Beautiful beach from dining patio has a calming and vacationy vibe. Food is on the decent side but wouldn't say it's fabulous. Clam chowder was good. I think you're coming here for ambiance. Located right next to the 'famous' colorful rentals by the pier. Service was slow but it's pretty busy. Nice way to have lunch on a beautiful, sunny weekend. read more

See all

We accidentally sat at the restaurant wondering if it was another place we were thinking and it surely was a happy accident! The view from the deck is stunning. They offered shade or sun and we thought that generous. Our hostess loved on Daisy (always appreciated), our server was kind and helpful, and we had others who dropped food and drinks. It's a team environment and they work very well together. It's a comfortable and relaxed spot to spend time, we'd love to go back one day! read more

See all

Good food, good service and great location on the beach in Capitola. Outdoor deck and indoor seating available. The sunshine is great outside on the deck but can be pretty windy at times. read more

No one came to serve me. Waited a long time just to get my waiter. I paid first because I know they will be very slow. My waiter charged me double the amount I ordered (he hand me the device to sign, only total amount, no breakdown of items)! I questioned it. He went to make a correction, came back with another paper bill and he doubled my order of Tuesday special tacos! I am glad I caught that. At this time, it feels like either extremely sloppy work or he was trying to scam me. I did get to sit outdoors with a view of the ocean. Very nice and relaxing. I would only go back if I had a lot of time to wait around and be very careful with my bill. The food was decent - clam chowder and fish tacos. Hard to get this wrong. read more

Visited Zelda's with a group and it was awesome. I had the salmon with steamed veggies and island rice. Oh man, it was so good! Then, I had the Mile High Mud Pie dessert and it was superb. If you are in the area, this is a definite must stop! read more

Nothing changed except maybe the prices SO glad they didn't get ruined with that storm that crashed in read more

See all

Great Ambiance right on the Beach! Very friendly and chill atmosphere!you are right on the beach! read more

See all

Came here after a veteran surf program. It has a really nice location with ocean views, parking was spotty. You just have to be lucky. I circled a few times before finding one. I ordered nachos and my friend ordered fried calamari and fish & chips. Nothing to rave about, you're really paying for the view and ambiance of outdoor dining. I think nachos at sports game tasted better, the friend calamari was overly battered and oily. Not sure about his fish & chips, but he couldn't even finish it. Not coming back for sure. read more

Zelda's - Nachos - Bars Near Me - Capitola, California

We felt unwelcome and rushed. The restaurant was busy as it was a beautiful fall day and the patio overlooking the water was a popular spot.. The hostess was clearly irritated with the customers and kept scolding them for being in her way. Our waiter was also annoyed by the customers, telling us in an angry tone that we needed to hurry up and order. We had just got our drinks and appetizers and needed a few more minutes, which upset him. The food was okay and better than our last visit, but we left regretting our decision to eat at Zelda's due to feeling unwelcome, except for our money. read more

First and foremost, can you beat that view? I was so blessed to come on a day with spectacular weather. It was also during the week so it wasn't crowded at all. The staff was very friendly and attentive and the food was decent. My husband really liked the clam chowder, and the drinks were really good with an extra shot. I had to laugh though when my poke served with chips came with just four little chips. Really? That would stop me from ordering that again but not from going there. If you are looking for a beautiful view next to the beach then this is a great place to go. read more

Zelda's - View from the patio. - Bars Near Me - Capitola, California

What has happened to this place. Hadn't been for some time, but I do remember the service, the cleanliness and the food was good. Not this time, the outdoor deck was dirty, tables hand not been wiped, nor were the chairs. The food was mediocre at best the past sauce was cold, my ceaser salad was made with old lettuce with brown edges.when mentioned this to the server, there was no mention to fix it, she simply apologized. The French fries we cold. Overall, a bad experience. Not going back there anytime soon. read more

Nice view, and the ciopino was good, but outside of that, I would steer clear of this place 2.5 stars out of almost 1300 reviews is accurate. Jason is the manager and should be fired. He doesn't know the first thing about customer service. I ordered the ribeye steak and asked for medium. I received it well done. When I asked for a refire, Jason thr manager came over and proceeded to tell me that since they cooked a steak and that's how they cook medium steaks, I was to either eat it as is or not, but wasn't getting a new one. NEVER have I been treated like that as a patron. Unless you want bad food and are treated poorly. Go somewhere else that appreciates their customers. read more

