This Santa Cruz Restaurant Was Just Added To The Michelin Guide

SANTA CRUZ, CA — A Santa Cruz dining gem was just recognized by Michelin inspectors.

Alderwood was one of eight Central Coast restaurants added to the 2021 Michelin Guide. In nearby Aptos, Mentone also made this year's list.

Here's what Michelin had to say about Alderwood:

"The menu stars responsibly-sourced oysters and choice cuts of aged beef. Get going with a crispy crab sandwich offered with cool tartar sauce and piping-hot fries. Then, tuck into wood-roasted shrimp with leeks and pancetta, before calling it a night with the raspberry dream sundae."

And here's what Michelin had to say about Mentone:

Soft hues, dark green-framed doors, and a barn-like a structure foster a communal sense. The carte is unusual, unveiling fried sardines with Meyer lemon aioli or white bean soup with chickpeas in a prosciutto broth. Pizzas take the cake, such as the "Pesto" shimmering with fromage blanc, Crescenza and caciocavallo, or "Sardenaira" with tomato sauce, anchovies and olives.

These Santa Cruz County standouts appeared alongside restaurants in Paso Robles, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo.

Michelin previously announced Bay Area restaurants that made the cut and will announce Southern California spots in September.

See which other restaurants were featured in the 2021 Michelin Guide.