Oswald

4.5

1617 Reviews

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 14, 2025

11:00 PM

Booked 17 times today

About this restaurant

Great for creative cocktails
Great for happy hour
Neighborhood gem

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.

Additional information

Location
121 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone number
(831) 423-7427
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Contemporary American
Hours of operation
Lunch Wed–Sat 12:00 pm–2:30 pm Dinner Tue 5:00 pm–8:15 pm Wed, Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Oswald is located on the street level of a four story public parking garage with very reasonable rates.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Damani Thomas

2017 Angels & Cowboys Rose, Sonoma County, CA$22.00
- 1/2 Btl$22.00
2015 Sparkman Cellars Birdie Riesling, Columbia Valley, WA$30.00
2015 Donati Family "Sisters Forever" Chardonnay, Central Coast, CA$34.00
2014 Montinore Estate "Borealis" Willamette Valley, OR$36.00
2016 Frog's Leap Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, CA$36.00
- 1/2 Btl$36.00
2015 Bonny Doon Picpoul, Arroyo Seco, CA$36.00
2016 Noceto Pinot Grigio, Central Calley, CA$40.00
2016 Bee's Box Chardonnay, Geyserville, CA$40.00
2015 Portlandia Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, OR$10.00
- Gl$10.00
2015 Tin Barn Sauvignon Blanc, Carneros, CA$41.00
2016 Raeburn Chardonnay, Russian River, CA$11.00
- Gl$11.00
2014 Alfaro Family Lindsay Paige Vineyards Chardonnay, Santa Cruz, CA$11.00
- Gl$11.00
2015 Metz Road Chardonnay, Monterey, CA$55.00
2013 Scheid Vineyards Grenache Blanc, Monterey, CA$56.00
2016 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars "Hands of Time" Chardonnay, Napa Valley, CA$60.00
2014 Saintsbury Chardonnay, Carners, Napa Valley, CA$64.00
2015 Frog's Leap Chardonnay, Napa Valley, CA$68.00
2016 Ziata Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, CA$70.00
2013 St. Innocent Freedom Hill Vineyard Chardonnay, Willamette, OR$72.00
2016 Bargetto Regan Vineyards Reserve Chardonnay, Santa Cruz Mountains, CA$75.00
2014 Ridge Chardonnay Estate, Monte Bello Vineyard, Santa Cruz Mountains, CA$100.00

France

2016 Rive Sud Pinot Noir Rose, Loire Valley$32.00
2015 M de Mulonniere Chenin Blanc, Loire Valley$32.00
NV Deutz Brut Classic, Champagne$34.00
- 1/2 Btl$34.00
2016 Department 66 "Fragile" Rose, Catalan$34.00
2016 Bila-Haut Cotes du Roussillon Blanc$40.00
NV Dave Phenney Locations F5 Rose$10.00
- Gl$10.00
2012 Lucien Albrecht Riesling, Alsace$45.00
NV Jo Landron "Atmospheres" (Sparkling), Loire Valley$12.00
- Gl$12.00
2015 Henri Perrusset Macon-Villages$12.00
- Gl$12.00
2016 Domaine du Tremblay Quincy, Loire Valley$48.00
2014 Albert Bichot Saint-Veran, Burgundy$50.00
2016 Les Gendrines Cotes du Rhone Blanc, Rhone$13.00
- Gl$13.00
NV Bailly-Lapierre Rose Cremant Brut, Burgundy$54.00
2015 Vigneau-Chevreau Vouvrey, Loire Valley$56.00
2015 Saget La Perriere Sancere, Loire Valley$62.00
2015 Alvert Bichot Pouilly-Fuisse, Burgundy$66.00
NV R H Coutier Ambonnay Champagne Grand Cru$75.00
2014 La Moussiere Sancerre, Loire Valley$75.00
NV Gonet-Medeville Tradition Premier Cru Brut Champagne$79.00
NV Drappier Carte d'Or Brut, Champagne$100.00

