Santa Cruz
At this scruffy brunch spot that locals don’t want you to know about, huge portions of sourdough pancakes and cinnamon-nut coffee cake will keep you going…
Must-see restaurants in Central Coast
Santa Cruz
Always packed and consistently good (if not great), El Palomar serves tasty Mexican staples – try the ceviches – and fruity margaritas. Tortillas are made…
San Luis Obispo
Home of unusually good flavor combos like bacon-maple and mint-chip donuts, served with cups of organic, fair-trade, locally roasted coffee. It’s…
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Small supermarket deli counter makes a saucy sandwich of oakwood-grilled tri-tip beef and stocks all the accoutrements for a beach picnic, including…
Central Coast
Honest Mexican food is slung from this family-owned taco trailer parked in the East Village on weekends. Fiery tacos, taquitos, quesadillas and burritos…
Carmel-by-the-Sea
It's pricey, but what isn't in Carmel? Start your day with an apple-cinnamon Belgian waffle, Swedish pancakes or one of 20 Californicized variations on…
San Luis Obispo
For organic groceries, deli picnic meals and a hot-and-cold salad bar. It’s 4 miles southwest of downtown via Hwy 101 (exit Los Osos Valley Rd).
Santa Cruz
The bagels here are twice-cooked (boiled, then baked), and come with fantastic spreads like crunchy 'Tofu del Fuego' or hummus with sprouts.
Monterey
Authentic savory galettes and sweet crepes are swirled by a French expat – the homemade caramel is a treat. Expect long lines on weekends.
Central Coast
Now operating as a food truck adjoined to the Hearst Ranch Winery's spacious new tasting room. Try the pork tacos or Cubano sandwich.
Central Coast
Get there early for fresh loaves of cinnamon bread, hot-cross buns and guava or apricot turnovers, as they often sell out.
Santa Cruz
Who cares how long the line is at lunchtime? Find taquería heaven with these marinated pork, chicken or beef soft tacos.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Made-to-order deli sandwiches and salads are good-value options at this cheaper alternative at Pebble Beach.
Central Coast
Inside a converted gas station one block east of Main St, the breads, pastries and cookies are baked fresh daily. Tasty sandwiches are also on offer.
