Great spot always! Food is delicious, environment is cool and quiet! Good service! Steak sandwich was good and tender, short ribs were good, Brussel sprout appetizer was really good! Gorgeous patio for nice days:) read more

Bittersweet Bistro - Steak sandwich photo almost too late! - New American Near Me - Aptos, California

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If you want to spend $200 for the most disappointing dinner for two, this is the place for you. The beef stroganoff was underwhelming but the slice of raw cold halibut was embarrassing. Even the waitress was ashamed of it. You'd think they'd comp a drink or a dessert or something for the trouble but nope. GFY customer. Have a nice night or whatever. Cool. Never again. Just about every restaurant in the area is better than this place. read more

As 4 year residents of Aptos I admit we had never been to Bittersweet Bistro. Not sure why... lol Probably Covid for first 2 years we were here.. Anyway - We had dinner there tonight. As a couple who have both worked in design and architecture ... we are way more sensitive to the aesthetics of a space than 99% of folks. Lol That being said, I was redesigning the place in my head as we entered.. Where IS the entry..? The main dining room is warm and comfortable, although it is a dated design and doesn't feel as fresh or appealing as newer dining venues in Santa Cruz County. So. ... While I was HATING the mirror over the fireplace that clearly came from the set of "Ruthless People" with Bette Miller from 1982... We were immediately greeted by our server Camille - who I suspect may be an owner of the place. She clearly is a very experienced, gracious, funny, and invested person in this place. Lovely. And unbelievably intuitive. My husband wanted to order a cocktail and didn't know what one of the ingredients was... she said "hold that thought" and came back with the bartenders explanation and how those flavors work together for this particular drink. Pfff.. who does that.. ? Amazing. Because we hadn't been there before we decided to "jump" around the menu and try several things which we shared: Started with the beet salad which was a perfect combination of the earthy beet flavor, citrus, sweet nuts and absoluty fresh greens and pickled onions. Feta cheese and spicy vinaigrette dressing. Perfect. Burrata foccacia with honeycomb. House made foccacia with burrata and honeycomb fresh honey. Delish Fried Brussel sprouts I know this is a "thing" now at a lot of eateries.. but these were fantastic - just crispy enough, tender and probably best sprouts we've had in a long time. Arancini... The balls were cooked to perfection... Which is an art for this dish.. Nice and crispy and the flavors of the of the cheeses was not overpowered by the light marinara sauce.. perfect balance and served piping hot so not mushy! Moms meatloaf.. So this was highly recommended by several friends... and we're ole down home meatloaf lovers.. Ok.. this isn't my Moms meatloaf ... But.... it was a new and different experience and a very yummy 2nd ? to my Moms... Lastly.. I saw several reviews that indicated folks thought the prices were high.. Our dinner - 3 courses and 2 cocktails was $156 plus tip. Now keep in mind.. they have an EXCEPTIONAL wine selection ... I don't like it when a reviewer says "it was EXPENSIVE" And they don't mention the $300 bottle of exquisite wine they ordered! We felt it was an exceptionally fair amount to spend for the outstanding service, wonderful food and the ambiance... It is loud .. but it is filled with laughter and people enjoying... Only reason not 5 stars. It's a dated space aesthetically and the entrance and outdoor courtyard are just a lil tacky.. They need a good designer, a remodel in the dining areas to reduce noise and increase privacy for smaller tables around the perimeter... and just keep doing what they are doing! read more

Fantastic food- but crazy expensive. I do love this spot in the heart of Aptos. The food is always impressive. it's a fun place to watch a game in the bar or have a romantic candle lit dinner. They have an impressive spread for brunch and a large secluded patio area for outdoor dining. But I always end up with a bill that seems far too expensive. Although the quality is good here, it just seems too steep. But I do keep coming back... maybe it will just be for happy hour in the future.... read more

Bittersweet Bistro - The Bittersweet Chocolate Mousse (I honestly dream of this- it's incredible) - New American Near Me - Aptos, California

Excellent service, great drinks, and the best romantic patio seating! I had the best steak of my life there a couple weeks ago for our anniversary. Bittersweet strikes a great balance between small-town/welcoming feel with upscale food and ambience. Bittersweet is a must-go for locals and visitors alike. read more

Food OK, $9.45, I.e. , 3% Bank charge. Food was delayed. Server was sweet. Everything mentioned was not her responsibility. We are used to eating at pricey restaurants, but this restaurant was gauging read more

