Been to Capitola few times and ate at some restaurants around Zelda's, but yesterday decided to try Zeldas for first time. When we entered, we had to wait for 5 min to be seated. We finally got a nice table outside overlooking the ocean. We have ordered ceviche, clam chowder cup and I went for milk shake. Clam chowder was ok, nothing special. Ceviche had to have bits of mango, even with magnifying glass you will not find it. And had no flavor. And it was served in the tiniest cup. For that price, I expected something I am used to see. And milk shake, cannot even call it milk shake, just milk. Very disappointed and will not go back. read more

My last meal in California was at my absolutely favorite spot for cioppino, Zelda's! And just days before the flooding. It breaks my heart to know there's more damage to repair, but I'll be back every time I come "home" to Capitola! read more

I would give this a zero star review if it wasn't for the amazing bar services we received from Morgan and Yarden. We walked into a very live environment with friendly service. That quickly changed when the manager Ryan came over and berated his staff in front of our party. He changed the music to something that did not match the energy of the restaurant and got upset when we requested something more fitting. This would not have been a big deal if Ryan treated his staff with respect. Causing a scene over music in front of customers is something I would only expect to see on television. Drinks were delicious with a friendly bar staff. Would only return if I was informed of changes in management. read more

This is the kind of place that will give you rock hard cold calamari and charge you $20. Paying high prices for a view here.

The ahi poke is amazing and we loved the seafood melt sandwich. A little pricy, but so is ALL of Capitola, and the view is worth it! read more

Not even sure why I am bothering writing this, but here it goes... Went to Zelda's for lunch today, my expectations of them is relatively low after 30 years of coming to capitola with my family. THE SERVICE AT ZELDAS SUCKS, We were seated and then left alone, no water, no server, not one of the many employees walking by watching us sit for almost 30 minutes . I finally grabbed someone and was told it was a schedule mistake, basically the 4 useless hostesses never bothered to assign us a server, even as the sat other people around us and those customers were served, not us. I would rank their service over the past 30 years as 25% good service, 75% horrible service. No one who works there gives a crap, and their attitude shows it, that goes specifically for the management who has allowed this callous behavior towards paying customers to continue to go on. People go there for the patio, the food is subpar, but it is nice to sit out there. That is the only reason they survive. You would think they would have compt us our ice tea as a sorry, but no. Selfish stuck up college students and incompetent management rule that place. read more

with on Sunday for a family event and the food was really good. The service was great. We sat outside and it was beautiful that day. It was really nice. I plan to come back soon. read more

If I owned a restaurant, I'd be terrified of somebody walking out of my place feeling disappointed in the food or the service. Zelda's is so privileged. It has a world class, up close and personal view of the ocean. Sea otters could be seen today, along with people swimming and enjoying Springtime on the ocean shore. Truly, it was a delight to be there. My wife and I ordered our lunch, with the calamari appetizer. The calamari was as tough and rubbery as any I've ever tasted. So when the server asked how it was, we had to inform him that we were not enjoying the meal. It happens. Especially for restaurants who buy prepackaged, frozen food that goes from a truck to the freezer, and from the freezer to a vat of boiling grease, and then on to the plate. But what astounded me was that a person who looked and acted like "ownership," circled around the store looking for crumbs to sweep off the floor. She did not look at us or speak to us. What kind of restaurant sends folk out into the world feeling disappointed that there one chance in half a lifetime to enjoy eating on the beach in Capitola was the wrong choice? Answer: a restaurant with a 2.6 average YELP rating. I guess we forgot to check YELP first. My mistake. read more

Absolutely the most stunning view you'll ever get! Me and my husband are always working and when we we're finally able to get a vacation we went to Capitola. It was beyond beautiful and one of the places we tried was Zelda's at the beach. Amazing food, kind staff, and a great location to look at the scenery around you. It was such a special moment for us and hope that more people get to enjoy it! read more

Zelda's - Calamari New England Clam Chowder - Bars Near Me - Capitola, California

I won't recommend this restaurant. I gave it one star but it should be zero stars. Bad service, bad food and filthy. read more

