Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos

OpenTable

Updated January 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes 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!

Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge

4.7

4.7 (1977)

$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

MauraVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Perfect location for beach lovers. Excellent food. Good service.

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4.7

4.7 (475)

$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

Kelly

Dined on Dec 25, 2024

Our party of 6 had an amazing Christmas Eve Dinner there, everything was spectacular and we will return someday soon !

Cafe Cruz Rosticceria & Bar

4.7

4.7 (2051)

$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

Larry

Dined 4 days ago

We had lunch outside yesterday. The food, service and ambience were wonderful as usual. We've dined here many times over many years, and have never been disappointed, seriously! We both selected from their Lunch Specials menu (which changes frequently). I had to try the Huevos Rancheros. Theirs is close to, if not the best rendition of the dish that I have had. Thin, crispy tortillas (whole, not chips), layered with black beans, lightly spiced and smokey ranchero sauce, topped with two perfectly cooked fried eggs, sour cream, 1/2 of a sliced avocado. Just delicious! My wife had the Grilled shrimp salad with super-soft gorgonzola cheese with balsamic drizzle and sliced poached bartlett pears. Salad had arugula, shaved brussels sprouts, and dries cranberries. Also, simply delicious! We live locally and it's wonderful that we have Cafe Cruz in our back pocket to dine at whenever we like.

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4.7

4.7 (57)

$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

DavidVIP

Dined on Dec 15, 2024

My friend had the seafood pasta she had the gluten-free pasta which added two dollars to the service. I had the special which was a beef tenderloin tortellini style pasta with a creamy sauce, which was very good. My friend had the seafood pasta, she really enjoyed it. She thought it was an excellent value, and the flavor was very good. I like the overall feel of the restaurant. I like the fact you’re not freezing inside of it which it can be a problem with many restaurants in Santa Cruz. This restaurant was very warm and comfortable and we will definitely be back with friends.

Oswald

4.6

4.6 (1616)

$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

Peter

Dined 2 days ago

Always above average food and excellent service. Always our go to for a date night.

Alderwood Santa Cruz

4.6

4.6 (655)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Santa Cruz

About the restaurant

Alderwood, under the culinary leadership of Executive Chef Mikey Adams, is dedicated to providing a dining experience that strikes a delicate balance between the comfort and warmth of home and the vibrancy of the downtown dining scene. Our mission is to offer our guests an exceptional and memorable meal that is deeply rooted in our commitment to fostering a genuine connection between our open kitchen and the local community. We welcome you to join us for an unforgettable culinary journey that celebrates the essence of togetherness and exceptional cuisine.

Top review

LeifVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Excellent food and service-MUCH improved over the last time we tried this restaurant about 6 months ago!

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Popular dish

Steak Tartare

Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen | Westside

4.5

4.5 (628)

$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

MaureenVIP

Dined on Dec 24, 2024

The food was great, ate on their Smashburger night. Also had Shrimp & Grits…amazing! Our server Helen was so welcoming and friendly!

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Experience

Celebrate your birthday with us!

Experience

Daily Happy Hour

Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen | Beachside

4.5

4.5 (342)

$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

Sepi

Dined 1 day ago

Drinks were amazing, food was delicious and service was great from Noelle. We’ll definitely be back!

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Popular dish

Brussels Sprouts

Experience

Celebrate your birthday with Venus!

Experience

Daily Happy Hour

Paradise Beach Grille

4.5

4.5 (42)

$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

Rich

Dined on Dec 28, 2024

We enjoyed dinner on the outside patio. They had heaters set up to keep it warm. We enjoyed the seafood pasta and red snapper special. The key lime pie for dessert was excellent! Our server was very friendly and gave good recommendations.

The View, a Treeside Restaurant

4.1

4.1 (1190)

$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

Jackie

Dined on Dec 25, 2024

This was a special occasion for Christmas Day and so glad we could book such a beautiful and delicious buffet dinner event.

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