4 people, two appetizers, one beer, one mock tail, total bill $240. Ouch. This place needs some help, prices and portions were totally mismatched. The salad was $21 for an appetizer actual size 8inch plate sold at a entree price point, Steamer clams were $28 and rubbery. Scallops were $43 for three medium sized, and inconsistently seared, small portion of potatoes au gratin (best thing we had) and vegetables. The virgin cocktail was $11 and mostly ice, ROBBERY! Chicken picatta was served with a brown sauce (Demi glacé) and capers.... Who does that? Short rib was flavorless. We sat outside on plastic chairs, if you are going to charge high prices at least make the seats comfortable. Service was good, not her fault that the management is greedy and kitchen staff isn't well mentored or coached by a experienced chef. Disappointed. read more

Mega expensive, staff are not friendly, food is sub par...why, why would anyone come here?

Amazing experience. Found this little gem on a google search. The food was amazing and loved the indoor decor. The drinks were creative and it was affordable for the quality. We had a great anniversary dinner. We will be repeat customers for sure. read more

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Have been going here for years! Always great food and ambience. Recently went with my husband and son. The food was awful. Very disappointed. Won't be going back. The service was good. read more

5 stars for a few reasons; actual service. They were really short staff for a Saturday evening and actually pretty attentive. It is a small place but to hit everyone all at once despite being so busy, that was good from my point of view. Started with the house bread and it was good. My dish was great, I ordered the meatballs and pasta it was full of flavor. I believe the sauce they put on the meatballs were homemade because it sure tasted like it. Prices were what I excepted them to be, I enjoyed my food and would definitely go back. If you're looking for a lively and upbeat place to sit by the bar, watch a game then this is the place for you - thank you! read more

Bittersweet Bistro - New American Near Me - Aptos, California

Honestly can't give more than 1 star for location - close to my home. This place has lame service (bartender - not only time to evaluate), it's overpriced and has no good vibe. Food, I guess is OK - but really $29 for a bacon cheeseburger? Been about 5 times in the last 4 years, I sorta forget how weak it is - this excursion seals the deal. read more

Had dinner at the Bittersweet Bistro on Valentines Day. The only reservation we could get was for 7:45pm. We were quite surprised that when we arrived half the restaurant was empty. Our server came to the table and asked what we wanted. No hello. No specials No niceties. My husband ordered Knob Creek bouben and I ordered a cocktail. The waitress returned to the table and said "we don't have Knob Hill". My husband pointed out that it was on the menu and it's actually NOB CREEK. She said "well we don't have it". My drink, a pomegranate margarita, tasted like koolade. I got my drink first and then she came 10 minutes later with his drink. She took our order. I got the short ribs and my husband got the sesame seared ahi and a caesar salad. For an appetizer we got the clams. The clams came first in a pool of broth. There were about 20 clam shells and maybe 8 actual clams. No bread. I had to ask for it and it came on a plate looking quite dry and unappetizing. Then we got our entrees. Where is the salad? "Oh sorry...". It came about halfway through our main dishes. My ribs tasted like pot roast with a sauce that consumed it. My husbands fish was good, he said, but the dish was unappetizing looking. When asked if we wanted dessert we promptly said no and paid the bill. On the way out my husband went to the bathroom and I took the opportunity to tell the hostess that our experience was terrible and we wouldn't be back. Also the service was quite rude. All of this for over $300. NO ONE SEEMED TO CARE!!! read more

We had some out-of-town friends come and take us out to dinner (their treat) here on my recommendation. Tho the food was good, the portions are very small. My friend was served 2 scallops for a $43.00 dinner! I was embarrassed for having them take us there. We won't make that mistake again. read more

We were looking forward to a nice night out, but unfortunately, this place fell short. The ambiance was decent, but for a restaurant trying to be upscale, having plastic chairs outside was a bit disappointing. Right when we walked in, we were greeted by the sound of two waitresses arguing, with one saying, "Well, I have the most tables right now." It didn't set a good tone for the evening. We started with two appetizers: a Burrata salad and clams. The Burrata salad, which cost $20, was literally just a ball of Burrata with a bit of cucumber and lettuce. The four of us barely got a bite each. The clams were okay, but nothing special. I ordered a mocktail for $11, which felt overpriced, especially since a beer was $8.50. For the main course, my friend got the piccata and another friend had the short rib. Both dishes had the same sauce, which was practically drowning the meat. My wife and I both ordered the same entrée: $40 for three small scallops, a few potatoes, and a tiny portion of spinach. We finished our meal in a few bites. The portions were laughably small for the prices they charged. Our total bill came to $240. For reference, I was in a car accident this day and dinner was still the worst part of my day... read more

