Pino Alto Restaurant

This is a unique restaurant in a beautiful building, vintage 1911. We had a lovely view of the lawn and trees, and the atmosphere was quiet and pleasant. My husband and I both liked the light lemony dressing on the large side salad, and it's unusual for us to agree on dressing tartness. He rated his linguine with chicken as fine, but not very interesting. My baked squash was amazing: wonderfully spiced, soft, and rich-tasting, and I'd love to have the recipe. The four small slices seemed more like an appetizer than a main dish, but with the salad I was fine. Prices are reasonable. Where else can you get a cup of tea for $2?

Geat food served by humble students trying their best - with great service (which is not so common in Santa Cruz County).
The restaurant is located in the old Sesnon House, a former senator from ~100 years ago, who built a small estate you may enjoy.
Suggested to reserve in advance, to also note the days and times open, unlike typical restaurants.
Easily accessible with plenty of parking out front.

So good!!! Truly a hidden gem ? staff was so kind and food was delicious. So worth the 1hr drive for me!

Outstanding food prepared beautifully. Great value, beautiful atmosphere.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 3

Excellent takeout Thanksgiving meals prepared by students at Cabrillo.

The actual dining experience or maybe just the night I went which was a Spanish night was clunky, very slow and good was underwhelming.

I want to support the program so I will stick to takeout Thanksgiving.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 2

Service: 2

The summer of '24 Five Saturday Cuisine Inspired Buffets from the culinary students of Cabrillo College. So delicious! ?

Vegetarian options: There are always several vegetarian options on the buffet.

Parking: Easy, free parking in the Pino Alto lot or on Soquel Dr out front of the restaurant.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This is a great restaurant because it is a teaching restaurant. The students are learning not only to prepare food, but to serve food woth others. Beautiful environment.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Wonderful lunch for about 28 people. the food was delicious and healthy. the service was impressive

This is a learning reastraunt for Cabrillo College Culinary Program. This is likely the best value in the area. Looking forward to many more visits!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Homemade Bread

My assistant chef and I had a delicious lunch by the fire in this beautiful venue. Support Cabrillo College and make your lunch reservation soon. Class will be over in a fee weeks.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This restaurant is staffed by students in the Cabrillo College culinary program. Only open during the week, but that setting is phenomenal. Nice low-key dining experience, and they have a wine list. Wonderful midweek date night.

Wonderful experience taking advantage of students learning the restaurant business. Delicious food, beautifully presented in a lovely setting. Thank you for keeping us warm with the heat lamps on a chilly Aptos evening.

Wanted a quick takeout burger for dinner. My order was ready on time, was still hot when I got it home, and for the price was by far the best burger in Aptos.

As soon as we can, we visit it.

The food is always good and for reasonable prices. The chef and students care about service and the food lending a level of sincerity not found elsewhere.