Very good service (thank you James), amazing food and dog friendly! The truffle chicken gnocchi and the chicken piccatta was delish! read more

Portion sizes are half or a third of what they used to be, insane prices. And you charge for bread now? $4.50 to add cheese to something?! This place used to be a go-to, gave this spot a few chances recently but won't be back. read more

Atmosphere is pretty great here. Staff makes you feel welcome. Food is good. Portions tend to run a little smallish size unless it's a pasta dish. Prices are high but where are they not at restaurants. Appetizers are salty and tasty. Desserts are pretty creative. Recommend for intimate date or larger group. read more

I wanted to like this place since my friend recommended it, but, I feel like I got super ripped off. I'm echoing what other reviewers have stated: over priced food with no flavor and the staff isn't present. Since the weather was decent this morning, we opted to sit on the patio area; inside there were maybe three tables taken up - so they weren't slammed by any means. Walked in, was told to seat ourselves and saw that we sat outside. Well, took 10 minutes for drinks to arrive and another 15 to put our order in. Hmmmm. We never received any sort of refills; had to hunt that down myself.... The food is over priced... so, so over priced. I can't believe it's $18 for the flavorless Crunchy Chicken & Bacon eggs Benedict. How's that even possible?? Had to track someone down for our bill because it became pretty obvious that by being on the patio, we're on our own. With as little interaction as we had with our server, I don't think they would've noticed if we had just walked off. Unless you're cool with throwing away money, *do not* dine here. read more

Probably the only large "nice" restaurant in the area so for that I can see it having merit for family celebrations. However, we were not very impressed. The cocktails are small and overpriced (a tiny martini glass for $9??), and the wine list is no better. About 15 wines per section and divided by varietal, for the most part. Really low end wines (Beringer??? Come on.) for $30 a bottle... or astronomical wines for $300 or more... with the average price of others being around the $80 mark. They would do well to revamp the list...adding more interest in the $40-$50 range, and paying particular attention to the French section. There are plenty of good wines from Bordeaux that don't have to cost an arm and a leg, yet they only have about 10 on the menu and all are a fortune. Corkage is $20. Foodwise it was just okay. Pretty standard offerings, save for the occasional unique item of interest (like the buffalo short ribs ..which were good. They do know what rare means, and I like that they have a Small Plate portion of each entree for a little less money. That's great for smaller eaters like me. But for the price vs quality/interest I would rather go to Cafe Sparrow, Gabriella, Soif, Pearl Alley, or Avanti. All are better. The menu did seem fish centric, so perhaps that's a better way to go. Dessert was ridiculas. I'm not a fan anyway, but my dining companion ordered the sampler and it came on an enormous serving platter with way too much going on. 3 or 4 sauces, three fruit garnishes, cookie/filo sculptures, whipped cream. GAH. And that was just the accoutrements. They totally overpowered the actual desserts (chocolate mousse, chocolate walnut bread pudding...which was not bread pudding at all..btw..more like cookie dough, and chocolate pate, which had the hardest shortbread crust thing ever). It was just obnoxious and the thing was enough for 4 people at least. Anyway, if you like that sort of thing... and I know a lot of people who do.. you'll love the desserts here. There was a platter that was even BIGGER, in fact, so bring friends and indulge. Service was also good... but if you want a meal worthy of the price, there are much better places to go. read more

A meal at Bittersweet Bistro is a must for us when we are on holiday to points north. This visit was made even better as our server, Robert, was absolutely wonderful. Our drinks (Berry Naughty) and meal (taquitos, ranch salad and stroganoff) was, as always, perfect! We chose to dine outside, safely distanced on the patio. Our summer plans took us to cities with great restaurants (Sausalito, Seabright, Carmel and Big Sur) and Bittersweet Bistro is at the top of our list as a delightful and delicious highlight to our return to travel. Next year, Bittersweet. Thank you, chef. Thank you, Robert! read more

Wow where to begin. It's been two years since we've eaten here and I wish it was good news. The only good news is the property is beautiful and it's sad that the quality of the food is so bad. The prices would normally be for a high end restaurant in Napa that actually prepares high end food. I ordered the chicken piccata and the lemon capers was mixed with a Demi-glaze sauce. It was the most bazaar dish I have ever had. I should have sent it back but it was stated on the menu and I didn't notice. My wife had a salad with calamari and she didn't like it at all. Hopefully they can find a real chef that can make this restaurant look good. read more

