34 Best Seafood Restaurants near Capitola

Pete's Capitola Seafood • $$$
231 Esplanade #102, Capitola

Customers` Favorites

Shrimp Cocktail
Caesar Salad

“We went to dinner at Pete’s for the first time last night and it was incredible! I loved the way all of the dishes are presented, very thoughtful and pretty. Mike, our server, was very attentive and we also enjoyed chatting with the owner, Sarah.

The ahi appetizer was superb, focaccia freshly baked and delicious, our mains and desserts were yummy as well!

It’s perfect for a date night! The lychee martinis were outstanding the best I’ve had since I was in Hawaii!“

4.5 Superb51 Reviews
Zelda's on the Beach Seafood • $$
203 Esplanade, Capitola

Customers` Favorites

Clam Chowder Sourdough Bread Bowl
Chowder Bowl & House Salad
Classic Eggs Benedict
Mahi Mahi Sandwich
Side Wonton Crisps
Live Maine Lobster
Breakfast Burrito
Calamari & Fries
Huevos Rancheros
Virgin Lava Flow

“Love their outdoor seating for a glass of wine and a sunset“

3.8 Good270 Reviews
Margaritaville Mexican • $$
231 Esplanade, Capitola

Customers` Favorites

Steak and Enchilada Plate
Three Kinds of Tacos
Skirt Steak Tacos
Baja Style Tacos
Chips and Salsa
Baja Fish Tacos
Chips & Salsa
Mussel Saute
Shrimp Tacos
Quesabirria

“Great service, food and atmosphere“

4.4 Superb127 Reviews
Paradise Beach Grille Fine Dining • $$
215 Esplanade, Capitola

Customers` Favorites

Chilled Blue Point Oysters
Potato Encrusted Halibut
New England Clam Chowder
Clam Chowder Bread Bowl
Hawaiian Baby Back Ribs
Sugar and Spice Salmon
Crispy Fried Calamari
Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos
Coco Prawns Entrée
French Onion Soup

“Food is really good and waiter was friendly“

4.2 Good135 Reviews
Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge Seafood • $$
175 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz - 4.02 miles

Customers` Favorites

Morning Harvest Vegetable Bisque
Huevos Rancheros Tostada
Crispy Chicken Sandwich
14 Oz Ribeye Steak GF
Pacific Catch Tacos
Hangar Steak Frites
Pacific Gracie Catch
Dungeness Crab Cakes
O'Neill's Poke Bowl
Crab Cake Benedict

“Great service, great food“

4.2 Good550 Reviews
Café Cruz Seafood • $$
2621 41st Ave, Soquel - 0.94 miles

Customers` Favorites

Grilled Harris Ranch Skirt Steak Salad
Fettuccine & Harris Ranch Skirt Steak
Skirt Steak Fettuccine Alfredo
Black and Blue Ahi Tuna Club
Monterey Bay Crispy Calamari
Blackened Chicken Sandwich
Calamari Steak Sandwich
Shaved Brussels Sprouts
Cajun Fried Artichokes
Garlic Herb Rotisserie

“Cheerful greeting when we came in. We were given a choice of tables, we picked our favorite. Bread arrived right away waiter came to get our drink order. He was very cheerful and helpful. We already knew what we wanted for dinner so he took our order. Drinks came, tasty. Our dinner came up fairly quickly. Beautiful presentation. Everything was delicious! Fillet was perfect and melted in my mouth, my husband had the skirt steak pasta and enjoyed it too. Our waiter was friendly and attentive. The whole experience felt like coming to your favorite local restaurant, comfortable, friendly, great food... We had a great time.“

4.4 Superb457 Reviews
Dos Pescados Seafood • $$
21 Seascape Village, Aptos - 4.37 miles

Customers` Favorites

Choros with Caramel and Chocolate Dipping Sauce
Dolce Leche and Chocolate Swirl Ice Cream
Soft Serve Chocolate Ice Cream
Chips and Salsa
Chicken Flautas
Arugula Salad
Tuna Tostada
Fish Tacos
Guacamole
Ceviche

“My husband and I decided to check out the restaurant for lunch and it exceeded our expectations. We order the empanadas as a starter and they were absolutely delicious. The tocos we ordered were so yummy. They had such flavor, texture had depth. The wait staff were wonderful; professional, responsive, and always attending to our needs. We can't wait to return.“

