Oswald

4.6

1614 Reviews

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 30, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 5 times today

Great for creative cocktails
Great for happy hour
Neighborhood gem

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.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Contemporary American
Hours of operation
Lunch Wed–Sat 12:00 pm–2:30 pm Dinner Wed, Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(831) 423-7427
Website
http://oswaldrestaurant.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Damani Thomas

Location
121 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Neighborhood
Santa Cruz
Cross street
Front
Parking details
Oswald is located on the street level of a four story public parking garage with very reasonable rates.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

2017 Angels & Cowboys Rose, Sonoma County, CA$22.00
- 1/2 Btl$22.00
2015 Sparkman Cellars Birdie Riesling, Columbia Valley, WA$30.00
2015 Donati Family "Sisters Forever" Chardonnay, Central Coast, CA$34.00
2014 Montinore Estate "Borealis" Willamette Valley, OR$36.00
2016 Frog's Leap Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, CA$36.00
- 1/2 Btl$36.00
2015 Bonny Doon Picpoul, Arroyo Seco, CA$36.00
2016 Noceto Pinot Grigio, Central Calley, CA$40.00
2016 Bee's Box Chardonnay, Geyserville, CA$40.00
2015 Portlandia Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, OR$10.00
- Gl$10.00
2015 Tin Barn Sauvignon Blanc, Carneros, CA$41.00
2016 Raeburn Chardonnay, Russian River, CA$11.00
- Gl$11.00
2014 Alfaro Family Lindsay Paige Vineyards Chardonnay, Santa Cruz, CA$11.00
- Gl$11.00
2015 Metz Road Chardonnay, Monterey, CA$55.00
2013 Scheid Vineyards Grenache Blanc, Monterey, CA$56.00
2016 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars "Hands of Time" Chardonnay, Napa Valley, CA$60.00
2014 Saintsbury Chardonnay, Carners, Napa Valley, CA$64.00
2015 Frog's Leap Chardonnay, Napa Valley, CA$68.00
2016 Ziata Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, CA$70.00
2013 St. Innocent Freedom Hill Vineyard Chardonnay, Willamette, OR$72.00
2016 Bargetto Regan Vineyards Reserve Chardonnay, Santa Cruz Mountains, CA$75.00
2014 Ridge Chardonnay Estate, Monte Bello Vineyard, Santa Cruz Mountains, CA$100.00

France

2016 Rive Sud Pinot Noir Rose, Loire Valley$32.00
2015 M de Mulonniere Chenin Blanc, Loire Valley$32.00
NV Deutz Brut Classic, Champagne$34.00
- 1/2 Btl$34.00
2016 Department 66 "Fragile" Rose, Catalan$34.00
2016 Bila-Haut Cotes du Roussillon Blanc$40.00
NV Dave Phenney Locations F5 Rose$10.00
- Gl$10.00
2012 Lucien Albrecht Riesling, Alsace$45.00
NV Jo Landron "Atmospheres" (Sparkling), Loire Valley$12.00
- Gl$12.00
2015 Henri Perrusset Macon-Villages$12.00
- Gl$12.00
2016 Domaine du Tremblay Quincy, Loire Valley$48.00
2014 Albert Bichot Saint-Veran, Burgundy$50.00
2016 Les Gendrines Cotes du Rhone Blanc, Rhone$13.00
- Gl$13.00
NV Bailly-Lapierre Rose Cremant Brut, Burgundy$54.00
2015 Vigneau-Chevreau Vouvrey, Loire Valley$56.00
2015 Saget La Perriere Sancere, Loire Valley$62.00
2015 Alvert Bichot Pouilly-Fuisse, Burgundy$66.00
NV R H Coutier Ambonnay Champagne Grand Cru$75.00
2014 La Moussiere Sancerre, Loire Valley$75.00
NV Gonet-Medeville Tradition Premier Cru Brut Champagne$79.00
NV Drappier Carte d'Or Brut, Champagne$100.00

