s Candy (831) 464-8810

Zelda’s On the Beach
Casual, Seafood
Overlooking Capitola Beach, Zelda’s offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. When available, ingredients are fresh fish, meats and produce from local farmers and vendors with an emphasis on sustainability. Heated outdoor patio.
203 Esplanade, Capitola (831) 475-4900
Locally owned

PLEASURE POINT

Suda
Casual
Seasonal produce from local farmers with line caught fish and lean, hormone-free beef, including vegan and gluten free options.
3910 Portola Dr. Pleasure Point (831) 600-7068

SOQUEL

Cafe Cruz
Casual & fine dining, California cuisine
Romantic casual cafe, rosticceria and full bar offering American cuisine and wine. Local produce, organic when available, fresh sustainable fish, natural poultry and pork and Harris Ranch beef. Lunch, happy hour, and dinner.
2621 41^st Ave, Soquel (831) 476-3801
Monterey Bay Green Business certified

Tortilla Flats
Casual, Mexican
Gourmet Mexican. Local, fresh, organic options. Take-out. Lunch and dinner.
4616 Soquel Dr., Soquel (831) 476-1754

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[tab title=”North Coast & Mountain”]

NORTH COAST & MOUNTAIN

Davenport Roadhouse
Casual cafe
Fresh, local, organic, vegetarian options. Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
1 Davenport Ave., Davenport (831) 426-8801
Monterey Bay Green Business certified

Heavenly Roadside Cafe
Casual
Open for breakfast and lunch.
1210 Mt. Herman Rd, Scotts Valley (831) 335-1210
Locally owned

Redwood Pizza
Organic pizza
Pizza, lasagna, salad, wine & beer. Local, organic.
6205 Highway 9, Felton (831) 335-1500

The Cremer House
Casual
American restaurant and ale house with organic options
6256 Highway 9, Felton (831) 335-3976

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[tab title=”Santa Cruz-Downtown”]

SANTA CRUZ DOWNTOWN

515 Kitchen & Cocktails
Restaurant
Flavor specialists, ask for organic options. Full bar.
515 Cedar St. (831) 425-5051

Cafe Campesino
Kiosk
Mexican farmhouse food served from an outdoor kiosk.
1130 Pacific Ave (831) 425-5979

Cafe Gratitude
Organic, Vegan
Always organic and vegan. Juice bar, breakfast, lunch and dinner.
103 Lincoln St. (831) 427-9583

Cafe Mare
Fine dining, Italian
Local, organic and sustainable, all sauces are homemade and all dishes are made from scratch. Lunch and dinner.
740 Front St. (831) 458-1212
Clean Oceans Business

Chocolate The Restaurant
Cafe
Local, organic, gluten-free, vegetarian options, sidewalk cafe.
1522 Pacific Ave. (831) 427-9900
Clean Oceans Business

Gabriella
Romantic Cafe, Cal/Italian
Mostly organic, local and sustainable. Lunch, dinner, weekend brunch.
910 Cedar St. (831) 457-1677
Clean Oceans Business

Hula’s Island Grill
Casual
Lunch, dinner with vegetarian, gluten-free options.
221 Cathcart St. (831) 426-4852
Clean Oceans Business
Monterey Bay Green Business certified
Seafood Watch

Laili
Fine dining
Silk road flavors, organic and vegan options. Outdoor patio, full bar.
101B Cooper St (831) 423-4545

Red Restaurant & Bar
Elegant dining & lounge
Seasonal small plates, craft cocktails, a whiskey menu and live music. Local, organic, sustainable, late night options. Dinner, catering.
200 Locust St. (831) 425-1913

Rosie McCann’s
Irish pub. Organic, sustainable, vegetarian options. Brunch, lunch, dinner.
1220 Pacific Ave. (831) 426-9930
Monterey Bay Green Business certified

Rue Dat
Casual, Cajun creole
New Orleans inspired eats and treats: Fried green tomatoes, jambalaya, gumbo, creole and po’ boys. Vegetarian and vegan options. Two locations.
3555 Clares St, Santa Cruz (831) 295-6372
118 Cooper St (Abbot Square) Downtown Santa Cruz (831) 888-6500
Family owned & operated

Soif
Restaurant & Wine Bar
Local, organic and sustainable options. Dinner.
105 Walnut Ave. (831) 423-2020
Clean Oceans Business
Seafood Watch

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[tab title=”Santa Cruz Midtown & Eastside”]

Santa Cruz Midtown & Eastside

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Charlie Hong Kong
Asian street cuisine
Local, organic, vegetarian options. Seating in or out, take out.
1141 Soquel Ave. (831) 426-5664
Clean Oceans Business
Locally owned
Monterey Bay Green Business Certified