4.5 Superb26 Reviews
Aldo's Harbor Restaurant Seafood • $$
790 Mariner Park Way, Santa Cruz - 2.86 miles

Customers` Favorites

Fugasia Cod Sandwich
Calamari and Chips
Calimari and Chips
Prawn Quesadilla
Fish and Chips
Crab Benedict
Fish N Chips
Eggs Benedict
Clam Chowder
Fish Tacos

“Calamari and chips. Only thing we order . 30 + years“

4.3 Superb88 Reviews
Riva Fish House Seafood • $$
31 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz - 3.81 miles

Customers` Favorites

Riva's Famous Fried Calamari
Raw Oysters on the Half Shell
Calamari and Fish and Chips
Crab and Shrimp Sandwich
Lupe's Might Fish Tacos
Calamari Appetizer
Fisherman's Plate
Clam Chowder Bowl
Dozen Raw Oysters
Steamed Mussels

“great service and awesome views. happy hour was great, margaritas. the fish and chips were delicious 😋“

4.2 Good261 Reviews
Hook & Line Seafood
105 Walnut Ave, Santa Cruz - 4.18 miles

Customers` Favorites

Mussels and Fries
Kampachi Sashimi
mt Lassen Trout
Pumpkin Risotto
Chocolate Tart
Cocktail Hour
Fish and Chips
Deviled Eggs
Calimari
Scallops

“Fun semi-industrial vibe. A little pricey for amount of food per dish. Food was excellent but for example, 3 large scallops over cabbage with a nice cauliflower sauce ran about $60. Drinks are well executed however served in small glasses and/or with a lot of ice. Quality is great but quantity of all items purchased left a bit to be desired. Would recommend. We’d go back more often if quantity matched the price a bit closer.“

4.2 Good79 Reviews
FireFish Grill Seafood • $$
25 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz - 3.82 miles

Customers` Favorites

Riva's Famous Fried Calamari
Oysters on the Half Shell
Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Firefish Seafood Platter
The New Fish and Chips
Clam Chowder Bread Bowl
Seafood Rockefeller
Calamari and Fries
Clam Chowder Bowl
Fisherman's Pasta

“We enjoyed the dinner specials recently. Arrived here right before New Years, 12-30. I hade the daily catch and my wife had the steak pasta. Delicious. My fish was petrale sole, mixed vegetables, rice pilaf. Wife’s steak pasta was flavorful and creamy. We sat at the bar so service wasn’t the best but still attentive. Will return tomorrow. HAPPY NEW YEAR“

4.1 Good200 Reviews
Fish-N-Fry Seafood • $$
400 Beach St, Santa Cruz - 3.5 miles

“First time in Santa Cruz and at the boardwalk. Wanted to try something a little different so I got the infamous garlic fries which were hella garlicky in a good way, and the shrimp. You get 6 good sized shrimp with lemon wedges. Hit the spot! Freshly made so everything was nice and hot. Not a long wait time.“

3.7 Good6 Reviews
Seaside Fish & Chowder (formerly Fisherman's Galley) Seafood • $
400 Beach St, Santa Cruz - 3.76 miles

Customers` Favorites

Fish and Chips

“Absolutely the best crab sandwich I’ve ever had!

Seaside Fish and Chowder at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a hidden gem that every seafood lover needs to visit. I stopped by on a whim and ended up having one of the most memorable meals of my trip.

Their crab sandwich is out of this world—sweet, fresh crab meat served on perfectly grilled sourdough from Sumano’s Bakery, crisped in butter until golden. The flavors were perfectly balanced, rich, and comforting without being heavy. You can taste the freshness.

The staff was friendly, the service was quick even with a crowd, and the location can’t be beat—right near the beach, with that classic Boardwalk vibe.