I kind of have a mixed relationship with Bittersweet. I like them, but they take advantage of my affections. I like the facility. It is very nice both indoor and outdoor. I like that it is easy to get to and easy to park. If the main lot is full go around the far side where there is extra parking. We like the bar, and the bartenders, particularly Cliff. Makes a very nice blue cheese olive martini. In general the food is pleasant, but too expensive. Last time there we had two beers, two glasses of wine, two salads, a string bean appetizer, a side of mash potatoes and one vegetarian pasta. 130.00. Ouch. I will admit though that portions are generous. Perhaps sharing is the way to go. The wine and beers alone were almost 50.00. Bring your own wine?...they crush you for a ridiculously greedy 35.00 corkage. And they "only" let you bring two...as if you would subject yourself to 70.00 in corkage for a bistro. So one final note. About a year ago I ordered a veggie burger. It looked so tasty and it took a while to arrive. I cut it in half and took a big bite of one half. While doing so, a phasmid crawled out of the other side. If you don't know what that is look it up. You don't want it in your burger, especially if you are a vegetarian. They blamed it on the organic Arugula which they apparently don't wash. It didn't seem that big a deal to them..."want another one?" I think they comped a drink. So perhaps this gives you a good idea of my mixed relationship with Bittersweet. See you there....or not...depends on how generous I am feeling and if it was close to pay day. read more

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Great food and service. Love the Steamers! Best clams in Santa Cruz area! Carpaccio wonderful too!!

Very expensive. Food was just Ok, nothing super special for the outrageous prices here. I would have given 3 stars for the food but gave 2 overall because it was just underwhelming for the prices. read more

This place is GREAT!! I over-heard someone complaining about absolutely everything - and they were so unreasonable and rude - I thought I'd counter the review. We eat here regularly and always enjoy ourselves - the food is well prepared and despite the last year of Covid, they've done a good job of keeping us safe while still having fun. I also really enjoy their cocktails and desserts! Try the fantasy! YUM!! read more

Bittersweet Bistro was highly recommended by my friend as a go-to place in Aptos. After going there for brunch, I'm torn between giving it 2 or 3 stars. For brunch, they don't open the entire bistro, so we ate at the foyer area, which was cute, but if you really think about it, it was basically a bunch of tables in the parking lot. I had the french toast and added eggs and hash browns. My friend had the two egg breakfast and substituted fresh fruit. Add coffee and orange juice to our order and we basically paid $30+ dollars for breakfast. Granted the food was good. It was certainly far better fare than what you would get at an IHOP or Carrows. But there was also nothing really special about it. As another Yelper commented, it was "Flush with flash but sparse on substance." The service was okay. Our entrees took a bit to come out to us. The place was relatively empty, which always makes me wonder why service suffers when there is no one there. The servers were nice and polite. Our coffee and waters were always topped off. The servers did their job, but it wasn't anything more than any wait staff worth their salt would be capable of doing. So, while I can't really say this was a solid 3 stars, I think that the description "A-Ok' does apply, just not in a very enthusiastic way. Maybe "Eh-ok" would be more appropriate. read more

Bittersweet Bistro - New American Near Me - Aptos, California

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Was it Covid that ruined this business? Food no longer good, wayyyyyyyyy overpriced and a surcharge added to your bill to help the owner keep things afloat. I'm not feeling good about this place surviving. Very sad as it use to be great! read more

Where has this restaurant been all my life? Loved everything but the prices! Calamari app was $23.50 plus tax, service fee and tip.

The food looks beautiful but lacks flavor for the chicken or calamari. The salad was the star of the show we ordered a salad and added the beets to the salad. The pricing has gone way up since last year which is not surprising but it wouldn't have been such the bit if the food had more flavor. we did enjoy the desserts which were both extremely beautiful as they were brought to our table.Our server was very attentive and so friendly. Heads up to all, this establishment has decided along with higher pricing to add a %6.5 service fee for "Covid Preparedness" it goes to the owner they specifically state that on the invoice. It is in very very small print on their menu so just beware. I will take a look at the Cafe Bittersweet to see if they charge the same service fee. I found it surprising after questioning staff on their preparedness sounds like another way to gouge indoor diners. read more

We dined here tonite and had a wonderful time and a delicious meal. We all had different entrees and a nice bottle of vino. Lindsey was a great server, offering suggestions for us and answering all our questions!!! Give this place a try!!!! read more

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$17 for "corned beef and hash" Where are the potatoes? Where are the paper napkins to get this oil off my plate? Im disappointed and ripped off. Go to red Apple cafe next to deluxe for breakfast. No matter what the wait is, GO TO RED APPLE. It's cheaper and you get actual good food. Not even to mention how people who came after us got their plates before us, clearly because they were ordering a bottle of wine, meaning a higher check which would result in a higher tip. When we got our food my sisters fries were cold and my moms french toast was in complete. It took the server 3 trips back to the table to bring my moms fruit, my toast and a water refill. At least after we complained to our server, ONCE SHE DECIDED TO COME BACK, she removed it from the bill. After she proceeded to plop the check down and say "have a great day" and then turn around to walk away. I'm going home to wash my face and never coming back!!! read more

