Salad was out of this world! The food quality here beats anything I've had in Jersey growing up!

When it comes to Shadowbrook, there is nothing to say, other than the food is ALWAYS fantastic. Always! This last time i went was just a few days ago with my friend, for the first time for lunch. Again, smiles, through and through, all around. As to be expected, a limited menu but again, not in the least disappointed. read more

It's not a culinary marvel, more of an institution. I think you can tell going in. Such a special restaurant. They have a funicular and shuttle service via vintage taxicabs. We didn't have reservations, so we walked in for our dinner in the super cozy lounge with a wood fire oven. The lounge menu is different from the dining room menu. We got the pretzel, clam chowder, Caesar with anchovies, and two 12 oz prime ribs. I liked that you get two small pretzels instead of one giant one. Easier to share. You get cheese and mustard sauces. Cheese was okay, mustard was pretty good. Would get again. Clam chowder was okay. Caesar with anchovies was good, not overly salty which I worried about with the anchovies. The prime ribs both came cooked to order - perfect medium rare, surprisingly tender. I wish it had a better bark (and more of it) and was a little more seasoned. We asked for more au jus and it came in a little sauce container with a spout. Garlic mashed potatoes were great. Very minor complaint, I was not into the piped out mash plating. Creamed spinach was a bit dry on top since they baked it to get that effect. Service was really good. Cody was friendly and attentive but not too overly present. Things came out quickly. Overall a great meal. Wished we had room for dessert, the coffee crunch mud pie looked good. Hope to return for the beef Wellington in the dining room. read more

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Here is one of Capitola finest restaurants. I love the Entrance in the trolley through the gardens. The entire place looks like a beautiful redwood getaway. sitting close to the windows has been one of our special requests and we got one tonight. it is mindful to pace yourself on this journey through the menu. every item is better then the last. We have the bacon wrapped prawns, brie, and I had the blackend lamb loin. Every bite was absolutely decadent. Lastly desert was the double berry pie and ice cream. Thank you again Shawn for an amazing night and the best service we could al for! Dennis J Rodriguez II Pro Show Painting read more

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Such a great restaurant, we were very happy with the service, food and atmosphere. We've been to Capitola about 4 times in the last few years. We've had Shadowbrook on our list, but just never got around to going. We made it a priority to try on this trip. We had an evening reservation on a weekday and it was still pretty busy. The replica cable car was a hoot and my kids had a great time riding that up and down in our visit. The interior of the restaurant was very nicely appointed. The ambience was very classy without feeling too stuffy. The views of the river/creek were also very nice. Our server and waitstaff were very accommodating and so very kind. The food was fantastic. I tried the Black Truffle gnocchi with sliced filet medallions. My wife had the lobster tail, my kids had the Prime Sirloin and Honey Glazed Porkchop. Everyone loved their meals. Prior to dinner, we shared prawn appetizers and fried artichokes. Both of which were delicious. For dessert my wife and kids shared the Chocolate Meltdown while I opted for a Keoke Coffee. All in all we had a fantastic experience. We Ubered there from our VRBO. Luckily we were able tog eat a ride back in the taxi. This was a lot of fun for my girls, as they had never been in an old fashioned taxi. We wanted every bit of our evening and look forward to future visits in our next Capitola trips! read more

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We had an amazing experience here and would recommend this for folks who like some nostalgia, good food, great service, and a special place to celebrate any occasion! The old taxis in the parking lot perks your interest as you park your car. The lush gardens, the old menu from the 1950s, the trolley ride down the hill to the restaurant makes one anticipate what could be waiting at the Swiss chalet-like restaurant. Reservations are recommended. The Coconut Lavender Lemonade was a refreshing non-alcoholic drink we enjoyed. The rest of our party had wine and beer. Our server, Shawn, was kind, patient, and helpful. For appetizers we had the Fried Calamari and the Ahi Carpaccio. I love the Scampi Style Linguine with Filet Medallions which I had medium well. The noodles were al dente and although they were thick it was not heavy. There was a generous portion of shrimps in the dish and the filet was tasty and buttery melt in your mouth tender. They had a special which was this Alaskan Halibut with celery puree and it was fresh and delicious. The Lobster Tail was succulent and the Pan-Seared Sea Scallops were perfectly seared and delicate. We had to try their House Specialty which is the Prime Grade Prime Rib. Thanks to Shawn who recommended the blackened version as he learned we preferred it cooked a bit more. For dessert, we shared the Chocolate Meltdown and a slice of Berry Pie served with Vanilla Ice Cream. A perfect ending to a sumptuous lunch and a great start to a splendid day with family! read more