Zelda's - Zeldas so called "medium" cooked ribeye steak. What a joke - Bars Near Me - Capitola, California

Great service along with Great Food & the Best Cocktails & the view isn't too shabby either! ;) Check it out for sure!!! read more

Horrible wait time, food very average for the price they charge and the time they make you wait is honestly not ok. The food took almost 1 Hour to arrive, we ordered 3 dishes. I definitely don't recommend and won't come back. read more

I was hesitant after average service 10 years ago, but Parker took great care of us, the burgers were really good, and one of the best views there is! We will go back again read more

You must go to Zelda's now! They are fully open and they look beautiful-totally rebuilt, re-decorated and very clean. Of course, you have to check out the beam from the wharf that is mounted on the ceiling now--Very cool. Patio doesn't open until about 9:30 so we ate inside. Still an amazing view. Went for breakfast the other day , pretty basic stuff. The very yummy egg, sausages and potatoes. No toast, of course, they don't serve it. Don't even ask. We also had the spinach and mushroom scramble. Very tasty. Service was amazing and everybody was so friendly. They were just so glad to have some customers. So go to Zelda's now. read more

10/09/21 Brunch We were suppose to be in Seattle this weekend but our flight was cancelled along with 2000 other Southwest flights. My husband knew I was upset (this was our 3rd attempt at going to Seattle) and he decided to drive us out to Capitola for brunch. We first had a lovely walk along the beachfront and pier before we deciding on Zelda's. We ordered ceviche, their "famous" calamari and fries, and a shrimp Louis salad. Service was outstanding, but the meal itself was not. The "mangoes" in the ceviche were nonexistent and there was nothing outstanding about their "famous" calamari. It was pretty damn average. The shrimp Louis salad was large but plain. No wonder yelpers were underwhelmed here...I was too. read more

See all

Came here early on a hot weekend to beat the crowd for breakfast. We were able to get a seat overlooking the beach which was nice and they had a heater going. I ordered a latte which was amazing, they had a lot of great coffee options with milk substitutes and different syrups. Also ordered the basic breakfast and subbed in fruit for the meat. Food was okay, potatoes were a little cold and chewy, but eggs were great. It's a little pricey for what you get, but it is a prime beach spot, so to be expected. If you want a standard American meal or a drink on the beach, I recommend! read more

Zelda's - The basic breakfast with a sub of fruit and an almond milk latte - Bars Near Me - Capitola, California

Food is decent. The servers are super friendly and it's dog friendly. The location is right on the beach. BEACH VIBES read more

Zelda's - My dog and I having a good time - Bars Near Me - Capitola, California

Ordered bruschetta as an appetizer and was shocked to find the bread was so hard we couldn't even cut through it with a knife. We couldn't even bite through it without fear of breaking a tooth. Who servers something like this? This wasn't the toasting that caused it, we are guessing the bread was old. The rest of the dinner was fine. Being local, not sure we will run back. read more

We always go to Zelda's at least twice when we visit Capitola Beach - when we arrive, for a snack and to use the facilities, and when we leave, to get coffee and cookies for the drive back home to Pleasanton. We visited with extended family last month and also ate dinner on their outdoor patio. The location is hard to beat - right on the sand with views of the entire beach. Service is quick, and while the prices are not too wallet friendly, we find their appetizers (especially the fried calamari) and drinks (the hot chocolate is divine!) to be worth it. During our last trip our family also ordered a few other items (fish and chips, nachos, club sandwich...) and seemed to enjoy them, so maybe the food has improved as well. We'll be back next time we're in Capitola. read more

See all

Clam chowder here is legit. Creamy, well seasoned, and very clammy tasting. Aside from that, the rest of the food here is really awful. Don't come here for the food. Come here to hang out by the beach and soak in some rays having drinks and appetizers. We've come here on each of our trips to Santa Cruz and we know the food sucks but yet we keep returning for the cool vibes. Fish and chips are not your normal crispy deep fried ones. These are just seasoned and then baked. Bland. Sea bass is the same seasoning then drenched in some garlic sauce then covered in overcooked boiled veggies. Mahi mahi is a mess. Hard to describe but some sort of stir fry veggie mess with artichokes. Calamari is large pieces that are cut up and dredged in the same awful seasoning. No small tentacle pieces. Maybe it's not fresh squid? Burger patty tasted like it was from Costco but dressed up so they can charge you $16. The menu here should be a prime takeover target for Kitchen Nightmares. Maybe Gordon Ramsay can fix this place. That being said though, they always have a good crowd, and we keep returning despite the bad food - but only because it's such a cool place to hangout. read more