Bittersweet Bistro - $17 for "corned beef and hash" Where are the potatoes? Where are the paper napkins to get this oil off my plate? RIP OFF AND NASTY. - New American Near Me - Aptos, California

This is a beautiful restaurant, pleasant wait staff. The price are very high. The food is very disappointing. I had the crunchy chicken sandwich with fríes, very simple sandwich, nothing special about it, along with the fries. My husband ordered Calamari, it looks like they got a handful and dropped them in the fryer. They didn't fry evenly there were spots where they were still the white breading. My daughter-in-law got taquitos, very bland, but it think if you put toppings on them you hide the bland flavor. My Son had an impossible burger, those are pretty much the same everywhere. But another thing that bothered me, none of the plates were garnished. The presentation was non existent. Another person commented that it was Michelin star prices but you get average food. I agree. And they do add 6.5% for the cook staff to add to their pay. So I add the $8.34 they charged to the tip and gave them a 18% tip total. Everyone was affected by Covid. Even your customers. read more

We had the French onion soup, salad, and appetizers- it was wonderful. Great food and service.

The food is overpriced, underwhelming, and they charge an additional 6% service charge to each bill.

They do the slimy trick of tacking a 4% surcharge on every bill. Then they have the gall to say it's "in liue" (their spelling) of a price increase. Well, it is a price increase, and a sneaky underhanded one. I won't be back. Edit: I objected and refused to pay the surcharge. The manager, Thomas became rude and threatened to call the police. I stood my ground and he relented. read more

Bittersweet Bistro - New American Near Me - Aptos, California

Looked up the place on our way home from a day in Salinas. We were all hungry and trying to look for anything decent and open past 8pm and found this little gem. Yes pricy but so worth it! They have a beautiful outdoor seating with twinkling lights and heaters. The appetizers and food were delicious and fresh and the service was very good. read more

Bittersweet Bistro - Chef speciality Beef Stroganoff pasta. Oh my world was it good! - New American Near Me - Aptos, California

We love Bittersweet Bistro. The food is always excellent. You can order 1/2 size plate for a lighter eater.The bar is always a fun place to sit. Lots of TVs for sports and just to sit and visit with Cliff the amazing bartender. The dining room is always decorated to make for a relaxing, romantic dinner and then they have to pet friendly patio which is clean, warm and inviting. The service is impeccable....always a friendly waiter willing to please. Thank you Bittersweet for being the best restaurant in the Santa Cruz area. A family, friendly place. read more

We had a very unpleasant dining experience. A large group seated across the room were so loud (they were literally screaming and yelling as they played some kind of game) that it was quite difficult to have conversations with anyone at our own table. The food and service were good but for the prices we were paying ($49+/entree), we were not expecting a sports bar ambience. We asked to talk to the manager and were told that she was not available and would call us the next day. When we said we would prefer to pay after we talk to the manager, somehow the manager and a burly guy from the kitchen appeared at our table. We asked her for some sort of consideration and were told that there was nothing they could do about the behavior of other diners --and if we didn't pay our bill, they would call the police. We'd had a bad experience and they handled it be being rude to us. There were so many other ways they could have handled the situation such as offering a small concession like a discount for a future meal, a complementary beverage, or taking a percentage off of the bill. It would have been great if someone had asked, "what can we do to make this right?" read more

Very good food. Best and most Italian like pizza in the county. Good service. Nice bar. A bit on the pricey side, but big much difference than other establishments read more

Great restaurant. Love the food and vibe... very casual and I would definitely good back again for dinner.

Excellent food, during Shelter in place, we have eaten here on numerous occasions and the meals are delicious. Thank you for always taking care of us.. read more

Good food. Chicken parm was very good. Service was great ambience was amazing. Little over priced for quality but it is Aptos. read more

Bittersweet Bistro - New American Near Me - Aptos, California

This place really WOWED me and my wife from A to Z! Our first sitting outside experience post Covid, from right when you walk in feels nice fresh and clean! Cliff and the rest of his staff are top notch!When sitting waiting on drinks and such, people watching we noticed a lot of regulars in a classy environment. Now for the food Crab Cakes are delicious best I've had since JD's closed in SF! The filet mignon plate amazing! Drove over an hour to get there it was well worth it! Thanks will be returning soon! I can't figure out how they got the filet so crispy on the out side and perfect pink in the middle, freakin amazing!!!! read more

