Bites Nearby: Gayle's Bakery & Rosticceria

If you've spent even a week in Capitola, odds are you've been to . Named for owner Gayle Ortiz, a former mayor of Capitola, the eatery is functional, affordable, consistent and most importantly, delicious.

The Drill
Here's how it works: park either in the front lot at the intersection of Bay Avenue and Capitola Avenue, or in the back on Bay. Whether you walk in the front doors, or through the rear, the first order of business is grabbing a numbered ticket from the red-handled metal dispenser near the patio doors across from the cash registers. 

Watch the screen above the registers and listen for your number to be called by one of the dozens of employees on staff. The person who calls your number will then take your order from the bakery and/or deli area, and will place you in line to pay once your food is ready.

The Food
The fare at Gayle's is varied. There are juices and coffee in the back, cakes, pastries and baked goods down the middle, and an unrivaled eclectic mix of healthy, or at least filling, meal foods front and center. They've got sandwiches, pastas, veggies, salads, soups, wraps, etc.

The Recommendation
If you're going for lunch, try either the Buffalo chicken sandwich or tri-tip sandwich with caramelized onions. Yes, the trip-tip would be better warmed up, but the onions make the dish. The turkey mango wrap is also a solid choice.

For lunch or dinner, get a pound of the fresh grilled summer vegetables. The mix includes corn, asparagus, eggplant, zucchini, onions and bell peppers. Perfect for the family.