Location: Soquel
Top Restaurants in Soquel
Most Popular Restaurants in Soquel
Just inland from Capitola, the historic town of Soquel features family-operated wineries, antique stores, and a California-rustic feel. Mountain bikers flock to Soquel’s Demonstration Forest, where challenging trails offer the ultimate challenge. Other features of this idyllic town include dining, shopping, wine tasting, and hiking.
Things to do in Soquel
1. Shadowbrook
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 828 reviews
Reviewed By timteresa0 - Santa Cruz, California
We came here for their appetizer specials. They were really good, but it cost us more than one of their winter dinner specials. The appetizers are buy one get the less expensive on free. So basically, it's not the same priced one that's free. I woukd have gotten all the same priced items. I think next time I'll go and get A regular dinner. The atmosphere and service was superb, so it was worth every penny. The charm of this place is like no other in Santa Cruz.
2. Cafe Cruz
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 228 reviews
Reviewed By JillClardy - Redwood City, CA
Cafe Cruz is a spacious restaurant with both indoor and patio seating. The patio was full, so we sat at a window adjacent to the patio so that we could enjoy the beautiful autumn day. Parking is difficult in this area with only a few spots just outside the back entrance, and many other spots reserved for other businesses. We each had different salads, which were generous with fresh chopped lettuces and other ingredients and not too heavily dressed. The food was delicious but the service was quite slow. It took about 15 minutes to get the bill and pay after w head finished our entrees.
3. Gayle's Bakery & Rosticceria
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 510 reviews
Reviewed By lizwilliamsdesign - San Jose, California
Have been staying in Aptos and heard about Gayle's through friends. Definitely put Gayle's on your list of places to visit - you can eat in the restaurant on site or you can take food away. I've visited a few times now, and just grabbed some of their entrees to go where I warmed them up at home. Their packaged quiches, Bolognese Lasagna, and salads and desserts are so delicious and flavorful that we are now addicted to Gayles! We bought a chicken salad croissant sandwich that was the best we've ever eaten!! The packaged items in their fridges are equally divine. There is always limited parking and a bit of a wait for your turn but it is organized chaos and worth the wait. I highly recommend a visit here to eat, pick up a picnic lunch, or grab your dinner to warm up for later, followed by a delectable dessert. One stop shop!
4. Cafe Sparrow
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 221 reviews
Reviewed By Patricia092900 - Scotts Valley, California
We went to Cafe Sparrow after many years and were not disappointed. The menu offers a wide range of seafood and meats from filets, rack of lamb to pork-chops and venison.
With a French twist in regards to flavorful sauces and varying spices Cafe Sparrow offers interesting dishes. We had venison and filet and both were cooked to perfection.
The service was attentive and prompt.
The setting is romantic and does not feel crowded. A great place for a romantic dinner.
5. Marianne's Ice Cream
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 468 reviews
Reviewed By Ammie3 - Santa Cruz, California
Best Ice Cream ever! I grew up here...this shop has had the best Ice Cream since they opened....never a bad scoop. Since it's no secret, you may have to,wait to get yours, but it's worth it!
6. The Buttery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 566 reviews
We are a gourmet Bakery/Cafe in Santa Cruz offering the finest selection of wedding cakes, pies and tarts, pastries, and European style bread. We also serve hot breakfasts, lunch sandwiches, homemade soups, and crisp, fresh salads. All our menu items start with special ingredients like Glaum organic eggs, Saag's Black Forest ham, Live Earth Farm strawberries and locally grown produce when possible. Everything is fresh. We roll out our own pot pie crusts, make all our salad dressings from scratch, roast red peppers, and simmer our homemade soups daily. We've been voted Best Bakery in Santa Cruz many times and are widely considered the "Go To" cake place for weddings, birthdays and special occasions. You'll discover our take-out and catering menus feature the same premium ingredients and extra love that have made us famous, so they taste really terrific. Our friendly staff and cheery, neighborhood atmosphere make The Buttery a delightful spot to taste the flavors of Santa Cruz!
Reviewed By Frank R - Winnipeg, Canada
If you like fresh breads and patries place is a wow!! The reataurant is the type where you order at the counter, and consists of tables wrapped around the counters including those with a bakeryside view.
We were there for a late morning breakfast. and enjoyed freshly prepared egg dishes.
7. Linda's Seabreeze Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 303 reviews
Reviewed By Fraser000
The style and presentation are there. The food is good and fresh. The outdoor coffee is a great touch (though $2/cup is steep for coffee while you wait).The missing ingredient is a lot of taste. There is definitely some there, but there is a risk of blandness. We had a combination of pancakes, omelets, tofu scramble, and more pancakes. The tofu scramble was surprisingly the best in the pack (not easy making a good tofu scramble). But it seems like once the breakfast art was mastered, Linda may have taken a breather. Going back to the drawing board could include things like whipped butter for pancakes, more finely chopped onions in omelet, over-easy eggs that are not too firm, and some other stuff. Anyway, we would go back and recommend it despite the nitpicking.
8. Mr. Toots Coffeehouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 92 reviews
Reviewed By Bex98040 - Mercer Island, Washington
Great coffee. An assortment of pastries for every dietary restriction. Tip is to use outdoor patio at night, very few other people around...and fantastic views accross the canal. Very quiet.
9. Marianne's Ice Cream
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 82 reviews
Reviewed By Kerry D - San Francisco, California
Okay, the beach was great, the golf was good, the weather was fine but the Ice Cream at Marinanne's was Off The Charts! How good? We went three times - to try a couple of flavors each time. CASH only and so worth it.
Pumpkin? Out of this world. Salted Carmel? The Best. My fav part of our vacation...kind of...
10. Pizza My Heart
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 179 reviews
Reviewed By Rod B - San Jose, California
Pizza My Heart is located right next to the beach in Downtown Capitola Village, so very easy access for quick, hot, and flavor-able food. Large slice's of Pizza, as well as the whole pizza if desired. They also have a special deal of a slice of Pizza and T-Shirt for $6. This is a walk up pizza place, so you have to either go back to the beach or sit on one of the benches overlooking the beach, they also have boxes to go as well.
