Oswald

Name: Oswald
Address: 121 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, United States, 95060
Telephone: (831) 423-7427
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.5

4.5 (1624)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

121 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Make a reservation

2 people

Jun 14, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 29 times today

About this restaurant

Good for business meals
Neighborhood gem
Good for special occasions

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.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Contemporary American
Hours of operation
Lunch Wed–Sat 12:00 pm–2:30 pm Dinner Tue 5:00 pm–8:15 pm Wed, Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(831) 423-7427
Website
http://oswaldrestaurant.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Damani Thomas

Location
121 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Neighborhood
Santa Cruz
Cross street
Front
Parking details
Oswald is located on the street level of a four story public parking garage with very reasonable rates.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 1,624 people are saying

Oswald reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5

4.5 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.5Service
4.4Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
Hot spot
Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
Neighborhood gem
Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
Great for fine wines
Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
Romantic
Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
Good for special occasions

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Oswald offers a delightful dining experience with "amazing dinner," "awesome service," and a "fun spot" atmosphere. Highlights include the "famous burger," "delicious lamb shank," and expertly crafted cocktails. The staff is "attentive and friendly," ensuring a memorable visit. Ideal for both special occasions and regular dining, Oswald consistently impresses.

1,624 Reviews

A
Andrea
San Francisco Bay Area10 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
I have enjoyed Oswald for the last 14 years. They have had times where the food was incredible with excellent choices at reasonable prices. But some things have changed in the last few years. Last night I felt the menu was just ok. The fried chicken was a bit dry which surprised me. And the steep increase in prices was also a surprise. Quality of food is good, not excellent, and certainly not in line with the new price points. I will keep giving them a try to see what changes in the next year. I’m hoping to see additional options on the menu with some healthier choices and higher quality food. The staff there is lovely, but service was a bit slow last night especially waiting for cocktails/drinks and then getting dinner orders in. I have faith they can redeem themselves.
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B
Bruce
San Francisco Bay Area8 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 28, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The burger is justifiably famous. The fried chicken isn't quite as spectacular, though very good. We had a lovely Valpolicella with the meal and finished off with a delightful chocolate soufflé. Oswald is a reliable Santa Cruz standby for special occasions, such as my birthday last night.
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b
brent VIP
San Francisco Bay Area15 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 25, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had an amazing dinner at Oswald’s . Awesome service and a fun spot to have a great dinner!
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K
Kiwoba VIP
San Francisco Bay Area70 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 24, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing dinner! The lamb shank was so delicious, thank you!
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J
Jo
San Francisco Bay Area8 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 11, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
We made a reservation at Oswald's for our anniversary dinner. The food and service were WONDERFUL1 Our server was attentive and friendly--I wish I had gotten her name. I had the Rabbit Three Ways and my husband had the Skirt steak. We ended the meal with the Chocolate Mousse. It's been a good long while since we ate at Oswald's, but after tonight's dinner, we will be back more often!
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M
Monique
Sacramento / Sacramento Valley2 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 27, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The rabbit was prepared perfectly and I highly recommend it. The surface is always excellent, and the cocktails are delicious.
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D
Daniel
San Francisco Bay Area1 review
5.0
Dined on April 20, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
I took my family here for an early Easter dinner while visiting our daughter who attends UCSC. Admittedly, we are food snobs from Sonoma County wine country and have high expectations. Oswald’s did not disappoint. We had three courses and every single dish (we share) was excellent. The dungeness crab appetizer is extremely fresh and I was surprised about the healthy portion. For dinner we had the strip steak (perfect MR temp) the Duck Confit, and my kids had the Seafood soup and the Cheeseburger. All were outstanding. Do not miss dessert either. My son had the Chocolate lava cake and I had the bread pudding. Thank you Oswald’s for an excellent Easter dinner! I look forward to returning.
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M
Michael
San Francisco Bay Area2 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 20, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent drinks, food and service! Good atmosphere.
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J
Jane VIP
San Francisco Bay Area5 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 18, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always excellent! We’re regular customers and love Clay and the chef! Jane
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J
Justin
New York City24 reviews
4.0
Dined on April 10, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Welcoming space. Attentive and friendly staff. Boisterous bar scene. Good wine by the glass list. The grilled calamari was quite good.
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FAQs

Oswald offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (831) 423-7427.

Oswald is rated 4.5 stars by 1624 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Jun 14, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 29 times today

121 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Additional information

Cross street
Front
Neighborhood
Santa Cruz
Hours of operation
Lunch Wed–Sat 12:00 pm–2:30 pm Dinner Tue 5:00 pm–8:15 pm Wed, Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Contemporary American
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Oswald is located on the street level of a four story public parking garage with very reasonable rates.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Damani Thomas
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://oswaldrestaurant.com/
Phone number
(831) 423-7427

Oswald

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Additional information

Menu

What 1,624 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does Oswald offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Oswald restaurant rated?

Is Oswald currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information