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Shadowbrook has to be one of my favorite restaurants of all time. They get a 10/10 from me in every single aspect: the atmosphere, staff, and food! It's definitely popular for a reason. Upon arriving, we took the cable car down to the restaurant, which was a short but lovely trip. They had indoor and outdoor seating, but we requested to sit outside since it was so beautiful. Our server, and just the staff overall, were so kind of accommodating. Our server helped us pick out our dishes and recommended we take a walk around the garden while we waited. The outdoor area was truly so serene and peaceful. Once we got our food, it didn't disappoint. I got scallops, while my boyfriend got the steak. We also got the caesar salad and poke nachos. Everything was delicious and we were stuffed by the end. I truly recommend everyone try this place at least once. It checked all my boxes and I can't wait to be back again! read more

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Came in with expectation of an overhyped touristy place but was impressed by the food, service & of course the ambiance. $25 corkage fee for 1st bottle. Great: sirloin, baked brie, bacon wrapped prawn, choc lava cake Acceptable: lamb, scampi Ambiance was lovely even though we were in the dark Vault room. Love the tram ride experience. Would be back read more

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Shadowbrook- long standing historical spot. I loved reading its history on the menu. The restaurant is very large. Dinner was okay, not great or outstanding- good. Nice portions. Lava cake was overdone so there was no lava. The baker brie could do without the bread encasing. The jalapeño jam was delish. Drinks were okay. Ambience 100%. Service great. Staff nice. Front host desk- on my way out I wanted to purchase a couple of souvenir items- there were about 5-6 girls gathered at the booth, all on their phones, looked up at me while I stood there, back to their phones to finish their text, then to ask how they could help me. This was a bummer. Other than that, you don't have to get dressed up to sit in the main areas- no real casual wear like beach wear. read more

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Every had to take a funicular to dinner? Well now you can say you have here at Shadowbrook! A historic restaurant great for special occasions. We came here for a birthday and had fun getting a little dressed up to both adhere to and take advantage of the dress code. I ordered the oso busso which was braised pork so tender it literally fell off the bone between leaving the kitchen and reaching the table. The pork sat atop a block of crispy polenta and was garnished with a herby preserved lemon topping. We really wanted to try dessert but were so full that we could only opt for the order of two house made truffles which were rich and delicious. More places should offer bite sized dessert when you just need a little sweet treat. Logistics: - indoor and outdoor seating - Moderate amount of parking - 3 or 4 flights of outdoor stairs available for those too claustrophobic for the funicular - Vegetarian options (pasta) - Mocktail options read more

Shadowbrook - Osso Bucco - American Near Me - Capitola, California

What a gorgeous restaurant! The highlight is the cable car that takes you down to restaurant, the ambiance and the views. Had a family birthday celebration , sat at the lower section corner table next to the window - best table in the house! Starters were carpaccio and calamari. Entrees from steak, pork chop, salmon, and kids pasta. Corkage fee was $25 and the desserts were a delight. Had the mudpie and creme brulee. 4% tagged on. This is one of those places you'd want to try once and happy you did. Supposedly one of the most romantic restos in the country and I can see why. The day could not have been nicer and sunny in Capitola to celebrate a milestone birthday with the clan. read more

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Can't complain! Went here for my anniversary and was surprised by such a delightful ride down to the restaurant via the most adorable tram (similar to Angel's flight in LA)! The restaurant itself was also delightfully designed, built right into the hill with at least 3 floors of seating with different vibes, including greenhouse, riverside patios, old fashioned american dining rooms, etc. The only modification I'd suggest them make, is to selectively add more heat lamps to warm the place up a bit at night. The food itself was also pleasant, and a pretty great value for the MAJOR portions. The blackened prime rib was exceptional and like nothing I had tasted before. It was perfectly cooked. The smokiness of the blackening seasoning marinated on top tasted absolutely amazing with the jous and fresh black pepper they doused on top. These were perfectly complemented by great creamed spinach and insanely creamy mashed potatoes, which I immediately mixed into the jous so it could soak up that delicious umami flavor. The osso buco was fall-off-the-bone juicy and delicious. The only comment would be that I wish they had better sides complementing the protein. The italian sodas were delightfully refreshing and paired well with the heavy meal. My boyfriend and I definitely appreciated them as they helped us finish the huge portions! The service was immaculate. Our waitress was an absolute professional and recommended some great dishes. They even gave us some complementary chocolate truffles served with a candle to celebrate our anniversary! I couldn't have asked for a more magical evening! read more

