Top 9 Healthy Fast Food Restaurants in Santa Cruz

1. Earthbelly

381 Soquel Avenue
831-621-2248
Serving organic, non-GMO and gluten free sandwiches, pizza, baked goods and other items, the incredible variety makes choosing what to eat a serious conundrum. From burgers to salads bursting with “a week’s worth of veggies,” Earthbelly serves up ample portions of fresh, delicious food that will have you coming back for more.

2. Café Gratitude

103 Lincoln Street
831-427-9583
Just steps from Pacific Avenue, Café Gratitude is a “vegan wonderland” yet will appeal to even those most diehard ‘meat and potatoes’ person. Good food, good service, good vibes are what embody this innovative eatery. Their menu includes smoothies, bowls and salads to name but a few. They focus on organic, clean food much of which is gluten and/or dairy free.

3. The Picnic Basket

125 Beach Street
831-427-9946
The Picnic Basket is one of Santa Cruz’s premiere breakfast and brunch locations. Owned by the same people who operate Penny Ice Creamery, the food is fresh, locally sourced and seasonal ingredients to create their “inventive flavor combinations.” On a warm day, the outdoor patio is the perfect place to enjoy a steaming cup of Verve coffee, breakfast burrito, sandwich or salad. Vegetarians and vegans will also find food to their liking at this charming café. With a view of the beach and Santa Cruz Boardwalk, The Picnic Basket serves great food with a side of people watching.

4. Pearl of the Ocean

736 Water Street
831-457-2350
Flavorful, unique, exotic and wholesome, Pearl of the Ocean creates some of the best Sri Lankan food around. Organic and locally sourced from farmers markets, Pearl has options for vegans, vegetarians and meat eaters alike. Their curries and daals are innovative and fresh with a kick of spice. (Ask for mild if you prefer less heat!)

5. Planet Fresh Gourmet Burritos

1003 Cedar Street
831-423-9799
A few streets west of downtown Santa Cruz, Planet Fresh Gourmet Burritos isn’t your typical Mexican taqueria. Their burritos are nothing short of inspirational. From Thai to Mediterranean, Pacific Rim to Surf n Turf, they have it all wrapped up in an equally incredible tortilla. Other favorites include their nachos and quesadillas, all at reasonable prices and abundant serving sizes.

6. Pono Hawaiian Grill

120 Union Street
831-426-7666
With an Aloha vibe and a menu to match, Pono Hawaiian Grill brings a touch of the islands to Santa Cruz. The décor, open air dining and live music add to the dining experience. You can’t go wrong with the Teriyaki bowls and Kahlua pork fries. Bring a group and share the generous portions!

7. Café Brasil

1410 Mission Street
831-429-1855
Three words sum up a visit to Café Brasil: Worth the wait. Though the lines can sometimes be long, grab a cup of their strong Brazilian coffee and hang in there. Renown for their “out of this world” Acai bowl, Café Brasil serves healthy, hearty breakfast and brunch items, including indulgently delicious banana pancakes, creamy polenta bowls and healthful smoothies.

8. Café Campesino

1130 Pacific Avenue
831-425-5979
Café Campesino is a small kiosk set along the sidewalk of downtown Santa Cruz. Their menu is a blend of vegetarian and vegan farm to table food that varies based on seasonal ingredients. Order at the kiosk, then grab a table outside. People watch until your meal arrives. Be prepared to channel the European way of eating as each meal is made to order. Café Campesino is all about consistent, high quality food worth savoring.

9. Charlie Hong Kong

1141 Soquel Avenue
831-426-5664
Known for its Asian Fusion street food, Charlie Hong Kong creates delectable dishes using organic, local ingredients. Vegetarians and vegans as well as meat eaters will appreciate the menu of bowls, noodle dishes and sandwiches, many of which can be made gluten free. A variety of meat toppings are available as add-ons and specials focus on seasonal vegetables, like spicy green beans or butternut squash soup.

The next time you are looking for a quick and healthy meal, try one of these top rated Santa Cruz restaurants. Mexican, Mediterranean, Sri Lankan, Californian, Asian…these eateries are serving whatever you’re craving. Almost all offer vegan and/or vegetarian selections and organic, local ingredients are paramount. Let us know if you have a favorite ‘fast food’ restaurant in Santa Cruz that isn’t on this list!