Farm-to-table eateries are one of the biggest food trends at the moment — and for good reason. Celebrating farm-fresh produce that is grown locally and served when it’s in season, farm-to-table restaurants provide an opportunity for enjoying locally sourced food without excess processing or preservatives. If you are staying in a hotel in or near Santa Cruz, CA, and want to try out all the best farm-to-table restaurants in town, we’ve got you covered. Here are the top three farm-to-table eateries in Santa Cruz.
1. Your Place
As soon as you enter Your Place, you’ll fall in love with the cozy interior decorated with vintage salt and pepper shakers and china teacups. Be sure to try the organic produce, naturally raised beef, sustainably sourced seafood, and award-winning desserts, inspired by the tastes of Santa Cruz itself.
There is also a corner for children complete with unique antique wooden toys, ensuring the whole family enjoys more than just the delicious food in this hometown eatery. It’s not every day you find a restaurant with as much personality as Your Place! Be sure to enjoy the live music every evening at Your Place on Wednesdays through Saturdays.
3. La Posta
In the center of Seabright, La Posta shines as a beacon of locally-sourced food raised sustainably. If you don’t believe it, check out their chicken coop out back and their own private garden where they grow their produce! Chef Katherine Stern cooks up delicious traditional Italian meals, created with only the highest quality ingredients.
Some examples are foraged chanterelles, freshly caught tuna, organically grown produce, and sustainably farmed meats. La Posta’s fresh hand-made pasta is irresistible, with savory tastes such as the celery root mezzelune with rainbow chard and walnut pesto. They also serve a variety of bread and cured meats if you’re looking for something lighter to enjoy with an aperitif. Speaking of wine, La Posta also serves a variety of Italian selections.
3. Café Sparrow
Image via Flickr by Pauline Kletti
If you’re in the mood for small-town French cuisine but still want those rich California flavors, head over to the charming Café Sparrow, a rustic café in the Aptos village. This whimsical restaurant is actually located in what used to be the primary post office and general store in the center of the village.
The owners pledge to use sustainably sourced, organically grown, and locally produced ingredients for all of their recipes. Although at first glance their dishes may seem simple, they pack a punch with their sophisticated taste. Café Sparrow is best known for an exquisite Sunday brunch, including fan favorites such as the Sparrow French Toast served with ham. This delectable entree is stuffed with cheese and raspberry jam, and then grilled and topped with sautéed fruit.
Whether your traveler’s spirit craves hometown comfort food, rich Italian delicacies, or French pastries, Santa Cruz is the ultimate place to dine if you want to stick your fork into farm-to-table food. With options such as Your Place, La Posta, and Café Sparrow, you couldn’t ask for a better travel destination.