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Shadowbrook is a great place to go for a celebratory dinner or romantic date night. The dining room is a formal experience, with a dress code required. They have the rock room/bar area for casual dining, and the menu does include some of the fine dining entrees which is great! I ordered a dirty kettle martini and asked for it extra dirty, and it wasn't as dirty as I'd like, it had a strong vermouth taste by the end and I didn't finish it and switched to the Malbec they have on the wine list. We started with the octopus appetizer and a special pizza they had for the evening. The octopus was a Greek flare with tzatziki which intrigued me and why we ordered it. It was a bit fishy, but the meat was pretty delicate. I don't think I would order it again but happy I tried it. And the pizza was decent, it came with chicken, bacon, cherry tomatoes, and onions. The thick cut bacon which was smoky and delish but personal preference I think they should've used sliced tomatoes vs cherry tomatoes. Entrees are the STAR here. I ordered the truffle gnocchi with the filet medallions. So tasty, meat was cooked perfectly and it was a great portion size. I had leftovers. My husband ordered the blackened prime rib and it was absolutely fantastic, I 10/10 recommend this!! So flavorful all around, the meat, the horseradish cream sauce, and potatoes. Dessert we ordered the cheesecake which was topped with blueberries, it was sweet but also had the cream cheese flavor. I loved it. Overall, you will never regret a night dining here! read more

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A wonderful experience! Our server, Eli, was so kind and welcoming. We were celebrating our anniversary, and we had a lovely time. The butternut squash ravioli was delicious, and we had the meltdown chocolate cake for dessert. Everything was incredibly fresh, and this was such a memorable experience. We will definitely be back. read more

Food: The food was decent but didn't quite stand out for the price. We ordered the prime rib with mashed potatoes, broccolini, and mushroom bread pudding--everything was solid but fairly standard. The shrimp scampi linguini was unexpected, with thick, round noodles rather than traditional linguini. Flavor-wise it was fine, and the prawns were large, which was a plus. The kids' macaroni and cheese was a very generous portion, but disappointing for the price since it didn't include a drink or sides. A smaller portion with fruit and a drink would have been a better value and more practical. Service: Service was the biggest issue. We had a 4:45 PM reservation for six and checked in 15 minutes early. However, we ended up waiting over 30 minutes past our reservation time. After 18 minutes, we were told outdoor seating was available. We explained we had two toddlers and a newborn, but were told it was heated--when we were finally seated, the heat lamps weren't on. Once seated, service continued to be slow. We ordered from the kids' menu right away, but the food took a long time to arrive. Drink refills were delayed even after being acknowledged, and we eventually had to ask another server just to locate ours for the check. We purposely booked an early reservation to accommodate a newborn's schedule, but the delays made that impossible. Overall: For the price point and reputation, we expected a smoother and more attentive experience. The food was fine, but the service and overall timing significantly impacted the visit. Parents - feed your kid a snack before coming since this was the second time I came and both times the table was available after the reservation time. If you have a baby that doesn't sit or eat, you still need to include them in the reservation. Only the soft drinks are refillable, not milk. There are lots of steps so be careful. There is no ramp for the stroller so plan to wheel it into the cable car or carry it down the long staircase. The restrooms are outside downstairs so preplan potty breaks. read more

