Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Persephone

    4.3 (258 reviews)
    PriceyNew American
    Closed Closed

    Persephone Photos

    Business Info

    PERSEPHONE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Intimate
    Classy
    Dogs allowed

    You might also consider

    More like Persephone

    Recommended Reviews - Persephone

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Interior of restaurant.  Charming and chic!
    Mary A.

    A meal to remember! My husband and I celebrated our anniversary at Persephone last night. Everything was exquisite and we can't wait to take our friends to enjoy this restaurant with us. The gazpacho was flavorful and very special. My husband joked that he wanted to order a gallon "to go". My chicken risotto with grapes sautéed with rosemary was truly one of the best dishes I've ever eaten. Can't say enough about this truly inspired meal. Start to finish everything was delectable. Big kudos to our server Eli as well. Beautiful ambiance, impeccable service, delicious food--5 stars plus!!

    Trout

    Food was excellent as was service and ambiance. Our server George was teriffic conversation and his food suggestions hit the mark, seared steak and catch of the day, trout. We had a corner table for two with window - perfect. Thank you Persephone!

    Cheeses
    Jojo H.

    It's our first time here. We've been wanting to come since we move to SC. We've been to all fine dining in Santa tuz area and Aptos, this is the last place and we all checked the box. This place is on our top 5 for sure. Glad we dine here tonight. Everything is delicious especially the short ribs. I would give 5 stars but the next table to us are loud (Millennials) one of them is wearing sleepers, they're loud and kind ruined our peace, We are Definitely coming back.

    inside

    such an enchanting night, truly the best thank you the art was inspiring the food was amazing burrata refreshed my palette

    Focaccia with hummus and olive oil
    Mindi G.

    My husband and I have heard good things about Persephone, so we decided to have dinner there for our anniversary. The setting is lovely and the food was good. I would go back, but there are other local restaurants that I would choose first. We had an early reservation on a Saturday, so parking was easily available in their small lot. We were warmly greeted and were seated at a cute table in the corner. We were served water and house-made focaccia. The focaccia comes with hummus as well as olive oil with balsamico. The server returned to take our order. Other than bringing our food, the server was not intrusive. As starters, I had the Parmesan custard with pea purée, pea shoots, and radish. It was mild and enjoyable. The purée did not have a lot of flavor. My husband started with the beet and artichoke soup, which he thought was delicious. For our entrees, my husband had the catch of the day, which was sole, and I had the risotto. My husband said that the sole was fishy and I would not have liked it. My risotto was so hot that I burned my tongue, so I had to move it around and let the steam release for a while before I could eat it. It was very creamy and the artichoke gave a nice punch of flavor. Otherwise, the pieces of chicken seemed over cooked and didn't have a lot of flavor. The dish was fairly one-note, other than the artichoke. Visually, the risotto lacked color and appeal. Maybe some fresh asparagus or peas would brighten the appearance. For dessert, my husband had the almond cake with strawberry and rhubarb and I had the chocolate gelato. The gelato was very chocolatey and creamy! My husband loves strawberry and rhubarb; he said the cake dominated his dessert. The setting, service, and food at Persephone are all very nice. The food highlight was probably the soup. In general, a very pleasant experience and good food.

    Beef, Mushroom and Farro Soup (with chicken that day)
    Amy K.

    We walked in on a Wednesday night. Enjoyed dinner here. They have quite an extensive list of wine. I ordered the catch of the day which was a sole with polenta and romanesco. Boyfriend ordered the chicken stuffed with porcini mushrooms. The highlight was the soups! We ordered the chicken with farro soup and the beet artichoke. Loved the soups a lot and the main courses were good but not show stopping. I would eat here again and the service was excellent. You should try it if looking for a fair priced fine dining experience in Aptos.

    Bree G.

    My boyfriend and I celebrated our anniversary here and it was such a sweet experience. I had always wanted to try Persephone and we finally made it in after our former reservations elsewhere were canceled last minute. Such a delightful plan b and I HIGHLY recommend for a special evening. The wait staff was youthful, sweet, and so darling. They took very good care of us and I appreciated ALL of their efforts. They did not go unnoticed. The food was high quality, rich, and creative (see photos). I hadn't done a fine dining experience in a long while. So if you're seeking a fancy and special night out, this is the place for you.

