Bittersweet Bistro

Name: Bittersweet Bistro
Address: 787 Rio Del Mar Blvd, Aptos, CA, United States, 95003-4727
Telephone: (831) 662-9799
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.6

4.6 (49)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

787 Rio Del Mar Blvd, Aptos, CA 95003-4727

About this restaurant

Romantic
Great for outdoor dining
Good for special occasions

Recognized by locals as one of the top restaurants in Aptos and Santa Cruz County, we offer an American Bistro Cuisine with Mediterranean influences. Using high quality fresh ingredients with a special emphasis on local products and local farmers markets. Offering options from burgers to filet mignon, fresh sustainable fish, sauces made from scratch and an amazing house-made dessert selection. Notably our chocolate mousse or the dessert fantasy for your group. Our award-winning wine list compliments Chef/Owner Thomas Vinolus’ menus.

The ambiance is perfect for an intimate dinner or casual gathering with family & friends. Enjoy a local beer on tap in the lounge while watching one of your favorite sports or relax by the Koi pond with a handcrafted cocktail & bar bites. Enjoy the fireplace on our heated patio. We welcome you to dine with us and enjoy the warm knowledgeable friendly service accompanied by delicious food.

-Vinolus Family & Bittersweet

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Contemporary American, Seafood, Farm-to-table
Hours of operation
Lunch Wed–Sun 11:30 am–2:00 pm Dinner Wed–Sun 2:00 pm–8:30 pm Happy Hour Wed–Fri, Sun 3:00 pm–6:00 pm
Phone number
(831) 662-9799
Website
https://bittersweetbistro.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Thomas Vinolus
Private party facilities
Bittersweet Bistro offers a variety of meeting and function rooms for your upcoming event. The exquisitely refurbished property provides private patio and banquet facilities for gatherings. Your event is entered through our year-round blooming garden patio into your choice of room sites. Indoor and outdoor fireplaces, candle light, elegant landscaping with fountain and koi pond make a memorable setting for special events, family celebrations, corporate and holiday functions, anniversaries, birthdays, meetings and more. Your menu is personally designed by acclaimed Executive Chef and owner, Thomas Vinolus. Delicious food is a tradition for Chef Thomas, his work has been featured in many publications for his outstanding menus and contributions to the community. Our specialty is taking your personal requests and ideas to design menus and service based on your vision of the perfect event.

Location
787 Rio Del Mar Blvd, Aptos, CA 95003-4727
Neighborhood
Aptos
Cross street
Clubhouse Dr.
Parking details
Free customer parking in our private lot.
Public transit
Rio Del Mar Blvd. & Clubhouse Dr.Stop ID: 1712
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Ahi "Tostadas"$23.50
togarashi crusted ahi, avocado-apple mousse & pickled vegetables
Asparagus Fries$21.00
Asparagus Fries crunchy organic asparagus and lemon with yuzu sesame mayo
Shrimp Dynamite$25.00
crispy tempura shrimp tossed with a sweet-asian glaze & drizzled with sesame aioli; macadamia nuts, coconut & sesame seed
Dungeness Crab Cakes$24.50
panko crusted dungeness crab cakes & honey dijon crème fraiche
Chicken Lettuce Cups$19.00
lettuce cup with grilled curry marinated chicken, pickled veggies, topped with almonds & a curry-mango sauce.
Crispy Panko Crusted Calamari$23.50
spicy rémoulade
Wood Fired Crayfish & Artichoke Dip$19.00
creamy combination of artichokes, crayfish, fresh herbs & carameized onion, topped with swiss cheese & baked in our wood fired oven; served with crostini
Stuffed Mushrooms$16.50
filled with polenta, crème fraîche, parmesan cheese & fresh herbs
Black Bean & Sausage Soup ~
a delicious combination of black bean, andouille & linguiça sausages, bacon, carrot, onion, celery, sweet pepper, tomato & garlic; simmered in housemade chili chicken stock
- Bowl$13.00
- Quart$22.00

