Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos Restaurants
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la Posta
Price: Moderate•Italian•4.8(2,371)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.Gabriella Cafe
Price: Very Expensive•Italian•4.7(978)Zagat rated as "OUTSTANDING". Gabriella Cafe is a 50 seat, picturesque and romantic dining experience in downtown Santa Cruz.
The Water Street Grill
Price: Moderate•American•4.5(316)Our local restaurant in Santa Cruz Ca is Family owned, The Water Street Grill is a neighborhood Grill, steak,seafood,burger and wine-Beer Bar offering farm-to-table food, handcrafted drink and a selection of intriguing, affordable Firestone Drafted beers & great selection of wines. We have been more the 20 years in the Restaurant business, we are very committed our restaurant to treat customers with the most respect and let us also handle any event you having, will make it unforgettable moment.Mozaic - Santa Cruz
Price: Moderate•Mediterranean•4.8(479)We named our restaurant Mozaic because we wanted to capture the diversity of flavors and culmination of authentic Mediterranean dishes that we offer. We bring together the best of Mediterranean recipes from Greece, Lebanon, Turkey and Sicily, emphasizing Middle Eastern influence.
Our menu is hand-crafted after years of experience in the restaurant business knowing what people like. We make every dish completely authentic, utilizing 100 years old techniques that have been passed down through generations to bring you incredible flavor. COME AND TASTE THE DIFFERENCE We seek only the best, local ingredients. We use high-quality meats, like our Australian lamb tenderloin and select only sustainable seafood. Our lavash comes from an authentic Persian bakery.
Everyone wants family. Mozaic is a warm and inviting atmosphere where everyone can feel at home. Come enjoy our incredible and lush atmosphere.
Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge
Price: Expensive•Contemporary American•4.7(2,002)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.Laili
Price: Moderate•Mediterranean•4.7(2,885)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 #1
Rich 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.
Margaritaville, Capitola
Price: Expensive•Mexican•4.7(11)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.Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen | Westside
Price: Expensive•Californian•4.5(637)Savor our handcrafted cocktails and flavorful dishes right beside the distillery where our premium spirits are crafted. Whether you prefer indoor dining, a lively bar atmosphere, or our covered heated patio, we provide a variety of seating options to enhance your experience.
HOURS:
Monday - Thursday // 5pm - 9pm
Friday // 4pm - 9pm
Saturday - Sunday // 11:30am - 9pm
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See what locals rave about in Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
- ARARTSYBUGVIPSan Francisco Bay Area •15 reviews5.0Dined 1 day agoFood was great. Service impecable and prices good. ThanksMore infola PostaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Santa Cruz•4.8
- PphilipVIPSan Francisco Bay Area •6 reviews4.0Dined 1 day agoFlatbread with gorgonzola and pears was delicious. House made fettucini was also very tastyMore infoLailiPrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• Santa Cruz•4.7
- JJenniferSan Francisco Bay Area •35 reviews5.0Dined 3 days agoWe love taking visitors to Santa Cruz here; it shows off some of the best food, views and vibe SC has to offerMore infoJack O'Neill Restaurant & LoungePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Santa Cruz•4.7
- BbarbaraWashington, D.C. Area •12 reviews4.0Dined on Mar 8, 2025Oswald’s was very good. Noise level was high. We enjoyed are meal & service was excellentMore infoOswaldPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Santa Cruz•4.4
- MMayderVIPCalifornia Central Coast •14 reviews5.0Dined on Oct 1, 2024We loved the way they admitted our dog even at the bar/restaurant. A thousand of thumbs up for that.More infoSolaire Restaurant + BarPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Cruz•3.8
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Dining around Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos Hot Spots
Landmark
Shopping area
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Stadium or Arena
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Institution
Convention Center
Monument
Museum
Park
Underground railway station
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Marina
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Frequently asked questions
The best reviewed restaurant in Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos is Hollins House - Pasatiempo Golf Club
The best vegan restaurants in Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos are The View Restaurant & Bar, Laili and Oblò
The best vegetarian restaurants in Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos are The View Restaurant & Bar, Laili and la Posta
The restaurants with the best service in Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos are Hollins House - Pasatiempo Golf Club, Gabriella Cafe and Ideal Bar & Grill
The restaurants with the best ambiance in Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos are Hollins House - Pasatiempo Golf Club, Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge and Gabriella Cafe