Highly recommend grabbing a crab sandwich (and maybe a bowl of chowder too!) and enjoying it while watching the waves. This place is a must-stop when you're in Santa Cruz!“

3.9 Good33 Reviews
Johnny's Harborside Seafood • $$
493 Lake Ave, Santa Cruz - 2.74 miles

Customers` Favorites

Sand Dab Sandwich
Shrimp and Grits
Fish and Chips
Fried Calamari
Fish & Chips
Caesar Salad
Fresh Catch
Clam Chowder
Very Fresh
Fresh Fish

“So happy to have Johnnys open for lunch and Taco Tuesday ❣️“

4 Good145 Reviews
Fire Fish Seafood • $$
59 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz - 3.78 miles

Customers` Favorites

Our Award-Winning New England Clam Chowder
Classic Fish and Chips
Calamari and Fries
Smoked Salmon
Fish Tacos
Rolls

“The food was outstanding, we had the one of the daily specials and our server was very friendly.“

3.9 Good64 Reviews
Woodies Café Seafood • $
25 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz - 3.82 miles

Customers` Favorites

Clam Chowder Bread Bowl of Soup
Woodies Classic Burger
Calamari \u0026 Fries
Seafood Combo & Fries
Crab Cake Sandwich
Fish \u0026 Chips
Calamari & Fries
Seafood Pasta
Fried Calamari
French Fries

“Great clam chowder, decent prices, amazing view.“

3.8 Good125 Reviews
Lillian's Italian Kitchen Italian • $$
1148 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz - 3.17 miles

Customers` Favorites

Black Truffle Stuffed Gnocchi in Pesto Cream with Filet Mignon
Black Truffle Gnocchi with Gorgonzola Sauce
Fettuccine with Braised Beef Ragu
Fettuccine with Braised Beet Ragu
Wild Mushroom and Kale Ravioli
Ravioli in Tomato Cream Sauce
Prawns Scampi with Spaghetti
Garlic Bread with Mozzarella
The Specialty Pasta Diavolo
Spaghetti Alla Carbonara

“Our family returned to Santa Cruz for a visit and we found Lilian's kitchen! We enjoyed a delicious meal(we are 6) our kids enjoyed their meals and we enjoyed a lovely glass of wine and a perfect atmosphere. The staff was kind and attentive, prompt service and there details on our food that are often overlooked on other tourist town restaurants...not Lillian's! A must was the tiramisu with coffee after dinner....I am in love❤️❤️“

4.5 Superb171 Reviews
The Water Street Grill American • $$
503 Water St, Santa Cruz - 3.71 miles

Customers` Favorites

Garlic Butter Shrimp Linguine Pasta
Filet Mignon and Lobster Tails
Filet Mignon with Lobster Tail
New York Steak with Prawns
Bourbon Street Chicken
Blackened Fish Tacos
Crispy Calamari
Grilled Chicken
Fried Asparagus
Cowboy Burger

“The staff is amazing! The food is amazingly fresh and flavorful. Hands down this Restaurant was a huge highlight of our vacation. Thank you for an awesome dinner, and making us feel right at home!“

4.4 Superb213 Reviews
Pono Hawaiian Grill Downtown Santa Cruz Bar & Grill • $
120 Union St, Santa Cruz - 4.15 miles

Customers` Favorites

Hawaiian Kalua Pork Plate
Braddah Timmy Ahi Bowl
BT's Loco Moco Burrito
Hawaiian Fish & Chips
Coconut Shrimp Plate
Kalua Pork Fries
Teriyaki Chicken
Poke Combo Plate
Kalua Pork Musubi
Chicken Lau Lau

“We were there for a music event late Jan 2025. HH drink specials were tasty but was disappointed on how cold it was inside the restaurant. Both doors, front & back, were wide open during the entire evening show (48 degrees outside). Even the band mentioned how cold it was before beginning their set. All the customers wore jackets. Also, the harsh lighting was way too bright throughout the restaurant. I wanted my sunglasses on. Please read the room & tone down the lighting & warm the place up, then we’ll be back. Mahalo“

4.4 Superb121 Reviews
Four Streams Kitchen Chinese • $
7960 Soquel Dr k, Aptos - 2.64 miles

Customers` Favorites

Szechuan Beef Broccoli Fried Rice
Sesame Chicken Broccoli
Szechuan Boiled Fish
Appetizer Sampler
Pork Fried Rice
Wor Wonton Soup
Orange Chicken
Bowl of Rice
Fish Boiled

“We just love Four Streams Kitchen, so much so that we pre-ordered take-out for 16 people for a birthday party in our home. The food arrived hot, on time and delicious. It was a major hit. In the restaurant, the staff is friendly and funny (Paul); the ambiance is fine, and the food is very good. Go there!“

