Santa Cruz has 9 standout vegan-friendly restaurants shaped by its counter-cultural DNA: Dharma’s Restaurant for whole-food vegetarian, Saturn Café for decades of eccentric diner vegetarian food, Engfer Pizza Works for plant-based pizzas with local toppings, The Bagelry for vegan cream cheese, Verve Coffee for exceptional plant milk options, and New Leaf Community Markets for a prepared-food section that rivals dedicated vegan spots.
What Makes Santa Cruz’s Vegan Scene Unique?
Santa Cruz is one of California’s most genuinely counter-cultural communities, and that DNA is written all over its food scene. Browse the full directory of vegan restaurants in Santa Cruz to discover what’s available. From the beachside acai bowls to the intimate plant-based bistros in the hills above town, the vegan dining experience here is both laid-back and deeply impressive.
Which 9 Santa Cruz Spots Are Worth Visiting?
- Dharma’s Restaurant: A Santa Cruz institution with a deeply committed vegetarian and vegan menu rooted in whole-food philosophy.
- Saturn Café: An eccentric, beloved diner that has been serving excellent vegetarian food for decades. The quirky decor is part of the experience.
- Engfer Pizza Works: Known for exceptional plant-based pizzas with high-quality local toppings.
- The Bagelry: A Santa Cruz icon — their vegan cream cheese and loaded bagels are a local staple.
- Verve Coffee Roasters: Outstanding specialty coffee with excellent plant milk options and rotating pastry partnerships.
- Buttercup (Plant Options): Excellent brunch spot with a growing vegan section that locals adore.
- Ally’s Juice Bar: Fresh cold-pressed juices and superfood smoothies for beach-day fuel.
- Zoccoli’s Deli: A family-run deli with remarkable vegetarian sandwich options.
- New Leaf Community Markets: Not a restaurant, but the prepared foods section here rivals many dedicated vegan spots in quality and variety.