Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Capitola

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSeafoodFusion / EclecticGrillAfghan

Regions

Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos

Neighborhoods

Santa 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

8 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Cafe Cruz Rosticceria & Bar restaurant

1. Cafe Cruz Rosticceria & Bar

4.7

Exceptional(2100)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Soquel

Booked 28 times today

Cafe Cruz is a popular and lively local restaurant. We offer casual/fine dining with a full bar, indoor and heated patio dining. Guests enjoy watching the "magic" created in our open copper-backed kitchen each night by our talented team of chefs. Notable features include many locally sourced foods, nightly sustainable seafood specials, and many creative salad and vegetable options. Our innovative pastas and sandwiches are always a hit. Spit-Roasted meats are featured each night, cooked on a french Rotisol rotisserie. The lush garden room can seat larger parties of up to 35. Guests enjoy our warm friendly service, our many seating options, and exceptionally delicious food.

A photo of The View Restaurant & Bar restaurant

2. The View Restaurant & Bar

4.4

Awesome(1245)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Santa Cruz

Booked 24 times today

Set high on a hilltop with breathtaking panoramic views of the Monterey Bay, The View Restaurant & Bar at Chaminade offers a unique dining experience. Indoor and outdoor seating allows guests to enjoy the naturally beautiful scenery which compliments the contemporary California Cuisine. Whether it’s sustainable seafood or locally grown produce, The View emphasizes natural ingredients while providing four-diamond service. A 4% surcharge will be added to all guest checks to help cover increases in labor costs and to support a higher minimum wage.***Please note that our kitchen closes from 1:30pm-2:00pm to prepare for dinner service. Our bar and restaurant remain open during that time, offering a fine selection of local wines, craft beers, signature cocktails, and non-alcoholic refreshments to enjoy.

A photo of Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge restaurant

3. Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge

4.6

Exceptional(2017)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Santa Cruz

Booked 38 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.

4. Laili

4.7

Exceptional(2887)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • Santa Cruz

Booked 27 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.

5. Oswald

4.4

Awesome(1625)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Santa Cruz

Booked 14 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.

6. Gabriella Cafe

4.7

Exceptional(979)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Santa Cruz

Booked 5 times today

Gabriella Cafe is a highly rated, romantic Italian restaurant in downtown Santa Cruz. Reviewers consistently praise its 'creative', 'delicious' and 'fresh' food, 'consistently excellent' service, and the 'romantic' and 'charming' ambiance. Many mention it as a special occasion destination, with one stating 'Gabriella’s is a quaint almost European in ambiance. We reserve coming here for special occasions.'

A photo of Chocolate the Restaurant restaurant

7. Chocolate the Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(111)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • Santa Cruz

Booked 5 times today

Now celebrating 25 years, Chocolate the Restaurant provides an attractive dining environment for couples on dates, friendly meetings, and special occasion meals. Dine outside on the heated garden patio. Celebrate special occasions with up to 25 guests in the private street-side party room. Maybe start with a Chocolate Martini or a Passion Fruit Margarita. Chef David Jackman's fresh baked pasta rosettes, slow-roasted meats, and delicious seasonal organic vegetable dishes are all a prelude to our many chocolaty desserts. Our wine list focuses on local and on Italian wines. Our cocktails are all made from scratch; often using locally distilled spirits, and always using fresh house-made mixers. We are at your service for dinner every night! Afternoon walk-up cafe' service Friday thru Sunday. . We are open for dinner every holiday except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

A photo of Hollins House - Pasatiempo Golf Club restaurant

8. Hollins House - Pasatiempo Golf Club

4.6

Exceptional(473)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • Santa Cruz

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:No dinner service May 8 and May 15.Please join us for Mother's Day Brunch! Reservations can be made online or by calling (831) 459-9177.Adults $89++, children under 12 $36++Dear guests,The Hollins House is open for dinner service on Thursday evenings from 4 - 8pm and certain special occasions. We are accepting online reservations through OpenTable for groups of 6 or less. If you would like to make a reservation for 7 or more guests, please call (831) 459-9177. If you would like to make a reservation for our other Pasatiempo restaurant, MacKenzie Bar & Grill, please call (831) 459-9162. MacKenzie Bar & Grill is open everyday 8:30am - 7pm. In 2020 Pasatiempo, Inc. decided to close the Hollins House restaurant to focus on weddings and special events. This was a hard decision to make as we know how much our members, clients, and community enjoy dining at the Hollins House. For now we are offering Thursday night dining only. Hope to see you there!

‘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
Eli
San Francisco Bay Area •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Sat on the beautiful patio, had my usual filet mignon kebabs, which were cooked to perfect medium rare and super tender. Service was prompt and friendly. My only complaint is that prices have increased a lot.
More info
LailiPrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• Santa Cruz
•
4.7
M
Monique
Sacramento / Sacramento Valley •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
The rabbit was prepared perfectly and I highly recommend it. The surface is always excellent, and the cocktails are delicious.
More info
OswaldPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Santa Cruz
•
4.4
L
linda
San Francisco Bay Area •8 reviews
4.0
Dined on Apr 22, 2025
Nothing was memorable but the service and location. The desserts were good the meals average.
More info
The View Restaurant & BarPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Santa Cruz
•
4.4
S
sascha
San Francisco Bay Area •6 reviews
4.0
Dined on Apr 22, 2025
The scallops were amazing. So was their fresh bread. The halibut needed a little more seasoning but the butter beans that came with it was delicious. Great service.
More info
Jack O'Neill Restaurant & LoungePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Santa Cruz
•
4.6
J
Juliana
San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Apr 22, 2025
Great food, our server was great and no wait to get our table
More info
Cafe Cruz Rosticceria & BarPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Soquel
•
4.7

Explore OpenTable

Neighborhood
Special occasions

Capitola

Brisbane
Pleasant Hill
Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
Tomales
Capitola
Danville
Benicia
Yountville
Greenbrae
Daly City
Vallejo
Forestville
San Carlos
Napa
Glen Ellen
Richmond
Marin
San Jose
Antioch
Sonoma