We were at Zelda's for lunch, the atmosphere was relax and friendly. We were seated outside where there were giant patio umbrellas providing shade to almost areas and same areas were in full sun but I saw if you requested, someone would install a smaller parasol for just that spot. We were early but was offered to be seated to wait for our other parties to arrive, which I thought was very nice. We shared an appetizer and order a salad, breakfast, a sandwich and a poki plate. Only one of us ordered a drink, a double beefy Bloody Mary and I was told they didn't skim on the alcohol . The food was all delicious and service was attentive and the ocean view was spectacular, we will definitely dine at Zelda's again. read more

I was so excited to go to Zelda's for the first time since they rebuilt. Their miso Seabass is delicious. But then something happened that gave us PTSD. For some reason, we were given a table in the dog section, even though we don't have a dog. There were a zillion dogs running around. Then, in comes a woman dragging a huge cart with a full-size adult pig in it. And I mean a whole pork. we felt like we were in a zoo, with a pig and 20 dogs running around like on a doggy beach. We were absolutely disgusted, so we left and went to eat at Paradise Café, which was so civilized. You cannot make this stuff up. Also, the server was completely rude, and the tables were dirty. I hope Zelda's gets its act together, because I used to really enjoy eating there. read more

Chowder terrible thick flour like pudding, service slow calamari over priced and over cooked, may not go back

Dined here yesterday with a group of 12-20 guests . We spent well over $1k NOT a family friendly at all !! Better place to go . Management needs to improve read more

Beautiful patio right on capitola beach. You are definitely paying for the views as the food is pretty average. We ordered the chipotle chicken sandwich and chicken Caesar salad. The service was very slow and subpar but the gorgeous views made up for it. Overall would go back but probably just for drinks. read more

We had a great experience this weekend at Zelda. I have been coming here for years and we were in town for my dads 80th birthday. They accommodated our large party of 10 which we appreciated out the gate. The service was spot on. Very attentive and friendly!!! We had the coconut prawns and oysters for aooetizers most had a cup of chowder. Everyone was pleased with the starters. We had a variety of entrees but the most notable: fish and chips, stuffed salmon and seafood fettuccine which all were excellent. Its difficult times for us all and especially our hospitality industries. But Great job Zelda's for getting it right and providing my family with a fun evening with great food and service!!! read more

Zelda's is exactly what it looks like: a bit of a tourist trap with mediocre to sub-par food, but compensated with a great view. I ordered the fish and chips and the spicy Mary, which is supposedly a spicier bloody Mary. The first and chips were severely overcooked abd the fish inside the batter was dry to the point of jerky. The fries were fine, but not exceptional. They give you a tiny container of tartar sauce, and it would have been nice if they also brought you malt vinegar by default (which is how the British serve fish and chips). That said, neither malt vinegar not tartar sauce could save this dish. The spicy Mary was completely not spicy. I could not taste an iota of capsaicin. It was a healthy pour, but the flavors were a bit lacking. While it's a fine place to enjoy a bite while enjoying the view, I will try to find something a bit less geared towards tourists next time in Capitola. read more

The outside beachfront seating is delightful. There are umbrellas and this makes for a great experience. read more

Zelda's - Menu page 1 - Bars Near Me - Capitola, California

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Great service, food, and location! Patio seating with ocean view is the best! We ordered drinks, appetizers, seafood melt sandwich, Seared ahi salad, and clam chowder. We were there on a Monday around 2pm and were seated right away. read more

I was genuinely expecting this place to be tourist garage but the food was absolutely awesome. They must have worked to improve the menu. The Mahi Mahi sandwich was perfection, full of flavor and the tarter sauce complimented it well. The ceviche, ahi poke, and clam chowder were also all great. Loved the raspberry limeade to wash it down. The staff was awesome as well. Minus one star for too many pigeons. read more

