Best Date Night Restaurants in Capitola

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSeafoodFusion / EclecticBurgersAfghan

Regions

Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos

Neighborhoods

AptosCapitolaSanta CruzSoquel

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

15 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Pete's Capitola

4.5

Awesome(63)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • Capitola

Booked 11 times 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 Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge restaurant

2. Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge

4.6

Exceptional(2049)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Santa Cruz

Booked 22 times today

Jack O’Neill Restaurant and Lounge is Santa Cruz’s best new destination for coastal California cuisine. The approachable and family-friendly vibe at Jack O’Neill Restaurant and Lounge will welcome hotel guests and locals alike.

A photo of Cafe Cruz Rosticceria & Bar restaurant

3. Cafe Cruz Rosticceria & Bar

4.7

Exceptional(2122)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Soquel

Booked 46 times today

Cafe Cruz Rosticceria & Bar is a popular spot for date nights. With its warm and friendly service, beautiful ambiance, and a menu full of creative salads, vegetables, sustainable seafood specials, and delicious pastas and sandwiches, it's no surprise it's a favorite among couples. As one reviewer said, 'Cafe Cruz has been our 'go-to' date night and celebration restaurant for years.'

4. Suda

4.8

Exceptional(403)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Santa Cruz

Booked 18 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.

5. la Posta

4.8

Exceptional(2387)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Santa Cruz

Booked 18 times today

Select from a menu that features dishes composed of locally sourced ingredients as well as house-made pastas, naturally leavened breads and pizzas from our brick oven. Because we rely on the bounty of the Santa Cruz farming community, our menu changes frequently and features a wide array of specials. La Posta’s all-Italian wine list includes autochthonous varieties from small producers, by-the-glass and by the bottle. La Posta adheres to the Monterey Bay Seafood Watch Program and is a certified City of Santa Cruz Green Business.We are so thankful for the incredible support from our customers and community. We will continue to adjust our service based upon best practices for keeping our staff and community safe.

A photo of Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen | Beachside restaurant

6. Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen | Beachside

4.2

Awesome(386)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • Aptos

Booked 31 times today

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 - 9pmFriday // 4pm - 9pmSaturday - Sunday // 12pm - 9pm

7. Laili

4.7

Exceptional(2888)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • Santa Cruz

Booked 35 times today

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 #1Rich 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.

8. Oswald

4.5

Awesome(1626)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Santa Cruz

Booked 15 times today

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.

9. Gabriella Cafe

4.5

Awesome(986)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Santa Cruz

Booked 4 times today

Gabriella Cafe is the perfect date night spot. With its 'OUTSTANDING' Zagat rating and consistently high reviews for its romantic ambiance, excellent food, and top-notch service, it's the perfect place for a quiet, intimate dinner. One reviewer called it a 'wonderful Friday night date spot', highlighting the delicious entrees and fantastic service. Another noted it as a 'charming, cozy' restaurant with a 'lovely, romantic, small' setting that's 'perfect for a quiet lunch or romantic escape.' So, if you're looking for a romantic Italian dining experience in Santa Cruz, Gabriella Cafe is the place to be!

10. 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.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

E
EddieVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •34 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
6/19/25 - have holiday off from work so here Thursday instead of usual Friday. 1 mini loaf - hot and fresh as usual, 2x Oaxacan chicken mole, 2x chocolate ectasy sundae
More info
Chocolate the RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Cruz
•
4.8
R
Rafael
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Great place! We Enjoyed the location, the beverages and the fish tacos.
More info
Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen | BeachsidePrice: Expensive• Californian• Aptos
•
4.2
E
Elsie
Vancouver / British Columbia •18 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 14, 2025
I was hesitant to book here due to the low rating. But after reading that the low ratings seemed to be one-offs at holiday times, we gave it a try and loved it! We ordered the giant steak, salads and appies. Although they had run out of the salmon crudo, we enjoyed our meal. The salads were especially outstanding and we would order again! The hotel is funky and nice. Great service and bartending! Enjoyed our time!
More info
Solaire Restaurant + BarPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Cruz
•
3.8
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
R
RickVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •48 reviews
5.0
Dined on Feb 15, 2025
One of the best Valentines dining experiences ever. Wonderful and highly recommended.
More info
Hollins House - Pasatiempo Golf ClubPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Cruz
•
4.6

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