Great place! This was my first time back in Capitola in over 20 years. I was just exploring the area and spent a couple of hours walking around before stopping at Zelda's and grabbing a seat outside to enjoy the ocean view and the lively crowd on the beach. It was a cloudy Saturday morning, but the space heater and a delicious Bloody Maria made it really comfortable. The ladies at the bar were super friendly, and I felt welcomed and taken care of. Good vibes, good drinks, and a great location. I'll definitely be back! read more

Amazing food with an unbeatable beach view! Had a great experience here in Capitola! The location is awesome -- literally right on the sand with beautiful ocean views, making it the perfect spot to grab a meal and enjoy the beach atmosphere. I ordered the clam chowder, ahi poke, and Chipotle Chicken Sandwich, and honestly, everything was delicious. The clam chowder was rich and flavorful, the poke was fresh and really hit the spot, and the Chipotle Chicken Sandwich was packed with flavor. It's not often you find a place where you can get great food and an amazing beachfront setting at the same time. Definitely a spot I'd recommend if you're spending the day in Capitola. Great food, great location, great beach vibes. Definitely coming back! read more

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A day spent by the beach led us to have lunch at Zelda's. This is not my first time here, but definitely my first review 'cause this time I told myself I have to review this place. We sat indoors this time with the table facing the beach. Seating was prompt, but service took a while. The table felt a little grimy. The table host was nice, very polite. It's the menu and the food that needs a big revamping! Same menu as the last few times; friends ordered fish and chips, chowder in a cup, and I got the Caprese sandwich with fries. And the chowder did not come with the salad. It's sort of boring to have the same thing and it's so few choices! Also a bit too pricey for a very small bowl of chowder. I understand it's a tourist place, but really what about the locals!?!? read more

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We enjoyed our outdoor lunch. It was a busy weekend, but we were able to get in quickly. Server was friendly and attentive. We shared but had plenty and the crab melt was plentiful. Hugo Spritzes were good. Unfortunately soups came out not as hot as we would have liked. read more

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This overall rating is really low. This is not a 5-star choice but it's definitely better than the rating you see when you pull it up. There's a lot of table right on the beach, super cool vibe and a great view while you eat. We sat inside since there was no wait for indoor lunch and we still had a great view of the pier and the beach while we ate. The food was good, definitely better than the rating would imply. It wasn't anything Michelin star worthy but for the price, it was what I expected. I ordered a burger which was juicy and flavorful, bacon was a little soft for my liking but the few crunchy pieces were very good. The fries were really good, crispy and salty, just the way I like. Our server was excellent. She was attentive, friendly, and professional. Kept our drinks full but wasn't hovering. Great service!! read more

Zelda's - Bars Near Me - Capitola, California

We came in the past & LOVED it, but this time wasn't good. We actually left & went to Margaritaville instead. They changed their chairs outside to these crappy plastic ones, which are not good for tall, heavier guys, so we had to sit inside, where it was very cold with no service. Service took forever on the inside before we were even acknowledged & he never came back after delivering drinks. We came for their amazing Artichoke hearts & were told they aren't served until 430 with the dinner menu. The Mai Tai was good & strong; the skinny spicy margarita was also good. We had to go to the bar and pay because the server never came back, and they apologized, saying he had a very full section outside, but it's still unacceptable not to keep up with his tables inside. If the outside is so busy, someone else should watch the inside vs losing customers. read more

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We girls were missing beach which led to a quick SantaCruz trip and that is how we landed at zelda's for a late lunch or rather a early dinner. The location of this place is stellar with beautiful ambiance. The menu is typical American food with lots of choices, we settled for nachos and burrata with spicy margaritas and lemon drops. The food and drinks were great. My only disappointment was the service, we kept waiting nobody stopped by to check or to provide us with menu, so decided to walk to over and get one. However, it got a bit better once we ordered the food. Had a good time and wiurk recommend this place to hang out with friends and family with beautiful ocean view! read more

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The food was so good. And the view being right in the beach is awesome. Love theta they allow dogs in the patio. Service is good when hey are slow. I have found at busy times we get less check in's from the server. My favorite is the Calamari appetizer. Clam chowder was good. The grilled salmon is excellent too. Had the Milanese clams this time and they were so so. Kind of bland. The pain killer cocktail is perfect for the beach vibes. read more