    Stuffed Chicken with Apricot Compote

    See all

    Photo of Ana B.
    160
    9
    4

    8 days ago

    Excellent Service and Beet soup is a must. Along with cheese platter and short rib straganoff

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 2

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Amy K.
    680
    840
    1689

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Alex P.

    Alex P.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Alex P.

    Alex P.

    Thank you!

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of D s.
    8
    35
    0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Excellent quality and fresh food, wonderful service such a welcome addition to the local dining scene

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lexi R.
    528
    1104
    1525

    4 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 2

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Alex P.

    Alex P.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Alex P.

    Alex P.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Alex P.

    Alex P.

    Thank you so much! We look forward to seeing you back!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Alex P.

    Alex P.

    Happy Anniversary! So glad you enjoyed everything!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 7

    Ask the Community - Persephone

    Do you have a bar area where you can eat dinner? Asking as a solo diner.

    Hi! Unfortunately we do not have a bar area but we are happy to seat you solo at one of our tables for 2!

    Do you have heated outdoor seating?

    Yes they do! Nice outdoor area with warm tall heaters.

    Do you allow dogs when dining on the patio?

    Yes dogs allowed on patio =)

    What is the expected attire for eating here?

    I don't know that it's expected, but it's nice to be in something other than jeans and a tshirt, leggings, etc. Look nice...chinos, nice shirt, nice pants on the ladies, or a sporty dress.

    Does Persephone serve any vegan dishes? I'm not but my fav dining companion is.

    We always make sure our Vegetarian dish and a soup and salad can be easily adjusted to be made vegan friendly. If none of those choices are to your liking just give us a couple days notice on the reservation and we can make a special dish.

    View All 7 Questions

    You might also consider

    Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen - Beachside - Shrimp Cocktail

    Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen - Beachside

    (183 reviews)

    Service: 5 stars - our server and bus person were both very friendly and prompt…read more Food: 3.5 stars. We went for lunch on a Sunday and the menu was very sandwich-forward (which is fine). We brought an out-of-town friend who was hoping for some seafood, but the only offering was a fried fish sandwich. I was happy to see that the sandwiches came with a mixed-green salad or fries for no extra charge. My spouse ordered a Reuben. The bread was amazing and the meat was good, but it wasn't saucy enough and they skimped a little on the sauerkraut. I had a cup of white bean and leek soup with a "market" salad. The soup was delicious - I wish I'd had just a big bowl of that. The market salad was pretty phoned-in for a $16 item. A pile of mixed greens, over-dressed in vinaigrette, with a few apple slices, a couple of halved grapes, and a decent amount of feta. Kind of disappointing, but tasted fine (if boring). Drinks: 4.5 stars. Decent beer selection (some from Fruition and the usual Uncle Dave's, always a favorite). We opted for a cocktail, since it's a distillery, and had a tasty gin drink with strawberry and basil. Refreshing. A little more of a "daquerie" vibe than I was expecting. The cocktails were reasonably priced compared to other places we've eaten. Ambiance: 4.333 stars. Cute, modern place with huge windows. Nice views of the ocean, which is just across the parking lot.

    I enjoy coming here because it's so close to the beach and usually like to sit on the patio and…read moreenjoy the sunshine and lunch. This last experience dining we decided to try out a bunch of starters to share and drinks. The pitcher of beach don't kill my vibe was really good, it's like pink lemonade. I think it is premade because it came out very quickly. The crispy pork belly was the best thing we had, 10/10 recommend. It is sweet, and the mustard greens go great for a bitterness. It was such a flavorful dish. The foccacia is also delicious, it came with 3 pieces and it's warm and crunchy but soft! I really liked the shrimp cocktail, the waitress said they poach them and the texture is like buttery goodness. I swore I tasted a smokiness to them too, they definitely had some sort of seasoning on them. Would get these 3 items again!! I wasn't that into the bean and leek soup, wasn't very flavorful and I didn't finish it nor order this again. My friend also got the clam chowder and he didn't like it either, it was watery. The soups were a miss here. The calamari wasn't the best either, it's a light batter but not seasoned, the cocktail sauce was good though. Had lots of horseradish! Our server had a great personality, she was outgoing and didn't make anything awkward when we let her know we weren't feeling the soups. She handled the situation well and with grace. I would give this a 3.5 stars! I still enjoyed my meal and will return in the future.

