Best Casual Restaurants in Capitola

16 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Paradise Beach Grille restaurant

1. Paradise Beach Grille

4.4

Awesome(42)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Capitola

Booked 12 times today

Paradise maximizes the beautiful beach location on Monterey Bay with an outdoor patio, views of the historic Venetian condominiums, and the ocean. We also feature an outdoor fireplace perfect for that cozy dinner or wine tasting. We have high top tables in the bar area for drinks or dining, as well as an attractive and spacious dining room. Customers enjoy the various casual venues yet an upscale flair with quality food, beverage, and service.

2. Pete's Fish House

4.6

Exceptional(35)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Capitola

Booked 11 times today

A culinary celebration of California's coastal offerings, and a heartfelt tribute to the late Peter Orr. Founded by Sarah Orr and her mother Mary Ann Orr of Sunset Hospitality Group, Pete's Fish House embodies a deep-rooted passion for community and culinary excellence.Named in honor of Sarah's father and mentor, this restaurant is more than just a dining experience—it's a reflection of cherished memories and Peter’s larger than life legacy. Sarah explains, "I have been looking for a way to honor him, and this feels like the right way to do that."At Pete's Fish House, expect a menu that is inspired by the coastal waters and the bountiful local agriculture that Peter was deeply committed to, ensuring a true representation of our region's culinary heritage.

A photo of Zelda's on the Beach restaurant

3. Zelda's on the Beach

4.4

Awesome(553)

Price: Moderate

• Californian • Capitola

Booked 8 times today

Zelda’s restaurant is in the heart of Capitola Village. We are located on the beach with spectacular views of the Monterey Bay and Capitola Wharf.Zelda’s Restaurant has been serving local customers as well as others from all over the world for the past thirty years. We offer indoor and outdoor dining with a beachfront deck where you can literally reach and touch the warm sand of Capitola Beach.

A photo of Margaritaville, Capitola restaurant

4. Margaritaville, Capitola

4.9

Exceptional(3)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Capitola

Booked 6 times today

Welcome to Margaritaville Capitola! Our restaurant has been welcoming guests to Capitola for over 30 years. In January 2015 the original owners sold the business to Sunset Hospitality Group, a Santa Cruz family owned and operated company. We completed a full remodel of the restaurant, reinvented the food and service and opened May 7, 2015.The new Margaritaville is dedicated to serving made from scratch Mexican seafood in a first class casual environment. Our dog-friendly heated patio is a great place to enjoy Baja fish tacos and Crispy Calamari. In addition we take pride in serving a variety of handcrafted margaritas made with fresh juice and local produce.Sunset Hospitality is grateful for the support of Capitola and looks forward to serving the community and visitors for years to come.

5. Suda

4.8

Exceptional(382)

Price: Expensive

• American • Santa Cruz

Booked 22 times today

Pairing seasonal produce from local farmers with line caught fish and lean, hormone-free beef, the menu at Süda stays as fresh as the ingredients. With a variety of inventive dishes, including vegan and gluten free options, there is truly something for everyone.The atmosphere at the bar is lively, while booths offer diners a more intimate experience making Süda the perfect place for a casual meal with friends or a night out with someone special. We are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner so you can enjoy fresh food whenever your heart desires.

A photo of Cafe Cruz Rosticceria & Bar restaurant

6. Cafe Cruz Rosticceria & Bar

4.7

Exceptional(2045)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Soquel

Booked 57 times today

Cafe Cruz is a popular and lively local restaurant. We offer casual/fine dining with a full bar, indoor and heated patio dining. Guests enjoy watching the "magic" created in our open copper-backed kitchen each night by our talented team of chefs. Notable features include many locally sourced foods, nightly sustainable seafood specials, and many creative salad and vegetable options. Our innovative pastas and sandwiches are always a hit. Spit-Roasted meats are featured each night, cooked on a french Rotisol rotisserie. The lush garden room can seat larger parties of up to 35. Guests enjoy our warm friendly service, our many seating options, and exceptionally delicious food.