**Update: Overall 3.5 Stars** I took my family there for a celebration dinner. It was their first time here, and I couldn't wait to show them the cable car, the beautiful garden, the cool tree in the middle of the restaurant, the old school upscale vibe, and the delicious food. To my surprise, there was little consistency in the food served and service provided from the last time I was there, and I left a little disappointed. For instance, my last server went out of their way to make an anniversary feel special with a plate of chocolate truffles and candles. They also spent a great deal of time with us on wine selection and checking in. However this time, for a 21st birthday, there was nothing but crickets. (I noted this in my reservations as well as reminded them when I checked in and sat down.). Another example is the Osso Bucco (one of the few items that is still on the menu) was not plated with care like it was previously. Instead, it looked as if it was hastily slapped into the bowl. The bones were put into the bowl along with sauce that haphazardly covered everything, including the "crispy polenta cake", which was soggy and hidden. And there was also supposed to be a side of root vegetables. The menu description said the pork would be served with braising juices only, but it looked more like stew. They served the dish to me with A SPOON, if that tells you anything. My kids ordered Italian dishes, which they enjoyed, but for $30+ each, the portions were pretty small. They seemed more excited about the fresh bread that was given out by someone holding a basket! Considering how little we ordered (3 dishes, 1 cocktail, 2 regular $4 drinks, 1 dessert), it came out to be $60 per person! (This includes the 4% fee the restaurant charges, tax, and tip.) The food alone does not make this worthwhile. The service is not consistent where sometimes a special occasion gets celebrated, and sometimes it doesn't. With all that said, I do think Shadowbrook is one of the most unique restaurants I've ever been to with my favorite part being the cable car ride to/from the restaurant. Thus, I'd go there next time to the bar area only for drinks and light snacks. TIP: I recommend that everyone come here at least once though! And I highly recommend making reservations so you don't have to wait. (You can make them on their website.) read more

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This was such a fun and unique dining experience, and the first "fancy" dinner for my 8 and 11 year old. While the funicular was a bit claustrophobic for me, my boys enjoyed it. We were seated in the greenhouse and given rolls and butter to start. The staff took good care of our kids and the kids menu is very accessible. They also got to color and pick a tiny toy out of a top hat at the end. My mocktail was delicious, as was the artichoke soup. My lobster was a bit chewy, but the potatoes and broccolini were great. My husband enjoyed his prime rib and we shared the chocolate lava cake which didn't really have any molten center and while good, was pretty basic. Overall, the atmosphere, vibes, decor, and waterfront setting made for a great dinner. read more

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This dinner was for the purpose of riding the cable car. And it was worth the trip to Capitola. The car can only fit 6 people at a time, carrying people from street level to the restaurant and back. It was a busy evening (8PM) so the line going to the restaurant was pretty long. I recommend going 20 earlier than reservation time to be able to make it on time. We were seated within 5 min of checking in. The host staff did a great job pacing and tracking tables. There was a nostalgia feeling to the restaurant. Inside had large windows with views of the water and houses across the way. Carpeted floors and Wooden tables and chairs. The drink menu was bigger than the dinner menu. We ordered a few drinks. I forget The name of the drink we ordered, but it had a flavor reminiscent of a Vietnamese dessert. Food ordered was the ahi carpaccio, black truffle gnocchi, half roasted chicken, and beef Wellington. The carpaccio had these fried shallots topping and a vinaigrette which again had a Vietnamese flavor. When the beef Wellington came out that looked like a pate chaud, Shadowbrook should be listed as American/Vietnamese cuisine. The gnocchi was creamy and pillowy. The half roasted chicken was super dry. The chicken was the only dish that was disappointing. Wait Staff were friendly and helpful. read more

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Perfect spot for date night, family gathering, corporate event, and many more! I celebrated my birthday dinner at Shadowbrook and I loved lamb strak the best. Shrimp scampi was blend for my taste and rest of the food tasted great. Amazing view with cable car to ride up and down to the restaurant. There's many stairs to walk as well with beautifully maintained garden. I was hoping to get complimentary birthday dessert but it didn't happen. read more

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This place is a classic! Great vibe, great location, amazing ambiance and they have a really good wine and cocktail list. By all means, schedule the complimentary checker taxi service, it's an added experience that makes everything truly memorable. Lots of picture worthy spots on the grounds, and the various themed rooms are fun too. While there were lots of groups and birthday celebrations, I was on a date with my partner who has never been. It was really fun sharing the experience. The service was friendly, and the food was really delicious. Lots of local ingredients, and the new chef has done an amazing job with the menu. I can't recommend this place enough, and it makes even the ordinary night out something special. read more

