Top restaurants list
10 Best Restaurants in Capitola
- 10 restaurants
- Capitola, California
- Updated July 28, 2026
The ten best restaurants in Capitola are Shadowbrook Restaurant, Trestles Restaurant, Paradise Beach Grille, Zelda's on the Beach, Gayle's Bakery & Rosticceria, East End Gastropub, Caruso's Tuscan Cuisine, Margaritaville, Geisha Japanese Restaurant, and Suda. Many of these waterfront restaurants face the Capitola Wharf and colorful Venetian Hotel while other tables occupy rustic cedar cottages and lively commercial blocks. Patrons regularly order Dungeness crab cakes and wood-grilled artichokes and artisanal pastries alongside regional Pinot Noir and craft cocktails. The cost of dining at popular restaurants in Capitola, California is $40 per person on average.
Shadowbrook Restaurant leads the list for premium steaks and seafood served in a unique hillside setting reached by a private cable car. Trestles Restaurant provides a well-regarded option for seasonal New American plates located just steps from the beach. Gayle's Bakery & Rosticceria represents a standout favorite for fresh-baked sourdough and rotisserie meats in a high-volume setting.
The best restaurants in Capitola are listed below.
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1
Chicken Salads Sandwiches American Burgers Dessert Alcohol Fish & SeafoodMargaritaville is a lively restaurant in Capitola, CA cooking Mexican seafood plates and mixing cold margaritas. The bright and festive room overlooks the beach and the Capitola Wharf.- Item Prices
- 106
- Average Item Price
- $12.58
Margaritaville Menu PricesMore about Margaritaville
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Restaurant
Type of Food:
Mexican, Seafood
Signature Dishes:
Baja Fish Tacos
Blackened Shrimp Tacos
Skirt Steak Plate
Location:
231 Esplanade, Capitola, CA 95010, United States
Special Feature:
A lively outdoor patio offering prime sunset views over the water
What Makes It Special:
Mashing fresh avocados and grilling marinated meats for traditional Mexican plates
What Sets It Apart:
Delivering a highly festive and colorful Mexican meal right on the waterfront
Operating Hours:
Monday – Friday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PMSaturday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Price:
$20 to $30 per person
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2
Suda is a contemporary restaurant in Capitola, CA famous for its fresh seafood and American pub menu.- Item Prices
- 126
- Average Item Price
- $13.36
Suda Menu PricesMore about Suda
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Restaurant
Type of Food:
New American, Seafood
Signature Dishes:
Suda Burger
Curly Kale Caesar
Ahi Poke Bowl
Location:
3910 Portola Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, United States
Special Feature:
A beautiful outdoor patio area designed for warm-weather gatherings
What Makes It Special:
Fusing coastal California flavors with fresh seafood and local produce
What Sets It Apart:
Providing a highly social and neighborhood-focused meal just outside the main village traffic
Operating Hours:
Tuesday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PMFriday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PMMonday: Closed
Price:
$20 to $30 per person
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3
3. Shadowbrook Restaurant
Shadowbrook Restaurant is an elegant and multi-level room in Capitola, CA cooking premium steaks and fresh seafood. The lush and garden-filled space sits on a steep hillside overlooking Soquel Creek.More about Shadowbrook Restaurant
Type of Restaurant:
Fine Restaurant
Type of Food:
American, Seafood
Signature Dishes:
Beef Carpaccio
Shrimp Scampi
'Pacific Rim' Salmon
Location:
1750 Wharf Rd, Capitola, CA 95010, United States
Special Feature:
A private red cable car transporting guests down a steep hillside to the main building
What Makes It Special:
Roasting premium meats and baking fresh desserts in a lush garden environment
What Sets It Apart:
Delivering an incredibly romantic and visually stunning meal with decades of local heritage
Operating Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Price:
$40 to $100 per person
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4
4. Trestles Restaurant
Trestles Restaurant is a bright and airy restaurant in Capitola, CA cooking seasonal New American dishes. The modern and wood-accented room provides a calm retreat just steps from the beach.More about Trestles Restaurant
Type of Restaurant:
Upscale Casual
Type of Food:
New American
Signature Dishes:
Crispy Pork Belly
Tuna Tacos
Fried Green Tomato Burger
Location:
316 Capitola Ave, Capitola, CA 95010, United States
Special Feature:
A beautiful outdoor patio located directly next to the vintage railroad trestle
What Makes It Special:
Sourcing ingredients from local Santa Cruz County farms to build a constantly changing menu
What Sets It Apart:
Providing a highly polished and chef-driven meal right in the center of the village
Operating Hours:
Wednesday – Friday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PMSaturday – Sunday: 4:30 PM – 9:00 PMMonday – Tuesday: Closed
Price:
$40 to $90 per person
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5
5. Paradise Beach Grille
Paradise Beach Grille is a bustling waterfront restaurant in Capitola, CA cooking fresh oceanic catches and American classics. The relaxed and window-lined space offers prime views of the Capitola Venetian Court.More about Paradise Beach Grille