I went for lunch with my 85 year old mother and my 22 year daughter last weekend. The staff was friendly and the food was what it normally tastes like. We ordered two drinks-- my mom likes a lemon drop with a splash of raspberry syrup. When I looked at the bill I saw that they charged me $3.50 for the splash of raspberry syrup for the lemon drop. I could not believe it. Very disappointing that a restaurant would up charge to that extent. read more

We've been going to Zelda's for over 40 years. The night before my mom ate ribs, cheddar cheese biscuits, and artichoke cheese dip with no problems. At Zelda's the next day after thee bites she began choking. We received no assistance. I performed the Heimlich for over a minute. No one came to help. Customers were right behind me. No staff had them move away so I could better assist my choking mom. Afterwards, the chair was covered in the choked food. I had to remove it and find another chair for my mom. No assistance was needed. I asked a waiter for napkins and he completely ignored me. I had to raise my voice to ask for napkins for my mom who nearly died and he completely ignored me. A nice customer finally gave me some of his napkins. Minutes passed by with mom and me just staring at each other. Finally our waitress came and said something to the effect of, "Well that was something". She then gave my mom the bill. We had to pay for our meal after my mom nearly died choking on their food inside their place of business. I called the following day and spoke to a very rude manager who interrupted me and eventually hung up on me. read more

I have to take the time to give you my review of the amazing clam chowder bread bowl with salad. It was delicious, and would have been enough for 2 people. In fact, it probably was, as my son finished the salad, and my granddaughter finished the bread bowl. The clam chowder was better than anything I've had on the Monterey Wharf. There were full sized clams! Not just chopped bits. I would go out of my way to come here again for the thick clam chowder. It is delicious! Now I wish I had snapped a photo. read more

Lovely people and great food. It is always clean and welcoming. You can't beat the views from some of the restaurant. This has become one of our go-to places. We've always had the best experience with the staff and the food! read more

Let's get it out the way: view is stellar, beyond that not a great experience. I've been here a bunch of times in the past for drinks and snacks and that's what I'll stick with (if I ever do go back). We had a birthday brunch for someone and the waiter was flat out rude. He argued with me back/forth about what champagne I ordered and what I pointed to on the menu, like I was a dithering idiot. When he finally relented, he came back with the correct mini bottle, and pretty much slammed it down on the table, unopened. Really? Then he had charges for addl items that weren't ordered. I get it, sometimes being a waitstaff is tough...but don't do this job if you don't like it. He set the tone for a less than appetizing result. oh and the worst part? My friend was sick from her breakfast. read more

After I was half done with my cappuccino, the barista stopped by and brought me another cap on the house. She said she didn't like how the foam in the first one came out. I'll take it! Thanks Zelda's. read more

Food: Not very good. I can (and do) easily make better breakfast for when I am cooking for myself Service: The waitress was nice but a bit of an air head. She for got sides and forgot to get refills when we waved her down to ask for them. Ambience: The table was kinda sticky and off putting but the view was great. read more

Hahahahaha AVOID at ALL costs. I'm a local and I grew up here and I want people to do well BUT hear me out. Ordered the ahi ($15) it came with 4 (yes 4 total chips) we didn't make a deal about it but asked for a few more chips in order to enjoy our poke, they brought the additional 4 chips after making a big deal about it.... AND THE SERVER HAD THE NERVE TO DELIVER A BILL FOR $3!!! For 4 chips.... Avoid at all cost valley tourists. Avoid at all cost. Absolutely laughable ownership here. Don't let them own you like they owned us. read more

We hit Zelda's for the Thursday lobster special. Arrived at 5pm, seated immediately outdoors, beautiful weather. Our waiter was pleasant and efficient. The beach atmosphere here would make it worth visiting, even if the food was mediocre, but the food was very good! Two of us had the lobster: cooked perfectly and served with simple, delicious melted butter and a small serving of rice. One had the fish & chips, adequate. And one had the sea bass, considered very good fish, too many veggies, but he's not a veggie guy. Overall it was a very pleasant meal. Loss of one star due to the prices($16.99 lobster special is now $31.99), but that seems to be the case just about everywhere today. Glad to see the Esplanade bouncing back after the double whammy of Covid and the hammering Capitola took from last winter's storms. read more

food was terrible ambiance was the only good thing food took forever to come out ruined our schedule there were flies in our waters would not come back here read more