Zelda's - El Presidente Margarita Pain Killer - Bars Near Me - Capitola, California

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Location is the only good thing about this place. Lousy food and service, overpriced brunch, just literally nothing is outstanding besides the location and the view comes with it. If you want to experience the view, order a quick drink but probably not the food. I personally will not come back. read more

Every time I'm in the area I go to Zelda's and I have never been disappointed. I had the calamari and it was nice and crispy. Had the clam chowder with a salad and it was delicious. Salad was more than adequate and fresh. The chowder was very good with lots of clam. Service was friendly and attentive. It's located right on the beach so the view is unparalleled. Love it. Parking always tight near the restaurant but there is a parking lot nearby read more

Zelda's - Clam Chowder Bowl & Salad - Bars Near Me - Capitola, California

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The service was quick and fast and I enjoyed my cheeseburger! The waterfront ambiance was great but for the price the burger was pretty expensive. read more

Zelda's - Zelda's Cheeseburger* - Bars Near Me - Capitola, California

The ladies and I needed to kill some time so we decided to stop by here before checking into our hotel. The restaurant is literally steps away from the beach. Amazing view on a beautiful day....you really can't beat that. We ordered a few cocktails and a basket of fries. The drinks were exceptionally good. I ordered the billionaire margarita. I have to say that was a pretty strong drink so I was feeling pretty good lol. Our server was friendly and attentive. It was easy for him since we didn't order any food except for the fries. I would totally go back here again just for the view and drinks. read more

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If you're looking for a relaxing spot to enjoy beachside views and a laidback atmosphere, Zelda's fits the bill. The restaurant sits just steps from the sand, offering a panoramic view of the ocean that's hard to beat. The salty breeze and gentle waves and window seating create an easy, unhurried vibe perfect for unwinding after a long day. The food itself was fine. Portions are fair and they have a breakfast menu (until 2:00) and brunch menu in the day that offers a good variety. They also serve dinner as well. For what we had, the flavors were serviceable rather than standout, the kind of meal that's enjoyable in the moment but not memorable. Everything arrived hot and neatly plated. The server was genuinely friendly and attentive, without hovering, and the restaurant was clean. read more

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For me this breakfast was all about the view. It was a bit rainy so outside seating was not an option but this was the next best thing. The breakfast dish I ordered was aptly named, Basic Breakfast. It was all I wanted so I was not expecting frills. The eggs were decent but not super flavorful, I needed to add some salt and pepper. The bacon was cooked fine, not quite as crispy as I like, but I'm picky with bacon. And the potatoes were good. I really liked my iced latte I got with sugar free syrup. If you are stying near capitola village and want some decent food with an amazing view this is the place. read more

Zelda's - View from our table - Bars Near Me - Capitola, California

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Views and drinks were stellar, food was ok, service was good. I absolutely loved being steps away from the beach! We came on a weekday for a late lunch and were seated very quickly. My strawberry lemonade cocktail was perfect on this warm day and had the right amount of sweetness, tartness, and alcohol. I started off with a cup of chowder, which was pretty darn good and then shared some calamari and fries with my husband. The calamari definitely could have had a little more batter and been crispier but I did enjoy the fries. I would return for drinks and views! read more

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Came to Zelda's to celebrate a friend's birthday and it was fine for an establishment here in Capitola Village. The restaurant is spacious with a dining area that faces out into the wharf for some nice views during the day. As for the food, it's essentially a seafood restaurant with fairly average to higher prices. For someone like me that doesn't eat seafood, there wasn't a whole lot of options available outside of fries and some greens. I settled down with a draft beer and just that for the night while my friend enjoyed their fish and chips. I would love to see them come up with some other non-seafood items if they can to come up with a fuller meal. read more

Zelda's today. It's a big World Cup Semi-Finals day so we deferred our favorite seats at Britannia Arms and enjoyed an early lunch at Zelda's. The Breakfast Burrito was amazing. Eggs: scrambled to perfection. Tomatoes and green onion: fresh. I added bacon: crispy and favorable.its BIG! Half will be an afternoon snack or maybe breakfast with my coffee tomorrow. It's been years since we dropped in here. I was impressed today. read more

