For all that Santa Cruz’s beaches can feel like a slice of paradise and the coastal hiking trails can seem isolated, the city is still big and bustling, and there’s plenty of fabulous lunch restaurants in and around Santa Cruz. If you’re searching for a quick bite to eat before rushing off to the historic mission church, or in the mood for a leisurely sit down lunch, we’ve got your back.
Feature photo: West End Tap & Kitchen
Located right in the heart of downtown Santa Cruz, Café Delmarette is the perfect place to grab a quick lunch during a busy day of exploring the area. This cute café offers a wide assortment of sandwiches, like their famous Rita’s, complete with egg frittata and roasted potatoes, as well as excellent coffees and teas, including their popular matcha latte. Take a seat in their outside patio and people watch while you munch on fresh pastries and sip on a cup of their house-made cold brew.
For classic tavern food with a twist, come to Firefly Tavern. Try their house brisket with Korean fried rice, topped with an egg and mixed pickled veggies in a gochujang sauce, or opt for their chicken chili verde bowl with chicken confit and garlic fried rice. Vegetarians, don’t fear! Almost all dishes on the menu allow for tofu and soyrizo substitutions, free of charge. This trendy tavern is the perfect place to have a meal with friends, especially those that enjoy a refreshing IPA on a hot summer day.
At West End, local produce and seasonal menu items come together to create a fresh, California take on traditional pub fare. For something filling, try their kimchi fried chicken sandwich, with sweet honey aioli and crispy fries. For something lighter, go for the fried cauliflower and friseé, topped with champagne vinaigrette, shaved fennel, and preserved lemon. They have a lot of vegan and gluten free options as well, all conveniently labeled on their menu.
Who’s writing these?
Meet our always-hungry team of foodies who compiled this list.
Please let us know if we’ve missed your favorite eat@localgetaways.com.
