Large place with tables both inside and outside. Good for large groups but also several more intimate spaces. Reasonable size bar area. The menu has some a great assortment of starters and salads, lots of fresh fish alternatives, and even a number of pizza possibilities. Two of us shared the paella and still almost couldn't finish it (the rice was quite favorable). Attentive service. Plenty of parking.
Sherri DeCamara
Thank you Elizabeth for providing a wonderful place and outstanding staff to make our Holiday party everything we had hoped for!
LNHOOT
We had a really great dinner at the bar. It was quiet when we went in around 5, but got mush busier by the time we left. We had a burger and Bolognese pasta, and an incredible chocolate mousse for dessert. Best part of the dinner was our server Jamie. She was responsive, very kind, and has really good energy about her. It was a lovely and relaxing meal.
Terry G.
I have no words after reading owner's response. Her retort was with more concern that other restaurants will be going to this model of charging %6.5 service charge and not the nature of her money grubbing fee. Again the food was OK, just not used of service fee on top of high prices. Again, warning service fee was not spotted on menu until we went back and looked after receiving the bill.
annrG334DV
The last time I went to bittersweet was just at the beginning of the pandemic. And I recall it being very well. However I just went last night and I was extremely disappointing. First, one of the hostess had an extremely sour face and wasn’t very kind. It was obvious she didn’t want to be there. All the other stuff were great. Second, one of the dishes that I typically have gotten over there as one of their salads. This time the salad came and it was drenched in dressing. It was extremely an edible. It was like wilted soggy lettuce. Whoever prepped the salad really didn’t pay attention. Lastly. They’re sweet potato fries and two side sauces have always been excellent. They were terrible last night. The sweet potato fries were cold and soggy, and both sauces tasted like they had sour and were full of vinegar. Perhaps it was an off night however I will be hesitant to go back
flatfootfoodie
The service is always top notch and the food is always excellent. Sweet potato fries, belly buster, Brie…haven’t had anything I didn’t like.
soifdawg
Very good food. Best and most Italian like pizza in the county. Good service. Nice bar. A bit on the pricey side, but big much difference than other establishments
SraCA
We were in the area for only one night and someone recommend Bittersweet Bistro to us. We weren't disappointed. All four of us had different meals and all four of us loved what we had. We were especially happy with the fact that most entrees were offered in large and small portions. It's a large restaurant with a large indoor eating area and a lovely outdoor covered area with heaters. The service was great as were our meals. Give it a try....you won't be disappointed!
Adam G.
I would NOT request this restaurant to anyone of Hispanic ethnicity. I'm half Mexican American and half Native American. Born and raised in Santa Cruz County and I've never been treated with such disrespect at a restaurant before. I went to this restaurant for a relaxing dinner with my wife, and our waitress didn't even want to serve us. I actually heard her whisper to another waitress that she didn't want to serve us. We were brought glasses of water, and no menus at first. Then brought menus and asked if we were ready to order only minutes later. We asked for more time to look at our menus and the response we got was rolled eyes and disrespectful noises. At that point, we just got up and left. This place is horrible!! I've actually ate here before and never been treated this way. Food is overpriced and not even that good.
TomN4475
Came here with a large group for a work event and was blown away by the food and service. The weather was fantastic for our outdoor patio seating (although maybe a little cool for some), and the staff was super-friendly and efficient. All of the food we had was incredible. I particularly liked the Calamari and Tempura string beans with our appetizers, and the soy skirt steak I had was a fantastic main course. Will definitely return if I'm in the area again to try out more of the menu.