7. la Posta

4.8

Exceptional(2338)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Santa Cruz

Booked 27 times today

Select from a menu that features dishes composed of locally sourced ingredients as well as house-made pastas, naturally leavened breads and pizzas from our brick oven. Because we rely on the bounty of the Santa Cruz farming community, our menu changes frequently and features a wide array of specials. La Posta’s all-Italian wine list includes autochthonous varieties from small producers, by-the-glass and by the bottle. La Posta adheres to the Monterey Bay Seafood Watch Program and is a certified City of Santa Cruz Green Business.We are so thankful for the incredible support from our customers and community. We will continue to adjust our service based upon best practices for keeping our staff and community safe.

A photo of Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge restaurant

8. Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge

4.7

Exceptional(1968)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Santa Cruz

Booked 25 times today

Jack O’Neill Restaurant and Lounge is Santa Cruz’s best new destination for coastal California cuisine. The approachable and family-friendly vibe at Jack O’Neill Restaurant and Lounge will welcome hotel guests and locals alike.

A photo of Sanderlings - Seascape Resort restaurant

9. Sanderlings - Seascape Resort

3.9

Excellent(1291)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Aptos

Booked 10 times today

Sanderlings Restaurant at Seascape Beach Resort offers elegant, casual dining with a spectacular ocean view from sunrise to sunset.

10. Oswald

4.6

Exceptional(1614)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Santa Cruz

Booked 14 times today

Oswald is a contemporary American restaurant and bar that focuses on the abundance of delicious ingredients found on the central coast of California. Oswald features an eclectic, international wine list and an exciting, seasonal bar program. While the decor is spare and modern, the atmosphere is comfortable and relaxed. Oswald features new art shows every two months. We do have first come tables available in the lounge as well as bar seats.Come by and see if there is a table or seat for you.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

R
Rich
Los Angeles •6 reviews
5.0
Dined today
We enjoyed dinner on the outside patio. They had heaters set up to keep it warm. We enjoyed the seafood pasta and red snapper special. The key lime pie for dessert was excellent! Our server was very friendly and gave good recommendations.
More info
Paradise Beach GrillePrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Capitola
•
4.4
S
SusanVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
We visited after Christmas on a sunny day. The restaurant was bright and cheerful. Great views of the ocean. We dined on fish and chips (delicious, fresh and unique). Also had the crab sandwich which was tasty. We thought a nice meal. Pleasant. More upscale than other ocean front restaurants. We would return.
More info
Pete's Fish HousePrice: Expensive• Seafood• Capitola
•
4.6
GK
GlennKVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •18 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
The whole experience was great. From reception and seating to service, beverages and food. Our waitress Jade was on point the whole night. Very friendly, super knowledgeable on both the cocktail and food menus, explaining flavors and techniques. Food and beverages were all well presented and flavorful. Highlights were the brick chicken, pork belly, roasted carrots and Brussels sprouts, as well as the Korean inspired cauliflower. We’ll definitely be back!
More info
SudaPrice: Expensive• American• Santa Cruz
•
4.8
C
courtney
San Francisco Bay Area •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Delicious food, excellent service! We ended up having dinner on Christmas there. So grateful they were open!!!
More info
Margaritaville, CapitolaPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Capitola
•
4.9
I
Ian
Seattle / Eastern Washington •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Amazing food, view, and portions. Highlights. Fried artichokes. Ahi tuna salad.
More info
Zelda's on the BeachPrice: Moderate• Californian• Capitola
•
4.4

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Capitola

Best Casual Restaurants in Capitola

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16 restaurants available nearby

1. Paradise Beach Grille

2. Pete's Fish House

3. Zelda's on the Beach

4. Margaritaville, Capitola

5. Suda

6. Cafe Cruz Rosticceria & Bar

7. la Posta

8. Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge

9. Sanderlings - Seascape Resort

10. Oswald

See what locals rave about

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