Located in the heart of Santa Cruz County, the Scotts Valley neighborhood is nestled between the Pacific Coast and the Santa Cruz mountains. Scotts Valley is known for its scenic beauty and lush redwood forests. This hidden gem tucked away among the Redwood trees is the perfect place to travel or reside. The small suburban community of Scotts Valley always hosts new events and boasts fantastic restaurants and farmer's markets with fresh local food. If you want to live like a local and enjoy fantastic cuisine, keep reading for the hottest Scotts Valley restaurants right now.
1. Auntie Mame’s
Photo courtesy of Auntie Mame’s
Who doesn’t love a good family-owned restaurant? You get to support a local business and enjoy fresh, delicious food. Upon stepping foot in this cafe, you will be treated like family. The heartwarming story behind Auntie Mame’s is truly inspiring as well. Norma Corona has worked at Auntie Mame’s for about 29 years since she started with little experience as a busser. After enough serving experience behind her, she took over the business in 2003. Her legacy continued when she switched over to the owner, with her mission to create a pleasant experience for every customer. In typical cafe style, Auntie Mame’s features breakfast plates, including a delicious Veggie Scramble. You can also stroll in closer to lunchtime to pick up one of their grilled sandwiches. Don’t leave Scotts Valley without stopping by Auntie Mame’s!
2. Kao Sook Thai Cuisine
A traditional family-owned restaurant, Kao Sook prioritizes Thai flavors and spices in all its dishes. The name of this restaurant comes from the word “Kao,” which means rice, and “sook,” meaning cooked or well done. The idea behind the name is that a lot of Thai cuisine is centered around rice for every meal, including dessert! They wanted to incorporate the traditional values behind Thai food and make it a cultural experience for guests, too. Owner and chef Wanlop Kachinthorn immigrated from Thailand to eventually start his own restaurant and share his love of cooking with others in the Scotts Valley area. We recommend starting with the Sa-Tay or Po Piah Sod for an appetizer and Mango Pa-Nang Curry for your main course. These include well-known flavors such as mango, turmeric, and peanut, to name a few. Overall, Kao Sook is one of our top picks for Scotts Valley restaurants.
3. Casa Nostra
Taking it across the globe, we could not forget about Italian food. Because out of all the things to do in Scotts Valley, honoring your “foodie” side is not something to be ashamed of. Casa Nostra offers authentic Italian food in a romantic atmosphere. Plan a cozy date with your partner or get together with friends at this delicious eatery. Casa Nostra’s menu features all that there is to love about Italian food, including bruschetta and pasta. One of the most delicious items is Spaghetti Con Le Polpette, meaning spaghetti with meatballs. We have also heard great reviews about the Tocchetti Di Filetto, which is a filet mignon dish paired with sage and green peppercorn. Overall, we highly recommend you give Casa Nostra a try the next time you are craving Italian food.
4. Bruno’s Bar and Grill
Photo courtesy of Bruno’s Bar and Grill
This bar and grill is your go-to place for amazing food and lots of fun. The founders’ mission for the restaurant was to create a place where everyone wanted to enjoy some delicious food paired with a great time. The atmosphere is unlike anything else in the Scotts Valley area. They have a rooftop deck that is open from Wednesday to Sunday, featuring fire tables and egg chairs. Not only that, but they have rotating events like trivia night and Barktoberfest that will make it your favorite neighborhood bar. Even if you are looking for an intimate night where you can enjoy dinner for two, Bruno’s is there for a peaceful dining experience. Order Bruno’s wings or a prime-time burger. For the vegans out there, they have other delicious options like the Pear Gorgonzola salad or beyond burger. Bruno’s Bar and Grill is certainly given the award for being the most versatile and fun location to eat.
5. Otoro Sushi
With some of the classic sushi staples, such as a salmon or crunchy shrimp roll, Otoro Sushi is a favorite local spot to eat. They have authentic and tasty Japanese food, along with a medium-sized restaurant. Customers rave about their excellent service, making it highly recommended. One of the main things people look for in a sushi restaurant is the freshness of its food, and Otoro Sushi prides itself on ensuring everything always remains as fresh as possible.
6. Maya Mexican Restaurant
For great Mexican food and drinks, you have to stop by Maya Mexcian Restaurant. They are open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. They pride themselves on having the very best tequila options and authentic food in Santa Cruz County. You can pair enchiladas with a margarita to kick off your Friday night festivities. With plenty of space to dine and chat with friends, this restaurant is highly recommended amongst locals. If you stop by, you will also be supporting a family-owned spot, which is always a special way to help locals!
Enjoy These Scotts Valley Restaurants Every Week
The charming town of Scotts Valley comes with Redwood trees and delicious food. If you have been browsing the neighborhood and you are in the market to buy, call Liz Kroft today for your real estate needs. She can give you her recommendations in the neighborhood and help you pinpoint your next property in the Scotts Valley area. Liz works hard to prioritize her clients and make them feel excited about any new changes they have coming their way. With so much to love about Scotts Valley, it is no wonder you want to create a new home here.
