Location: Aptos
Top Restaurants in Aptos
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Aptos Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Aptos
Combining the redwoods and the sea into one idyllic setting, Aptos is a quaint town that serves as home to the forested Nisene Marks State Park, perfect for mountain biking and hiking. Historic Aptos Village features antique shops, restaurants and boutiques. For the perfect spot to picnic, barbecue, or take a seaside stroll, head to Seacliff State beach and walk to the end of the pier to see the S.S. Palo Alto, an experimental concrete vessel known as “the cement ship”.
Things to do in Aptos
1. Cafe Sparrow
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 221 reviews
Reviewed By Patricia092900 - Scotts Valley, California
We went to Cafe Sparrow after many years and were not disappointed. The menu offers a wide range of seafood and meats from filets, rack of lamb to pork-chops and venison.
With a French twist in regards to flavorful sauces and varying spices Cafe Sparrow offers interesting dishes. We had venison and filet and both were cooked to perfection.
The service was attentive and prompt.
The setting is romantic and does not feel crowded. A great place for a romantic dinner.
2. Marianne's Ice Cream
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 82 reviews
Reviewed By Kerry D - San Francisco, California
Okay, the beach was great, the golf was good, the weather was fine but the Ice Cream at Marinanne's was Off The Charts! How good? We went three times - to try a couple of flavors each time. CASH only and so worth it.
Pumpkin? Out of this world. Salted Carmel? The Best. My fav part of our vacation...kind of...
3. Gayle's Bakery & Rosticceria
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 510 reviews
Reviewed By lizwilliamsdesign - San Jose, California
Have been staying in Aptos and heard about Gayle's through friends. Definitely put Gayle's on your list of places to visit - you can eat in the restaurant on site or you can take food away. I've visited a few times now, and just grabbed some of their entrees to go where I warmed them up at home. Their packaged quiches, Bolognese Lasagna, and salads and desserts are so delicious and flavorful that we are now addicted to Gayles! We bought a chicken salad croissant sandwich that was the best we've ever eaten!! The packaged items in their fridges are equally divine. There is always limited parking and a bit of a wait for your turn but it is organized chaos and worth the wait. I highly recommend a visit here to eat, pick up a picnic lunch, or grab your dinner to warm up for later, followed by a delectable dessert. One stop shop!
4. Shadowbrook
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 828 reviews
Reviewed By timteresa0 - Santa Cruz, California
We came here for their appetizer specials. They were really good, but it cost us more than one of their winter dinner specials. The appetizers are buy one get the less expensive on free. So basically, it's not the same priced one that's free. I woukd have gotten all the same priced items. I think next time I'll go and get A regular dinner. The atmosphere and service was superb, so it was worth every penny. The charm of this place is like no other in Santa Cruz.
5. Pacific Coffee Roasting Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By Richard D - Rio del Mar, California
This a CLEAN and TASTY place for a coffee and a snack.
Been here 20 + years. Always a gaggle of folks sitting around two or three tables chatting away harmlessly.
BIG bags of coffee beans meet you as you enter. They do all of their own grinding on premises.
Don't overlook the GELATO! Not what you might expect. The grandson LOVES it. (Me too.)
Pacific Coffee Roasting Company knocks the competition on its ear. It is a cut above.
6. Aptos Street BBQ
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 192 reviews
Http://www.aptosstbbq.com/
Reviewed By Jfdbuflop - United Kingdom
I get the idea and what they are aiming at but the actual reality was somewhat disappointing. Extremely slow, small portions, tasteless and to cap it all the band made it impossible to talk. Couldn’t hear a word. Maybe a one off bad night but for me I won’t try again.
7. Pizza My Heart
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 179 reviews
Reviewed By Rod B - San Jose, California
Pizza My Heart is located right next to the beach in Downtown Capitola Village, so very easy access for quick, hot, and flavor-able food. Large slice's of Pizza, as well as the whole pizza if desired. They also have a special deal of a slice of Pizza and T-Shirt for $6. This is a walk up pizza place, so you have to either go back to the beach or sit on one of the benches overlooking the beach, they also have boxes to go as well.
8. Norma Jean's Coffee & Tea
Overall Ratings
5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By Richard D - Rio del Mar, California
Norma Jean's is not as fast as Starbuck's; stop and catch your breath. N.J's is not offering the same thing as every other Starbuck's around the world; try something different. Right next to the Bayview Hotel, it's just sweet; what else can I say?
9. Au Midi Restaurant & Bistrot
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 98 reviews
Reviewed By Brian F - Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Quiet and delicious. Surprisingly quiet on weeknights and delicious as ever. We find the quality of food and serving size to be exceptional. The value is in the flavors, service, presentation and selections. Our dinner bill with bottle of wine, two entrees and dessert was only $130 - this is unheard of for the quality.
10. Paradise Beach Grille
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 328 reviews
Located on the water in Capitola Village, Paradise Beach Grille is the perfect place to enjoy lunch with a view or to finish a perfect day on the beach. We feature a contemporary menu with a Pacific Rim flare. Enjoy our famous Coconut Prawns appetizer, followed by either a Fresh From Hawaii seafood entree, or a Prime Natural cut of Beef. Choose from our extensive wine list, featuring many local Santa Cruz Mountain wineries, or choose from one of our many beers on tap. Whatever your pleasure, you are welcome with us in Paradise!
Reviewed By Amygdala1234
We stopped in to Capitola for lunch and a seaside stroll. Paradise Beach Grille was superb. A diverse menu of fresh food perfect for the whole family. From the Ahi, avocado, and mango stack and coconut prawns to their burgers, our meal was delicious. Service was also outstanding.
When the weather permits, dining on their open-air deck overlooking the water likely adds another reason to visit, although we elected to stay inside.