The food was great for on the beach. There was one IPA on draft and it deserved its spot. My husband and I had the calamari, burger and bread bowl. All in all great! My husband got the billionaire margarita not just once but twice. Regardless of the food we were accommodated. I asked to be sat along the beach and they allowed it. Once my dogs showed up they said "oh no we have to have you on the other side but let me move a table into the sun for you both." We also had 3 dogs and a cat in a carrier. Sorry we couldn't leave her in the car. We did not feel out of place for one second and felt completely comfortable. Would 100/100 recommend. read more

I'm surprised at the low reviews for Zelda's. My group of 9 just had a perfect brunch here on a beautiful sunny Sunday. Without reservations, we were seated in under 10 minuets. They serve brunch until 1. There also had 3 specials. I had the turkey avocado scramble and subbed fruit for the home fries as well as a tasty tropical mimosa. All done just fine. The food would be 3.5 stars but getting to sit on a deck overlooking the Pacific is just about priceless to me. read more

Zelda's - Brunch! - Bars Near Me - Capitola, California

Yummy! Popped in for brunch on a Tuesday and had a great meal and drinks. Staff was friendly and efficient. Sitting on the patio can be chilly so had them fire up the heaters without fuss. Had the classic eggs Benedict with a spicy Mary and chowder bread bowl with the salad- all delicious. Just a great day overall. read more

Zelda's - Chowder bread bowl with salad - Bars Near Me - Capitola, California

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My husband and I we walk in to get a cup of coffee. And Lili was very hospitality. She was so sweet and very kind. Thank you Lili for your service. read more

Beautiful outdoor seating along the beach. Great seafood and brunch menu on the weekend. The ceviche was very good. Mahi mahi-mahi sandwich was tasty. Huevos rancheros was also good. It needs a good salsa to be more flavorful. The uncle Dave's ipa is a good beer on tap. Nice wine and cocktail list. I would recommend this place to anyone going to Capitola. A little pricey but worth it. read more

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Was so happy to see that Zelda's was open again. BEST ending to an amazing weekend. The atmosphere; food, drinks and company were absolutely amazing read more

Zelda's - Bars Near Me - Capitola, California

I had such a lovely evening here. It was on a foggy weeknight in August, so the outdoor seating was relatively empty. I sat in the heated outdoor seating area for hours, reading my book and looking out at the ocean. I got dinner and a drink, then a few cups of tea, and stayed for HOURS. The staff was incredibly friendly, and never made me feel pressured to leave. What a lovely spot! read more

Staff super friendly and thoughtful, great food and the view was just perfect for the evening.

Zelda's is a cool spot that has an outdoor patio with a delightful view if you get the right table. On a cloud-free evening, sunset on the patio would be a pretty pleasing view. My first time in Capitola I had dinner outside at Zelda's. They've got heaters on the patio that will help keep you warm on the more chilly evenings. The indoor dining area seems to be renovated, only thing left is the bathrooms lol. Myself and a friend sat on the patio. I got seated immediately and the hostess sat me next to one of the heaters because it was a little bit more brisk. I ended up ordering the salmon that comes with rice and veggies. I also got a bourbon old fashioned. The old fashioned came with a lot of ice and no cherry :( The salmon wasn't overcooked and the portion size was filling. I tend to prefer bite sized veggies but that's just me. Overall the experience was enjoyable and the location/view is textbook California. Service was good, both hostess and waitress did a great job. TLDR- You've got good food and nice patio views. The drinks are good, don't expect the world's finest cocktail but a good drink. You'll pay a little extra for views but Zelda's has a nice atmosphere when you're with the right people. read more

Right on the beach so it's hard not to stop here. Had a couple drinks and ceviche. All was just ok- including the service. Bring a jacket, be prepared for birds stopping by for a visit. Not super clean- again take into consideration you are outside and on the beach! read more