Diners' Choice: Hot spot restaurants in Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that are the best hot spots 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!

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!

Zelda's on the Beach

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 5 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.

Discover more

Experience

Celebrate your birthday with us!

Experience

Daily Happy Hour

Oswald

4.5

4.5 (1624)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Santa Cruz

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Andrea

Dined 3 days ago

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.

Oblò

4.4

4.4 (79)

$31 to $50

Italian

Santa Cruz

About the restaurant

Modern Italian cuisine with Californian influence, sit in our beautiful dining room or enjoy one of our amazing craft drinks in the comfort and cozy lounge bar area.
Our chef Andrea designed an innovative menu that perfect match with the list of cocktails craft from the Bar manager Keith Fox.

Top review

CynthiaVIP

Dined on Jun 7, 2025

My husband and I enjoyed our dinner, the ambiance, the setting, and the excellent service of this restaurant. I had Spaghetti Carbonara and my husband had Pappardelle with meat sauce. We both thought the dishes were very good. The Bruschetta was also very good. We will return!

Pete's Capitola

4.4

4.4 (63)

$31 to $50

Californian

Capitola

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

DavidVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Pete’s is always a great experience. My wife and I dine there frequently. Great service and great food. Never disappoints.

Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen | Beachside

4.2

4.2 (383)

$31 to $50

Californian

Aptos

About the restaurant

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 - 9pm
Friday // 4pm - 9pm
Saturday - Sunday // 12pm - 9pm

Top review

CatherineS

Dined on May 27, 2025

We’ve been wanting to try Venus Beachside for a long time. The drinks were great and the food was just okay.

Discover more

Popular dish

Caesar Salad

Experience

Celebrate your birthday with Venus!

Experience

Daily Happy Hour

Sevy's Bar + Kitchen

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 1 day 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!

Discover more

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

Explore Diners' Choice best of Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos

Explore more Diners' Choice lists