Italy

2014 Riff Pinot Grigio delle Venezie, Progetto Lageder$8.00
- Gl$8.00
2016 Antornori Santa Cristina Pinot Grigio, delle Venezie$32.00
2016 Villa Barbi Orvieto Classico$8.50
- Gl$8.50
2015 Inama Soave Classico, Veneto$40.00
2016 Bortolomiol Prosecco Superiore Brut$40.00
2012 Strasserhof Kerner, Alto Adige$44.00
2013 Jermann Pinot Grigio, "Venezia Giulia", Collio Friulano$50.00

Spain

NV Bohigas Brut Cava Reserva$48.00
2014 Ameztoi Getariako, Txkolina$48.00

Portugal

NV Broadbent Vinho Verde Rose$28.00
NV Broadbent Vinho Verde$29.00

Greece

2014 Boutari Moschofilero, Tripoli$38.00

Slovenia

2013 Verus Riesling Suho, Ormoz$56.00

Hungary

NV Torley Gala Sec, Budapest$32.00

Germany

2011 Strub "Soil to Soul" Riesling Kabinett, Rheinhessen$36.00
2011 Selbach Oster Riesling Kabinett, Mosel$40.00
2016 Werner Schweicher Annaberg Riesling Kabinett, Mosel$12.00
- Gl$12.00
2015 Wittmann Reisling Estate Trocken, Rheinhessen$48.00
2011 Meulenhof Riesling Spatlese, Mosel$52.00
2013 Christoffel, Riesling Spatlese, Mosel$55.00

Austria

2015 Huber Hugo Gruner Veltliner, Weinriedenweg$36.00

Australia

2015 Tahbilk Viognier, Victoria$40.00
2013 Tahbilk Marsanne, Victoria$9.00
- Gl$9.00

New Zealand

2016 Tohu Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough$9.00
- Gl$9.00
2015 Astrolabe Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough$38.00

Argentina

2013 Anko Torrontes, Mendoza$40.00

Chile

2016 Casas del Bosque Sauvignon Blanc Reserva, Casablanca Valley$32.00

South Africa

2014 Painted Wolf "Rosalind" Pinotage Rose, Swartland$32.00
2015 Nederburg "The Anchorman" Chenin Blanc$48.00

Red

North America

2014 Sparkman Cellars Wonderland Grenache, Yakima Valley, WA$40.00
2015 Fortnight Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA$40.00
2014 William Hill Pinot Noir, Central Coast, CA$11.00
- Gl$11.00
2012 Bonny Doon Vineyard, Le Cigar Volant, Santa Cruz, CA$45.00
2014 Random Ridge Old Wave Zinfandel/ Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA$45.00
2014 Random Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA$46.00
2014 Angles & Cowboys Proprietary Red, Sonoma County, CA$12.00
- Gl$12.00
2012 Roth Estate Merlot, Sonoma County, CA$12.00
- Gl$12.00
2014 Valley Vista Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains, CA$50.00
2012 Cambiata Tannat, Monterey, CA$52.00
2014 Random Ridge Fortunata Sangiovese, Napa Valley, CA$52.00
2016 Banshee Pinot Noir, Sonoma County, CA$54.00
2015 Sparkman Holler Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, Oregon$15.00
- Gl$15.00
2014 Four Graces Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon$60.00
2015 Fess Parker Syrah, Santa Barbara County, CA$65.00
2015 Orin Swift Abstract, Napa Valley, CA$68.00
2013 Rexford Merlot, Santa Cruz, CA$70.00
2014 Orin Swift Palermo Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA$72.00
2013 Au Bon Climat Estate Bottled Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley, CA$82.00
2014 Flora Springs, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA$88.00
2012 Mount Eden Vineyards Estate Bottled Cabernet Sauvignon, Santa Cruz Mountains, CA$98.00
2014 L'Ecole Apogee Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, WA$110.00
2013 Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap, Napa Valley, CA$120.00