[/three_fourth_last]

Crow’s Nest
Restaurant, bar, entertainment, ocean & beach views
Local, vegetarian options, a fun and busy atmosphere.
2218 East Cliff Dr. (831) 476-4560
Clean Oceans Business
Fish Wise
Monterey Bay Green Business certified

Engfer Pizza Works
Casual, Pizza
Wood-fired pizza with handmade dough and original recipe sauces. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, organic salads, homemade soups. Ping pong tables.
537 Seabright Ave, Santa Cruz (831) 429-1856

Harbor Cafe
Casual Cafe
Breakfast, lunch, kids menu, heated patio, full bar, friendly dog patio.
535 7^th Ave, Santa Cruz (831) 475-4948

Holy Smokes
Country BBQ
Rubbed, smoked handcrafted meas with homemade side dishes made daily.
21505 East Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz (831) 471-8787
Family owned & operated

Kaito
Casual, Japanese
Ramen, sushi, sashimi, curry, poke and Japanese tapas.
830 41st Ave, Santa Cruz (831) 464-2586

La Posta
Restaurant, Italian
Local, vegetarian, sustainable options. Dinner.
538 Seabright (831) 457-2782
Clean Oceans Business
Locally owned
Seafood Watch

Pearl of the Ocean
Restaurant, Organic Sri Lankan
Fresh, local, organic, vegetarian, vegan options. Lunch and dinner. Golden Carrot award.
736 Water St. (831) 457-2350
Clean Oceans Business
Locally owned

Pono Hawaiian Kitchen & Tap
Hawaiian
Pupus, poke, plate lunches, vegetarian options, teriyaki bowls, musubis,
3744 Capitola Rd, Capitola (831) 476-7458

Solaire Restaurant & Bar
Restaurant, fine dining, full bar
Fresh, local, organic, sustainable options inside the Paradox Hotel.
611 Ocean St. (831) 600-4545

Sushi Market Sprouts
Takeout sushi, Japanese snacks
300 7th Ave, Santa Cruz (831) 465-1177

Vivas Organic Mexican
Casual, Mexican
Fresh, natural, organic and sustainable options. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Take-out.
1201 Soquel Ave. (831) 425-8482
Clean Oceans Business

[/tab]

[tab title=”Santa Cruz-Westside”]

SANTA CRUZ WESTSIDE

Bantam
Wood fired pizza
Daily changing menu based on seasonal availability.
1010 Fair Ave (831) 420-0101
Locally owned

Jack O’Neill Restaurant & Lounge
American
Ocean view, full bar. Local, organic, sustainable options. Breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, kids menu.
175 West Cliff Dr. (831) 460-5012

Pizzeria Avanti
Casual, Pizza & more
Locally sourced, organic, humanely raised, seasonal produce from local farms.
1711 Mission St (831) 425-1807

Ristorante Avati
Restaurant.
Organic vegetables, sustainable seafood, pasture raised meats and poultry, organic milk, butter and eggs, locally roasted coffee, artisanal bread and house made desserts.
1917 Mission St. (831) 427-0135
Clean Oceans Business

River Cafe (Organic)
Cafe, take-out, juice bar. Local, organic, farm-fresh, gourmet. Breakfast, lunch, catering.
415 River St. #K (831) 420-1280
Monterey Bay Green Business certified

The Jerk House
Casual dining, Traditional and fusion Jamaican cuisine
using fresh organic and locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy the patio and boat bar. Dog friendly patio and flip flop friendly dining room.
2525 Soquel Dr, Santa Cruz (831) 316-7575
Locally owned

The Picnic Basket
Casual, outdoor seating. Local, foraged and artisan options.
125 Beach St. (831) 427-9946

Your Place Farm to Table
Restaurant. Sustainable, organic, natural. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Closed Tues.
1719 Mission St. (831) 426-3564

[/tab]

[tab title=”South County”]

South County

California Grill
Restaurant, Comfort. Fresh, local, organic, farm-to-table, vegetarian, gluten-free options. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
1970A Freedom Blvd., Freedom (831) 722-8052

[one_third][/one_third][two_third_last]

Haute Enchilada
Cafe, Social Club & Gallery. Local, organic and sustainable options. Banquets, catering. Weekend brunch, lunch and dinner.
7902 Moss Landing Rd, Moss Landing (831) 633-5843 [/two_third_last]

[/tab]

[/tabs]

Eco-guide to living lighter

Real food dining in Santa Cruz County

Real food dining in Santa Cruz County

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