Best restaurants near me in Capitola, CA

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

551 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

The default order for search results reflects a number of factors, including table availability, restaurant location, search criteria, and restaurant reviews and ratings. In addition, payment made by a restaurant to OpenTable is also a factor for the relative ordering of restaurants.

A photo of Margaritaville, Capitola restaurant

1. Margaritaville, Capitola

4.7

Exceptional(11)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Capitola

Booked 4 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.

2. Pete's Capitola

4.6

Exceptional(55)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • Capitola

Booked 6 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 Paradise Beach Grille restaurant

3. Paradise Beach Grille

4.5

Awesome(55)

$$$$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.

A photo of Zelda's on the Beach restaurant

4. Zelda's on the Beach

4.5

Awesome(564)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Californian • Capitola

Booked 14 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 Cafe Cruz Rosticceria & Bar restaurant

5. Cafe Cruz Rosticceria & Bar

4.7

Exceptional(2092)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Soquel

Booked 31 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.

A photo of The View Restaurant & Bar restaurant

6. The View Restaurant & Bar

4.4

Awesome(1227)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Santa Cruz

Booked 25 times today

Set high on a hilltop with breathtaking panoramic views of the Monterey Bay, The View Restaurant & Bar at Chaminade offers a unique dining experience. Indoor and outdoor seating allows guests to enjoy the naturally beautiful scenery which compliments the contemporary California Cuisine. Whether it’s sustainable seafood or locally grown produce, The View emphasizes natural ingredients while providing four-diamond service. A 4% surcharge will be added to all guest checks to help cover increases in labor costs and to support a higher minimum wage.***Please note that our kitchen closes from 1:30pm-2:00pm to prepare for dinner service. Our bar and restaurant remain open during that time, offering a fine selection of local wines, craft beers, signature cocktails, and non-alcoholic refreshments to enjoy.

7. Suda

4.9

Exceptional(394)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Santa Cruz

Booked 18 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.

8. la Posta

4.8

Exceptional(2370)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Santa Cruz

Booked 25 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

9. Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge

4.7

Exceptional(2003)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Santa Cruz

Booked 28 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.

10. Laili

4.7

Exceptional(2885)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • Santa Cruz

Booked 24 times today

Laili is our expression of love through food and service. We offer a unique menu made up of fusion Afghani Mediterranean items that include kabobs, wraps, flatbreads, pastas, and spiced lamb and chicken dishes as well as delicious vegetarian options.Laili Restaurant "BEST MIDDLE EASTERN RESTAURANT", Good Times 2023, Voted #1Rich Mediterranean Flavors with a Unique Afghan Twist in the Heart of Downtown Santa Cruz.Currently taking reservations for lunch and dinner, walk-ins welcome too.Dine in our elegant, secluded, off street patio. Visit our website for event information.

Dining near Capitola, CA at a glance

Updated on 3/28/2025

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From verified diners like you

S
Steven
San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Thank you for a Great evening it was as to be expected delicious food and a Great restaurant!!!!
More info
Cafe Cruz Rosticceria & BarPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Soquel
•
4.7
M
Marilyn
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Very good food I eat there every time. I’m in town. I’m pleased they even work with me when I try to swap certain things out on my plate for something else they’re always willing to accommodate.
More info
Paradise Beach GrillePrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Capitola
•
4.5
L
LindaVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •18 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
The flavors were amazing. All very delicious and a pleasant ambiance
More info
Pete's CapitolaPrice: Expensive• Californian• Capitola
•
4.6
K
Kelley
Tampa / Central Florida West •4 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 20, 2025
Beautiful day overlooking the bay from the patio deck. Food was great and our service was fantastic. Server Rowdy was the best.
More info
Margaritaville, CapitolaPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Capitola
•
4.7
E
EugeneVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •12 reviews
5.0
Dined on Feb 25, 2025
Our table of seven for lunch choose three Asian Chicken salads, which my wife declares the "best" she has had, and she is a San Francisco foodie. Another had the Eggs Benedict which resulted in a clean plate, and I had the Mahi Mahi sandwich which was perfectly cooked on a wonderful roll. Oh and we started with the Fried Calamari that was crispy and tender. (Much better than the calamari we had two days later at a pricy Pebble Beach resort!) IF YOU'RE HEADING UP OR DOWN THE COAST STOP IN CAPITOLA AND FIND ZELDA'S!
More info
Zelda's on the BeachPrice: Moderate• Californian• Capitola
•
4.5

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Best restaurants near me in Capitola, CA

Price

Cuisine

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Award-winning

Accessibility

551 restaurants available nearby

1. Margaritaville, Capitola

2. Pete's Capitola

3. Paradise Beach Grille

4. Zelda's on the Beach

5. Cafe Cruz Rosticceria & Bar

6. The View Restaurant & Bar

7. Suda

8. la Posta

9. Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge

10. Laili

Dining near Capitola, CA at a glance

Sonoma Wine Shop & La Bodega

Italian

See what locals rave about

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