France

2016 Mont Gravet Carignan, Herault$32.00
2015 Chateau de Paraza Cuvee Speciale, Languedoc$9.00
- Gl$9.00
2015 Ogier Artesis Cotes du Rhone, Rhone Valley$10.00
- Gl$10.00
2016 Horizon de Bichot, Pinot Noir, Languadoc$48.00
2016 Domaine la Bonneliere Saumur Champigny, Loire Valley$48.00
NV Dave Phenney Locations F4 Red Wine$50.00
2014 Triennes St Auguste Cuvees, Provence$52.00
2014 Marie De Beauregard Chinon Cabernet Franc, Loire Valley$52.00
2014 Chateau Aney Haut-Medoc, Bordeaux$14.00
- Gl$14.00
2014 Chateau de Lancyre Pic St. Loup, Languedoc$52.00
2012 Le Galantin Bandol, Provence$61.00
2011 Domaine du Poujol Podio Alto, Languedoc$68.00
2014 Dept. 66 "Others" Grenache, Cotes Catalanes$70.00
2015 Chateau de Chamirey, Mercurey, Burgundy$70.00
2013 Domaine Barons De Rothschild(Lafite), Chateau d'Aussieres, Corbieres$88.00
2014 Maison Roche de Bellene, Savigny-Les-Beaune, Burgundy$90.00
2015 Domaine de Vieux Telegramme, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone Valley$95.00

Italy

2013 Cielo Centanni Ripasso Valpolicella, Veneto$32.00
2013 Statti Lamezia Greco Nero, Nerello Cappuccio$36.00
2015 Cantele Primitivo, Salice Salentino$38.00
2015 Cantine Colosi Nero D'Avola, Sicily$10.00
- Gl$10.00
2014 Pecchenino san Luigi Dogliani Dolcetto, Piedmont$40.00
2014 Tenuta Guado Al Tasso IL Bruciato, Bolgheri$40.00
NV PP Chiarli Lambrusco Vecchia Modena, Lambrusco di sorbara$46.00
2013 Pallazzo Della Torre Veronese$54.00
2015 Renato Ratti Barbera D'Asti "Battaglione"$60.00
2009 Vie Cave Maremma Toscanna$63.00
2010 Piccini Sasso Al Poggio Toscana, Tuscany$65.00
2012 Felsina Berardenga Chianti Classio Riserva$70.00
2011 Vignalta Gemola Colli Euganei Rosso, Veneto$78.00
2012 Roccolo Grassi Valpolicello, Veneto$82.00
2012 Conterno Fantino, Langhe Rosso "Mon Pra", Piedmonte$100.00

Spain

2013 Altes Herencia Garnatxa Negra, Catalonia$32.00
2014 Valcantara Garnacha, Carinena$36.00
2011 Bodegas Franco-Espanolas Rioja Bordon Reserva$40.00
2013 Campos de Luz Garnacha Reserva, Carinena$42.00
2016 Emilio Moro Finca Resalso Tempranillo$11.00
- Gl$11.00

Argentina

2013 Anko Malbec, Los Caldones, Salta$38.00
2014 Tapiz Alta Collection Malbec, Mendoza$11.00
- Gl$11.00
2015 Amancaya Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon, Domaines Baron de Rothschild, Mendoza$54.00

What 1,617 people are saying

Oswald reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5

4.5 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.4Service
4.3Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
Healthy
Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
Hot spot
Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
Great for fine wines
Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
Romantic
Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
Lively
Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Oswald offers a warm, upscale dining experience with "amazing cocktails," "delicious food," and "fantastic service." While the menu can be limited, the quality is "always excellent." Known for its "best burger in town," Oswald's cozy ambiance, extensive wine list, and friendly staff make it a local favorite.