4.4 Superb76 Reviews
Los Pericos Market Mexican • $
21400 E Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz - 2.26 miles

Customers` Favorites

Breakfast Burrito with Bacon & Potatoes
Tacos De Buche
Cali Burrito
Carne Asada
Carnitas

“This is a really good halal restaurant here in Santa Cruz. There isn't much of a halal restaurant here in Santa Cruz, and this has been a go-to for me recently. The owner is extremely nice and generous with the portions. Unlimited Chips, and there are a lot of exotic snacks.“

4.3 Superb86 Reviews
Pino Alto Restaurant Fine Dining • $$
Sesnon House at Cabrillo College, 6500 Soquel Dr, Aptos - 1.65 miles

Customers` Favorites

Homemade Bread

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

4.9 Superb16 Reviews
23

Gilda's

Gilda's Seafood • $$
37 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz - 3.8 miles

Customers` Favorites

12 95 Prime Rib Dinner on Wednesday
New England Clam Chowder
Ham and Cheese Omelette
Baked Potato
Dinner Salad
Hash Browns
Meat Sauce
Calamari
Snapper
Seafood

“We came here to eat breakfast and had the seafood omelette. The portions are massive and you can split one meal for 2. The food is good but not the best I’ve ever had. The atmosphere is pretty nostalgic and the workers are super friendly. I don’t think I’ve had better service anywhere else.“

3.5 Good157 Reviews
Dynasty Restaurant Chinese • $
3601 Portola Dr, Santa Cruz - 1.18 miles

Customers` Favorites

Broccoli Beef Lemon Chicken and Combo Fried Rice
Salt & Pepper Chicken Wings 12
Kung Pao Tofu and Vegetables
Eggplant with Garlic Sauce
Combination Fried Rice
Sweet and Sour Chicken
Chicken Chow Mein
Mongolian Beef
Orange Chicken
Egg Rolls 4

“They are the best Chinese restaurant in town. Very friendly staff and amazing cook. We had some rockfish freshly caught and they did an amazing job preparing them to 3 different delicious meals including tofu fish soup, spicy fish filet in chili oil, and steamed fish. The price is very seasonable. The cook even came out to us to communicate the flavor preferences which made us feel welcomed and valued. Overall 10 star experience we recommend any fishermen to take their catch here and be surprised how good they can taste!“

4.2 Good78 Reviews
Taqueria Los Pericos Mexican • $
36 Rancho Del Mar, Aptos - 2.54 miles

Customers` Favorites

Two Chile Rellenos Plate with Rice Beans Guacamole Sour Cream Lettuce Tomatoes \u0026 Tortillas
Breakfast Ham Burrito
Perico Super Burrito
Pericos Super
Fish Taco

“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ We stopped by Taqueria Los Pericos in Aptos for lunch on Sunday, and it was fantastic! I had a burrito, and my partner got the fresh tostada, and both were absolutely delicious. You could tell the ingredients were super fresh.
The service was great, too—everyone was very helpful and friendly. On top of the delicious food, the prices were just right. We left full, happy, and already planning our next visit. Highly recommend this spot!“

4.2 Good63 Reviews
Poke House Poke • $
1543 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz - 4.07 miles

Customers` Favorites

Crispy Shoyu Chicken Bowl
Build Your Own Poke Bowl
Sriracha Aalte Porzu
Zucchini Noodles
House Salmon Bowl
Spicy Tuna Bowl
Tuna Lover Bowl
Crab Salad
Avocado

“幾個年輕有為的年輕人用理想來經營的用餐環境,大大推薦“

4.2 Good62 Reviews
Taquería Jalapeños & Pupusería Salvadoran • $
107 Leonard St, Santa Cruz - 3.72 miles

Customers` Favorites

Pupusas with Pork and a Side of Beans and Rice
Chile Relleno Plate with Carnitas Taco
Revueltas Pupusa - Mixed
Pupusas Rice and Beans
Breakfast Burrito
Super Wet Burrito
Super Quesadilla
Fried Plantains
Veggie Burrito
Vegan Burrito

“First time checking this place out and I have to say I was really impressed with the pupusas! The chicharron con queso pupusas were delicious! I also really enjoyed the empanadas de platano. Definitely will be coming back soon :)“

