Diners' Choice: Great for brunch restaurants in Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that are great for brunch in Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Suda

4.8

4.8 (403)

$31 to $50

American

Santa Cruz

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Mario

Dined on May 29, 2025

Unbelievable experience. The food was amazing. Great atmosphere. Definitely coming back!

Cafe Cruz Rosticceria & Bar

4.7

4.7 (2119)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Soquel

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Kate

Dined 1 day ago

Wonderful dinner! Love this restaurant! Reservations went smoothly & we even were given a complimentary glass of champagne to celebrate our Anniversary!! Wow! Only downside was it was pretty noisy & fast paced, a bit hard to relax.

Paradise Beach Grille

4.7

4.7 (70)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Capitola

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

LEE ANN

Dined on May 31, 2025

This is an excellent restaurant. Our meal was delicious and the view is great!

Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge

4.6

4.6 (2040)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Santa Cruz

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

MelindaVIP

Dined 3 days ago

The ahi appetizer was amazing! The short ribs were excellent as well.

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4.6

4.6 (570)

$30 and under

Californian

Capitola

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

MAE

Dined 6 days ago

We went 6/10 my husband’s birthday lunch. Everyone is so nice & they gave a complimentary b’day ice cream wt candle. Food is good & priced right. Only thing was so difficult to find parking even on a weekday.:(

Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen | Westside

4.6

4.6 (650)

$31 to $50

Californian

Santa Cruz

About the restaurant

Savor our handcrafted cocktails and flavorful dishes right beside the distillery where our premium spirits are crafted. Whether you prefer indoor dining, a lively bar atmosphere, or our covered heated patio, we provide a variety of seating options to enhance your experience.

HOURS:
Monday - Thursday // 5pm - 9pm
Friday // 4pm - 9pm
Saturday - Sunday // 11:30am - 9pm

Top review

tathiVIP

Dined on May 23, 2025

Food was great. Very slow service and extremely loud for a weeknight dinner.

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Experience

Celebrate your birthday with us!

Experience

Daily Happy Hour

Mozaic - Santa Cruz

4.5

4.5 (481)

$30 and under

Mediterranean

Santa Cruz

About the restaurant

We named our restaurant Mozaic because we wanted to capture the diversity of flavors and culmination of authentic Mediterranean dishes that we offer. We bring together the best of Mediterranean recipes from Greece, Lebanon, Turkey and Sicily, emphasizing Middle Eastern influence.

Our menu is hand-crafted after years of experience in the restaurant business knowing what people like. We make every dish completely authentic, utilizing 100 years old techniques that have been passed down through generations to bring you incredible flavor. COME AND TASTE THE DIFFERENCE We seek only the best, local ingredients. We use high-quality meats, like our Australian lamb tenderloin and select only sustainable seafood. Our lavash comes from an authentic Persian bakery.

Everyone wants family. Mozaic is a warm and inviting atmosphere where everyone can feel at home. Come enjoy our incredible and lush atmosphere.

Top review

Megan

Dined on May 25, 2025

A great place for four teens and four adults - something for everyone. Great food and drink and friendly service

The View Restaurant & Bar

4.2

4.2 (1272)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Santa Cruz

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Gary

Dined 4 days ago

Always a good time here. Good drinks, food, service and a beautiful view. What more do you want?

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4.0

4 (210)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Aptos

About the restaurant

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!

Top review

Hailey

Dined 2 days ago

Noah was an amazing server! We had a large party for my sisters graduation and Noah was super awesome about it!! 10/10 service!

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Experience

WINE30

Sanderlings - Seascape Resort

3.6

3.6 (1314)

$31 to $50

Californian

Aptos

About the restaurant

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

Top review

Joseph

Dined on May 31, 2025

Chef Ben and Chef Kelly are doing a wonderful job revamping the menu! The Chicken Roulade and Pork Chop sets are awesome! The Shrimp, Artichoke, and Brussel sprout appetizers were so good as well! Highly recommend the Melon Mojito and Aperol Spritz too

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