Italy

2014 Riff Pinot Grigio delle Venezie, Progetto Lageder$8.00
- Gl$8.00
2016 Antornori Santa Cristina Pinot Grigio, delle Venezie$32.00
2016 Villa Barbi Orvieto Classico$8.50
- Gl$8.50
2015 Inama Soave Classico, Veneto$40.00
2016 Bortolomiol Prosecco Superiore Brut$40.00
2012 Strasserhof Kerner, Alto Adige$44.00
2013 Jermann Pinot Grigio, "Venezia Giulia", Collio Friulano$50.00

Spain

NV Bohigas Brut Cava Reserva$48.00
2014 Ameztoi Getariako, Txkolina$48.00

Portugal

NV Broadbent Vinho Verde Rose$28.00
NV Broadbent Vinho Verde$29.00

Greece

2014 Boutari Moschofilero, Tripoli$38.00

Slovenia

2013 Verus Riesling Suho, Ormoz$56.00

Hungary

NV Torley Gala Sec, Budapest$32.00

Germany

2011 Strub "Soil to Soul" Riesling Kabinett, Rheinhessen$36.00
2011 Selbach Oster Riesling Kabinett, Mosel$40.00
2016 Werner Schweicher Annaberg Riesling Kabinett, Mosel$12.00
- Gl$12.00
2015 Wittmann Reisling Estate Trocken, Rheinhessen$48.00
2011 Meulenhof Riesling Spatlese, Mosel$52.00
2013 Christoffel, Riesling Spatlese, Mosel$55.00

Austria

2015 Huber Hugo Gruner Veltliner, Weinriedenweg$36.00

Australia

2015 Tahbilk Viognier, Victoria$40.00
2013 Tahbilk Marsanne, Victoria$9.00
- Gl$9.00

New Zealand

2016 Tohu Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough$9.00
- Gl$9.00
2015 Astrolabe Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough$38.00

Argentina

2013 Anko Torrontes, Mendoza$40.00

Chile

2016 Casas del Bosque Sauvignon Blanc Reserva, Casablanca Valley$32.00

South Africa

2014 Painted Wolf "Rosalind" Pinotage Rose, Swartland$32.00
2015 Nederburg "The Anchorman" Chenin Blanc$48.00

Red

North America

2014 Sparkman Cellars Wonderland Grenache, Yakima Valley, WA$40.00
2015 Fortnight Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA$40.00
2014 William Hill Pinot Noir, Central Coast, CA$11.00
- Gl$11.00
2012 Bonny Doon Vineyard, Le Cigar Volant, Santa Cruz, CA$45.00
2014 Random Ridge Old Wave Zinfandel/ Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA$45.00
2014 Random Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA$46.00
2014 Angles & Cowboys Proprietary Red, Sonoma County, CA$12.00
- Gl$12.00
2012 Roth Estate Merlot, Sonoma County, CA$12.00
- Gl$12.00
2014 Valley Vista Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains, CA$50.00
2012 Cambiata Tannat, Monterey, CA$52.00
2014 Random Ridge Fortunata Sangiovese, Napa Valley, CA$52.00
2016 Banshee Pinot Noir, Sonoma County, CA$54.00
2015 Sparkman Holler Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, Oregon$15.00
- Gl$15.00
2014 Four Graces Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon$60.00
2015 Fess Parker Syrah, Santa Barbara County, CA$65.00
2015 Orin Swift Abstract, Napa Valley, CA$68.00
2013 Rexford Merlot, Santa Cruz, CA$70.00
2014 Orin Swift Palermo Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA$72.00
2013 Au Bon Climat Estate Bottled Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley, CA$82.00
2014 Flora Springs, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA$88.00
2012 Mount Eden Vineyards Estate Bottled Cabernet Sauvignon, Santa Cruz Mountains, CA$98.00
2014 L'Ecole Apogee Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, WA$110.00
2013 Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap, Napa Valley, CA$120.00

