Best Restaurants for Groups in Capitola

We had lunch outside yesterday. The food, service and ambience were wonderful as usual. We've dined here many times over many years, and have never been disappointed, seriously! We both selected from their Lunch Specials menu (which changes frequently). I had to try the Huevos Rancheros. Theirs is close to, if not the best rendition of the dish that I have had. Thin, crispy tortillas (whole, not chips), layered with black beans, lightly spiced and smokey ranchero sauce, topped with two perfectly cooked fried eggs, sour cream, 1/2 of a sliced avocado. Just delicious! My wife had the Grilled shrimp salad with super-soft gorgonzola cheese with balsamic drizzle and sliced poached bartlett pears. Salad had arugula, shaved brussels sprouts, and dries cranberries. Also, simply delicious! We live locally and it's wonderful that we have Cafe Cruz in our back pocket to dine at whenever we like.

We went for breakfast.. the food was excellent. I had the lemon ricotta pancakes and wow - they were delicious. Service was great, beautiful views. Overall great experience!

Our dinner was OK! We were expecting something a bit different. It was not bad but it was disappointing that it was not more of a traditional Italian menu. My husband ordered the pork chop and thought it was very tasty. I got the butternut squash raviolis. They were a bit dry and could of used more flavor. The Caesar salad was just ok. Needed a bit more flavor. I know they have good reviews so we probably just ordered the wrong dishes. I would try them again some time.

The buffet experience was great! Each station offered something unique, with everything from sizzling hot entrees, a pasta and omelet station, to beautifully presented seafood appetizers, salads and desserts that were appealing and delicious. The ham, prime rib, turkey and salmon in particular were tasty, moist and tender. The quality and taste of the food exceeded expectations. Staff was attentive and friendly, though it took a little while to be greeted by our server. I left feeling satisfied and look forward to future buffets!

We loved the way they admitted our dog even at the bar/restaurant. A thousand of thumbs up for that.