See all

Food was good as was service and drinks. My ciopino was great. Sea bass and salmon good too. Some cool drinks. I would have given 5 stars except the bill came with a 4% service charge that was explained as money to keep the restaurant infrastructure. I see it as "we want more money, but not by getting too expensive." I will not return. read more

Yummy fresh seafood. Great location as well, attentive staff Would come again. Both dishes you could taste the freshness read more

Zelda's - Fish & Chips - Bars Near Me - Capitola, California

See all

Wonderful food and service! We had oysters, clam chowder, the clam app and more. The views were perfect and service was great! read more

Zelda's - Outdoor area - Bars Near Me - Capitola, California

I am a vegetarian and so was my family and we felt we could customize the food . I loved the eggs benedict without bacon and with tomato . The chilaquiles without the eggs were also great . The heuvos rancheros was also good . My nephews mentioned that the milkshakes ( vanilla and chocolate were great ) as well as the french toast . We loved the nachos too . I personally liked the Mai tai and it did have some alcohol . The mimosa and Spicy Mary were good too . read more

Cute vibes food is eh. Priced for the location. Service was great, everyone was nice. I got the fish and chips and it would disappoint Gordon. The batter had little flavor and needed a lot of tartar sauce. The Cesar was good but it's just lettuce and dressing. Oysters were good but that doesn't count since it's not cooked. Would come back for drinks and views but not the food. read more

I just have to say, the beach view is absolutely stunning! Every time we've been there, the service has been so quick and attentive. The waiter always made sure we were happy with everything. They even persuaded us to try some dessert. The food is outstanding, especially the calamari with the two different dipping sauces. read more

See all

I had high hopes for this place when I saw it would be on the beach and had patio seating. My friend and I came for dinner, serviced by young hostess and bussers very disappointing hospitality. The food was absolutely delicious and our server was very very sweet. Another terrible experience happened with a server who wasn't my server he was a tad older in age, did not appreciate his help. Also 4% service fee on check understandable. Great views from outside seating. read more

We literally stumbled on Zelda's as we thought we were entering the Mexican restaurant which turned out to be inside. The patio dining provides a great view but that's about it. The Ahi Poke did not taste fresh and had no flavor. The Huevos Rancheros was also sub-par. We pretty much lost our appetite however when we saw the fake nail on the table. When we asked the server about it, she flicked it off and didn't see bothered by it. My husband asked if the tables were wiped down after each guest and she said she wiped it down that morning (we were there at 11:30am). While spraying the table, she sprayed all of us and said nothing. This is a place to go for a drink on tap or in a bottle and enjoy the view. Pass on the food and don't expect good service. read more

See all

If you want a good view and passable food then It's aight man. You guys are haters. The food is mid but the view is good, drinks are decent. Service is actually pretty good, it's really the food that's the problem. Idk if it's just my palate but the burger tasted more like meatloaf and the bun tasted a lil stale. Fries were solid, calamari was straight up good tho. All in all just order smart and don't expect too much, understand you're paying for the view. read more

Riley was what every owner wants to have in a server. Great job with service. It was actually excellent service that doesn't seem to be around anymore. Being in the industry for 26 years, it was so refreshing to be waited on the same way you take care of others for so long. Great recommendations, attentive service, the drinks and the food were fast and we will definitely be back hoping she's working that night. All the staff was very kind. There was an ocean in the way of my view. Enjoy life everybody read more

i've been to zelda's many times but haven't been since the devastating storms. it's so pretty inside! TONS of seating inside and outside. there's also a coffee bar inside if you need a little pick me up. huge cocktail and regular menu -- something for everyone. about 4-5 options for the kiddos too! we had a lovely meal with great service. the food was fantastic. we started with the sautéed mushrooms and coconut prawns. i'm confident the mushrooms have crack in them cause it's impossible to eat just one *for legal reasons there is no actual crack in this dish* the coconut prawns had a yummy coating and the prawns were delicious and huge. the entrees rolled out and everyone was pleased with their meal. the ribeye was fabulous, the pickled onions on the salmon were delicious, and the fish and chips were cooked to perfection. parking is always slim, so you may have to circle a few times. zelda's also has the perfect ocean view to accompany your meal too! a must try if you're in capitola. read more