Starters & Shares

(Starter menu)

Steamers$25.00
fresh clams simmered in white wine, garlic, calabrian chili, lemon & herb broth
Chicken Scallion Taquitos$18.00
organic free range chicken, scallion, caramelized onion, potato & garlic; tomatillo-avocado salsa & sriracha sour cream
Bistro Fries$12.50
classic french fries; ancho chili mayo
Sweet Potato Fries$13.50
mango-chili aioli & ranch dressing
Garlic Bread$14.50
francese bread, topped with our own roasted garlic spread & parmesan cheese

ENTREE SPECIALS

Fish, Filets, Steaks & More... some entrees are available as a "Small Plate". Please inquire.

Classic Bittersweet Paella$50.00
saffron infused paella rice with assorted fresh fish, prawns, calamari, clams, chicken, spanish chorizo sausage, sweet pepper, tomato, green beans & garlic
Pan Seared Scallops$49.00
tartufata (black truffle) beurre blanc; au gratin potatoes & sautéed garlic spinach
Plum Sambal Glazed King Salmon$48.00
chili-garlic beurre blanc; mélange of jasmine, basmati & wild rice; stir-fried julienne vegetables
Basil Parmesan Crusted Sea Bass$48.00
roasted red pepper beurre blanc; au gratin potatoes & sautéed garlic spinach
Sesame Encrusted Ahi Tuna$48.00
oriental soy mustard sauce; mélange of jasmine, basmati & wild rice; stir-fried julienne vegetables
Blackened Rock Cod$31.00
tangerine-ginger beurre blanc; sautéed garlic spinach & au gratin potatoes
Halibut en Papillote$49.00
baked in parchment paper over a bed of spinach, tomato, zucchini, yellow squash, kalamata olives, roasted bell pepper, exotic mushrooms, artichoke, fresh herbs, mélange of rice, garlic, shallots & EV olive oil
Filet Mignon$63.00
cabernet demi-glace; au gratin potatoes & seasonal vegetables
Ribeye Steak$55.00
cabernet demi-glace; au gratin potatoes, asparagus & crispy onions
Twenty Four Hour Short Ribs$48.00
we cook our short ribs slow and low for 24 hours until fork tender in a cabernet pan gravy; garlic mashed potatoes & sautéed garlic spinach
Bistro Steak$40.00
cabernet demi glace; au gratin potatoes & seasonal vegetables
Chicken Piccata$33.00
pan seared organic free-range chicken breast; white wine, demi-glace, lemon & caper sauce; au gratin potatoes & seasonal vegetables
Chicken Parmesan$33.00
topped with marinara & mozzarella; au gratin potatoes & seasonal vegetables
Mom's Meatloaf$29.00
pan gravy; garlic mashed potatoes & seasonal vegetables

WOOD FIRED PIZZETTAS

Meat Lovers Pizzetta$29.50
italian sausage, pepperoni, ham, bacon, calabrese salami, san marzano tomato sauce & mozzarella
Schiacciata Pizzetta$29.00
san marzano tomato sauce, schiacciata salami, fennel spice, old fashion mozzarella cheese cheese, roasted garlic, oil cured olives & basil
Bacon Chicken Ranch Pizzetta$25.50
organic free range chicken, bacon, roasted garlic, caramelized onion, sun-dried tomato, ranch dressing & smoked mozzarella
The Italian Pizzetta$25.50
housemade italian sausage, roasted sweet pepper, bermuda onion, san marzano tomato sauce & mozzarella
Chef's Pizzetta$29.00
san marzano tomato sauce, schiacciata salami, pineapple, jalapeño, bermuda onion & mozzarella cheese
Pepperoni Pizzetta$24.50
pepperoni, san marzano tomato sauce & mozzarella
Hawaiian Pizzetta$24.50
hickory smoked ham, pineapple, san marzano tomato sauce & mozzarella
Margherita Pizzetta$23.50
san marzano tomato sauce, extra virgin olive oil, basil & old fashioned mozzarella
Vegetarian Pizzetta$26.50
artichoke, sun-dried tomato, roasted garlic, mushroom, san marzano tomato sauce & mozzarella topped with arugula
Fungi Pizzetta$25.50
exotic mushroom, caramelized onion, roasted garlic, goat cheese, topped with arugula & white truffle oil
Vegan Pizzetta$26.50
sun dried tomato, roasted garlic, sweet pepper, artichoke, bermuda onion, vegan mozzarella cheese, san marzano tomato sauce & topped with arugula