1,617 Reviews

b
barbara
Washington DC12 reviews
4.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Oswald’s was very good. Noise level was high. We enjoyed are meal & service was excellent
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B
Beau
San Francisco17 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 26, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
As always the Fried Chicken with salad was astonishing!!!
Is this helpful?
A
Addison VIP
Washington DC46 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 23, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Hadn’t been in a long time and quickly realized we’d been missing out. The staff was attentive and accommodating. The drinks were spot on and the dinners were delicious. We will be back.
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J
Jenny
Central Coast1 review
5.0
Dined on February 16, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My husband and I had a lovely dinner! He had the lasagna and I had the skirt steak. Both were great and we would definitely get it again! The servers were friendly and attentive. The cocktails were excellent!
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S
Stephen
San Francisco5 reviews
3.0
Dined on February 15, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 3
The hostess was very impressive. The server was nice and helpful. Unfortunately the entrées took quite a while to come out and we had to leave before we could have dessert and we were there to celebrate a birthday. Our reservation was at 5 PM and we had a show a few blocks away at 7 PM. We just finished our entrees just in time to make the show. We felt two hours should’ve been plenty of time. I had the special filet mignon with potatoes and asparagus. It was pretty bland. Not a great value for $60.
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R
R
San Francisco1 review
1.0
Dined on February 13, 2025
1. Overall 1
2. Food 2
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
Oswald is usually amazing. We went there for lunch. Only two other tables there. The bartender/server came and took the order after 10-15 minutes of us waiting. Food took another 40 minutes to come and it was DRY. Likely had been under the heaters for at least 20 minutes. So disappointing. Waiter/ bartender was inattentive and dismissive.
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s
sheldon VIP
Los Angeles10 reviews
4.0
Dined on February 13, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 2
Hi All, The staff and service, were excellent. The food, very good, pricing, pretty up there, maybe a bit too high and I'm not as cheap kinda' guy, or on a budget. 10 clams, not 12., otherwise, portions are good, food, well prepared. A duck breast at just over $50., up there. Table cloths, would be nice, at these price levels might be nice? The chocolate soufflé desert prefect. Not a lot of options, in Santa Cuz, Capitola, near by, might add some formal options. We had a pleasant evening, never rushed and courses, did not overlap, a good thing, nowadays.
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J
John VIP
Las Vegas17 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 8, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
My wife and I had dinner at Oswald on a Friday evening. The restaurant and bar area were highly occupied and the atmosphere was lively. The restaurant is fairly small and compact although it doesn’t feel cramped but instead rather energetic. Service was good although it took a few minutes for our drink order to arrive (it was Friday so the bar was packed). Food was very good - well prepared and creative. The menu is fairly limited which was fine for us as there still were enough options to choose from. Very enjoyable all the way around. We’ll definitely be back!
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C
Carly
San Francisco1 review
2.0
Dined on January 26, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
Bad wait staff, incredibly overcooked scallops and some of the most outrageous prices I have seen.
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e
elfe
Central Coast1 review
5.0
Dined on January 22, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Had the butternut squash soup and the prawn sandwich at lunch. Both dishes were excellent. Lot's of empty tables, unfortunately. Chef Damani in the kitchen. Highly recommend.
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FAQs

Oswald offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (831) 423-7427.

Oswald is rated 4.5 stars by 1617 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 14, 2025

11:00 PM

Booked 17 times today

121 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Additional information

Phone number
(831) 423-7427
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Contemporary American
Hours of operation
Lunch Wed–Sat 12:00 pm–2:30 pm Dinner Tue 5:00 pm–8:15 pm Wed, Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Oswald is located on the street level of a four story public parking garage with very reasonable rates.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Damani Thomas

Oswald

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Additional information

White Wine

North America

2017 Angels & Cowboys Rose, Sonoma County, CA$22.00

2015 Sparkman Cellars Birdie Riesling, Columbia Valley, WA$30.00

2015 Donati Family "Sisters Forever" Chardonnay, Central Coast, CA$34.00

2014 Montinore Estate "Borealis" Willamette Valley, OR$36.00

2016 Frog's Leap Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, CA$36.00

2015 Bonny Doon Picpoul, Arroyo Seco, CA$36.00

2016 Noceto Pinot Grigio, Central Calley, CA$40.00

2016 Bee's Box Chardonnay, Geyserville, CA$40.00

2015 Portlandia Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, OR$10.00

2015 Tin Barn Sauvignon Blanc, Carneros, CA$41.00

2016 Raeburn Chardonnay, Russian River, CA$11.00

2014 Alfaro Family Lindsay Paige Vineyards Chardonnay, Santa Cruz, CA$11.00

2015 Metz Road Chardonnay, Monterey, CA$55.00

2013 Scheid Vineyards Grenache Blanc, Monterey, CA$56.00

2016 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars "Hands of Time" Chardonnay, Napa Valley, CA$60.00