See all

Stopped here after a long day at the boardwalk as a family of 8 and WORST decision. For one the "island rice" is coconut rice which is not advertised as having coconut. Nor did the server mention this. When my food arrived I asked if they have regular rice, and the server said she didn't know. Ended up asking for a side of mashed potatoes and after 30 minutes of waiting, we had to follow up with the server who then came back and said they ran out of mashed potatoes. The kids salmon was extremely dry and the side of mashed potatoes was no more than one spoonful. The cioppino only had 4 shrimps. If I could give this place 0 stars, I would. Definitely will not be returning. read more

Food was pretty yummy and the seating was fine. Only downside was how long it took to get the food out but it was a pretty busy day. One thing that concerned me was that we were added to an online waitlist and never received a check in text even though the link said our table was ready. Not a big issue but easy to forget/miss the grace period. read more

See all

I stood there waiting to be seated while the locals budged me in line. Not busy, staff available but no service. I ended up grilling out front of the place read more

Beware of the 4% surcharge prior to deciding whether you want to eat here.... Zelda' s deserves a solid 3.5 stars but I wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt and posted 4. First off, they are at a prime location, downtown Capitola right of the beach. It was beautiful, the service was good but when I asked the server whether or not the fish and chips were fresh battered fish, she wasn't sure so she had to check with the Chef. Yes, the fish were fresh not boxed. When the fish and chips arrived, I realized our server didn't understand the question. The dish came out breaded not battered, theirs a difference. Also, ordered a bowl of clam chowder but it was hard to compare to the other we had the day before in Santa Cruz. MUST GET - Spicy Bloody Mary and house salad. I loved that the outdoor patio is dog friendly. They have a coffee shop inside and the décor is definitely modern. The seagulls are crazy, if they don't take the tray away prior to you leaving then they will swarm towards you leaving loose feathers everywhere (not very sanitary) Lastly, the extra 4% surcharge is ridiculous. I know its inflation but people don't like the extra charge. I don't believe as consumers we should have to pay this. Add it to your menu items.... read more

See all

I've been to Zelda's a dozen times over the years, but only when visitors are in town and I want them to see how cute Capitola is. I go here reluctantly, because the waitresses are so unfriendly and the service is always bad. They all look miserable and unhappy. I'm not sure what the deal is, because it's been this way for 20 years. This place could be so much better than it is. It's in the perfect location. read more

I would give this place no star if I could. I went there to show someone from Vegas and have a nice dinner. When we walked in there were two girls in the front looked us up and down and one whispered in the other girls ear and then the girl asked do you want tk sit outside it was cold so we said inside.. She said since my daughter had outside food she couldn't bring it in amd they won't seat us.. My daughter has a special diet and can't eat that menu so she had to go eat outside. The girl then seated half of our group and then that girl just threw the silverware on the table saying nothing to the table to apologize for the rude behavior. The food took forever and when we got it everything was cold. I would never come here again. I feel like they don't appreciate their customers unless they are white people. So if your not don't expect them to treat you well. This is the second time I received poor customer service at this place. The front staff was rude as well last time so we didn't come in to eat. There are so many other great options in Capitola where the staff is friendly and treat you like a person no matter what race you are. I would never return to this restaurant. Avoid it too unless your white you will be treated as if your second class and wait forever for cold food. read more

Came by the other day for lunch and it was quite touristy. Located on the beach, street parking was available a few blocks away by foot. Despite coming later during the lunch rush, the wait for a table was still a good 35 minutes. Outdoor tables were spaced 6 feet apart and the staff were wearing masks properly. Our waitress was short and courteous. Definitely checked the box. Wasn't a lady of a thousand words by any means... The fish and chips were decent with the highlight being the french fries as they were hot and fresh. The fish was on the drier side... Seemed more of a tourist spot... read more

Zelda's - Fish & Chips - Bars Near Me - Capitola, California