Bittersweet Bistro - Vodka mix of deliciousness - New American Near Me - Aptos, California

High class without being persnippity. Elegant yet comfortable. Fine dining at its best! We have taken friends and family for dinner during recent visits, and I recently threw a birthday celebration in a private room. Without fail, each visit was fun and impressive, and the private party was over the top perfect! The bar is comfortable and welcoming, so if you are just meeting a friend for a cocktail after work, Bittersweet Bistro is the place to do it in Aptos! We live in Capitola, so we use UBER to and from so we can enjoy the expansive wine list and cocktails. I can't say enough about this gem! If you haven't been, GO! If you haven't been in awhile, it's time to return! We did, and we enjoy it EVERY time!! read more

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I booked Bittersweet because our dinners have been great this past few years and our friends visiting for the weekend would enjoy a nice place. What a disappointment! We ordered 4 dinners and 3 of them came. My girlfriends dinner didn't end up coming until we were completely done eating. And she ordered a scallops so certainly not labor intensive. Waiter was apologetic but come on!!! Kitchen mishandled things and the manager wouldn't even come talk to us about it. So embarrassing as my husband and I were hosting our friends and she didn't even get fed. It's one thing for Bittersweet to have an off night but another to not care enough for management to even come apologize to us. It's our neighborhood restaurant and I can't say we will be back. Disappointing read more

I can't say I've tried their food because we came in with a 4 year old and a 6 month old and were told we'd get menus in a minute... yet we waited for over 10 minutes and no one helped us - the hostess that we originally talked to was a sourpuss because we walked in the wrong door. So... I haven't tried their food but their service I have tried and most likely will not be back for it. Thanks to the other hostess of the actual bistro though for being a little nicer and attempting to get us menus - we appreciate your effort where ever it is that you sequestered off to! read more

We were invited here for a private dinner with a group of friends. Started with appetizers and drinks on private patio than to a beautiful private dining room. Staff was attentive, wine was great, entrees and dessert were delicious. Great experience and will definitely be back! read more

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This place is overpriced for mediocre food and ambience. When we called to make reservation for 6:30 pm, the staff told us they only had availability for 6:00 pm. The restaurant was only half occupied when we arrived and it was still half occupied by the time we left. So don't understand why the staff would not take 6:30 pm reservation. After we had our dinner, we asked the staff to take our photo. The staff said he was too busy and walked away. We asked another staff. The staff gestured "no" with his finger and walked away. First time we experienced such rude staff. read more

Good food but their pricing is WAY WAY OUT THERE in the ASTRONOMICALLY HIGH category. Service was decent and ambience was decent. Dog friendly in the outside dining area. Wish they would just lower their prices a bit and not be so darn greedy and therefore have more customers who are more budget conscious. They don't need to be cheap but just more reasonable with their prices. read more

Horrible meal had the small order scallops and had 1.5 scallops for 35.00. The scallops had sand in every bite. 35.00. Had a no taste scallop potatoes and spinach which was really cold too. Do not come here. read more

Pricey but so delicious. Good service, great food. Awesome desserts. Try the dessert fantasy / see if you can handle it.

Great pet friendly patio for sitting outside at happy hour on a nice day. We enjoy their happy hour menu, some pretty good drink specials and a few tasty starters. My favorites are the Bittersweet Cocktail and the Stuffed Mushrooms. Hubby really likes the Margherita Pizza. The dinner menu is also pretty good but pricey. The small plates are usually big enough for me. I do enjoy their seafood entrees. The creme brûlée is also delicious. Service is always friendly. read more

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While the menu felt a little scatter-brained, the food that came out of the kitchen was good. Once you decided if you wanted Italian. Or American. Or maybe Asian fusion. I rolled the dice and went with a Chicken Piccata. And it was pretty damn good. Not back home Jersey good, but definitely small town California good. The ambiance was also quite nice, probably worth at least one or more of the stars above. We sat outside in the covered courtyard area and were able to hear everyone at the table. If you're looking for a good spot to check out, you won't be disappointed. Don't think you'll call your Nana to brag, but you will have a good meal. read more

I wanted to love Bittersweet Bistro in Aptos but with their ridiculously high prices for mediocre food; I have to say it's a NO! We had the pan seared scallops ($49)and also the Sea bass ($48) and it was ok at best. Not huge portions and the Sea bass had a fishy smell to it and a little under cooked and the Sea Scallops were a bit chewy. Ambiance is nice on back patio area but seriously not worth the price/taste of the food. With 2 cocktails and an appetizer with tip it was $250!! Nope not worth it in my opinion!! read more