OswaldserviceRestaurant needs more servers. Our server did her best, but had too many tables to cover.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMOswald - SF quality in Santa CruzMy wife and I just enjoyed our second dinner at Oswald. Both were outstanding. Great food and service. They limit the menu so that they can excel with the dishes that they serve. The wine list is good, not exhaustive. Markups are fair - 2 to 2.5x. Corkage is $15. We had a killer cherry and apricot upside down cake dessert. Not inexpensive, but fairly priced. We will return.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent!I was visiting Santa Cruz and happened to read about Oswald at the B&B I was staying, walked by and glanced at the menu which was fairly minimal and hearty. Overall I was extremely surprised at how wonderful everything was- from the service, to the drinks, to the food.
The drinks were delicious and creative; try the cooler, which was composed of gin, cucumber, and lime on the rocks. The food was fast, flavorful, and everything presented beautifully. I definitely recommend the ahi tuna appetizer and either the steak or halibut entree.
I have been raving about Oswald to my fellow New Yorkers who are thinking of taking trips to California and to everyone who asks about my trip :)5/9/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat experience and delicious foodI was in town for a conference and came here with three co-workers. We ordered pasta, seafood stew, ahi tuna, and the halibut. All of our meals, appetizers, and desserts were delicious. I especially loved the salad with crab and avocado, the halibut, and the almond custard torte. The drinks from the bar were great too!
I would come here again if I travel back to Santa Cruz.4/30/2013 12:00:00 AMProfessional wait staff makeProfessional wait staff make such a difference as opposed to servers just doing it for a w/e or summer job. They were all knowledgeable about the menu and when the food was ready it was brought out by the first person who saw it "up"- great teamwork. The food was fantastic!4/27/2013 12:00:00 AM1st visit goodNice mix of local foods wonderfully prepared. This was our first visit, Oswald is worth a return trip.4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMThe place was very fresh.The place was very fresh. People, food, atmoshere very fresh!4/12/2013 12:00:00 AMNice Surprise after 20 yearsI'd heard it was pretty noisy but we had a table next the wall and were easily able to carry on a conversation so I was pleasantly surprised. The food was great - if a bit high on the butter! and also they had many GF items which made my guest happy. Would definitely go again. The white wines by the glass were a bit in short supply but we got a recommendation from the wait person for something to go with the halibut and it was excellent.
The service was impeccable. Just the right amount of attention.4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMA Must-Go-To in Santa CruzThis place is a gem in Santa Cruz. It's a happening place with great food, great service, and a really wonderful and friendly wait staff. It feels like family every time we go. I love this place.3/26/2013 12:00:00 AMAwesome dinner and drinks.Awesome dinner and drinks. Will definitely be back. Try the mussels with lots of bread!3/15/2013 12:00:00 AMOswald is our happy place!Great locals joint. Bar serves up great drinks and the fun is always infectious. However we typically eat in the dining room as the service is impeccable. Thanks for being around... SC has slim pickins with regards to good eats- so we are grateful for Oswald.3/14/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food was excellent asThe food was excellent as well as the service. I had the Char special with the Dungeness crab appetizer and my husband had the skirt steak with blue cheese and the cauliflower soup as an appetizer. so good! it was cooked perfectly and in a timely manner. definitely recommend the almond custard torte an the chocolate souffle :-)3/12/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food, but long wait for tableExcellent food! The only negative experience was we had to wait a long time to be seated.1/19/2013 12:00:00 AMThis restaurant remains aThis restaurant remains a favorite on consistent basis. The food is fantastic, menu changes with the availability of fresh produce, in season fish, chef's determination of meats. Once you finish dining, you begin to plan when you will be returning, great restaurant.1/18/2013 12:00:00 AMGive your review a title (optional)This restaurant continues to improve at each visit. The mixed drinks are fantastic, wine and beer selection is great. The menu changes with availability of fresh meats, fish and fowl. Preparation is exquisite, with seasonings balancing out the flavor. Side dishes add an additional dimension to the food and provide a taste experience that leaves you craving for more.
Service is friendly and professional, we have yet to try a dish we do not enjoy. It is a must place to visit when in town.12/22/2012 12:00:00 AM