First time visitors for my birthday. I made reservations about a month ago. My wife and I arrived, took the funicular from street level span to the restaurant proper, and about 5 minutes before our reservation time. Waited about 15 minutes to be seated at our table...time to get drinks at the bar. Seated at a window with a lovely view of Soquel Creek. Our server, Andrew S, came to our table, saw that we already had drinks, asked if we would be wanting wine, and left us to look over the menu. He was friendly and personable but tended to speak a bit fast for us. Andrew returned, answered our questions about the menu, took our order. Our cups of artichoke soup arrived. The soup was delicious. After that, our sea scallops were brought to the table. They were also done to perfection. We thoroughly enjoyed our meals. After dinner, Andrew sang happy birthday to me and took our picture. Before leaving the restaurant, we got a couple more pictures on the grounds. We then departed via the funicular. A very enjoyable birthday dinner at Shadowbrook Restaurant. read more

Went to meet a friend for lunch and drinks. Haven't been to Capitola, so great opportunity to go and eat at a historic place. A great scenic view walking up and at the patio seats. You get to ride a cable car down to the restaurant. Really cool! Small and only 6 can fit, so this could be a wait for going down to restaurant. Sat down with a fantastic view while outside on a 68 degree day. Ordered the Marine Layer to drink, a nice coconut yogurt style drink with Rum. Ordered the top sirloin dish. Oh that butter was a great touch to a medium cooked sirloin. Very flavorful and seasoned. Potatoes and salad added a great touch of fresh flavor to the dish as well. Enjoyed a couple of pressed coffee before the dessert. This vanilla bean crème brûlée is FANTASTIC! Creamy, thick and a nice caramel burnt crust on top! Also ordered some jalapeño Bree cheese for the road. Overall very happy with the location, view, and service. Very top notch and professional. Would comeback any enjoy another meal. This time around dinner for the full menu. read more

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Shadowbrook is definitely something to experience. The cable car to the restaurant is one of a kind. My favorite place to sit on the soquel creek but every room is unique. Our server was great and made us feel special by taking our photo for my birthday. We had a printed copy by the end of the night. I ordered the filet, with the pomme puree. It was cooked to perfection But could have been hotter. The rolls were not warm and we only got one roll before dinner. The bolognese with oxtail was also very good but not very hot. I was not a fan of the shrimp appetizer. read more

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If it weren't for our waiter, this would be a one-star review. The cable car ride was the only highlight but nothing to write home about! It's cheesy, busy and way overpriced, and overall a miss for us. We were seated in the basement under the stairs and had to ask to move. Two of us ordered prime rib--they were out. The beef Wellington came out raw. Calamari was average, and the pork chop (as a replacement) was also disappointing. Wouldn't go back and don't understand the hype. read more

Shadowbrook - raw wellington - American Near Me - Capitola, California

10/10 Ambiance - The garden is beautiful and so well taken care of. There are fountains with fish. You can walk down the path through the garden, or up once you are done with your meal. Other option is the unique elevator that can take you up and down to the restaurant. Inside the restaurant are live plants, quiet music, and an upscale atmosphere. FYI there is a dress code so make sure to check their website before going. Parking - they is a parking lot dedicated to the restaurant right near the entrance. Drinks We ordered a bottle of Rose from their specials menu which ended up being a perfect pairing for our meal. Food 9/10 Baked Brie - puff pastry and Brie had a great crunch, the jalapeño jelly was a nice surprise, not spicy and added depth to the plate 7/10 Caesar salad - overall just okay. I prefer more dressing and the Romain was cut very small which made it harder to eat. My partner loved the anchovies on the side and said they were the best he's ever had. 8/10 Short Rib - fell off the bone and had great flavor 9/10 "Surf and turf" - came with a huge lobster tail and a 6oz filet. The lobster tail was so buttery and soft. The filet was good and matched well with the potatoes! Dessert 9/10 Crème brûlée - had the most delicious and sweet crunchy top and perfect soft interior Overall a beautiful romantic spot for dinner and drinks. Will be back again soon! read more