We had dinner here last night, and the food and drinks were honestly terrible. The bill came out to $194- insane for the quality. We started with 2 lukewarm (terrible) martinis, but figured that doesn't necessarily reflect the Kitchen. We got an ahi app which was... fine. The best thing we'd eat, but unfortunately, a low bar. For dinner I got 3 scallops for $48 (the large portion) and they were sandy, unevenly and/or overcooked. I should have sent them back, honestly, but the au gratin potatoes were fine and we kind of just wanted to get out of there. He got "24 hour" short ribs, $46, which was a solid lump of meat, in a congealing, foreboding but also somehow flavorless dark sauce. His potatoes were also fine and both entrees came with totally unseasoned spinach. This was like cafeteria food. This was like food if you went to a fraternity and sat down with 60 other guys and their Coors Lights, you'd be like "this is pretty good." Not $48 entrees. We got a second round of drinks hoping they'd be better- a soda water old fashioned and another lukewarm, baaaad Manhattan. Their bartender should surrender his shaker. If someone gave me a gift certificate to this place, I'd re-gift it to an Enemy. Service was fine, our server was very sweet, but her "recommendations" were a little irritating bc she has to know that the food here is awful and it's just a Tourist Trap. Never again! read more

This has always been a family favorite, been coming here ever since I was a kid. Their desserts are incredible, if you come with a group I dare you to order the sampler platter! If not, the chocolate mouse is heavenly. Started with the shrimp dynamite which I totally could've had as my entree, perfect combination of sweet, crunchy, nutty. We had the paella (filled w/ so much seafood and bursting with flavor), pork oh man so juicy and those apples....yum! The bistro steak was delicious & the potatoes creamy and cheesy. Scallops were perfect! read more

Bittersweet Bistro - Small plate scallops - New American Near Me - Aptos, California

it was excellent. It was a really good dinner. The food was really good. The service was a little slow, but it was New Year's Eve so that's expected but everything about it. I enjoyed it was a really nice dinner with the girls for New Year's Eve. read more

My extended family of 28 had our Christmas dinner on Sunday, December 29th in one of Bittersweet's marvelous banquet rooms. Adjacent to our incredibly setup singular table for all of us was a room with a bar, fireplace, couches and tables. We used it both before and after for stockings and presents and relaxing. We used one of their TV's to run a series of 400 photos during our entire time there. The staff was incredibly helpful and supportive. Elizabeth supported all of our needs and ideas. Their long time bartender, Cliff, continues to be a great part of the experience. The food was scrumptious from the Caesar salad, to the blackened fish, steak or chicken piccata options to the Creme Brulee finish. The Christmas tree and glass containers with decorative bulbs added even more to the festive feel. Their sound system played music and our family thoroughly enjoyed our 4 hours at Bittersweet Bistro. We have been going for over 20+ years, including the days they were open for Thanksgiving and have NEVER had a bad experience. Thank you ALL SO much for making our celebration so special!! read more

Service was very good. That's what the two stars are for. We went at 2pm for what we thought was a casual late lunch. We were sat at an odd, very wobbly table outside. We ordered a salad, crab cake app, coke, one glass of wine & a side of fries. The food was slightly less than mediocre. The menu is too big for any of the food to be great. Our bill was $96 before the tip. I was SHOCKED. I didn't even look at prices because I trust things to be normally priced. Either the owner is making an incredible profit or something is wrong with the business model. I absolutely will never go back. It feels like gouging. To be clear, if the food was decent it would still feel expensive but I'd be ok & go back occasionally...but the food there is never better than what an ok home cook can do. If I'm paying $115 for lunch (after tip) my table sure as hell shouldn't wobble the whole time. read more

Bittersweet Bistro - New American Near Me - Aptos, California

This was one of our favorite places. Not anymore :( We love to go share the stroganoff and have a few drinks. When the dish came out it looked like a half order. I asked and the bald gentleman said "Ya it's smaller but cheaper now". One thing I can't stand is a liar. And he was, they need to tell the truth it's not the waiter or waitress's fault. When our waitress Krystal came over she told the truth. They made the order smaller and took the bread away. Not her fault she was great I would give her 10 stars :) I wish I would have taken a pic at this small order for $ 49. It was still good but not for the price. The sad thing is Bittersweet is going to lose a lot of people like us :( is it worth it???? read more