SALADS

Fire Roasted Pear Salad$21.00
bosc pear, hazelnut, mesclun greens, orange, blue cheese; balsamic glaze & hazelnut vinaigrette
Garden Vegetable$15.00
organic mesclun greens, garden vegetables, caramelized walnut, gorgonzola cheese & balsamic vinaigrette
Ranch Salad$17.00
romaine, bacon, avocado, tomato, boursin cheese crostini; classic ranch dressing
Goat Cheese Salad$18.00
warm panko crusted goat cheese, romaine, arugula, orange, apple, candied walnut & pomegranate vinaigrette
Beet$17.00
roasted beet, feta cheese, pickled bermuda onion, organic mesclun greens, candied walnut & honey dijon vinaigrette
Caesar*$16.50
our rendition of a classic & shave parmesan reggiano add: marinated white anchovies 3.5
Just Greens$9.00
organic mesclun greens & choice of dressing; balsamic vinaigrette, ranch or blue cheese
Asian Ahi Tuna Salad$34.00
blackeded seared ahi tuna, mesclun greens, red bell pepper, carrot, orange, almond, jicama, crispy noodle, mango-sake vinaigrette & soy mustard dipping sauce

SANDWICHES & BURGERS

(Served with bistro fries. Substitute sweet potato fries, caesar or bistro side salad add 4.00. Add to any sandwich bacon, mushroom, avocado, caramelized onion, pepper jack, cheddar, swiss, american or blue cheese for 4.00 each. Gluten free bun 2.00.)

Belly Buster Burger$29.00
1/3 pound angus beef patty, topped with pepper jack cheese, bacon, avocado, tomato, lettuce, pickle, crispy onion rings & special sauce
Steak Sandwich$35.00
caramelized bermuda onion, garlic-parmesan toasted francese bread
Bittersweet Burger$19.50
1/3 pound black angus beef patty
Crunchy Chicken Sandwich$23.00
organic free range chicken breast, crunchy sesame, almond, corn crust & ancho chili mayo on a ciabatta roll
Impossible Burger$21.50
tomato, pickle & vegan smoked paprika, aioli served with bistro fries

PASTAS

(Gluten-free pasta available - add 2.50. Please allow extra time, we cook our gluten free pasta to order.)

Linguini & Clams$32.00
fresh clams, garlic, shallot, lemon, white wine, fresh herbs & roasted garlic butter
Pesto & Chicken$35.00
Pesto & Chicken ~ fettuccini tossed with basil- arugula walnut pesto, organic chicken breast, roasted garlic, sundried tomato, yellow squash zucchini, caramelized onion, shallot & touch of creme
Seafood Puttanesca$42.00
fettuccini, prawns, clams, calamari, assorted fish, tomatoes, garlic, shallot, calabrian chili, anchovy, capers, herbs & red wine (a spicy dish)
Beef Stroganoff$49.00
sautéed filet tips with exotic mushrooms, caramelized onion, garlic, spinach, white wine, brandy, fresh herb & sour cream served over fettuccini pasta
Cheese Raviolis & Bolognese$31.00
Nonna's bolognese sauce
Meatballs & Pasta$31.00
linguini pasta, housemade meatballs & Nonna's bolognese sauce

SIDES

Au Gratin Potatoes$13.00
Sautéed Mushrooms$15.00
Sautéed Garlic Spinach$13.00
Garlic Mashed Potatoes$13.00
Seasonal Vegetables$13.00
Melange of Rice$10.00