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**3.5 - 3.75 Stars Overall** Came here for my 2 year anniversary and it was a beautiful restaurant but was a bit disappointed with the food and atmosphere. For a restaurant that "has a dress code" and advertises how it's one of the most "romantic" spots, and has signs throughout the restaurant to "turn off electronics for the experience", it didn't really seem to live up to the ideal. I was seating in an area that seemed quite crowded and loud - not really the "romantic - demure" vibe they try to portray. Perhaps have designated areas specific for smaller parties and dates and other areas for larger celebrations. Food: Clam chowder 3.5/5 - I thought the bacon pieces were a nice touch but this was nothing more than an average cup of chowder. I'm from SF and a bit of a chowder snob so maybe I'm a bit tougher. Calamari 3/5 nothing memorable, Baked Brie 4.5/5 - the jalapeño jelly(?) / jam sauce with the cheese paired so well and was enjoyable. Lobster 5/5 - perfectly cooked and buttery. The blanc sauce was creamy and amazing. Prime rib 4/5 - cooked perfectly as a medium rare Garlic mashed potatoes 2/5: way too much garlic salt. Espresso martini 2/5 - there was straight up crushed iced in the drink which I was so confused by. The server recommended shaking the martini with some baileys to make it a bit sweet and creamy which was a good suggestion but I guess the bartender poured the ice along with the drink? Honestly this would've been a 5/5 martini but the ice was just killed the glass Server 5/5 our server was very attentive and the staff always kept the table clean. The dishes would be bussed as soon as they were done. Kinda weird tho that the bag they put out to go boxes in was a compost bag. read more

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Named one of the most romantic restaurants and seen it all over tiktok, and you know what? It lives up to its name. Staff has always been attentive. The place sits right by the riverbank which gives it great scenery while you eat lunch. The inside feels like has a home-y feel but also elegant at the same time. Waiters has always been great to make the night special. Also asked if we wanted pictures right after. It also has a small trolley to go up and down the hill if you dont want stairs, but also i recommend the stairs at least once because it the ambiance of it all just asking for some photos. Off to the food review! 5/5 - Baked Brie - One of the best things on the menu. The gelatin jalapeno spread with cheese you can't go wrong. The crunchiness of the bread with some cheese on top that is baked with some pastry outer layer just makes it all the better. Gooey, crunchy and sweet/spicy jelly, soo good. Recommend this to anyone. 3.7/5 - Pacific Rim salmon - Decided to try a non-meat this time around. Despite the plating looks amazing and defeinitely eye catching. It lacks the in-depth flavor profile that i expected. Just tasted like simple soy ginger taste. Ginger is stronger than i thought and just gives off "asian" flavor citrus ginger. Not a huge fan but the salmon was cooked beautifully and plating looks nice. 4/5 - New York Steak - Chef cooked it perfectly like we asked for. Medium- Medium Rare. Tender and juicy with also nicely cooked fries. Crunchy with a small bit of potato taste. Not a fan of steak fries but this definitely is better. 4.3/5 - Mudpie - I had hesitated from the name alone and description but waiter recommended it. Ooooh boy i was wrong. Its sweet, but defeinitely a great way to top the night off. The creaminess of the "mud" and crunchiness of the crumble pairs well. The vibes and ambiance alone is well worth the price. I recommend this to anyone that wants a romantic date night. read more

Shadowbrook - Baked Brie - American Near Me - Capitola, California

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What a stunning restaurant! Getting there is half the fun, after being dropped off at the top, you can either stroll down a garden staircase or ride the vintage "hillavator." We chose the hillavator. It fits about six people and is a cute ride down to the restaurant. Waiting for the hillavator, can be time consuming as it is an attraction of its own. Once we arrived, the staff greeted us warmly, and after a short 10-minute wait, we were guided down TWO more flights of stairs to our table.... consider it a pre-dinner workout with a reward at the end. Tread carefully if wearing heels. Our server was incredibly attentive, and the food absolutely delivered. We started with the bacon-wrapped prawns, (should really be called shrimp) then moved on to pan-seared sea scallops and beef Wellington. Every bite was phenomenal truly worth the descent. The price point is right in line with other upscale restaurants, and the experience makes it more than worth it. Come for the hillavator, stay for the food, and leave already planning your return! Grab your reservations early! read more

