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

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

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!

Sugo Italian Pasta Bar

4.8

4.8 (307)

$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

ElizabethVIP

Dined on May 30, 2025

Seafood stew is amazing. Staff is helpful and welcoming. Our favorite Italian restaurant in town.

Laili

4.7

4.7 (2891)

$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

alan

Dined on Jun 3, 2025

dined in the outdoor courtyard for a lunch with special folks and the slow food, lovely gardens were just perfect.

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Chocolate the Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (116)

$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

EddieVIP

Dined on May 31, 2025

05/30/25 weekly dinner. Oaxacan chicken mole and for a change I got the chicken pie with gravy and salad. The pie slice was huge! So full that aI had the chocolate mousse layer cake but not my usual Victoria hot chocolate. Wife had her chocolate ectasy sundae

Cafe Cruz Rosticceria & Bar

4.7

4.7 (2118)

$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

SteveVIP

Dined 5 days ago

The tri tip served on Mondays is amazing and very generous portions with two sides for only $22!!!!! Yum

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.:(

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.

The View Restaurant & Bar

4.2

4.2 (1271)

$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 3 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 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!

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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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