Last night we went to the Bittersweet for a special birthday dinner, our bill was way over 500.00, we asked our waiter if they could bring out a small desert with a candle so we could sing happy birthday, so he brings a tablespoon of whipped cream and a long skinny candle, that does,t stay lit.. A couple of us ordered salads, that were lettuce only, with dressing on the side, really, this is 5 star, the waiter was the worst. never came over to see if we needed more water, drinks, etc. When the bill came there was a 6% fee added on for keeping the restaurant up, which was a extra 38.00 added on.Looks like we won,t be back.
deidrev2013
We had dinner on the outdoor patio and the food was very good - the food would be a 5/5. However, the service left a LOT to be desired - I’d say about a 1/5. So I’m giving them an overall 3/5. My husband ordered the baked brie appetizer and chicken piccata. The waiter asked my husband whether he wanted the large or small portion. I asked a number of questions about the salmon vs. the sea bass. The server seemed to be in a rush to go to the next table. Once I told him which type of fish, he left our table before I had even finished my order, as I also wanted a salad. He did not ask which potion size of fish I wanted. I had to call him over, after he completed the order from an adjacent table, to tell him I also wanted a salad. My salad arrived and I thought it was rather weird that it was served before we received our brie appetizer. I asked one of the servers to please check on our brie appetizer; she said she would check with our waiter. The waiter came out and said he didn’t know we wanted a brie appetizer. Eventually we were served the brie. When our dinners came out, my husband’s was the large portion, but mine was the small portion. I told the server that I had wanted the large portion, so back it went! When I mentioned something about the service errors, our waiter gave the excuse that he had a lot of tables to serve! Once we were done with our dinner, he brought us our bill. He then returned a few minutes later, grabbed the original bill and gave us a new bill, saying the first one was incorrect! We dine out a lot and he was one of the most incompetent waiters we have ever had. For $165, we expect better service. He made numerous errors: didn’t place an order for the appetizer, didn’t ask me what size portion I wanted, rushed off before I could order my salad, and gave us the wrong bill. Again, the food was very good. We would probably have dinner here again - especially if we were sure we could have a different, competent waiter.
Rafael Morataya
I never had a Calamari salad and was delicious, the Hawaiian & the Italian pizzas was yummy as well; plus they allow dogs on the patio and offer menu for them, my dog ate all.
Dave & Nancy Kopp
Great food & service.
Kathy S.
My most favorite place to eat. Excellent food and service. Lots of choices on the menu. Everything is always fresh.
Large place with tables both inside and outside. Good for large groups but also several more intimate spaces. Reasonable size bar area. The menu has some a great assortment of starters and salads, lots of fresh fish alternatives, and even a number of pizza possibilities. Two of us shared the paella and still almost couldn't finish it (the rice was quite favorable). Attentive service. Plenty of parking.
Thank you Elizabeth for providing a wonderful place and outstanding staff to make our Holiday party everything we had hoped for!
We had a really great dinner at the bar. It was quiet when we went in around 5, but got mush busier by the time we left. We had a burger and Bolognese pasta, and an incredible chocolate mousse for dessert. Best part of the dinner was our server Jamie. She was responsive, very kind, and has really good energy about her. It was a lovely and relaxing meal.
I have no words after reading owner's response. Her retort was with more concern that other restaurants will be going to this model of charging %6.5 service charge and not the nature of her money grubbing fee. Again the food was OK, just not used of service fee on top of high prices. Again, warning service fee was not spotted on menu until we went back and looked after receiving the bill.
The last time I went to bittersweet was just at the beginning of the pandemic. And I recall it being very well. However I just went last night and I was extremely disappointing. First, one of the hostess had an extremely sour face and wasn’t very kind. It was obvious she didn’t want to be there. All the other stuff were great. Second, one of the dishes that I typically have gotten over there as one of their salads. This time the salad came and it was drenched in dressing. It was extremely an edible. It was like wilted soggy lettuce. Whoever prepped the salad really didn’t pay attention. Lastly. They’re sweet potato fries and two side sauces have always been excellent. They were terrible last night. The sweet potato fries were cold and soggy, and both sauces tasted like they had sour and were full of vinegar. Perhaps it was an off night however I will be hesitant to go back
The service is always top notch and the food is always excellent. Sweet potato fries, belly buster, Brie…haven’t had anything I didn’t like.
