Sambazon Acai Cafe, Encinitas

A lifelong surfer from Southern California, Ryan Black—joined by his brother, Jeremy, and his friend Ed—ventured to Brazil in 1999 in search of perfect waves. During their explorations of the vibrant country, however, the ocean fell second to a new obsession: deliciously good-for-you açaí berries. They immediately knew that it was their calling to introduce the organic superfood to their native California culture.

With a clearly defined philosophy of caring for people inside and out, they launched a line of açaí products and eventually opened their first Sambazon café—there are now two locales—earning props in fitness and health magazines including Men's Fitness and InStyle. At both cafés, staff members serve 16-ounce smoothies blended with the star berries in addition to supergreens, fresh fruit, and chocolate. The signature açaí bowl features a blend of frozen açaí purée with banana and a sprinkling of granola.

Both of the restaurants were designed and decorated by eVocal, a group of local artists who specialize in eco design. They kept things environmentally friendly by using reclaimed materials for furniture and fixtures, recycled planks of century-old acacia wood for counters, and energy-saving bulbs to slowly toast oats toppings.