10 Best Restaurants in Aptos

Although you won't find many Indians walking around on the streets of Aptos, that doesn’t mean that locals do not appreciate a good portion of spicy curry. Ambrosia serves its customers with a menu like tandoori chicken, lamb curry, and paneer vegetables. It was also awarded as the top Indian Restaurant by the local magazine in Santa Cruz. This Aptos dining is a popular spot for lunch and dinner serving a pre-fixed menu that includes vegan and vegetarian options.

207 Sea Ridge Rd, Seacliff, CA 95003, United States

Venus Spirits Cocktail and Kitchen provides everything a person needs, including coffee, sweets, dinner, and drinks, in their fantastic happy hour. When the weather is good, the outdoor patio area serves as a spot for al fresco dining, while in hot and sunny weather, the indoor dining area provides a cozy and well-decorated ambiance. Tasty fish tacos and flavorful margaritas are served until closing on taco Wednesdays, so Mexican cuisine lovers should check this place out!

131 Esplanade, Aptos, CA 95003, United States

Love enjoying good food with good background music? The Aptos St. BBQ stands out the most for its concerts and music, which give it a true Californian vibe. Nothing complements some baby back ribs more than a live band performing. Therefore, don’t just go for the takeaway option from here. Aptos St BBQ is a local favorite, so popular that their best-selling dishes practically fly off the menu! Make sure to plan ahead—you won't want to miss out on the flavors everyone’s raving about. You might be wondering, What's on the menu? Well, they serve St. Louis-style ribs, breakfast tacos, and barbecue sandwiches, but we will recommend trying pulled pork with brisket.

8059 Aptos St, Aptos, CA 95003, United States

Visit Bittersweet Bistro and savor American food with a Mediterranean flair! This restaurant has been considered a Santa Cruz County mainstay for more than 25 years. It is well-known for its vast menu, which includes award-winning sweets, fried chicken, sandwiches, and juicy burgers. Try out Bittersweet Bistro's happy hour, which is available Wednesday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. It offers discounts on cocktails and a selection of menu items for dine-in and takeout orders.

787 Rio Del Mar Blvd, Aptos, CA 95003, United States

When mouth-watering dishes from the French countryside get a touch of casual and welcoming atmosphere, it creates a perfect food haven for visitors. Cafe Sparrow, an Aptos CA restaurant, offers French cuisine, serving lunch options like seared scallops, fromage baguette, chicken Palermo, crab cakes, filet mignon, and a complete rack of lamb. It's equally ideal for a laid-back lunch or a romantic dinner, that preference we leave up to you.

8042 Soquel Dr, Aptos, CA 95003, United States

If you love to eat clean, and looking for freshly prepared salads, sandwiches, and soups, visit Erik's Delicafe in Aptos. This eatery could easily be mistaken for a posh fast-food joint, as you can be in and out quickly because orders are made on the spot and can be taken home within a matter of minutes. One thing is clear, locals adore Erik's because it has locations in Santa Cruz, Capitola, San Jose, and other surrounding areas due to its popularity. So if you want something healthy and fresh you know where to go.

102 Rancho Del Mar, Aptos, CA 95003, United States

If you are looking for places to eat in Aptos with the best outdoor dining facility, then The Hideout is your one-stop destination. It boasts a relaxed kitchen and bar atmosphere that's ideal for relaxing with friends and is well-known for its summertime outside dining area. This restaurant offers a menu that combines sophisticated options like merlot-braised short ribs with more casual fare like wings and truffle fries, to cater to people with different tastes. It's also a great place for both informal get-togethers and evenings out due to its large drink menu.

9051 Soquel Dr, Aptos, CA 95003, United States

Ruling the heart of locals since 1965, Manuel's restaurant offers a novel Mexican twist on the city's epic culinary scene. This restaurant is well-known for its traditional Mexican menu, which includes tacos, huevos rancheros, tostadas, enchiladas, and burritos. Keep note that on Mondays, they serve enchiladas Mexicanas, and on Thursdays, they serve crepas de pollo. So if you want to taste these delicious delicacies, reservations are advised as evening specials begin right after 5 p.m.

261 Center Ave, Aptos, CA 95003, United States

Who doesn’t love a good Italian dish? Here at Mentone, the seasonal menu changes allow you to sample everything that other locations at Aptos have to offer, which is one of the unique things about this restaurant. Sea urchin bucatini, citrus-cured salmon, and fried sardines are among the top dishes served here. Thus, this place is the best choice if you're looking for fresh, homemade meals that showcase a wide range of ingredients.

174 Aptos Vlg Wy, Aptos, CA 95003, United States

The Parish is a pub and a restaurant at the same time, it specializes in a large assortment of craft beers and regional wines which is the reason people mostly visit here. This place serves a wide variety of IPAs, stouts, ciders, and local wines in addition to 12 rotating beers on tap. The main highlights of the menu include gouda mac bits, beer-battered artichoke hearts, and a substantial roast beef and brie sandwich. Additionally, there is a special menu made only for dogs, so as you enjoy your meal, your pet may enjoy themselves too!

8017 Soquel Dr, Aptos, CA 95003, United States