What 49 people are saying

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

Overall ratings and reviews

4.6

4.6 based on all time ratings

4.6Food
4.6Service
4.5Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

49 Reviews

JB
JanetB
California Central Coast26 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 12, 2020
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
During the novel corona virus pandemic, we could only order take out for our 33rd anniversary. We ordered all starters: the asparagus speared with dipping sauce, a roasted pear salad, and a shrimp in aioli. The asparagus spears are cornmeal and sesame crusted with just a hint of sweetness, always one of our favorites. The salad, besides a roasted pear, had hazelnuts and blue cheese, good. The shrimp dish was much too sweet for my tastes, but the shrimp was succulent. They threw in a custard and a chocolate pudding that were both delicious and much appreciated!
Is this helpful?
RS
RalphS VIP
San Francisco Bay Area72 reviews
4.0
Dined on March 7, 2020
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
I can see returning in warmer weather to enjoy the large, pet friendly patio or possibly a sports event in the equally large bar area but as other posts pointed out the dining room experience was mixed. Food and wait service was excellent but bus staff was overly anxious to clear plates overall creating a rushed vibe. Ambiance was unsettled. We were seated in extremely close proximity to another party of 2 in an otherwise empty large dining room making us feel like Intruders on their evening and vice versa. The price for all menu items felt higher than the norm and there was a 4% surcharge on top of that for labor and operations. There are just better options for an evening out in Santa Cruz.
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SO
SeaOtterMama VIP
San Francisco Bay Area5 reviews
4.0
Dined on February 23, 2020
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Great food, great ambience, comfortable. Only issue was feeling rushed by waitstaff — dinner arrived before we were done with the shared appetizer.
Is this helpful?
G
Gengar64
San Francisco Bay Area7 reviews
3.0
Dined on February 16, 2020
1. Overall 3
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 2
We love the food at Bittersweet. Our server was also very nice and did the best she could, but was challenged by the kitchen and hostess stand. The young lady seating us was not welcoming or polite and seemed to view us as an inconvenience, anxious to get back to prancing around the restaurant and having people notice her. The restaurant was extremely loud, which I know it is the new trend to simulate excitement and energy, but some noise-canceling panels would help a lot at Bittersweet. I recommend the deserts and beef stroganoff. In short, great food but the price point doesn't seem to line up with the experience.
1 person found this helpful
BH
BrendaH
San Francisco Bay Area23 reviews
5.0
Dined on January 11, 2020
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This was my first time at Bittersweet. The Food, Service and Drinks were outstanding. Can't wait to go back. They even serve CBD Water...woo hoo
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f
fab1 VIP
San Francisco Bay Area28 reviews
5.0
Dined on January 9, 2020
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The calamari was tender and flavorful with an old style tartar sauce that was terrific. The seafood puttanesca was the best I ever had. Service, atmosphere, excellent!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco Bay Area2 reviews
5.0
Dined on December 13, 2019
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great service with a smile, and they put out little decorations since they knew it was our anniversary.
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DG
DonG
San Francisco Bay Area1 review
5.0
Dined on November 10, 2019
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Food was great; service was great; a bit pricey for Santa Cruz; noisy.
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SG
StevieG
San Francisco Bay Area16 reviews
4.0
Dined on November 7, 2019
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Nice dinner at Bittersweet. Service was great. Food good. Ahi was ok, not the best cut.
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p
pamica VIP
California Central Coast10 reviews
5.0
Dined on November 3, 2019
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent service, delicious food. We’ll be back soon—
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FAQs

Bittersweet Bistro offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (831) 662-9799.

