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Diners' Choice: Good for special occasions restaurants in Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos

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OpenTable
Updated 05 December 2024

Looking for the best special occasion restaurants 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!


A photo of Sugo Italian Pasta Bar restaurant
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
Lesley ann
Dined 7 days ago
Great food and service. We will definitely be back again!!
A photo of la Posta restaurant
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 6 days ago
Gavin was amazing! Such a wonderful knowledgeable server! The entire wait staff and host were attentive friendly and fun!!
Discover more
A photo of Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge restaurant
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 4 days ago
Perfect location for beach lovers. Excellent food. Good service.
A photo of Gabriella Cafe restaurant
4.7
4.7 (977)
$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
donna
Dined on 27 Dec 2024
Our dinner was OK! We were expecting something a bit different. It was not bad but it was disappointing that it was not more of a traditional Italian menu. My husband ordered the pork chop and thought it was very tasty. I got the butternut squash raviolis. They were a bit dry and could of used more flavor. The Caesar salad was just ok. Needed a bit more flavor. I know they have good reviews so we probably just ordered the wrong dishes. I would try them again some time.
A photo of Cafe Cruz Rosticceria & Bar restaurant
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
ScottVIP
Dined 1 day ago
Great across the board but certain rooms can be noisy.
A photo of Oblò restaurant
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 15 Dec 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. 
A photo of Oswald restaurant
4.6
4.6 (1615)
$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 1 day ago
Always above average food and excellent service. Always our go to for a date night.
A photo of Laili restaurant
4.6
4.6 (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 on 27 Dec 2024
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!
A photo of Alderwood Santa Cruz restaurant
4.6
4.6 (654)
$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
Milan
Dined on 27 Dec 2024
Celebrated our anniversary, and everything was exceptional! Highly recommend the chef counter if it’s available as it was great seeing the magic being made. The service was attentive and kind, and the food definitely exceeded our expectations. The lamb pasta was our favorite. Will return soon.
A photo of Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen | Beachside restaurant
4.4
4.4 (341)
$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
Erin
Dined on 28 Dec 2024
Delicious food, beautiful ambiance and fantastic service! 5 stars all around 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Explore Diners' Choice best of Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
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