Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos

OpenTable

Updated September 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems 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!

la Posta

4.8

4.8 (2300)

$30 and under

Italian

Santa Cruz

About the restaurant

Select from a menu that features dishes composed of locally sourced ingredients as well as house-made pastas, naturally leavened breads and pizzas from our brick oven.

Because we rely on the bounty of the Santa Cruz farming community, our menu changes frequently and features a wide array of specials. La Posta’s all-Italian wine list includes autochthonous varieties from small producers, by-the-glass and by the bottle.

La Posta adheres to the Monterey Bay Seafood Watch Program and is a certified City of Santa Cruz Green Business.

We are so thankful for the incredible support from our customers and community.

We will continue to adjust our service based upon best practices for keeping our staff and community safe.

Top review

Steven

Dined 4 days ago

Steve, the waiter, was great. The food was very fresh and tasty, with some interesting offerings. The Gnocco Fritti was outstanding.

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Experience

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Gabriella Cafe

4.8

4.8 (957)

$50 and over

Italian

Santa Cruz

About the restaurant

Zagat rated as "OUTSTANDING". Gabriella Cafe is a 50 seat, picturesque and romantic dining experience in downtown Santa Cruz.

Top review

Maxwell

Dined 6 days ago

The ambiance at Gabriella Cafe is amazing! The food is great and the service fantastic.

Suda

4.8

4.8 (374)

$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

Larry

Dined 2 days ago

We made our reservations for a party of six using OpenTable. We arrived and a "reserved" table was ready right on time. Service was attentive while being unobtrusive. All of the service and waitstaff were upbeat and knowledgeable. This was Sunday, so there were also Brunch items on the menu. Our group ordered a variety of items from burgers to fish tacos, salads and Eggs benedict. Everyone (including two young boys) was pleased with their selections. The portions are substantial enough that we had some leftovers. BTW. The Bloody Mary's were delicious! The menu isn't too extensive, just right, as we all found something we wanted. We'll be back soon!

Laili

4.7

4.7 (2829)

$30 and under

Mediterranean

Santa Cruz

About the restaurant

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 #1

Rich 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.

Top review

Lane

Dined 3 days ago

Great food and excellent service. Highly recommend

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Sugo Italian Pasta Bar

4.7

4.7 (249)

$30 and under

Italian

Santa Cruz

About the restaurant

A European concept-restaurant of traditional Italian cuisine; a modern and dynamic service, that allows customers to enjoy fresh, organic and authentic italian food through a selection of appetizer, panini, pizza and salads, and obviously our specialty: "Pasta".

Top review

Cindy

Dined 2 days ago

Love the pizza! Thin crust with just the right amount of toppings!

Cafe Cruz Rosticceria & Bar

4.6

4.6 (2009)

$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

Gailvip

Dined on Sep 8, 2024

My favorite restaurant in Santa Cruz County came through again!

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Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen | Beachside

4.6

4.6 (312)

$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.

Dinner Hours:
Wednesday - Thursday // 5pm - 9pm
Friday - Sunday // 4pm - 9pm

Lunch Hours:
Friday - Sunday // 12pm - 3pm

Top review

patriciavip

Dined on Sep 3, 2024

Happy Hour is popular and fun. Location is great, food is good, drinks are terrific!

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Experience

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Experience

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Oswald

4.5

4.5 (1596)

$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

Melindavip

Dined on Aug 23, 2024

This was a great casual place with excellent food and service!

Mozaic - Santa Cruz

4.5

4.5 (468)

$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

Kristinvip

Dined on Sep 2, 2024

Great food! Baklava is awesome with mint leaf on top. Eat outdoors by heater.

Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen | Westside

4.5

4.5 (600)

$31 to $50

Californian

Santa Cruz

About the restaurant

Enjoy handcrafted cocktails and food right next to the distillery where our spirits are produced. Indoor, bar and covered heated patio seating available.

Hours:
Monday to Thursday 5pm-9pm
Friday to Sunday 4pm-9pm

Top review

Aaronvip

Dined on Aug 25, 2024

Venus Spirits impresses with its amazing food and drinks. The menu features fresh, high-quality ingredients, while the craft cocktails offer unique and delightful combinations. The inviting ambiance makes it perfect for any occasion. Highly recommend for a great culinary experience!

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Experience

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