01
Best coastal escape
Davenport Roadhouse Restaurant & Inn
Davenport Village • Cozy Coastal Roadhouse • Best For Ocean-View Comfort Food
A historic roadhouse pouring out California comfort food just steps from the bluffs in tiny Davenport.
This is the kind of spot people detour for: wood tables, local art, and hearty plates that feel right after a windy beach walk. The menu leans into classics—burgers, fish and chips, hearty salads—with local produce and seafood where it counts. Come before sunset to watch the sky change over the coast, then linger over a drink by the fire.
02
Farm-to-table favorite
Ristorante Avanti
Westside Santa Cruz • Upscale Italian-California Restaurant • Best For Seasonal Dinners
A longtime Santa Cruz standby pairing Italian technique with Central Coast farms in a warm, low-key room.
Ristorante Avanti feels like a neighborhood place that just happens to cook with serious intent. The pastas and mains change with what’s coming out of nearby fields and the harbor, so you’ll see whatever’s in season folded into simple, confident dishes. It’s an easy pick for a relaxed but polished dinner after a day exploring the North Coast or the Bonny Doon hills.
03
Casual hangout pick
West End Tap & Kitchen
Swift Street Courtyard, Westside • Lively Craft Beer Gastropub • Best For Groups And Local Beer
A bustling taproom-gastropub with a strong beer list and elevated pub fare in a repurposed warehouse setting.
Set in the Swift Street Courtyard complex, West End Tap & Kitchen is where locals go when they want good food without fuss. The menu runs from wood-fired flatbreads and burgers to seasonal small plates that are easy to share over a couple of pints. It’s especially handy if you’re touring Westside breweries and want a satisfying, social meal before heading back up toward Bonny Doon.
04
Downtown standout
Laili
Downtown Santa Cruz • Mediterranean And Afghan-Inspired Restaurant • Best For Date Night
Refined Afghan and Mediterranean dishes served in a tucked-away downtown dining room with a leafy courtyard.
Laili offers a change of pace from the usual coastal fare, with dishes like pomegranate-glazed chicken, lamb kebabs, and fragrant rice plates. The setting—brick walls, soft lighting, and a pleasant patio—works equally well for a special occasion or a slow, multi-course meal. It’s a smart choice when you want to pair a trip into town with something more elegant than a beach shack.
05
Classic harbor choice
The Crow's Nest
Santa Cruz Harbor • Waterfront Seafood And Grill • Best For Views And Surf Vibes
A harborfront institution serving seafood staples and casual coastal fare with sweeping views of boats and the bay.
Perched where the harbor meets the beach, The Crow’s Nest is all about the view and the easygoing Santa Cruz atmosphere. The menu leans heavily on seafood—clam chowder, fish tacos, grilled fish—backed by crowd-pleasing burgers and salads. Grab a window table or head upstairs to the lounge, and you’ll be reminded how close Bonny Doon sits to the heart of Santa Cruz’s shoreline.