France

2016 Mont Gravet Carignan, Herault$32.00
2015 Chateau de Paraza Cuvee Speciale, Languedoc$9.00
- Gl$9.00
2015 Ogier Artesis Cotes du Rhone, Rhone Valley$10.00
- Gl$10.00
2016 Horizon de Bichot, Pinot Noir, Languadoc$48.00
2016 Domaine la Bonneliere Saumur Champigny, Loire Valley$48.00
NV Dave Phenney Locations F4 Red Wine$50.00
2014 Triennes St Auguste Cuvees, Provence$52.00
2014 Marie De Beauregard Chinon Cabernet Franc, Loire Valley$52.00
2014 Chateau Aney Haut-Medoc, Bordeaux$14.00
- Gl$14.00
2014 Chateau de Lancyre Pic St. Loup, Languedoc$52.00
2012 Le Galantin Bandol, Provence$61.00
2011 Domaine du Poujol Podio Alto, Languedoc$68.00
2014 Dept. 66 "Others" Grenache, Cotes Catalanes$70.00
2015 Chateau de Chamirey, Mercurey, Burgundy$70.00
2013 Domaine Barons De Rothschild(Lafite), Chateau d'Aussieres, Corbieres$88.00
2014 Maison Roche de Bellene, Savigny-Les-Beaune, Burgundy$90.00
2015 Domaine de Vieux Telegramme, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone Valley$95.00

Italy

2013 Cielo Centanni Ripasso Valpolicella, Veneto$32.00
2013 Statti Lamezia Greco Nero, Nerello Cappuccio$36.00
2015 Cantele Primitivo, Salice Salentino$38.00
2015 Cantine Colosi Nero D'Avola, Sicily$10.00
- Gl$10.00
2014 Pecchenino san Luigi Dogliani Dolcetto, Piedmont$40.00
2014 Tenuta Guado Al Tasso IL Bruciato, Bolgheri$40.00
NV PP Chiarli Lambrusco Vecchia Modena, Lambrusco di sorbara$46.00
2013 Pallazzo Della Torre Veronese$54.00
2015 Renato Ratti Barbera D'Asti "Battaglione"$60.00
2009 Vie Cave Maremma Toscanna$63.00
2010 Piccini Sasso Al Poggio Toscana, Tuscany$65.00
2012 Felsina Berardenga Chianti Classio Riserva$70.00
2011 Vignalta Gemola Colli Euganei Rosso, Veneto$78.00
2012 Roccolo Grassi Valpolicello, Veneto$82.00
2012 Conterno Fantino, Langhe Rosso "Mon Pra", Piedmonte$100.00

Spain

2013 Altes Herencia Garnatxa Negra, Catalonia$32.00
2014 Valcantara Garnacha, Carinena$36.00
2011 Bodegas Franco-Espanolas Rioja Bordon Reserva$40.00
2013 Campos de Luz Garnacha Reserva, Carinena$42.00
2016 Emilio Moro Finca Resalso Tempranillo$11.00
- Gl$11.00

Argentina

2013 Anko Malbec, Los Caldones, Salta$38.00
2014 Tapiz Alta Collection Malbec, Mendoza$11.00
- Gl$11.00
2015 Amancaya Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon, Domaines Baron de Rothschild, Mendoza$54.00

What 1,614 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.6Service
4.5Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
Best Overall
Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
Best Service
Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
Best Value
Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
Innovative
Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
Good for groups
Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
Healthy
Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
Hot spot
Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
Neighborhood gem
Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
Great for fine wines
Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
Romantic
Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
Good for special occasions
Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
Lively
Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Oswald offers a vibrant dining atmosphere with a large wine selection and "fantastic service." The menu features expertly crafted dishes by Chef Damani, with highlights including duck confit and halibut. Guests rave about the "amazing cocktails" and consistently great food. Oswald remains a top choice for special occasions and casual outings alike.

