BOUNTIFUL BREAKFASTS

Emily's Bakery (831-429-9866)

A little cafe and coffeehouse tacked onto the front of a bustling bakery in Westside Santa Cruz at 1129 Misson, Emily's has fabulous muffins and breads (but, oddly enough, no indoor seating at all).

Walnut Ave Cafe (457-2307)

A longtime local favorite in downtown Santa Cruz has great breakfasts and lunches in a super-laid-back, watch-the-world-go-by kind of atmosphere at 106 Walnut. Their basic breakfasts, soups and sandwiches are so tasty that you should plan on stopping over at nearby SC Coffee Roasting Company as you may have to wait.

Zachary's (427-0646)

Arguably the best breakfast in town. Their Zach's Benedict with crumbly bacon, perfect eggs and creamy white hollandaise is worth the (often substantial) wait in downtown Santa Cruz at 819 Pacific.

Santa Cruz Diner (426-7151)

Every beach town needs at least one open-all-night joint that serves honest, inexpensive, yummy food in a family-friendly setting. Bring the whole gang! They can and will take care of you! At 909 Ocean St, near Water.

Aldo's Harbor Restaurant (426-3736)

A fun outdoor breakfast-and-lunch place in Santa Cruz, Aldo's has great views of the harbor and boats to start off your day. Homemade pasta and smoked salmon eggs benedict! On the Northwest side of the harbor mouth.

Harbor Cafe and Grill (475-4948)

A local favorite for fifty years, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Better get reservations! Yummy seafood dishes, steaks and ribs on a nice outdoor patio a block south of the Harbor at 535 7th Ave.

Gayle's Bakery & Rosticceria (462-1200)

Take a number and stroll the long showcases of wonderful food so you have your favorites ready when your number is called.  Eat inside or outside on the heated patio or take a picnic to the beach!  Near Hwy 1 at 504 Bay Ave in Capitola.

Cafe Sparrow (688-6238)

Country French cooking in a romantic and friendly atmosphere. Pricey- but readers of the local paper Good Times voted it best restaurant in Aptos at 8042 Soquel Dr.