Zelda's - Breakfast Burrito at Zelda's - Bars Near Me - Capitola, California

Just had brunch at Zelda's. Food was delish. Had the basic eggs and pancakes. Cooked to perfection! Sausage was flavorful and no heart burn! Dirty chi with Santa Cruz coffee... just the rough amount of cinnamon! Service was impecable! Jehimy was helpful and attentive. Favorite spot for all their food. Love it here on a blustery day watching the waves. read more

We had a chance to have lunch here on a trip home from summer camp. We ordered clam chowder, fried calamari and fish & chips. The clam chowder was good, fried calamari was ok, fries were excellent but the fish was just bland. I wish it had more flavor. Service was very good and pleasant. Qynn checked on us twice during our meals. When the check came I didn't appreciate that the restaurant has sneaked in a 4% surcharge and tips calculated after tax. Yes it's true: these add-on charges and tips are getting out of hand. The restaurant industry had shifted its responsibility to pay its employees to the customers with these surcharges and inflated tips percentage. I won't return here. read more

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

This used to be the go to spot for lunch in Capitola. Now it's a mess! I've never had clam chowder so tasteless and bland. Medium rare burger was medium at best and the service was non existent. Our server was always away from us and hard to flag down for refills or anything else we needed. Just a completely awful experience. Also fish + chips should have come with cocktail sauce, apparently they just left that out. Highly disappointed, won't be coming back. Also, the table was still dirty from previous customers when they sat us down. I remember this place being much better in terms of service and food. read more

During our trip to Capitola, we stopped by Zelda's on the Beach and timed our reservation for 6:30 PM so we could catch the sunset during dinner. The restaurant was not too packed, so a reservation was not even necessary. We had the option to sit inside or outside, and we were lucky enough to get a booth by an open window. It gave us the perfect sunset view while staying comfortable and away from the winds, even on a warm evening. We started with the coconut shrimp, which ended up being my absolute favorite dish of the night. For entrées, we had the cioppino, a tomato based seafood stew with garlic bread that was flavorful but a little light if you are really hungry, and the sautéed mahi mahi served over coconut white rice. The rice was delicious, though I was not the biggest fan of the sauté on the fish itself. For our daughter, we ordered a milkshake, and that was the winner of the night, so creamy and absolutely amazing. Overall, Zelda's is worth visiting just for the location alone. Sitting by the beach with a view of the sunset makes it such a memorable stop. I have heard from others that brunch is even better than dinner, so next time we are in Capitola we will definitely be back to try their morning menu. read more

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Spent a night in Capitola on the beach. Got up at about 8am for a cup of coffee and a Bloody Mary. Zelda's is on the beach we had a ok time breakfast was mediocre as but still gave 20% tip. read more

Location 10/10, ambience 10/10, service 10/10, food 6/10. Food Needs way more work. The calamari chips were too oily. Bland tasting risotto. read more

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Got food here for breakfast and got mushroom and spinach omelet with counter potatoes plus a soda Very tasty.Wonderful service read more

Zelda's - Bars Near Me - Capitola, California

On the water and very very cold outside. They do have heaters. The staff was nice and the seating was good. Kinda cramped . Inside on a cold day is best. It's a great place to visit and the menu is vast. So beware. The drinks are well worth the try. I like eggs - with salmon. so I'm happy here. The Benedict's for the win. Easy in and easy out , the kids who work here and really nice and make it a happy experience . read more

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This afternoon we went for a simple brunch and it wasn't busy. They sat us on the deck and no one came for over 10 minutes. No waters, no menus, nothing. Super weird. So we got up and told the hostesses what happened and left. My mom was walking out and she heard them say, "Oh good...I am glad they are leaving." We were so disppointed and offended. read more

