Foodie Month Profile: Paradise Beach Grille

Paradise by the Plate: A Taste of Coastal Luxury at Capitola’s Paradise Beach Grille

By Brian Upton
April 2, 2025
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The food was delicious, the service warm, and the views unforgettable.  This is the kind of place that reminds you why people fall in love with the California coast.

Google Review

Nestled along the storybook charm of Capitola’s historic Esplanade, Paradise Beach Grille is more than a restaurant — it’s an invitation to slow down, sip something cold, and savor California’s coastal magic one bite at a time.

Just steps from the soft sands and the pastel palette of the iconic Venetian Court, Paradise Beach Grille offers a front-row seat to Monterey Bay’s natural beauty. With sea breezes drifting across the patio and wine glasses clinking under café lights, the vibe is equal parts laid-back and luxe.

A Bite of Paradise

Inside, the menu is as well-composed as the view — contemporary American cuisine with a Californian soul. Think seared scallops, savory pastas, grilled seafood, and signature cocktails that seem made for golden hour. Favorites include the tender skirt steak and house-made tortellini, which one guest praised for being “bursting with flavor” and “cooked to perfection.”

There’s no bad seat in the house, but regulars know to request the outdoor patio, where waves lap just beyond the railing and the fireplace glows come sunset. The indoor bar, lively but never loud, is another local go-to — especially during the restaurant’s vibrant wine tastings and live music nights.

“The food was delicious, the service warm, and the views unforgettable.  This is the kind of place that reminds you why people fall in love with the California coast.”

Capitola, Santa Cruz County, California, USA

A Stroll Through Capitola’s Past

The Esplanade, where Paradise Beach Grille now thrives, has long been a gathering spot for sunseekers, artists, and lovers of the ocean. Capitola itself holds the title of California’s oldest seaside resort town, dating back to the 1860s when it began attracting vacationers from inland. The Venetian Court, located just across from the restaurant, is one of the first condominium-style beach developments in the United States and remains one of the most photographed spots on the coast.

Over the decades, the Esplanade has evolved into a lively boardwalk-meets-boutique district — dotted with candy shops, galleries, and restaurants like Paradise Beach Grille that give the neighborhood its heart and flavor.

Service With Soul

Of course, a view and a menu can only take a restaurant so far — and Paradise delivers with service that’s as welcoming as the waves. “The server was a delight. She was cheerful, honest, attentive without being intrusive,” shared a recent guest. The hospitality here is personal, never pushy, and always paired with a genuine smile.

Plan Your Escape

Paradise Beach Grille is open daily for lunch and dinner, with a weekend brunch that’s quickly becoming a local obsession. Whether you’re sipping sangria under string lights or savoring calamari as the tide rolls in, this little slice of Capitola offers a dining experience that’s equal parts indulgent and inspiring.


📍 Paradise Beach Grille
Address: 215 Esplanade, Capitola, CA 95010
Phone: (831) 476-4900
Website: www.paradisebeachgrille.com

🕒 Hours:
Monday–Thursday: 11:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Friday: 11:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

🍴 Reservations:
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for patio seating and weekend evenings. Call or book online through OpenTable to secure your table.

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