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We went to the lounge for a late-night meal, as there wasn't much available at 8:30pm on a Saturday. We weren't sure we were in the right place until we stopped someone and they told us yes and it was self-seating. My only complaint is a sign could prevent that awkwardness. Everything else was divine. We arrived to find two options, a path leading down the hill to the left, or the funicular train to the right. It was at this moment I realized that this place had been on my bucket list many years ago and I completely forgot it existed until that very moment. Of course we took the train down. Once we selected a table by the koi pond, our server greets us and I wish I could remember his name because he was amazing! I asked if they could make a spiked version of the pear cider with pear vodka and he suggested a different spirit that actually was amazing! I wish I could remember what it was. We ordered 3 appetizers and a pizza for 2 of us, and I will say the bacon wrapped prawns & the prosciutto pizza were standouts! Everything was delicious, and the service was so attentive and friendly and it made for a wonderfully romantic and charming evening. But there's more... After eating and settling the bill, there were the grounds to explore as we made our way up the hill to the car! It was dark and the sound of running water and gorgeous lush plants everywhere you look just ended the whole evening in the most perfect way. You will not care about a long walk on the beach after strolling through the garden, here. While everyone else took the train to the top, we had the path to ourselves and it was just lovely. If I could give this place 6/5 stars, I would! I will be back! read more

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Shadowbrook is my all time favorite! This time, I was able to take my group of longtime Texas girlfriends to enjoy the best Capitola CA experience! The setting, of course you know.... Is so lovely, just beautiful. The food and drinks were beyond exceptional and the service was top notch! read more

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Starting to the drive up there is stunning driving through the tall redwoods. There is a dress code and you need reservations to sit in the main rooms. Arrive the walk down is pretty see some small waterfalls enjoy the walk take some pictures enjoy the moment.. take the cable car up or down cool get some smooches in here nice and cozy. Romantic lighting Andrew took care of us greets you right away bring the drinks and spaces himself out to take order and bring food also take pictures for you as well. We ordered the spinach salad suggested we split it is big enough of course a small charge to split. Everything has fee even the menu you small print at bottom 4%. An amazing experience prime rib 8oz is perfect size mashed potatoes are creamy buttery spinach I really liked it it's an earthy taste with a hint of rosemary I enjoyed them husband didn't like it. Prime rib was good and the horseradish complement the prime rib. We came from out of town to try this and it did not disappoint. read more

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Worth a trip to Shadowbrook! Had a very fun and much needed mom's night out. We enjoyed every moment of this amazing restaurant. From the tram ride down, to soaking up the woodsy vibes we loved our visit! It was so fun to people watch as well! Lots of families celebrating and a few awkward first dates happening all around our rowdy group of moms. We enjoyed all the yumminess, my favorite dish was the beet and burrata salad! So delish! read more

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Visited Shadowbrook which is a beautiful restaurant in lovely Capitola. It was a very nice and sunny day so we chose to eat outside. Josh was our server, and he was great. Cocktails arrived quickly, and while they are pricey, they are very good. I had one of the lemon martinis that claimed to be a "double" but I did not notice any extra than normal alcohol. French Onion soup was one of their featured soups for the day, and I ordered a steak sandwich, which is probably one of my favorite meals. My spouse had the braised beef lasagna and the prawns for an appetizier. Unfortunately, the soup and prawns arrived with lunch, versus arriving first as an appetizer. The bacon was slightly burnt on the prawns (4), and my $15 onion soup had not even a table spoon of liquid, and could not have been more than a single laddle's worth of onions and topping. I wasn't necessarily expecting a huge bowl, but for $15, it could have been much more than the tiny "pot" container it arrived. The braised beef lasagna had very little braised beef. The steak sandwich was quite hearty, so much so that I couldn't finish it, but not really anything special. Shadowbrook is a beautiful and iconic restaurant that should be experienced for its beauty and little trolley system that takes you down to the restaurant (there are stairs too). The dining room is romantic, and they do have a dress code. Since we ate outside for lunch, this dresscode is not imposed. I was happy to experience this place, but prepare to pay Capitola prices. read more