1,614 Reviews

C
Charlie
Orange County
18 reviews
4.0
18 reviews
Dined on December 21, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
A very solid/reliable spot. My fries were fantastic. Sounds basic but a well executed french fry served in the right way is remarkably uncommon. My burger could have use a bit more mass on the patty and less on the bun but was overall good. My date had the scallops and she seemed to quite enjoy them. Cocktails here are solidly above average. We sat away from the bar and enjoyed a pleasant ambience; lively but not loud, so that we were able to have a conversation easily. For whatever accidental reason we just hadn't been there in a while. We'll be back.
Is this helpful?
D
Don
San Francisco
31 reviews
5.0
31 reviews
Dined on December 15, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Tasty cocktails and savory food. Wait staff attentive and courteous. We have been twice in the last month. We will be back
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R
Ruth
Central Coast
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 15, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Oswald's is such a gem. Everyone is so nice and polite. Service from the hostess to the wait staff and assistants is excellent! The food is always done well. If there is ever any issue, it is corrected immediately and efficiently. The bartender really knows how to mix and add the right condiments. Knowing how to make a twist for a martini correctly and using the correct cherry for a Manhattan can make or break a cocktail for me. I do not drink often, so a cocktail made and presented correctly is a real treat. Cudos to the professionalism of the bartenders at Oswald's!
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B
Brenda
VIP
San Francisco
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 24, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We ordered off of the Happy Hour menu and had a number of delicious dishes; lasagne & salad, burger & fries, and Mac n’cheese. The Olive app was good too. Also the happy hour cocktails: Negroni & Orange/ pomegranate cocktail were delicious. Unfortunately the avocado toast wasn’t available, but we’ll be back. Our server Janet was great too!!
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T
Tracy
San Francisco
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on November 17, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I have had my celebrations here for 30 years. I always love it.
Is this helpful?
S
Steven
Portland
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 16, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food, lovely drinks, and wonderful staff. We had such a great night.
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K
Ki
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 15, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This is a great dining option in downtown Santa Cruz. Excellent food and service, with a creative drinks bar.
Is this helpful?
S
Susan
San Francisco
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on November 13, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Oswald’s is always good. I just didn’t like what I ordered. The french fries are the best.
Is this helpful?
D
David
VIP
San Francisco
17 reviews
3.0
17 reviews
Dined on November 10, 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 3
Good main dishes, but with significantly increased prices: sliced duck breast $45 and 3 scallops with a nice beet risotto $48; chicory salad $21.
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L
LeMel
VIP
Los Angeles
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 10, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It’s always a pleasure to eat at a restaurant where the food experience is as if I were at home eating its comfort food with a classy atmosphere! LeMel
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FAQs

Oswald offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (831) 423-7427.

Oswald is rated 4.6 stars by 1614 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 30, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 5 times today

Order delivery or takeout

121 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Additional information

Cross street
Front
Neighborhood
Santa Cruz
Hours of operation
Lunch Wed–Sat 12:00 pm–2:30 pm Dinner Wed, Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Contemporary American
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Oswald is located on the street level of a four story public parking garage with very reasonable rates.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Damani Thomas
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://oswaldrestaurant.com/
Phone number
(831) 423-7427

Oswald

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

White Wine

North America

2017 Angels & Cowboys Rose, Sonoma County, CA$22.00

2015 Sparkman Cellars Birdie Riesling, Columbia Valley, WA$30.00

2015 Donati Family "Sisters Forever" Chardonnay, Central Coast, CA$34.00

2014 Montinore Estate "Borealis" Willamette Valley, OR$36.00

2016 Frog's Leap Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, CA$36.00

2015 Bonny Doon Picpoul, Arroyo Seco, CA$36.00

2016 Noceto Pinot Grigio, Central Calley, CA$40.00

2016 Bee's Box Chardonnay, Geyserville, CA$40.00

2015 Portlandia Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, OR$10.00

2015 Tin Barn Sauvignon Blanc, Carneros, CA$41.00

2016 Raeburn Chardonnay, Russian River, CA$11.00

2014 Alfaro Family Lindsay Paige Vineyards Chardonnay, Santa Cruz, CA$11.00

2015 Metz Road Chardonnay, Monterey, CA$55.00

2013 Scheid Vineyards Grenache Blanc, Monterey, CA$56.00

2016 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars "Hands of Time" Chardonnay, Napa Valley, CA$60.00

