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

OpenTable

Updated 05 December 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 analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Sugo Italian Pasta Bar

4.9

4.9 (273)

$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

Sue

Dined on 25 Dec 2024

The food and service were outstanding, and we really enjoyed the ambiance on the cozy back patio.

la Posta

4.8

4.8 (2343)

$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

LoriVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Gavin was amazing! Such a wonderful knowledgeable server! The entire wait staff and host were attentive friendly and fun!!

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Popular dish

Agnello

Suda

4.8

4.8 (383)

$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

GlennKVIP

Dined 6 days ago

The whole experience was great. From reception and seating to service, beverages and food. Our waitress Jade was on point the whole night. Very friendly, super knowledgeable on both the cocktail and food menus, explaining flavors and techniques. Food and beverages were all well presented and flavorful. Highlights were the brick chicken, pork belly, roasted carrots and Brussels sprouts, as well as the Korean inspired cauliflower. We’ll definitely be back!

Laili

4.7

4.7 (2868)

$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

Melody

Dined 6 days ago

The eggplant is always superb. Our waitperson was attentive and not intrusive. The courtyard is a favorite but as it was raining, we had the opportunity to admire the decor inside and appreciate the acoustics. Can count on Laili for consistently high-quality food and service!

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Cafe Cruz Rosticceria & Bar

4.7

4.7 (2047)

$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

Kalena

Dined on 24 Dec 2024

food is consistently good. I did not prefer the Brussels sprouts being shaved which tasted more like a slaw. The seats were incredibly uncomfortable and the kitchen noise was way too loud.

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Chocolate the Restaurant

4.6

4.6 (86)

$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

Christine

Dined on 24 Dec 2024

Pasta Rosettes, pasta w bolognese sauce, pork mole, all desserts were delicious. Chicken parm was a little dry and chicken soup was ok. Service was slow and one of our orders came late but all of our servers were nice, attentive and kept water for the table coming.

Pete's Fish House

4.5

4.5 (36)

$31 to $50

Seafood

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

Susan

Dined 6 days ago

We visited after Christmas on a sunny day. The restaurant was bright and cheerful. Great views of the ocean. We dined on fish and chips (delicious, fresh and unique). Also had the crab sandwich which was tasty. We thought a nice meal. Pleasant. More upscale than other ocean front restaurants. We would return.

Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen | Beachside

4.4

4.4 (340)

$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

MikeVIP

Dined 3 days ago

We loved our meal at Venus. Noel was an exceptional server. She knew the menu and offered great suggestions. We will be back.

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Popular dish

Brussels Sprouts

Experience

Celebrate your birthday with Venus!

Experience

Daily Happy Hour

Paradise Beach Grille

4.4

4.4 (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 5 days ago

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 (1189)

$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

Mai

Dined on 25 Dec 2024

The buffet experience was great! Each station offered something unique, with everything from sizzling hot entrees, a pasta and omelet station, to beautifully presented seafood appetizers, salads and desserts that were appealing and delicious. The ham, prime rib, turkey and salmon in particular were tasty, moist and tender. The quality and taste of the food exceeded expectations. Staff was attentive and friendly, though it took a little while to be greeted by our server. I left feeling satisfied and look forward to future buffets!

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