The colours are brilliant and the menu is eclectic at Cafe Brasil in Santa Cruz, California

Mexican food I’m expecting in the busy California coast city of Santa Cruz, or maybe a surfer cafe. But Brazilian? Sign me up.

At Cafe Brasil, it’s certainly different than your usual morning fare. How about something civilized and light, like Pingado—a pot each of coffee and hot milk, along with fresh baguette and fruit—or an acai smoothie smothered in granola, strawberries and bananas?

I go off my map with Orfeu Negro, a dish of black beans on a baguette and then topped with a couple of poached eggs.  Ole!

How about some eggs on black beans and baguette?

Cafe Brasil is located in a funky little house decorated in the brilliant national colours of yellow and green. If you’ve been at a surfer party the night before, you may need sunglasses.

Cafe Brasil
1410 Mission Street, Santa Cruz, California
Daily 8 am-3 pm