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

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OpenTable
Updated November 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are great for outdoor dining 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!


A photo of la Posta restaurant
4.8
4.8 (2325)
$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
Gloria
Dined 5 days ago
Service was excellent including great assist with wine selection. The food never disappoints, but my scallops and prawns were especially tasty. Wonderful evening.
A photo of Suda restaurant
4.8
4.8 (379)
$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
Kriss
Dined 7 days ago
We sat at the bar and had a great time! We were served good food, were entertained by staff and customers, always a good time 🫶🏼
A photo of Sugo Italian Pasta Bar restaurant
4.8
4.8 (261)
$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
Ann
Dined on Oct 30, 2024
We’ve eaten here four times now and the food has been consistently excellent. The gluten free pasta selections are especially appreciated, as is the gluten free chocolate cake! The staff is friendly, knowledgeable and attentive. We highly recommend Sugo Pasta Bar.
A photo of Laili restaurant
4.7
4.7 (2853)
$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
Greg
Dined 6 days ago
Food was delicious as usual. Sat outside in the lovely side area, great ambiance. Service was attentive but not over bearing. We love Laili and believe you will also!
A photo of Cafe Cruz Rosticceria & Bar restaurant
4.7
4.7 (2025)
$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
Michelle
Dined 6 days ago
Me and my daughter have been coming to Café Cruz for about 25 years. Always an amazing experience amazing food. We love it so much. All of the waiters, waitresses are always amazing. Everybody is happy beautiful place. I highly recommend it.
A photo of Chocolate the Restaurant restaurant
4.6
4.6 (81)
$31 to $50
Californian
Santa Cruz
About the restaurant
Now celebrating 25 years, Chocolate the Restaurant provides an attractive dining environment for couples on dates, friendly meetings, and special occasion meals. Dine outside on the heated garden patio. Celebrate special occasions with up to 25 guests in the private street-side party room. Maybe start with a Chocolate Martini or a Passion Fruit Margarita. Chef David Jackman's fresh baked pasta rosettes, slow-roasted meats, and delicious seasonal organic vegetable dishes are all a prelude to our many chocolaty desserts. Our wine list focuses on local and on Italian wines. Our cocktails are all made from scratch; often using locally distilled spirits, and always using fresh house-made mixers. We are at your service for dinner every night! Afternoon walk-up cafe' service Friday thru Sunday. . We are open for dinner every holiday except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Top review
Steve
Dined 5 days ago
Great food with plenty of vegetarian options. Prompt and knowledgeable service. Friendly owner. Looking forward to going back.
A photo of Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen | Beachside restaurant
4.5
4.5 (322)
$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
Rebeccavip
Dined 4 days ago
The last time we were there, the menu wasn't that great - little fish and chips at a beach restaurant. This time - they were halibut and they were good ! The kale salad was great. But you could add back the Chile Relleno. Thanks !
A photo of The View, a Treeside Restaurant restaurant
4.4
4.4 (1156)
$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, 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
Susan
Dined 4 days ago
Fantastic view…great selection of both breakfast or lunch menu. Attentive waiters.
A photo of Paradise Beach Grille restaurant
4.3
4.3 (38)
$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
Javier
Dined on Oct 5, 2024
Celebrated my wife’s birthday. The staff took great care of us and the food was delicious. Great memories.
A photo of Sanderlings - Seascape Resort restaurant
4.1
4.1 (1287)
$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
Elizabeth
Dined on Oct 27, 2024
New farm to table menu. Everything was creative and delicious! The view is over the top! No need to go to Hawaii for an outstanding sunset. The farmers market salad was amazing. We thoroughly enjoyed the Wagyu Bavette and Lobster Hokkaido Scallop entrees. The Basque cheesecake was also a hit!
Explore Diners' Choice best of Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
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