Absolutely love Zelda's! We go every year, Labor Day week (that Friday) to celebrate my Mom's bday. She turned 90 this year and what a great time! From the delicious food (as always!), drinks, to the amazing servers, staff and customers who sang happy birthday. The vibe is laid back. I miss the beach, been out of state for 31 years; go home to San Jose as much as I can and of course, Santa Cruz and Capitola are always on the schedule. Everyone is always so kind and friendly. Even the other people that are there to eat are welcoming. I mean who wouldn't be happy living in that area and being able to work at such a fun, positive environment. We luck out every year, beautiful weather. Thanks to all! Oh and the dogs....love that too! read more

I don't know why this has such low reviews. The staff were nice. The food was great; I had the Eggs Benedict. And it came out super fast. We also ordered the cocktail Painkillers and it was amazing. Great views, friendly staff, great food and drinks. Will 100% be coming back again and again! read more

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

We enjoyed Zelda's on a busy summer weekday on the patio. The calamari was excellent. I'd order that again. I had a burger and my cousin had a mahi mahi sandwich. Those were good as well. Very lively crowd. Busy servers who are trying their best. Dog friendly for pet owners. All in all, if you're looking for a decent meal along the beach in Capitola, this is a possibility. read more

The eggs, Benedict hollandaise sauce was uneatable and sour. There must've been over a dozen flies in the inside dining area.. very unclean , ceiling fans coded with dirt dust and grease. Very slow service and the waitress question a person eating special food.. Health Dept needs to check the kitchen area and food storage read more

What a super nice breakfast location right on the beach. Service was super nice and pleasant. I love eggs Benedict and was pleasantly surprised how delicious it was. I would definitely come back for a breakfast here. read more

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Zelda's is right on the beach. It's a great place to grab a bite and enjoy the ocean views. You can grab a bite to eat and watch the game. We watched the Niner game. They were super busy, so the bartender was being a server too. She was nice and doing her best. We ordered the nachos, cheeseburger and breakfast burrito. All was delicious. read more

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The setting is perfect; adjacent to the sand with in sun with cool breezes... The breakfast special is excellent- although it seems one has to know about it and ask for it. It was delicious - perfectly cooked and good quality. The hot cocoa was exceptional too. All in all a superb way to start the day! read more

My wife and I are on our honeymoon and we decided to stop by Zelda's with our dog! They were super accommodating towards her and our waiter, Thomas, was a huge help. He was very attentive and friendly! HUGE shoutout to him (: The food was absolutely amazing! I got the cheeseburger and my wife got the clam chowder! Highly recommend both! read more

Zelda's - Bars Near Me - Capitola, California

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We had a table outside on the deck, and while it was chilly out, they sat us by a heater which was so nice and warm and it was lovely to be right on the beach. Our server was very kind and friendly and gave us some good advice on what to order. My husband had the cioppino which he loved, and I had clam chowder and a dinner salad with bay shrimp added. We also ordered the brussel sprouts (highly reccomend) to start. Clam chowder was fine, my salad was a little boring but all in all we would come back as we had great, friendly service and an incredible view read more

My mom ordered a Chai latte that was more milk than Chai. If we wanted warm milk, we would have ordered it read more

Plenty of outdoor seating. They also have a few seats indoors but it's better to sit outside to get the beautiful views. Appetizers and the virgin lava cocktail tastes amazing! Service was okay. They never came over and gave us water or anything. But the table next to us that came afterwards got their water and we noticed that they got special treatment. Not sure if this place is welcoming to all. read more

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Ordered Huevos Rancheros thinking they couldn't screw this up, but they surely did. Presentation was horrible. It was served in a cereal bowl. The absolutely worst Huevos Rancheros I've ever had. The hard shells were covered in a black paste - poor excuse for black beans. Supposed to be over easy but was served hard. The restaurant itself is dated and grimy. The only good thing was you could see the beach. read more

Beachside view from the table and the food was delicious!!! The service was quick and attentive. Would definitely eat here again! read more

Zelda's - Clam Chowder in a bread bowl. - Bars Near Me - Capitola, California

All I can say is that this place is horrible!! I got mahi mahi and it was drowned in oil underneath the rice !with frozen artichokes !! All the food came out in less than 5 minutes ! Me and my mom had to return all the food we got ..cause it didn't taste fresh and was super oily ! I just paid for my drink and we left read more