4 Good86 Reviews
Pono Hawaiian Kitchen & Tap Hawaiian • $
3744 Capitola Rd, Santa Cruz - 0.99 miles

Customers` Favorites

Mama Kathy's Teriyaki Chicken De Kine Poke Bowl Mahi Mahi Katsu
Traditional Shoyu Ahi Bowl
Hawaiian Kalua Pork Plate
Kalua Pork Loaded Fries
BT's Loco Moco Burrito
Chicken Teriyaki Taco
Island Quesadilla
Kalua Pork Musubi
Da Kine Poke Bowl
Kal-Bi Short Ribs

“Thank You Haley you have Outstanding Customer Service!! Thank You Pono the food was delicious and thank you for having your cooks wash their hands throughly!“

4 Good99 Reviews
Taqueria Santa Cruz Mexican • $
2215 Mission St, Santa Cruz - 5.19 miles

Customers` Favorites

Breakfast Burrito
Tacos Al Pastor
Grilled Chicken
Chile Relleno
Super Burrito
Shrimp Burrito
Crispy Tacos
Carne Asada
Veggie Taco
Guacamole

“Great local spot for authentic Mexican food. The flavors are great and they offer a lot of different meat options that are all cooked, and seasoned nicely.

The place was populated with locals which made us feel like we chose the right spot.

Initially we were nervous about ordering, but the lady running the counter was so incredibly nice, offered suggestions, and walked us through the whole process with patience and a friendly demeanor.“

4 Good104 Reviews
Poki Bowl Aptos Asian Fusion • $
98 Rancho Del Mar, Aptos - 2.56 miles

Customers` Favorites

Regular Bowl
Large Bowl
Poki Salad
Poke Bowl
Avocado
Edamame

“Wonderful food $. Affordable Fresh Fish. Wishing success in Aptos, try Poki Bowl Aptos!“

3.8 Good27 Reviews
Crow's Nest Restaurant American • $$
2218 E Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz - 2.92 miles

Customers` Favorites

Brioche French Toast with Strawberries and Vanilla Syrup
Clam Chowder or Soup of the Day
Alder Smoked Prime Rib of Beef
Our Award-Winning Calamari
Pear and Gorgonzola Salad
Crow's Nest Caesar Salad
Eggs Benedict Crab Cakes
Crow's Nest Cheesecake
Calamari Appetizer
Crabcake Benedict

“Great food, great staff, great service!“

4 Good400 Reviews
Olitas Cantina & Grille Bar & Grill • $$
49 Municipal Wharf B, Santa Cruz - 3.77 miles

Customers` Favorites

Blue Corn Tamales with Shrimp and Scallops
2 Combo Taco and Enchilada
Crispy Fried Calamari
Blackened Fish Tacos
Chips and Salsa
Crab and Shrimp
Rice and Beans
Lobster Tacos
Tacos Olitas
Super Burrito

“UPDATE..OCT 10TH. SERVICE SUCKED. THE LONG BLONDE HAIR WAS TAKING SHOTS WITH GUEST INSTEAD OF DOING HER JOB. TWICE I SEEN HER LOOK AT OUR TABLE AND IGNORE THE EMPTY DRINKS OR THE FACT THAT I WAS TRYING TO GET HER ATTENTION. TERRIBLE SERVICE. WILL NOT GO BACK.“

3.9 Good134 Reviews
Real Thai Kitchen Thai • $
1632 Seabright Ave, Santa Cruz - 3.14 miles

Customers` Favorites

Old Fashioned Pad Thai with Pork
Green Vegetable Curry with Tofu
Peanut Sauce with Chicken
Pineapple Fried Rice
Seafood Combination
House Special Salad
Silver Nooddle Soup
Fresh Spring Rolls
Spicy Basil Duck
Basil Fried Rice

“This is the first time eating at this restaurant is craving noodles my sons been here before I was very happy with I got the noodles the little appetizers everything was perfect Fast at Service clean restaurant I will definitely come back you’re gonna try some different“

3.8 Good78 Reviews
Sanderlings Restaurant American • $$
1 Seascape Resort Dr, Aptos - 4.53 miles

Customers` Favorites

Fish and Chips and Slaw with Fruit Substituting the Chips
Chocolate Mousse
Chicken Sandwich
Clam Chowder
Crab Cakes
Beet Salad
Burger
Poke

“Loved this evening. Thanks ❤️“

3.5 Good264 Reviews

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