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Restaurant
Type of Food:
Seafood, American
Signature Dishes:
Sugar and Spice Salmon
Paradise Classic Burger
New England Clam Chowder
Location:
215 Esplanade, Capitola, CA 95010, United States
Special Feature:
A beautiful outdoor patio sitting directly over the waters of Soquel Creek
What Makes It Special:
Grilling fresh oceanic catches and mixing tropical drinks
What Sets It Apart:
Offering prime waterfront views of the ocean and the colorful village architecture
Operating Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PMFriday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PMSunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Price:
$20 to $70 per person
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6
6. Zelda's on the Beach
Zelda's on the Beach is a lively and high-energy restaurant in Capitola, CA frying fresh fish and pouring cold drinks. The casual and nautical-themed room sits directly on the sand of Capitola Beach.More about Zelda's on the Beach
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Restaurant
Type of Food:
American, Seafood
Signature Dishes:
Huevos Rancheros
Mahi Mahi Sandwich
Scrambled Eggs With Cheese & Potatoes
Location:
203 Esplanade, Capitola, CA 95010, United States
Special Feature:
A massive outdoor deck situated directly on the sand
What Makes It Special:
Frying fresh fish and pouring cold drinks right on the shoreline
What Sets It Apart:
Providing the most famous and high-volume beachfront meal in the village
Operating Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Price:
$20 to $30 per person
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7
7. Gayle's Bakery & Rosticceria
Gayle's Bakery & Rosticceria is a massive and fast-paced bakery in Capitola, CA baking fresh bread and roasting whole chickens. The bright and bustling room feeds thousands of locals and tourists daily.More about Gayle's Bakery & Rosticceria
Type of Restaurant:
Bakery, Deli
Type of Food:
Bakery, American
Signature Dishes:
Lasagne Bolognese
BBQ Pork Ribs
Deli Sandwiches
Location:
504 Bay Ave, Capitola, CA 95010, United States
Special Feature:
A massive glass display case filled with dozens of fresh pastries and roasted meats
What Makes It Special:
Baking fresh bread and roasting whole chickens from scratch every morning
What Sets It Apart:
Delivering a highly efficient and beloved community bakery experience with massive daily volume
Operating Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 6:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
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8
8. East End Gastropub
East End Gastropub is a modern and industrial-style pub in Capitola, CA baking wood-fired pizzas and pouring craft beers. The energetic and wood-accented room provides a fun environment for evening gatherings.More about East End Gastropub
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Restaurant
Type of Food:
Gastropub, Pizza
Signature Dishes:
Bianca Pizza
Burger
Chicken Parm
Location:
1501 41st Ave Ste I, Capitola, CA 95010, United States
Special Feature:
A lively bar area pouring rotating local craft beers
What Makes It Special:
Tossing fresh pizza dough and roasting meats in a high-heat wood oven
What Sets It Apart:
Merging high-quality pub fare with a fun and fast-paced environment
Operating Hours:
Monday – Tuesday, Thursday – Saturday: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PMWednesday: ClosedSunday: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Price:
$20 to $30 per person
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9
9. Caruso's Tuscan Cuisine
Caruso's Tuscan Cuisine is a warm brick-accented restaurant in Capitola, CA cooking traditional Italian pasta dishes. The intimate and art-filled room welcomes families seeking hearty European comfort food.More about Caruso's Tuscan Cuisine
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Restaurant
Type of Food:
Italian
Signature Dishes:
Gnocchi Italia
Lasagna Di Carne
Spaghetti Carbonara
Location:
115 San Jose Ave, Capitola, CA 95010, United States
Special Feature:
A traditional wood-burning oven visible from the main room
What Makes It Special:
Simmering rich marinara sauces and hand-tossing pizza dough using old-world family recipes
What Sets It Apart:
Bringing genuine Tuscan flavors to a small coastal village
Operating Hours:
Tuesday – Saturday: 5:00 PM – 8:30 PMSunday – Monday: Closed
Price:
$20 to $30 per person
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10
10. Geisha Japanese Restaurant
Geisha Japanese Restaurant is a sleek and modern restaurant in Capitola, CA slicing fresh sushi and wok-frying Asian plates.More about Geisha Japanese Restaurant
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Restaurant
Type of Food:
Japanese, Sushi
Signature Dishes:
Spicy Tuna Roll
Smoked Albacore
Sashimi Platter
Location:
200 Monterey Ave 2nd Floor, Capitola, CA 95010, United States
Special Feature:
A dedicated sushi bar where guests watch chefs slice fresh fish
What Makes It Special:
Sourcing premium oceanic catches and executing precise Japanese slicing methods
What Sets It Apart:
Offering a highly reliable and fresh sushi option near the beach
Operating Hours:
Monday – Wednesday, Friday – Sunday: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PMThursday: Closed
Price:
$20 to $30 per person
On the map
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes Restaurants in Capitola Famous?
