01
Best oceanfront all-rounder
Whale City Bakery Bar & Grill
Davenport Village • Coastal Bakery, Café, And Grill • Best Ocean-View Stop
An all-day Davenport standby for pastries, hearty plates, and sunset drinks just steps from the cliffs.
Locals count on Whale City for everything from strong coffee and still-warm morning pastries to fish and chips and burgers after a beach day. The patio and big front windows give you that wide-open Pacific view without having to leave the table. It’s the kind of place where you can roll in sandy and windblown and still feel completely at home.
02
Coziest small-town classic
Davenport Roadhouse Restaurant & Inn
Davenport Village • Rustic Coastal Roadhouse Restaurant • Cozy Small-Town Hub
A historic roadhouse serving comfort-driven California fare with live music vibes and a locals’ living-room feel.
Set in a weathered historic building right off Highway 1, the Roadhouse leans into generous portions, local ingredients, and a relaxed, slightly bohemian atmosphere. Think chowder, fish tacos, and solid burgers alongside local beer and wine. It’s where surfers, day-trippers, and overnight guests all end up swapping stories by the bar or lingering over dinner in the dining room.
03
Best grab-and-go surf stop
Steamer Lane Supply
Westside Santa Cruz • Surfside Snack Shack And Café • Casual Surf-Day Fuel
A tiny beachside counter turning out surprisingly thoughtful burritos, bowls, and snacks right above the break.
Perched at Lighthouse Field, Steamer Lane Supply is a favorite for post-session breakfast burritos, seasonal grain bowls, and simple tacos that taste far better than the humble setup suggests. You order at the window, then wander over to the cliffs or picnic tables with your food and watch the lineup. It’s unfussy, fast, and exactly what you want after a chilly north coast paddle.
04
Top pick for drinks and dinner
Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen
Near Natural Bridges • Craft Cocktail Restaurant And Distillery Bar • Best For Cocktails And Date Night
A polished yet relaxed west side spot pairing house-distilled spirits with inventive California plates.
Venus Spirits builds its menu around its own gins, whiskeys, and agave spirits, so the cocktails are as much a draw as the food. Small plates, wood-fired dishes, and seasonal vegetables make it easy to share a spread rather than commit to one entrée. It’s an easy upgrade from beach-casual to date-night without feeling stiff or overly formal.
05
Best downtown dinner destination
Laili
Downtown Santa Cruz • Mediterranean And Afghan-Inspired Bistro • Downtown Date-Night Pick
A refined downtown restaurant known for its lush patio and richly spiced Mediterranean-Afghan dishes.
Laili offers a different mood from the coastal shacks and roadhouses, with candlelight, foliage-draped outdoor seating, and attentive service. The menu leans on saffron, pomegranate, and grilled meats alongside bright salads and vegetarian plates, making it good for mixed groups. It’s the place many locals choose when they want a proper sit-down meal after a day exploring the coast above town.