Location: Capitola
Top Restaurants in Capitola
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Top 10 restaurants in Capitola, United States
Capitola, just minutes south of Santa Cruz, is California’s oldest seaside resort town, and boasts a Mediterranean flavor. An esplanade winds around village shops and bistros, while picture-ready views from the Capitola Wharf create a relaxing atmosphere. Experience signature events like the Capitola Art & Wine Festival, Capitola Begonia Festival, wine tasting rooms, and shopping. Take a hillside “cable car” to dinner overlooking Soquel Creek, next to scenic gardens and waterfalls.
Things to do in Capitola
1. 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.
2. Cafe Cruz
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 228 reviews
Reviewed By JillClardy - Redwood City, CA
Cafe Cruz is a spacious restaurant with both indoor and patio seating. The patio was full, so we sat at a window adjacent to the patio so that we could enjoy the beautiful autumn day. Parking is difficult in this area with only a few spots just outside the back entrance, and many other spots reserved for other businesses. We each had different salads, which were generous with fresh chopped lettuces and other ingredients and not too heavily dressed. The food was delicious but the service was quite slow. It took about 15 minutes to get the bill and pay after w head finished our entrees.
3. 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.
4. Linda's Seabreeze Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 303 reviews
Reviewed By Fraser000
The style and presentation are there. The food is good and fresh. The outdoor coffee is a great touch (though $2/cup is steep for coffee while you wait).The missing ingredient is a lot of taste. There is definitely some there, but there is a risk of blandness. We had a combination of pancakes, omelets, tofu scramble, and more pancakes. The tofu scramble was surprisingly the best in the pack (not easy making a good tofu scramble). But it seems like once the breakfast art was mastered, Linda may have taken a breather. Going back to the drawing board could include things like whipped butter for pancakes, more finely chopped onions in omelet, over-easy eggs that are not too firm, and some other stuff. Anyway, we would go back and recommend it despite the nitpicking.
5. 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.
6. Discretion Brewing
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
We are a Family-Owned Company Dedicated to Handcrafted Exquisite Organic Beer. We define DISCRETION as wisdom, wit and kindness. These qualities shape our interactions with each other, our ever-growing circle of customers, our community, and our beer. Elegant. Organic. Solar-powered. Brewed with love. Discretion beer is goodness in a glass! The Kitchen at Discretion is under the ownership and direction of Head Chef Santos Majano. The Kitchen at Discretion serves beer-focused, farm-to-table comfort food made in-house.
Reviewed By Daryl C - Pleasanton, California
Discretion is tucked behind a furniture store and parking can sometimes be a challenge. But it's worth the effort. There is a wide selection of brews on tap with a listing of IBUs so you'll have some insights when it's time to select. There is a small garden area that allows dogs and is a good choice on a nice day. There is a small selection of food. The Ploughman's platter was a good option for sharing.
7. 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.
8. Carpo's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 77 reviews
Reviewed By timteresa0 - Santa Cruz, California
I love to come here for a quick bite to eat. You have to stand in line, but it's quick and self serve. Every single item on the menu is great and the food is fresh and hot. It's very casual, so you can take the food to the beach or eat there.
9. Caruso's Tuscan Cuisine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 113 reviews
Reviewed By Al L
Very friendly and attentive servers and very nice decor. Starters and mains were fresh and tasty with a good bottle of valpolicella to compliment the meal. Good ambiance to enjoy a family dinner.
10. Sawasdee Thai Cuisine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By Elizabeth P - Lancaster, New York
My husband and I came here with family we were visiting. This was amazing Thai food! I had the green papaya salad, which was super fresh and had great flavor. I also had the green curry, which was also delicious. My Husband enjoyed the calamari as an appetizer. The staff were very friendly. The town of Soquel is adorable...a true surf/beach town feel. I Will definitely crave this food for a long time!
