Best Casual Restaurants in Scotts Valley

15 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Back Nine Grill & Bar restaurant

1. Back Nine Grill & Bar

4.2

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Santa Cruz

Booked 3 times today

The owners of the Back Nine were equally inspired by the rich history of local cuisine and food preparation dating back to Rancho Carbonero. In Spanish, Carbonero is a place where charcoal is burned, much like an American BBQ. Our expansive fresh grill menu hopefully creates a pleasurable time for each of our Back Nine guests, as they view part of the famed course's front nine.

A photo of Cafe Cruz Rosticceria & Bar restaurant

2. Cafe Cruz Rosticceria & Bar

4.7

Exceptional(2040)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Soquel

Booked 40 times today

Cafe Cruz is a popular and lively local restaurant. We offer casual/fine dining with a full bar, indoor and heated patio dining. Guests enjoy watching the "magic" created in our open copper-backed kitchen each night by our talented team of chefs. Notable features include many locally sourced foods, nightly sustainable seafood specials, and many creative salad and vegetable options. Our innovative pastas and sandwiches are always a hit. Spit-Roasted meats are featured each night, cooked on a french Rotisol rotisserie. The lush garden room can seat larger parties of up to 35. Guests enjoy our warm friendly service, our many seating options, and exceptionally delicious food.

3. la Posta

4.8

Exceptional(2338)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Santa Cruz

Booked 21 times today

Select from a menu that features dishes composed of locally sourced ingredients as well as house-made pastas, naturally leavened breads and pizzas from our brick oven. Because we rely on the bounty of the Santa Cruz farming community, our menu changes frequently and features a wide array of specials. La Posta’s all-Italian wine list includes autochthonous varieties from small producers, by-the-glass and by the bottle. La Posta adheres to the Monterey Bay Seafood Watch Program and is a certified City of Santa Cruz Green Business.We are so thankful for the incredible support from our customers and community. We will continue to adjust our service based upon best practices for keeping our staff and community safe.

4. Suda

4.8

Exceptional(380)

Price: Expensive

• American • Santa Cruz

Booked 14 times today

Pairing seasonal produce from local farmers with line caught fish and lean, hormone-free beef, the menu at Süda stays as fresh as the ingredients. With a variety of inventive dishes, including vegan and gluten free options, there is truly something for everyone.The atmosphere at the bar is lively, while booths offer diners a more intimate experience making Süda the perfect place for a casual meal with friends or a night out with someone special. We are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner so you can enjoy fresh food whenever your heart desires.

A photo of Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge restaurant

5. Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge

4.7

Exceptional(1966)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Santa Cruz

Booked 28 times today

Jack O’Neill Restaurant and Lounge is Santa Cruz’s best new destination for coastal California cuisine. The approachable and family-friendly vibe at Jack O’Neill Restaurant and Lounge will welcome hotel guests and locals alike.

6. Oswald

4.6

Exceptional(1615)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Santa Cruz

Booked 10 times today

Oswald is a contemporary American restaurant and bar that focuses on the abundance of delicious ingredients found on the central coast of California. Oswald features an eclectic, international wine list and an exciting, seasonal bar program. While the decor is spare and modern, the atmosphere is comfortable and relaxed. Oswald features new art shows every two months. We do have first come tables available in the lounge as well as bar seats.Come by and see if there is a table or seat for you.

A photo of Alderwood Santa Cruz restaurant

7. Alderwood Santa Cruz

4.7

Exceptional(650)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary American • Santa Cruz

Booked 20 times today

Alderwood, under the culinary leadership of Executive Chef Mikey Adams, is dedicated to providing a dining experience that strikes a delicate balance between the comfort and warmth of home and the vibrancy of the downtown dining scene. Our mission is to offer our guests an exceptional and memorable meal that is deeply rooted in our commitment to fostering a genuine connection between our open kitchen and the local community. We welcome you to join us for an unforgettable culinary journey that celebrates the essence of togetherness and exceptional cuisine.

