Best Casual Restaurants in Soquel

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSeafoodIndianMexicanPizzeria

Regions

Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos

Neighborhoods

AptosCapitolaSanta CruzSoquel

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

19 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Vinocruz

4.6

Exceptional(128)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Bistro • Soquel

Vinocruz Wine Bar and Kitchen features over 50 local wines by the glass from the beautiful and often under appreciated Santa Cruz Mountains AVA starting at about $9 a glass along with local ciders and beers on tap. We also have an extensive menu of small plates including Flatbreads, Fish Tacos, Street Tacos, Short rib Sliders, House made Hummus, Vino Burger, Port infused Truffles, daily specials and much more!We are located in Soquel Village about a 2 min drive from Capitola beach and 10 min from SC Beach Boardwalk. Our large redwood bar and handmade tables offer a cozy, but modern dining experience. For groups larger than 4 please give us a call and we would be happy to accommodate you. Our goal is to be your go-to location for a slightly upscale wine bar in Santa Cruz County and also THE place to go explore Santa Cruz Mountains Wines.

2. Suda

4.8

Exceptional(404)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Santa Cruz

Booked 5 times today

Pairing seasonal produce from local farmers with line caught fish and lean, hormone-free beef, the menu at Süda stays as fresh as the ingredients. With a variety of inventive dishes, including vegan and gluten free options, there is truly something for everyone.The atmosphere at the bar is lively, while booths offer diners a more intimate experience making Süda the perfect place for a casual meal with friends or a night out with someone special. We are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner so you can enjoy fresh food whenever your heart desires.

3. Pete's Capitola

4.5

Awesome(64)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • Capitola

Booked 1 time today

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.

A photo of Zelda's on the Beach restaurant

4. Zelda's on the Beach

4.6

Exceptional(572)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Californian • Capitola

Booked 9 times today

Zelda’s restaurant is in the heart of Capitola Village. We are located on the beach with spectacular views of the Monterey Bay and Capitola Wharf.Zelda’s Restaurant has been serving local customers as well as others from all over the world for the past thirty years. We offer indoor and outdoor dining with a beachfront deck where you can literally reach and touch the warm sand of Capitola Beach.

A photo of Paradise Beach Grille restaurant

5. Paradise Beach Grille

4.7

Exceptional(73)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Capitola

Booked 5 times today

Paradise maximizes the beautiful beach location on Monterey Bay with an outdoor patio, views of the historic Venetian condominiums, and the ocean. We also feature an outdoor fireplace perfect for that cozy dinner or wine tasting. We have high top tables in the bar area for drinks or dining, as well as an attractive and spacious dining room. Customers enjoy the various casual venues yet an upscale flair with quality food, beverage, and service.

A photo of Margaritaville, Capitola restaurant

6. Margaritaville, Capitola

4.7

Exceptional(12)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Capitola

Booked 4 times today

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.

A photo of Sanderlings - Seascape Resort restaurant

7. Sanderlings - Seascape Resort

3.7

Very Good(1318)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • Aptos

Booked 12 times today

Sanderlings Restaurant at Seascape Beach Resort offers elegant, casual dining with a spectacular ocean view from sunrise to sunset.

A photo of Sevy's Bar + Kitchen restaurant

8. Sevy's Bar + Kitchen

4.1

Excellent(211)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Aptos

Booked 4 times today

Sevy's Bar + Kitchen is located in Aptos, California at the Seacliff Inn, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. This newly-renovated establishment offers a variety of menu items for lunch and dinner with a focus on fresh California cuisine. A truly serene patio dining setting sets the mood for a relaxing lunch, romantic dinner or some family fun with your pup! Don't forget to bring your favorite friends along and indulge in some hand crafted cocktails, local beers and wine from the full bar. Live entertainment will be featured weekly, so be sure to check out the schedule on our website.Thank you and we hope to see you soon!

9. Ideal Bar & Grill

4.5

Awesome(310)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Californian • Santa Cruz

Booked 4 times today

Fun, family friendly dining with a beautiful view of Santa Cruz Main beach and the Municipal Wharf! We offer out side seating on our sunny deck! Come down and try our award winning clam chowder today! Reservations are for our inside dining room only.

A photo of Solaire Restaurant + Bar restaurant

10. Solaire Restaurant + Bar

3.8

Excellent(219)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • Santa Cruz

Whether it be a cocktail while soaking up the sun at the poolside patio, anexpertly prepared meal, or a spirited conversation at the bar, SolaireRestaurant + Bar offers the best of what is available with the changingseasons.Solaire offers a truly local dining destination that offers unexpected andoffbeat twists on local ingredients and flavors. The atmosphere of theseasonal restaurant changes based on the weather—in the warm weathermonths it is a playful experience centered on the indoor/outdoor restaurant spaces andthe vibrant pool scene. In the foggier months, guests can relax under the powerful outdoor heaters in our indoor/outdoor covered space while enjoying a cocktail. Mirroring the laid-back attitude of Santa Cruz, the restaurant and bar bring the natural outdoor elements inside in imaginative and modern ways.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

C
CynthiaVIP
Los Angeles •21 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
The cauliflower burger was incredible! The rigatoni with short ribs ragu was excellent. I love their Kale Caesar especially the quality of the dressing. Our server was friendly and attentive. Very good offerings of wine by the glass--including nice wines from France, fun for a change.
More info
SudaPrice: Expensive• American• Santa Cruz
•
4.8
LP
LauraP
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
We so enjoy the creativity of the chef and bartender, flavorful, fantastic ingredients and the servers are kind, responsive yet also allow you to have a conversation with your guests. Highly recommend Pete's in Capitola.
More info
Pete's CapitolaPrice: Expensive• Californian• Capitola
•
4.5
M
MichelleVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •28 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Great service, great selection of food, wonderful location, prices reasonable
More info
Paradise Beach GrillePrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Capitola
•
4.7
B
Britomar
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined on Jun 21, 2025
Great experience!!! Good service, kid friendly, yummy food, strong heaters for a windy but sunny evening!
More info
Zelda's on the BeachPrice: Moderate• Californian• Capitola
•
4.6
J
JaniceVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •11 reviews
4.0
Dined on Mar 8, 2025
The folks serving us were great and had good wine recommendations. Somehow they were out of burgers during burger week, but the lasagna was tasty (untraditional but good). Tables outside were roomy and well heated.
More info
VinocruzPrice: Moderate• Bistro• Soquel
•
4.6

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