2014 Saintsbury Chardonnay, Carners, Napa Valley, CA$64.00

2015 Frog's Leap Chardonnay, Napa Valley, CA$68.00

2016 Ziata Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, CA$70.00

2013 St. Innocent Freedom Hill Vineyard Chardonnay, Willamette, OR$72.00

2016 Bargetto Regan Vineyards Reserve Chardonnay, Santa Cruz Mountains, CA$75.00

2014 Ridge Chardonnay Estate, Monte Bello Vineyard, Santa Cruz Mountains, CA$100.00

France

2016 Rive Sud Pinot Noir Rose, Loire Valley$32.00

2015 M de Mulonniere Chenin Blanc, Loire Valley$32.00

NV Deutz Brut Classic, Champagne$34.00

2016 Department 66 "Fragile" Rose, Catalan$34.00

2016 Bila-Haut Cotes du Roussillon Blanc$40.00

NV Dave Phenney Locations F5 Rose$10.00

2012 Lucien Albrecht Riesling, Alsace$45.00

NV Jo Landron "Atmospheres" (Sparkling), Loire Valley$12.00

2015 Henri Perrusset Macon-Villages$12.00

2016 Domaine du Tremblay Quincy, Loire Valley$48.00

2014 Albert Bichot Saint-Veran, Burgundy$50.00

2016 Les Gendrines Cotes du Rhone Blanc, Rhone$13.00

NV Bailly-Lapierre Rose Cremant Brut, Burgundy$54.00

2015 Vigneau-Chevreau Vouvrey, Loire Valley$56.00

2015 Saget La Perriere Sancere, Loire Valley$62.00

2015 Alvert Bichot Pouilly-Fuisse, Burgundy$66.00

NV R H Coutier Ambonnay Champagne Grand Cru$75.00

2014 La Moussiere Sancerre, Loire Valley$75.00

NV Gonet-Medeville Tradition Premier Cru Brut Champagne$79.00

NV Drappier Carte d'Or Brut, Champagne$100.00

Italy

2014 Riff Pinot Grigio delle Venezie, Progetto Lageder$8.00

2016 Antornori Santa Cristina Pinot Grigio, delle Venezie$32.00

2016 Villa Barbi Orvieto Classico$8.50

2015 Inama Soave Classico, Veneto$40.00

2016 Bortolomiol Prosecco Superiore Brut$40.00

2012 Strasserhof Kerner, Alto Adige$44.00

2013 Jermann Pinot Grigio, "Venezia Giulia", Collio Friulano$50.00

Spain

NV Bohigas Brut Cava Reserva$48.00

2014 Ameztoi Getariako, Txkolina$48.00

Portugal

NV Broadbent Vinho Verde Rose$28.00

NV Broadbent Vinho Verde$29.00

Greece

2014 Boutari Moschofilero, Tripoli$38.00

Slovenia

2013 Verus Riesling Suho, Ormoz$56.00

Hungary

NV Torley Gala Sec, Budapest$32.00

Germany

2011 Strub "Soil to Soul" Riesling Kabinett, Rheinhessen$36.00

2011 Selbach Oster Riesling Kabinett, Mosel$40.00

2016 Werner Schweicher Annaberg Riesling Kabinett, Mosel$12.00

2015 Wittmann Reisling Estate Trocken, Rheinhessen$48.00

2011 Meulenhof Riesling Spatlese, Mosel$52.00

2013 Christoffel, Riesling Spatlese, Mosel$55.00

Austria

2015 Huber Hugo Gruner Veltliner, Weinriedenweg$36.00

Australia

2015 Tahbilk Viognier, Victoria$40.00

2013 Tahbilk Marsanne, Victoria$9.00