A photo of Paradise Beach Grille restaurant

8. Paradise Beach Grille

4.4

Awesome(40)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Capitola

Booked 6 times today

Paradise maximizes the beautiful beach location on Monterey Bay with an outdoor patio, views of the historic Venetian condominiums, and the ocean. We also feature an outdoor fireplace perfect for that cozy dinner or wine tasting. We have high top tables in the bar area for drinks or dining, as well as an attractive and spacious dining room. Customers enjoy the various casual venues yet an upscale flair with quality food, beverage, and service.

9. Pete's Fish House

4.6

Exceptional(32)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Capitola

Booked 7 times today

A culinary celebration of California's coastal offerings, and a heartfelt tribute to the late Peter Orr. Founded by Sarah Orr and her mother Mary Ann Orr of Sunset Hospitality Group, Pete's Fish House embodies a deep-rooted passion for community and culinary excellence.Named in honor of Sarah's father and mentor, this restaurant is more than just a dining experience—it's a reflection of cherished memories and Peter’s larger than life legacy. Sarah explains, "I have been looking for a way to honor him, and this feels like the right way to do that."At Pete's Fish House, expect a menu that is inspired by the coastal waters and the bountiful local agriculture that Peter was deeply committed to, ensuring a true representation of our region's culinary heritage.

A photo of Zelda's on the Beach restaurant

10. Zelda's on the Beach

4.4

Awesome(552)

Price: Moderate

• Californian • Capitola

Booked 5 times today

Zelda’s restaurant is in the heart of Capitola Village. We are located on the beach with spectacular views of the Monterey Bay and Capitola Wharf.Zelda’s Restaurant has been serving local customers as well as others from all over the world for the past thirty years. We offer indoor and outdoor dining with a beachfront deck where you can literally reach and touch the warm sand of Capitola Beach.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

W
William
Los Angeles •33 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Excellent service! we never waited for anything, truly a perfect meal!
More info
Cafe Cruz Rosticceria & BarPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Soquel
•
4.7
P
PunitVIP
Philadelphia County •16 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
The restaurant fills up quickly so please make your reservations before hand! The service is amazing, food and drinks exceptional.
More info
CascalPrice: Moderate• Tapas / Small Plates• Mountain View
•
4.7
K
kym
California Central Coast •100 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
We experienced excellent quality and authentic Italian flavors. The service consistently exceeds expectations, and our server, Steve, was extremely knowledgeable about the wine. We have always enjoyed an excellent meal paired perfectly with the right wine. We highly recommend La Posta for a casual date night, family night, or dinner with friends.
More info
la PostaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Santa Cruz
•
4.8
V
ValerieVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •84 reviews
4.0
Dined on Nov 30, 2024
We sat at the bar and it was so much fun. Bartender was very attentive and positive about the food and drinks we had chosen. It was just after Thanksgiving, so the place was very quiet. We shared poke, a salad and some fries. All very good.
More info
SudaPrice: Expensive• American• Santa Cruz
•
4.8
D
Dorothy
San Francisco Bay Area •15 reviews
5.0
Dined on Oct 26, 2024
Food was much better than expected. We went for Restaurant week, and they handled the crowds much better than the other restaurants we’ve been to. The artichoke soufflé will bring us back. The mahi-mahi and salmon were generous servings cooked just right. The veggies were colorful and tasty. The potatoes and coleslaw were very good. The berry cobbler was also delicious.
More info
Back Nine Grill & BarPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Cruz
•
4.2

Best Casual Restaurants in Scotts Valley

Price

Cuisine

Regions

Neighborhoods

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Award-winning

Accessibility

15 restaurants available nearby

1. Back Nine Grill & Bar

2. Cafe Cruz Rosticceria & Bar

3. la Posta

4. Suda

5. Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge

6. Oswald

7. Alderwood Santa Cruz

8. Paradise Beach Grille

9. Pete's Fish House

10. Zelda's on the Beach

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable