Yay... a lovely dog-friendly patio for dining and enjoying the beautiful view. Thank You so much! the food is delicious. We enjoyed fresh hot coffee, and a hot cinnamon roll followed by eggs benedict. Breakfast is served till 2:00 PM, so there is time to enjoy the ukulele gathering on the esplanade and then head to Zelda' for brunch. The restaurant is clean as are the restrooms. Our server was outstanting... prompt, friendly and efficient. There is a small fee for meal splitting; but if you order a side there is no fee. We got the cinnamon roll. YUM. Parking can be remarkably challenging, so we usually just head straight to the public parking lot and walk a bit. read more

Visited Zelda's and was highly disappointed with food and service. My Meal came incorrect and then had to wait to be re-made. Daughters fries came cold with sandwich. Was charged 4% fee on check. Also charged for Soda water. Server was kind but completely distracted. Staff was too busy socializing with one another rather then focused on dining experience. On cell phones and chit chatting with one another. I had really high expectations for this establishment being on the beach in Capitola village. I will not be returning or recommending this place. read more

The good- it's on the beach. The staff is friendly. The food is not horrible but pieces of my bacon should have been left off the plate since they were so hard. The bad- The bathroom could really use a good cleaning. And nothing special for moms on Mother's Day. How much is a carnation? read more

Zelda's is right on the beach with fantastic views. The outdoor patio is great for the scenery and the sounds of the waves. My wife and I had lunch here on a Tuesday afternoon in the first week of November. While overall it was a nice "warmish" day, it was a bit cold on the outdoor patio. They had outdoor heaters but they were not in operation. Still the setting was great, so we stayed cold to enjoy the location. As it was a Tuesday in Autumn, there were plenty of empty tables, outside and inside. One hazard of the outdoor seating is that there is evidence of lots of birds (leaving their calling cards on the tables). We had to ask the waiter to clean the table (that should have been done before seating us there). I had the Seared Ahi Salad ($24) which consisted of 4 pieces of Ahi (cooked perfectly just on the edges, with the centers like sashimi) over a large salad. It had a tasty ginger based dressing that added perfectly to the overall flavor. Drawbacks: there could have been more fish and the cooked edges of the fish was rubbed with some spices that were slightly on the harsh side. My wife had the Seafood Melt Sandwich ($21) which she enjoyed. I had a taste and it was a nice blend of flavors. She also had a drink of Hot Tea ($4). Note: As disclosed on the menu, there is 4% surcharge added to the total bill. This is a practice that should be stopped. The restaurant should pay their employees enough (raising the menu prices accordingly to cover it) and not bill customers separately for this. It is deceptive and the disclosure on the menu is small and out of the way. It would be more honest to raise the item prices by 4% to cover it and have honest pricing on the menu. The service was good and attentive. read more

This is a nice view restaurant right on the beach. We went for brunch, and they have a large menu of both breakfast and lunch items. The Ahi tuna salad was very nice, as was the cream and shrimp melted sandwich with side salad. Calamari was good as well. They have a nice selection of cocktails for those who want to imbibe. Service was good and the atmosphere was casual. Great central location in Capitola. read more

I sat inside. I was tempted to sit outside and enjoy the sun and ocean breeze, but there was a little seaweed stench and the breeze was freezing. The food was good, I ordered the clam chowder and salad and I had the Paloma cocktail. Our server had to handle the entire inside area by herself, and she did a great job. read more

The view is the best. Servers are friendly. Food is not great. Chipotle chicken sandwich was bland. Come for the drinks and the view.

Steak was too chewy. I looked like the crimson chin afterwards. My jaw still hurts 4 months later.

The Chilaquiles were a bit soggy but the chicken was good and the egg was so- so. The service was friendly and fast, the ambiance is open , clean, overlooks the ocean, the prices were reasonable. The only thing I would recommend turning down is the music, it was a bit loud. read more

Zelda's - Bars Near Me - Capitola, California

2 stars only for the beautiful Capitola beach views and the location of the cafe. My husband and I had brunch at Zelda's recently. We loved the location as it's right on the beach and we are suckers for great views. After we walked in and got seated outside as we requested, but it was too cold so we went back inside. We ordered eggs Benedict : not good at all. Very mediocre. Sad looking bread and gravy, egg was not well cooked nor runny. Potatoes was not seasoned well. Hubs ordered avacado turkey omlet which was just ok. We got French toast for our sweet craving, was just ok tasting bread and super dry. Even the syrup did not help. His coffee was cold too to our horror. They immediately replaced with a hot cup later. Seemed pricy too. Go there for views and maybe a speciality coffee but avoid the breakfast/brunch menu. Can't comment on the lunch. read more

Zelda's - Bars Near Me - Capitola, California

The atmosphere was great. Great friendly staff. Walking distance. The food was good but my bf and I both got a stomach virus/food poisoning. I called the restaurant manager and she said to see a Md. I was giving her a friendly call. I won't eat here again. read more

The ginger bartender was incredibly vulgar and loud taking to the other employees, repeatedly cussing loudly for the restaurant to hear and taking about "hotboxing" the place after close. Every time we come she is always running her mouth, socially unaware, and impolite. read more

Found myself in Capitola due to a sudden appointment. Excellent nosh, I had the calamari and fries, and paired it with a virgin piña colada. Easily the best piña colada I've ever had outside of Hawaii. Service was great. I sat on the bar outside, you order with the bartender and they bring your food out to you. Peaceful, serene, and very little interference from birds trying to steal your food. Overall, I'm quite happy. Thanks again. read more

Bartender and servers are so accommodating and friendly. Done days I'm dressed like I just came off the beach and other days I'm coming to with With my laptop. They provide the same great service. I order off menu Spicy mocha ( non alcoholic) Pancakes are my fav item in the menu ! I get kids size and order kids eggs , so I get a lot of variety Can't beat the view and the vibe ! read more

Zelda's - Spicy mocha - Bars Near Me - Capitola, California

I ordered the calamari and fries and it was great! Food is excellent and service is always friendly. Very nice atmosphere. read more

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

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Our experience at Zelda's on the beach was just plain wonderful in every way. The food, prices, services, all supurb. I think that in Capitola that it would be hard to top. read more

This is my second try for brunch. Food at best, is unremarkable, service is very laid back, but a window seat on the beach is a very pleasant place to linger. read more

What a fun place with fab views! Seafood fans won't be disappointed. If you don't do deep fried, the other options are an off-the-charts ceviche or a tuna pokè bowl. Note: We went for lunch, so not sure what the dinner options were. Service was quick and friendly in a way that makes you feel cared for. That's a pretty awesome skill, that brought this review to 5 stars . The ambience here is fresh and open--doesn't feel worn out or "boat-like"unlike many restaurants on the Capitola strand. On the day we visited, there was a sweet band of about 4 men and 1 or 2 women playing live music outside. Even with the windows open on such a beautiful day, it was actually hard to hear them as the restaurant was packed! Another sign of a good restaurant. Parking requires patience; you may have to walk a few blocks. Ps: We were so entranced with the views and great weather, we forgot to take pics of the food!! read more

Zelda's - Parking across the street from Zelda's - Bars Near Me - Capitola, California

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The service and food were great. The decor made me feel like I was in an IKEA store, the vinyl flooring is tacky and the metal chairs are awful and cold. It looks like a confusing and a hot mess. read more

Beachfront view. Spectacular. Beautiful sun. With umbrella protection. You can't beat the location at this place. That's what you come here for. Food is actually pretty good. Service is excellent. Really not much to complain about. Will be our first choice again if we come back here. read more

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

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Zelda's is actually pretty good! We went on a random Monday morning so it wasn't too busy, but overall the food and view were pretty good. The food was simply okay, and the mimosas are on the pricier side but we enjoyed eating here. I don't think Zelda's is one of those places we would be dieing to go back to, but for the location and convenience it's pretty good. They have a pretty diverse menu, and there is something for everyone! Overall good, it's definitely very family friendly. read more

Zelda's - French Toast - Bars Near Me - Capitola, California

The food was okay. Nothing out of the ordinary. The service was quick despite it being quite busy and they probably have one of the best locations since it is right at the beach. We had the chilaquiles and chipotle chicken sandwich. read more

Zelda's - Chipotle Chicken Sandwich - Bars Near Me - Capitola, California

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We decided to eat here after passing by and seeing all the outdoor seating, despite the low reviews. We were seated quickly, attended to with silverware and waters, and ordered everything quickly as well. However, as we waited for the food, we realized why Zelda's only has a 2 1/2 star average rating. We had a good view of the kitchen doors, so we could see all the food going out. We waited over an hour for our food, which ended up being just standard. Since it was clear my dish had been finished first, it had sat under a food warmer for quite a while while my partner's food was being prepared. By the time it got to my table, the pasta (I ordered the risotto) had crusted over and the fish was dry. The artichoke hearts we ordered were extremely delicious and are a highly-recommend from us, but the remainder of the food was nothing special. This situation is not the fault of any of the working employees, but rather management or perhaps shift leaders - due to the large size of the restaurant (lots of seating on the patio), the kitchen staff needs to have the capacity to serve that many people. It was clear that the kitchen was making orders, but that they were overwhelmed. Our waitress was very friendly and attentive, and she did her best to reassure both us and surrounding tables throughout the night, so I'm giving three stars for her alone. read more

Zelda's - Halibut & Meyer lemon risotto, and the Grilled Salmon - Bars Near Me - Capitola, California

Love Zelda's!! We have been coming here for 15+ years! However, today was the only time we left feeling disappointed with management , (Lauren). She embarrassed us by loudly speaking to us rudely in front of the whole patio full of guests. The outdoor staff was all watching as she said "you are not going to manipulate me" when we were questioning why our party of 3 was being charged the large party gratuity charge. We checked in as a party of 3, ordered and finished eating within an hour. A party of 7, which we knew, showed up and sat at the tables next to us. We talked to our waiter, Alex, to make sure that the new party was not on our tab, he assured us it was separate. We ended up staying and ordering drinks and coffee's and then were presented with the bill with the 'large party gratuity' on it. Lauren and Alex spoke to us so poorly, so loudly, and it could have been resolved differently. We were also told that it's the policy to charge the large party tax if other people you know show up and sit next to you. If that's the case, Alex could have told us when he came to take everyone else's order (we were done eating at this point) and/or when we asked to make sure we only had our 3 orders on our bill. We shouldn't have been spoken to in that manner; aggressive, combative, and been called manipulative. Everyone was looking. It was really embarrassing. It wasn't about the money, it was the way we were treated. That is not Zelda's culture. read more

Have been coming here since I was a kid! Haven't been back since the flooding but it's just as cute as I remember it. Good clams as always read more

Zelda's - Sotola Drunken Clams - Bars Near Me - Capitola, California

Cioppino was disappointing, served on a plate rather than a bowl and very small amount of seafood. The clams and mussels were tiny and only 4 shrimp. One of the most expensive dishes at $32 was a lunch portion and should be priced much less for what you get. Service was ok, but only 1 server for everyone? Too noisy, not fun for any of us, we ate, paid begrudgingly, and left in a hurry. read more

Stopped by Zelda's for the first time during happy hour on a Wednesday. Given the location on the water, you'd imagine they would have been busy but, to our surprise, it was relatively slow. This meant that we could snag some premium seating by the window to take in the views. There's also outdoor seating available, which we would have opted for, if it weren't so chilly outside. We ordered a couple of drinks; a margarita and a Mai tai. Both were "good" but not great. The margarita tasted like stale mixer and was extremely off balance. This is disappointing because a margarita is one of the easiest drinks to make and "stretch" it's limits for a happy hour special. Even if you're using cheap "well"-tequila, a squeeze of fresh lime juice would completely change the balance of the sugary concentrate. This drink was a 1/10 for me. The mai tai was better balanced. The alcohol wasn't overpowering and there was ACTUAL juice incorporated. Is it the best Mai tai you've ever had? No. But it's a solid 7/10 and I'd definitely order it again during happy hour. For food, we tried the ($10) pork sliders and the ($10) ceviche. The sliders were juicy, flavorful, and absolutely crushable. 10/10 for these little morsels of yum. The ceviche fell sorta flat. Not enough lime or other acid to brighten it up. The small dish it was served in made it difficult to scoop and I'd recommend a circular bowl or something with smoother edges that is more conducive to using a chip as a utensil. The chips were thick and perfect for this dish. I've had ceviche dishes served with your "standard" commercially produced corn-meal tortilla chips and it completely ruins everything when each chip disintegrates upon contact of whatever wet item you dip them in. So, bravo on using the correct chips for this dish! We added avocado to the ceviche and we all know, guac is always extra, but I'd argue that this dish NEEDS the avocado because it brings that fresh element that's otherwise missing. $2.50 for half an avocado seems like a silly up-charge given that it's 25% of the price of the ceviche itself ($10) but, again, this dish needs it. So I'd add it again, just like you always add guac to your burrito bowls, and accept that inflation has really run a number on this beautiful fruit. Yes, it's a fruit. Google it. Overall, the ceviche gets a 6/10 for me. One thing that is really hard to accept is being provided dirty silverware. It makes you question what's going on behind the scenes if you're given a fork and knife with VISIBLE food caked on it. Their silverware is wrapped in a napkin and placed in the table ahead of guests arriving so I doubt it was our servers fault for this oversight but whomever has the task of preparing this tableware needs to have better attention to detail (see my photos for context). Both my fork and my knife were CLEARLY dirty. When I raised this issue to my server, her response was, "I'm really sorry about that, sometimes these things get passed us." She wasn't shocked at all. This makes me think that this wasn't the first time she's observed this happening and that's just not an okay practice for a restaurant. Overall, the biggest appeal to coming to Zelda's has got to be the location and the view. Both food and drink are "fine" as a whole but I'm not desperate to visit again any time soon. I have real concerns over cleanliness and I likely won't order food there again. Which is a shame because those pork sliders were actually really good! Oh well; better luck next time. read more

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This place is way underrated. Two of my favorite people work here, Morgan and Ashley! I really love Ashley. Both are so personable and positive. Also help with suggestions and are super attentive. I absolutely come back here to see these two. They always go out of their way to help their customers! PS: The food is excellent and the kitchen is super clean. read more

Beautiful and clean inside, nice outside deck to sit and enjoy the beach while you sip on your latte or drink. Coffee was decent food looked OK read more

Zelda's - Bars Near Me - Capitola, California

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We came here for lunch for my daughter's birthday. We were seated inside since there was no wait (outdoor seating was 35 min wait). Views were beautiful looking out at the beach. Our food came out promptly. We had one issue with a bug in the clam chowder bread bowl. The server was apologetic and quickly brought out another. I had the mahi mahi sandwich with fries. I upgraded to add blackened and mushrooms. It was a fairly messy sandwich, everything kept falling out of the bread so I ended up eating it more like a salad. Taste was just ok. Overall our experience and food was ok, a bit overpriced for what it was. Note they charge a 4% fee on every bill. read more

Zelda's - Mahi Mahi Sandwich - Bars Near Me - Capitola, California

Food was served really fast. Little to nothing better than enjoying a meal on a patio overlooking the ocean. read more

Zelda's - Location location location - Bars Near Me - Capitola, California

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I ordered breakfast burrito to go. It's comes with cheese and meat by default and I asked to remove dairy and meat and add spinach , avocado and mushrooms instead. All of a sudden the price for this burrito jumped from $16 to $25 !! I was give the most wet and mushy burrito I have ever seen. It was literally swimming in water. It was honestly just gross. Wet mess ! How hard is it to prepare basics breakfast veggies burrito ... never will take the good ones for granted any more . read more

GREAT bar! Best in Capitola and if you order food and not just there for the bar, the food is always good for bar food. So, I won't say it's a 5-star food restaurant, but all around for what it is, one of the best spots in town. Staff is great and there is a back patio area to hang out and watch the waves or watch the game on the tv. Definitely one of our go-to spots. read more

Nice place to hang out, to eat some food. They serve big portions of Italian/American food. Go have a drink and watch the sun set. read more

It's Oct slow locals month The drinks were great the tables outside were filthy and empty plates, glasses and trash everywhere I cleaned it up. The Ladies bathroom had wet paper towels all over the floor. I love this place and will keep coming back but someone needs to clean up outside or tell the customers to bus their own tables pack your frocking trash! Cheers read more

This used to be my boyfriend and I's go-to breakfast spot; However, there was a cloud of bugs swarming the inside of the building during our meal. The inside of the reaturaunt in general felt a little unclean, but the swarm of bugs really did it for me. Also, we both orded the simple breakfast (eggs, bacon, country potatoes), and the food was served cold. We will likely not be coming back. Our waiter was nice at least read more

While visiting the beautiful town of Capitola this past weekend to celebrate my wife's birthday with two other couples, we decided to have lunch at this restaurant. Unfortunately, I chose the ceviche, which was a major letdown--$15.99 for what seemed like no more than two ounces of food. The real issue came later. About six hours after eating, while waiting for a table at Shadowbrook, I suddenly started feeling ill--chills, sweating, and nausea hit all at once. Within minutes, I was rushing to the restroom, where I experienced severe vomiting and ongoing diarrhea. The timing and symptoms made it clear: food poisoning from the ceviche. The rest of the night was completely ruined, and I wouldn't wish that experience on anyone. The lack of proper food handling and safety protocols at this venue is incredibly concerning and deeply disappointing. read more

We drove to Capitola for the beach but we needed coffee and brunch and decided on Zelda's because you just can't beat that view from the tables outside. I ordered a coffee and the eggs Benedict and it was great! Delicious breakfast that tasted so good even though it got cold outside before I could even get halfway through it. My coffee was decent and the waitress did give me a couple refills which was very necessary! The view is wonderful and I went and sat by the water afterwards which rejuvenated me! I will absolutely come back to Zelda's for more breakfast next time!! read more

Zelda's - Bars Near Me - Capitola, California

Meh. Shitty eggs on shitty tortillas with shitty service. This mail was truly pathetic. It was outrageously overpriced.

Rude manager, filthy kitchen and bathrooms. Cool deck outside. So much potential but poorlu managed.