Very good food. Best and most Italian like pizza in the county. Good service. Nice bar. A bit on the pricey side, but big much difference than other establishments
We were in the area for only one night and someone recommend Bittersweet Bistro to us. We weren't disappointed. All four of us had different meals and all four of us loved what we had. We were especially happy with the fact that most entrees were offered in large and small portions. It's a large restaurant with a large indoor eating area and a lovely outdoor covered area with heaters. The service was great as were our meals. Give it a try....you won't be disappointed!
I would NOT request this restaurant to anyone of Hispanic ethnicity. I'm half Mexican American and half Native American. Born and raised in Santa Cruz County and I've never been treated with such disrespect at a restaurant before. I went to this restaurant for a relaxing dinner with my wife, and our waitress didn't even want to serve us. I actually heard her whisper to another waitress that she didn't want to serve us. We were brought glasses of water, and no menus at first. Then brought menus and asked if we were ready to order only minutes later. We asked for more time to look at our menus and the response we got was rolled eyes and disrespectful noises. At that point, we just got up and left. This place is horrible!! I've actually ate here before and never been treated this way. Food is overpriced and not even that good.
Came here with a large group for a work event and was blown away by the food and service. The weather was fantastic for our outdoor patio seating (although maybe a little cool for some), and the staff was super-friendly and efficient. All of the food we had was incredible. I particularly liked the Calamari and Tempura string beans with our appetizers, and the soy skirt steak I had was a fantastic main course. Will definitely return if I'm in the area again to try out more of the menu.
Restaurantji Recommends
Last night we went to the Bittersweet for a special birthday dinner, our bill was way over 500.00, we asked our waiter if they could bring out a small desert with a candle so we could sing happy birthday, so he brings a tablespoon of whipped cream and a long skinny candle, that does,t stay lit.. A couple of us ordered salads, that were lettuce only, with dressing on the side, really, this is 5 star, the waiter was the worst. never came over to see if we needed more water, drinks, etc. When the bill came there was a 6% fee added on for keeping the restaurant up, which was a extra 38.00 added on.Looks like we won,t be back.
We had dinner on the outdoor patio and the food was very good - the food would be a 5/5. However, the service left a LOT to be desired - I’d say about a 1/5. So I’m giving them an overall 3/5. My husband ordered the baked brie appetizer and chicken piccata. The waiter asked my husband whether he wanted the large or small portion. I asked a number of questions about the salmon vs. the sea bass. The server seemed to be in a rush to go to the next table. Once I told him which type of fish, he left our table before I had even finished my order, as I also wanted a salad. He did not ask which potion size of fish I wanted. I had to call him over, after he completed the order from an adjacent table, to tell him I also wanted a salad. My salad arrived and I thought it was rather weird that it was served before we received our brie appetizer. I asked one of the servers to please check on our brie appetizer; she said she would check with our waiter. The waiter came out and said he didn’t know we wanted a brie appetizer. Eventually we were served the brie. When our dinners came out, my husband’s was the large portion, but mine was the small portion. I told the server that I had wanted the large portion, so back it went! When I mentioned something about the service errors, our waiter gave the excuse that he had a lot of tables to serve! Once we were done with our dinner, he brought us our bill. He then returned a few minutes later, grabbed the original bill and gave us a new bill, saying the first one was incorrect! We dine out a lot and he was one of the most incompetent waiters we have ever had. For $165, we expect better service. He made numerous errors: didn’t place an order for the appetizer, didn’t ask me what size portion I wanted, rushed off before I could order my salad, and gave us the wrong bill. Again, the food was very good. We would probably have dinner here again - especially if we were sure we could have a different, competent waiter.
I never had a Calamari salad and was delicious, the Hawaiian & the Italian pizzas was yummy as well; plus they allow dogs on the patio and offer menu for them, my dog ate all.
Great food & service.
My most favorite place to eat. Excellent food and service. Lots of choices on the menu. Everything is always fresh.