If we are going off of experience and scenery, Shadowbrook is five stars!! For starters they offer a shuttle service with cute retro cabs for free! When you arrive a cable car elevator takes you down to the restaurant. The restaurant is filled with history and there is an overall great vibe to it. The staff is also super kind and really help make the dinner a nice experience. As for the food, I wouldn't say it's amazing. They have a pretty limited menu and aren't accommodating to many substitutions. I had the Pasta Verano and it was nothing out of the ordinary. We also had both the salmon variations and felt like they had a pretty strong fishy taste (which I personally don't enjoy). As for dessert, we had the Jack Daniel's Mud Pie & the Chocolate Meltdown. Both were very good, but also hard to mess up. Overall I think its a great place to go if your looking to go on a little adventure and have a fun dinner experience! read more

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This is my wife's favorite restaurant and it lived up to the billing. While it has been around since 1947, the menu is that of a great steakhouse that knows its strengths and leans into them. I had a New York Steak cooked to perfection and my wife had a lobster tail with filet medallions. The lobster was huge and my wife said it was the best she ever tasted. The appetizer of calamari and the Crème Brûlée to finish it off was sublime. Service was friendly and informative. There's a reason why they call it one of the most romantic restaurants in CA and it lived up to that reputation. Definitely will be coming back for special occasions since we live a couple hours away. read more

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We had a five star experience at Shadowbrook restaurant. I went for my birthday celebration and it did not disappoint. It was extremely whimsical and classy. The food was delicious as well as the presentation and our waiter. Andrew was incredible. Really wonderful From start to finish and can't wait to go back for another event. I definitely felt super honored and like we got incredible treatment. We never felt rushed and had a wonderful evening. read more

This place has ita own vibe. It kind of has a stuck in the 70's feel in both look and menu. This is not a bad thing. Parked near the entrance and proceeded down about 8 flights of winding stairs to the actual entrance of the restaurant. You enter into a large active room with a bar. Gotta say the drinks were perfectly balanced and delicious. After a short wait ( we were early for our 7:30 reservation) we were led down one flight to a high ceilinged room with a huge stone fireplace. After being seated the service was exceptional and attentive. Overall we had a great time and enjoyed. Only reason I'm not giving 5 stars is that the food while ok was not stellar. It was OK. If the seasoning had been more on point this would be 5 stars. read more

Shadowbrook - Prime Rib - American Near Me - Capitola, California

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My wife and I have been celebrating our anniversary here for years, and it has truly become one of our favorite traditions. Every time we get a free moment, this is the first place we think to make a reservation and for good reason. From the moment you arrive, the atmosphere is unmatched. It feels like an escape romantic, peaceful, and thoughtfully designed down to every detail. Whether it's the views, the ambiance, or the overall experience, everything just feels special. The service has always been top-tier. The staff consistently goes above and beyond to make us feel welcomed and taken care of, which is a big part of why we keep coming back. And the food always incredible. Every dish we've tried has been full of flavor and beautifully presented. You can tell there's real care put into both the menu and the overall dining experience. This place holds a lot of meaning for us, and it never disappoints. If you're looking for somewhere to celebrate a special occasion or just want an unforgettable night out this is it. We'll definitely be back again and again. read more

Shadowbrook - American Near Me - Capitola, California

Shadowbrook is such a beautiful and unique dining experience. The restaurant is surrounded by nature, and walking down the scenic path to the restaurant is part of the experience. After dinner, you can ride the little cable car back up to the parking lot, which is a fun touch and makes the visit feel even more memorable. We ordered the blackened prime rib, blackened lamb, calamari, and a Caesar salad with anchovies, along with a couple of cocktails. The calamari was really good, while the rest of the food was just okay. Nothing bad, but the setting and atmosphere definitely stand out more than the food. Service was great and the overall atmosphere makes the place feel special without being overly formal. Prices were reasonable for the overall experience read more

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This restaurant offered not only good food but great service and a funicular ride to its entrance. The parking lot is located above the restaurant itself and guests either can take the scenic route down some winding stairs or take the funicular. We took the funicular down and after dinner walked the stairs back up to our car. It was a lot of fun doing both. Onto food, we had the harvest salad with steamed persimmons and Fuji apples and goat cheese. The mixed greens had some very wilted leaves which I pushed aside. Not a fan of steamed persimmons but I did enjoyed the beets. Our mains were beef stroganoff and osso bucco. Both were great! They are heavy dishes but very flavorful and filling. I already recommended this restaurant to family and friends. Definitely worth checking out. read more

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