Restaurants in Capitola are famous for providing a European-style village atmosphere featuring colorful Venetian houses and a unique hillside cable car at Shadowbrook. Diners flock to the Esplanade to consume fresh Monterey Bay calamari and seasonal Dungeness crab while sitting directly above the sand. Local institutions like Gayle's Bakery define the community's daily routine with massive selections of fresh-baked sourdough and rotisserie meats. Tables overlooking the Soquel Creek bridge offer a peaceful alternative to the high-energy beachfront patios near the Capitola Wharf. Chefs utilize wood-burning ovens to roast local artichokes and sear Pacific salmon, capturing the relaxed coastal energy of the oldest seaside resort in California.
What Types of Restaurants are Commonly Found in Capitola?
The types of restaurants commonly found in Capitola are oceanfront seafood grills, casual beachside cantinas, and bustling community bakeries. The following guide features different types of Capitola restaurants.
- Oceanfront Seafood Grills: Elegant rooms serving fresh Pacific catches and local wines with views of the Capitola Wharf.
- Casual Beachside Cantinas: Lively spots mixing cold margaritas and serving sizzling fajita platters right on the sand.
- Bustling Community Bakeries: Fast-paced counters baking fresh bread and roasting whole chickens daily.
- Italian Trattorias: Warm and brick-accented rooms tossing thin-crust pies and simmering rich pasta sauces.
Does Capitola Have an Authentic Restaurant?
Yes, many restaurants in Capitola stay true to traditional cooking methods that bring authentic flavors to the table. Caruso's Tuscan Cuisine prepares classic Italian dishes with slow-cooked meat sauces and freshly made pizza dough inspired by time-honored recipes. Gayle's Bakery & Rosticceria follows established baking traditions by making fresh dough and roasting meats each morning. Margaritaville serves Mexican favorites prepared with marinated grilled fajitas and freshly made guacamole based on family recipes.
Do Restaurants in Capitola Offer Easy Online Reservations?
Yes, reserving a table online is easy at many restaurants in Capitola, with OpenTable and Yelp supporting bookings for numerous dining spots. Popular restaurants such as Shadowbrook Restaurant, Trestles Restaurant, and Paradise Beach Grille often fill dinner reservations well before busy summer weekends, making early booking a smart choice. Meanwhile, casual eateries and bakeries like Gayle's Bakery & Rosticceria welcome walk-in guests and seat customers on a first-come, first-served basis.
What are the Signature Dishes of the Best Restaurants in Capitola?
The signature dishes of the best restaurants in Capitola include slow-roasted prime rib, Dungeness crab cakes, and rotisserie chicken. Popular restaurant food in Capitola includes the following local favorites.
- Slow-Roasted Prime Rib: A thick and premium cut of beef slow-cooked for hours and served with hot au jus at Shadowbrook Restaurant.
- Rotisserie Chicken: Whole chickens marinated in savory herbs and roasted slowly on a turning spit at Gayle's Bakery.
- Macadamia Crusted Halibut: Fresh white fish coated in crushed nuts and pan-seared until golden brown.
- Baja Fish Tacos: Crispy and beer-battered fish served on warm corn tortillas with shredded cabbage and spicy cream sauce.
- Clam Chowder: A rich and creamy New England-style soup loaded with fresh clams and potatoes.
Do Capitola Locals Enjoy Restaurant Food?
Yes, coastal cuisine plays an important role in everyday life in Capitola, reflecting the town's laid-back beach culture and seaside setting. During summer, beachgoers gather at seafood restaurants and outdoor patios along the Esplanade to enjoy fresh calamari and locally crafted beer after spending time by the water.
What is the Average Meal Price at Restaurants in Capitola?
A meal at a popular restaurant in Capitola costs $40 per person. Casual Mexican cantinas and local pubs serve menu items priced from $15 to $25, while seafood platters and multi-course Italian dinners range from $30 to $50. Bakeries and sandwich shops offer affordable choices starting at $10 to $15. Restaurants featuring premium steaks and local wine pairings charge $50 to $100 per person.
Are There Vegan Options at Restaurants in Capitola?
Yes, Capitola restaurants provide vegan selections at dining establishments such as East End Gastropub, Suda, and Geisha Japanese Restaurant. East End Gastropub creates vegetable-based pizzas and fresh salads for plant-based diners. Suda offers meat-free dishes prepared with fresh produce and vegetable-based broths, while Geisha Japanese Restaurant serves vegetable sushi rolls, tofu dishes, and flexible menu options with fresh herbs.
Do Restaurants in Capitola Offer Gluten-Free Options?
Yes, Capitola restaurants provide gluten-free choices at places such as Trestles Restaurant, Paradise Beach Grille, and Zelda's on the Beach. Trestles Restaurant prepares gluten-free dishes featuring fresh salads and grilled meats. Paradise Beach Grille adjusts seafood offerings to support wheat-free preferences, while Zelda's on the Beach serves naturally gluten-free seafood and roasted vegetables for diners with dietary restrictions.
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