Very pricey, limited hours, great service and food, but be aware that there is a surcharge so you are paying 4% more than posted prices . Then tip recommendation is figured after tax and surcharge so you are paying 34% more than menu price. Surcharge is mentioned at bottom of menu and it is suppose to pay for back of house like chefs and food prep. read more

Good food and great service, but extremely overpriced for what it is. Food has always been great, but I always feel like I'm getting ripped off for what I pay. For example, their crab cakes appetizer is $20 for two crab cakes. That comes to $10 per. Although good, they do not taste like they are worth $10. Maybe $5 at best. If I am going to pay near Michelin star prices, I better get Michelin star food. read more

Why this restaurant has 3 stars???? I will never understand!!! The place first of all is so amazing along with the service. The food it's so good!!! Do people know good food and give low stars? I strongly suggest to try this restaurant and all the Karen's that find it not good must have some kind of a problem! The desserts.... Oh my GOD!!!! Our server Shannon was amazing, patient to explain the dishes and super fast service! Ok, it's a bit pricey! If you can afford it why not coming to this beautiful environment and enjoy a good food. read more

Bittersweet Bistro - Chocolate moose and tiramisu - New American Near Me - Aptos, California

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What a wonderful day 70 and sunshine, started with outside seating and a little Bree appetizer, gnocchi, seafood pasta and a chicken pecata ... the Brie was off the chart... with the fig and arugula along with garlic spread definitely will order again. For a two hour meal it was a great experience everything great along with the chocolate walnut bread pudding and the chocolate moose topped off the meal perfectly... the price was about what I would expect for the experience we had! Only downfall to the entire time we're the hard seats. read more

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The food is amazing, never had a bad meal here. The service is great and the atmosphere is on the quiet side which I like. Very dog friendly patio. read more

I used to love this restaurant but with a 6.5 percent surcharge for "the heart of the house" whoever that is. I'm really disappointed in this money grab! read more

It was my first time to Capitola and I found this Gem The food, ambiance, and service were incredible. read more

Bittersweet Bistro - Creme Brule - New American Near Me - Aptos, California

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I really wanted to give this feedback directly and non-publicly to Bittersweet but they don't have an email contact on their website and I don't belong to FBook or Twitter or any other social media. So, I'm putting a review on Yelp. First of all, the service was top notch. Everyone we had contact with was professional, courteous and efficient. The food was good... not great, but mostly very good. Specifics later. My main complaint has to do with the 6 1/2% surcharge to tip the back of the house (kitchen) staff. I normally tip 15-18% on the before tax total, but because of this charge, only tipped 11% last night. I don't think I'm alone in this and I don't think it's fair to the server or the customer. I've read the excruciatingly long explanation from the owner in previous reviews, but still think they should figure out a different way to solve the problem. Specific feedback on the food: The fig salad was over-dressed. If a little restraint had been used, it would have been heavenly. My skirt steak was likewise over-sauced. I scraped as much of the demi glace off as I could, but what would have been a very tasty cut was overpowered by the sauce. It also contained a lot of gristle which was unchewable. The rest of the meal was very good and the outdoor patio is comfortable and inviting and a great place to eat. And, the carp were, as always, friendly and engaging. read more

Elizabeth, In response to your snarky comments...about my review... I was indeed truthful. There was plenty of room and yes you did say the bar! I gave a great review of 4 stars thanks to the servers and kitchen staff. I do try to be positive and only asked that you do better. We were not asked to move by anyone but you! We were having a nice quiet dinner and couples all around were too. I have no reason to lie. You could have been nice about it but you were rude and inflexible. Your approach was cold and closed to considering that it was really not a problem for anyone but...you wanted your way. We did move seats to appease you but to your skunk analogy ... it stunk! It sure wasn't necessary. Pissing match ? Not what I was interested in but this seems your style. An apology would have been correct but even on yelp you chose to dig in and remain closed to my feedback. You're defensive I see but Again ... do better. A bit of constructive feedback for you. I have enjoyed going to your restaurant until this happened. But I guess that is not important to you. ‍ read more

Excellent food and service. Higher end on pricing but it was well worth the experience. One of my favorite new places recommended by a friend. Cant wait to return to try the other delicious sounding menu items. read more

Bittersweet Bistro - Stroganoff and shortrib - New American Near Me - Aptos, California