    Home - Halibut with Rice

    Home

    (376 reviews)

    $$$

    I have been wanting to come to Home for years, but every time it would pop into my head to go for…read moredinner it would be 7 PM the same day and their reservations only. Finally it came into my head when my in-laws asked me where I'd like to go for dinner for my birthday! It's a small quaint indoor restaurant but outdoors has a large patio with seating too! We were sat at the round table which was quiet and intimate. Everything we tried was fantastic, the starters we had were the foccacia. It wasn't warmed which I would've preferred but it was still fluffy and tasty and served with sea lettuce butter which definitely had a hint of garlic, which always makes things better ;). Who doesn't love garlic?! The other starter we tried was the asparagus, loved it! Would totally order again! The portions were perfect for sharing for 4 of us as well. My entree I ordered the beef check gnocchi, they make their pasta in house and this was so rich and freaking tasty! Absolutely similar to a short rib. 10/10 recommend!! My husband ordered the CA strip loin, cooked perfect medium served with a garlic aioli and crispy potatoes. I got to try his and his was equally fantastic! My mother in law ordered the rock cod crudo and she shared with me as well, the chili oil really came out in flavor in the dish, it was plated beautifully as well. I think this would be a great shared appetizer for groups too. Father in law got the fried chicken, and WOW - an entire HALF chicken! So large, local chicken, fresh and flavorful. Desserts we had the pistachio pana cotta and olive oil cake, the panna cotta was FANTASTIC. You should absolutely order this if you have room! The service could have been quicker, but she was still attentive overall dining time was about 2 hours which is long in my opinion and we could've ordered more beverages and upsold us but overall this place is a must try! You will not be disappointed!

    So stoked to finally get to check out this place with some friends who have raved about it for…read moreyears. Aptly named, the restaurant is super warm and welcoming. Very...homey. The food was simply outstanding. The only section of the evening's menu from which we didn't order was the seafood. Focaccia with sea lettuce butter. Chicken liver pate. Chicory salad. Cauliflower with pine nuts and currants. Papardelle. Beef cheek. Pork chop. All. So. Good! Absolutely cannot wait to come back and try many more things!

    Cafe Cruz - Linguini Cruz w/ added skirt steak

    Cafe Cruz

    (1.1k reviews)

    $$

    We had a very good meal and absolutely outstanding service which earned Cafe Cruz a solid 4-star…read morerating. I had the spicy Devil's Ginger vodka martini with the calamari appetizer and with dinner, the Lava Top Sauvignon Blanc ($13), a perfect complement to the swordfish. My swordfish was perfectly sautéed in a tapenade beurre blanc sauce ($40) with deliciously creamy and decadent polenta and buttery chopped bok choy. The way they served the bok choy was perfect- never change it. It was artsy, buttery and didn't look wilted. My son had the grilled boneless pork chops (two boneless chops) with fries and smoky beans ($28), loved. He devoured the berry fruit crisp à la mode for dessert ($12) and I had two small bites: It was like granola over compote with ice cream. I didn't complain. The best part was the incredibly flawless service. We could have felt rushed dining since it was towards the end of service. Instead, Genevieve paced the meal perfectly so we felt spoiled and unrushed. Next visit I would love to dine in their "secret garden" courtyard; it was beautiful. Their 'secret garden' would be beautiful for a private party like a birthday or wedding anniversary, bridal or baby shower.

    Literally hit the road to pick up some old cabinet at an ancient house up on the mountain. Map said…read morethe way home was faster and brought us down through Soquel. Kids are whiney, I'm tired, wife picks this place strictly based off proximity. What a goddam knock out! Food great, service great, price very fair for the combination of we will drive from Hollister to come back here to eat again!! Thank you Jeanette for wonderful suggestions yes the blackened fish taco salad was bomber, yes the rotisserie chicken was delish and goddam was the shredded Brussels sprouts killer!! Thank you to the chefs who made such great food and thank you to the folks who work hard to bring it all together. Worth the try folks you may become believers!

    Persephone - newamerican - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...