2014 Saintsbury Chardonnay, Carners, Napa Valley, CA$64.00

2015 Frog's Leap Chardonnay, Napa Valley, CA$68.00

2016 Ziata Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, CA$70.00

2013 St. Innocent Freedom Hill Vineyard Chardonnay, Willamette, OR$72.00

2016 Bargetto Regan Vineyards Reserve Chardonnay, Santa Cruz Mountains, CA$75.00

2014 Ridge Chardonnay Estate, Monte Bello Vineyard, Santa Cruz Mountains, CA$100.00

France

2016 Rive Sud Pinot Noir Rose, Loire Valley$32.00

2015 M de Mulonniere Chenin Blanc, Loire Valley$32.00

NV Deutz Brut Classic, Champagne$34.00

2016 Department 66 "Fragile" Rose, Catalan$34.00

2016 Bila-Haut Cotes du Roussillon Blanc$40.00

NV Dave Phenney Locations F5 Rose$10.00

2012 Lucien Albrecht Riesling, Alsace$45.00

NV Jo Landron "Atmospheres" (Sparkling), Loire Valley$12.00

2015 Henri Perrusset Macon-Villages$12.00

2016 Domaine du Tremblay Quincy, Loire Valley$48.00

2014 Albert Bichot Saint-Veran, Burgundy$50.00

2016 Les Gendrines Cotes du Rhone Blanc, Rhone$13.00

NV Bailly-Lapierre Rose Cremant Brut, Burgundy$54.00

2015 Vigneau-Chevreau Vouvrey, Loire Valley$56.00

2015 Saget La Perriere Sancere, Loire Valley$62.00

2015 Alvert Bichot Pouilly-Fuisse, Burgundy$66.00

NV R H Coutier Ambonnay Champagne Grand Cru$75.00

2014 La Moussiere Sancerre, Loire Valley$75.00

NV Gonet-Medeville Tradition Premier Cru Brut Champagne$79.00

NV Drappier Carte d'Or Brut, Champagne$100.00

Italy

2014 Riff Pinot Grigio delle Venezie, Progetto Lageder$8.00

2016 Antornori Santa Cristina Pinot Grigio, delle Venezie$32.00

2016 Villa Barbi Orvieto Classico$8.50

2015 Inama Soave Classico, Veneto$40.00

2016 Bortolomiol Prosecco Superiore Brut$40.00

2012 Strasserhof Kerner, Alto Adige$44.00

2013 Jermann Pinot Grigio, "Venezia Giulia", Collio Friulano$50.00

Spain

NV Bohigas Brut Cava Reserva$48.00

2014 Ameztoi Getariako, Txkolina$48.00

Portugal

NV Broadbent Vinho Verde Rose$28.00

NV Broadbent Vinho Verde$29.00

Greece

2014 Boutari Moschofilero, Tripoli$38.00

Slovenia

2013 Verus Riesling Suho, Ormoz$56.00

Hungary

NV Torley Gala Sec, Budapest$32.00

Germany

2011 Strub "Soil to Soul" Riesling Kabinett, Rheinhessen$36.00

2011 Selbach Oster Riesling Kabinett, Mosel$40.00

2016 Werner Schweicher Annaberg Riesling Kabinett, Mosel$12.00

2015 Wittmann Reisling Estate Trocken, Rheinhessen$48.00

2011 Meulenhof Riesling Spatlese, Mosel$52.00

2013 Christoffel, Riesling Spatlese, Mosel$55.00

Austria

2015 Huber Hugo Gruner Veltliner, Weinriedenweg$36.00

Australia

2015 Tahbilk Viognier, Victoria$40.00

2013 Tahbilk Marsanne, Victoria$9.00