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"A 6 1/2 % Surcharge will be added to each bill to help cover operational and labor costs; the charge does not go to the servers." Add it to the menu prices outright - hidden fees are now illegal in California and we will report you to the state. The food is just OK and the prices are already sky high. My desire would be that this restaurant close and a better restaurant with more reasonable prices and concept open, as the location is great and I love the heated patio. Until then, skip it. As an update - the owner below responded that it isn't a hidden charge because it is is posted in fine print in the menu and a small sign on the hostess stand. FYI, this is the DEFINITION of a hidden fee and is exactly why the 2023 hidden fees law was passed. For example, resort fees at hotels are hidden fees, even if listed on the website. Most people don't read the fine print on your menu yo find out they will be paying more for their food when they choose to patronize your establishment. FIX IT, or you will be reported. read more

Went because we had a gift card. Just as well, because for 4 of us with tip the bill was $380. only 1 beer, no other alcohol. The Caesar salad basic and vinegary. The burger was basic, came with basic oven fries. For that pricing should have hand cut fries. Not worth the $$$. Every dish was okay, but not special enough for the price they charge. We ordered the big dessert plate and they didn't have one item for it so said we could have a brownie instead of creme brulee added, but would have to pay $4 extra for a bit of ice cream.. Come on! this is a $300+ meal and they want us to pay $4 for that because they didn't have what we really wanted!?!?!? Plus of course the 6% covid surcharge.. High end prices, not high end food.... We are local. Unlikely to return... just can't justify the prices for that quality... read more

The service frim Nini was great. The meatloaf was a flavorless except for an overabundance of salt. Ordered the Aji salad with salmon instead of Aji, which was overcooked and dry salmon, and the salad, which which should have had an accent of rice noodles was 60% rice noodles. The brownie was way overcooked crispy dry not moist. Maybe just the B minus team in the kitchen tonight, but not something I would ever recommend to anyone I liked. read more

We came from Carmel on our way back home to Ben Lomond. We arrived called and placed our order. I mentioned it was our anniversary. I was able to go into there market place and buy a beautiful bouquet of flowers for $10. Everyone was wearing mask and gloves I gave my cell phone and waited in the car. We arrived home and had the most delicious dinners we have had in a long time! When it came to the dessert we were blown away with the chocolate happy anniversary inside the most delicious desert we have ever had!!!! Thanks bittersweet for making our anniversary the best in this hard time! read more

Bittersweet Bistro - New American Near Me - Aptos, California

I'm surprised this place doesn't have more stars! Dog friendly (with treats and doggie menu!) and plenty of outdoor seating with beautiful ambience. (Heaters, fire, decor). Indoor seating is limited to the bar area due to Covid protocol. All staff were masked and very friendly. Unfortunately they are only serving dinner right now, but it's delicious. Prices are on the higher end so be prepared if you want a budget dinner. They accommodated are larger party of 7 (with 2 kids - age 7 and 8). Not pictured was the warm bread and butter, crunchy chicken sandwich that was delicious with a nice kick, steak cooked to ordered preference, fries, and salads. Will visit again when in town! read more

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I came here for dinner tonight with a friend.We came here during Happy hour so we chose food from that menu.We shared the happy hour mushroom pizza.I got a diet coke and my friend got water We sat outside on their patio.The food came out really fast They gave us complimentary bread and butteras well..Everything was good.The pizza was very delicious read more

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They have raised their prices and reduced portion size. Not longer our favprice local spot.

Gorgeous restaurant and patio . Sat at bar. Good customer service very attentive. Ordered a Tito's soda grapefruit was not impressed where was alcohol ? Food was delicious nice menu very hard time choosing too many great choices . Had chicken taquitos app very tasty , garden vegetable salad great flavor huge portion plenty for 2. Had gnocchi very rich but delicious huge portions . Also had chicken piccata. Very rich but great flavor. I had small plate and it was still a large portion. We watched warrior game went to Back room to finish watching it large leather bucket chairs very comfy good place to watch game I will be back overall great charming place read more

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Sharing from a gluten free perspective. Good restaurant. Not a lot of gluten free items but the waitress was knowledgeable and helped with choices. She offered us gluten free rolls instead of bread. The rolls were good! They do serve gluten free pasta but it could only be substituted for 2 pasta dishes on the menu. There wasn't any gluten free calamari at this time. Which is what we wanted and came for. We ended up ordering a chicken curry lettuce wrap appetizer. For dinner we ended up ordering steak dinners. They were good also. They did have a choice of two gluten free desserts. 1 was a crème brûlée & the 2nd was a chocolate mouse to be ordered without a crust. Everything we ate was delicious. A bit pricey but good. We did not get sick. read more

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