Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos

OpenTable

Updated January 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Sugo Italian Pasta Bar

4.8

4.8 (276)

$30 and under

Italian

Santa Cruz

About the restaurant

A European concept-restaurant of traditional Italian cuisine; a modern and dynamic service, that allows customers to enjoy fresh, organic and authentic italian food through a selection of appetizer, panini, pizza and salads, and obviously our specialty: "Pasta".

Top review

MichaelVIP

Dined 1 day ago

It’s a great cozy space with excellent service. The food is delicious and the portion sizes are unbelievable. Highly recommend!

Gabriella Cafe

4.6

4.6 (977)

$50 and over

Italian

Santa Cruz

About the restaurant

Zagat rated as "OUTSTANDING". Gabriella Cafe is a 50 seat, picturesque and romantic dining experience in downtown Santa Cruz.

Top review

donna

Dined on Dec 27, 2024

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.

Oswald

4.6

4.6 (1616)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Santa Cruz

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Peter

Dined 2 days ago

Always above average food and excellent service. Always our go to for a date night.

Laili

4.6

4.6 (2869)

$30 and under

Mediterranean

Santa Cruz

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Alex

Dined 1 day ago

Really great experience at Laili, we went for our anniversary and were both very pleased with the ambiance, food, and service. Even got a comp’ed chocolate tart for the occasion. Would eat there again for sure.

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Chocolate the Restaurant

4.6

4.6 (88)

$31 to $50

Californian

Santa Cruz

About the restaurant

Now celebrating 25 years, Chocolate the Restaurant provides an attractive dining environment for couples on dates, friendly meetings, and special occasion meals. Dine outside on the heated garden patio. Celebrate special occasions with up to 25 guests in the private street-side party room. Maybe start with a Chocolate Martini or a Passion Fruit Margarita. Chef David Jackman's fresh baked pasta rosettes, slow-roasted meats, and delicious seasonal organic vegetable dishes are all a prelude to our many chocolaty desserts. Our wine list focuses on local and on Italian wines. Our cocktails are all made from scratch; often using locally distilled spirits, and always using fresh house-made mixers. We are at your service for dinner every night! Afternoon walk-up cafe' service Friday thru Sunday. . We are open for dinner every holiday except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Top review

EddieVIP

Dined 2 days ago

We come here nearly weekly since ~2022 (prior to that year too but during pandemic it was spotty - once pandemic subsided, nearly weekly from San Jose, CA to Santa Cruz CA). This place is great - regular attendees every week (37 mile one way from San Jose every Friday). That's big endorsement for their chocolate desserts (we usually get ectasy sundae and warm brownie cake, chocolate gelato, etc). Our go-to entree dishes are past rosettes, Oaxacan chicken mole, hand rolled fettuccine, roasted pork. We don't drink alcohol so can't speak to that.

Alderwood Santa Cruz

4.6

4.6 (655)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Santa Cruz

About the restaurant

Alderwood, under the culinary leadership of Executive Chef Mikey Adams, is dedicated to providing a dining experience that strikes a delicate balance between the comfort and warmth of home and the vibrancy of the downtown dining scene. Our mission is to offer our guests an exceptional and memorable meal that is deeply rooted in our commitment to fostering a genuine connection between our open kitchen and the local community. We welcome you to join us for an unforgettable culinary journey that celebrates the essence of togetherness and exceptional cuisine.

Top review

LeifVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Excellent food and service-MUCH improved over the last time we tried this restaurant about 6 months ago!

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Popular dish

Steak Tartare

Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen | Westside

4.5

4.5 (628)

$31 to $50

Californian

Santa Cruz

About the restaurant

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

Top review

MaureenVIP

Dined on Dec 24, 2024

The food was great, ate on their Smashburger night. Also had Shrimp & Grits…amazing! Our server Helen was so welcoming and friendly!

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Experience

Celebrate your birthday with us!

Experience

Daily Happy Hour

Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen | Beachside

4.5

4.5 (342)

$31 to $50

Californian

Aptos

About the restaurant

Newly renovated beachside restaurant, located in Aptos, CA. Enjoy handcrafted cocktails with locally distilled Venus Spirits and a menu featuring local seafood, produce, and Venus favorites. Indoor, bar, and patio seating available.

HOURS:
Wednesday - Thursday // 5pm - 9pm
Friday // 4pm - 9pm
Saturday - Sunday // 12pm - 9pm

Top review

Sepi

Dined 1 day ago

Drinks were amazing, food was delicious and service was great from Noelle. We’ll definitely be back!

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Popular dish

Brussels Sprouts

Experience

Celebrate your birthday with Venus!

Experience

Daily Happy Hour

Pete's Fish House

4.5

4.5 (36)

$31 to $50

Californian

Capitola

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Susan

Dined on Dec 27, 2024

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.

The View, a Treeside Restaurant

4.1

4.1 (1190)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Santa Cruz

About the restaurant

Set high on a hilltop with breathtaking panoramic views of the Monterey Bay, The View, 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.

Top review

Jackie

Dined on Dec 25, 2024

This was a special occasion for Christmas Day and so glad we could book such a beautiful and delicious buffet dinner event.

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