Bittersweet Bistro is rated 4.6 stars by 49 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable booking network. To check availability, please contact them directly.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

787 Rio Del Mar Blvd, Aptos, CA 95003-4727

Additional information

Cross street
Clubhouse Dr.
Neighborhood
Aptos
Hours of operation
Lunch Wed–Sun 11:30 am–2:00 pm Dinner Wed–Sun 2:00 pm–8:30 pm Happy Hour Wed–Fri, Sun 3:00 pm–6:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Contemporary American, Seafood, Farm-to-table
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Free customer parking in our private lot.
Public transit
Rio Del Mar Blvd. & Clubhouse Dr.Stop ID: 1712
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Thomas Vinolus
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://bittersweetbistro.com/
Phone number
(831) 662-9799
Private party facilities
Bittersweet Bistro offers a variety of meeting and function rooms for your upcoming event. The exquisitely refurbished property provides private patio and banquet facilities for gatherings. Your event is entered through our year-round blooming garden patio into your choice of room sites. Indoor and outdoor fireplaces, candle light, elegant landscaping with fountain and koi pond make a memorable setting for special events, family celebrations, corporate and holiday functions, anniversaries, birthdays, meetings and more. Your menu is personally designed by acclaimed Executive Chef and owner, Thomas Vinolus. Delicious food is a tradition for Chef Thomas, his work has been featured in many publications for his outstanding menus and contributions to the community. Our specialty is taking your personal requests and ideas to design menus and service based on your vision of the perfect event.

Bittersweet Bistro

About this restaurant

Not available on OpenTable

There’s more to explore

Additional information

STARTERS & SHARES

Ahi "Tostadas"$23.50

Asparagus Fries$21.00

Shrimp Dynamite$25.00

Dungeness Crab Cakes$24.50

Chicken Lettuce Cups$19.00

Crispy Panko Crusted Calamari$23.50

Wood Fired Crayfish & Artichoke Dip$19.00

Stuffed Mushrooms$16.50

Black Bean & Sausage Soup ~

Starters & Shares

Steamers$25.00

Chicken Scallion Taquitos$18.00

Bistro Fries$12.50

Sweet Potato Fries$13.50

Garlic Bread$14.50

ENTREE SPECIALS

Classic Bittersweet Paella$50.00

Pan Seared Scallops$49.00

Plum Sambal Glazed King Salmon$48.00

Basil Parmesan Crusted Sea Bass$48.00

Sesame Encrusted Ahi Tuna$48.00

Blackened Rock Cod$31.00

Halibut en Papillote$49.00

Filet Mignon$63.00

Ribeye Steak$55.00

Twenty Four Hour Short Ribs$48.00

Bistro Steak$40.00

Chicken Piccata$33.00

Chicken Parmesan$33.00

Mom's Meatloaf$29.00

WOOD FIRED PIZZETTAS

Meat Lovers Pizzetta$29.50

Schiacciata Pizzetta$29.00

Bacon Chicken Ranch Pizzetta$25.50

The Italian Pizzetta$25.50

Chef's Pizzetta$29.00

Pepperoni Pizzetta$24.50

Hawaiian Pizzetta$24.50

Margherita Pizzetta$23.50

Vegetarian Pizzetta$26.50

Fungi Pizzetta$25.50

Vegan Pizzetta$26.50

SALADS

Fire Roasted Pear Salad$21.00

Garden Vegetable$15.00

Ranch Salad$17.00

Goat Cheese Salad$18.00

Beet$17.00

Caesar*$16.50

Just Greens$9.00

Asian Ahi Tuna Salad$34.00

SANDWICHES & BURGERS

Belly Buster Burger$29.00

Steak Sandwich$35.00

Bittersweet Burger$19.50

Crunchy Chicken Sandwich$23.00

Impossible Burger$21.50

PASTAS

Linguini & Clams$32.00

Pesto & Chicken$35.00

Seafood Puttanesca$42.00

Beef Stroganoff$49.00

Cheese Raviolis & Bolognese$31.00

Meatballs & Pasta$31.00

SIDES

Au Gratin Potatoes$13.00

Sautéed Mushrooms$15.00

Sautéed Garlic Spinach$13.00

Garlic Mashed Potatoes$13.00

Seasonal Vegetables$13.00

Melange of Rice$10.00

Overall ratings and reviews

FAQs

Does Bittersweet Bistro offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?