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, CafĂ© Delmarette is the perfect place to grab a quick lunch during a busy day of exploring the area. This cute cafĂ© 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.Â
25 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz
When you think of a seafood spread, odds are good the image that comes to mind is similar to what you’ll find at Firefish Grill. Oysters on the half shell, bay shrimp cocktail, and crab cakes, along with main dishes like their grilled pacific snapper topped with tartar sauce. If you’re in the mood to split a meal with a friend, get their seafood platter, a decadent plate of prawns, scallops, calamari, salmon and snapper. If you want something all to yourself, get the chowder, which comes in a sourdough bread bowl.
2218 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz
This Santa Cruz institution has been the go-to spot for people seeking seaside dining since 1969. Located at the Santa Cruz Harbor, the restaurant offers a dining room with panoramic views, a heated outside patio and an upstairs Breakwater Bar and Grill where there are live performances most days of the week. The stunning all-wood interior showcases similar roots to Capitola’s Shadowbrook restaurant, which was started by the same owners, Mike McClelland and Mike Clark. Vintage surfboard and collectables add to the community vibe. The standout dishes here are unsurprisingly the seafood, with favorites including calamari, shrimp-stuffed artichokes and whatever local fish they are serving, often offering fish like sole, halibut and swordfish.
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.Â
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 friseĂ©, 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.Â
