Oswald

Name: Oswald
Address: 121 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, United States, 95060
Telephone: (831) 423-7427
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.4

4.4

1625 Reviews

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

121 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Make a reservation

2 people

Apr 25, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 22 times today

About this restaurant

Great for creative cocktails
Great for happy hour
Neighborhood gem

Oswald is a contemporary American restaurant and bar that focuses on the abundance of delicious ingredients found on the central coast of California. Oswald features an eclectic, international wine list and an exciting, seasonal bar program. While the decor is spare and modern, the atmosphere is comfortable and relaxed. Oswald features new art shows every two months.

We do have first come tables available in the lounge as well as bar seats.
Come by and see if there is a table or seat for you.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Contemporary American
Hours of operation
Lunch Wed–Sat 12:00 pm–2:30 pm Dinner Tue 5:00 pm–8:15 pm Wed, Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(831) 423-7427
Website
http://oswaldrestaurant.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Damani Thomas

Location
121 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Neighborhood
Santa Cruz
Cross street
Front
Parking details
Oswald is located on the street level of a four story public parking garage with very reasonable rates.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

2017 Angels & Cowboys Rose, Sonoma County, CA$22.00
- 1/2 Btl$22.00
2015 Sparkman Cellars Birdie Riesling, Columbia Valley, WA$30.00
2015 Donati Family "Sisters Forever" Chardonnay, Central Coast, CA$34.00
2014 Montinore Estate "Borealis" Willamette Valley, OR$36.00
2016 Frog's Leap Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, CA$36.00
- 1/2 Btl$36.00
2015 Bonny Doon Picpoul, Arroyo Seco, CA$36.00
2016 Noceto Pinot Grigio, Central Calley, CA$40.00
2016 Bee's Box Chardonnay, Geyserville, CA$40.00
2015 Portlandia Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, OR$10.00
- Gl$10.00
2015 Tin Barn Sauvignon Blanc, Carneros, CA$41.00
2016 Raeburn Chardonnay, Russian River, CA$11.00
- Gl$11.00
2014 Alfaro Family Lindsay Paige Vineyards Chardonnay, Santa Cruz, CA$11.00
- Gl$11.00
2015 Metz Road Chardonnay, Monterey, CA$55.00
2013 Scheid Vineyards Grenache Blanc, Monterey, CA$56.00
2016 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars "Hands of Time" Chardonnay, Napa Valley, CA$60.00
2014 Saintsbury Chardonnay, Carners, Napa Valley, CA$64.00
2015 Frog's Leap Chardonnay, Napa Valley, CA$68.00
2016 Ziata Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, CA$70.00
2013 St. Innocent Freedom Hill Vineyard Chardonnay, Willamette, OR$72.00
2016 Bargetto Regan Vineyards Reserve Chardonnay, Santa Cruz Mountains, CA$75.00
2014 Ridge Chardonnay Estate, Monte Bello Vineyard, Santa Cruz Mountains, CA$100.00

France

2016 Rive Sud Pinot Noir Rose, Loire Valley$32.00
2015 M de Mulonniere Chenin Blanc, Loire Valley$32.00
NV Deutz Brut Classic, Champagne$34.00
- 1/2 Btl$34.00
2016 Department 66 "Fragile" Rose, Catalan$34.00
2016 Bila-Haut Cotes du Roussillon Blanc$40.00
NV Dave Phenney Locations F5 Rose$10.00
- Gl$10.00
2012 Lucien Albrecht Riesling, Alsace$45.00
NV Jo Landron "Atmospheres" (Sparkling), Loire Valley$12.00
- Gl$12.00
2015 Henri Perrusset Macon-Villages$12.00
- Gl$12.00
2016 Domaine du Tremblay Quincy, Loire Valley$48.00
2014 Albert Bichot Saint-Veran, Burgundy$50.00
2016 Les Gendrines Cotes du Rhone Blanc, Rhone$13.00
- Gl$13.00
NV Bailly-Lapierre Rose Cremant Brut, Burgundy$54.00
2015 Vigneau-Chevreau Vouvrey, Loire Valley$56.00
2015 Saget La Perriere Sancere, Loire Valley$62.00
2015 Alvert Bichot Pouilly-Fuisse, Burgundy$66.00
NV R H Coutier Ambonnay Champagne Grand Cru$75.00
2014 La Moussiere Sancerre, Loire Valley$75.00
NV Gonet-Medeville Tradition Premier Cru Brut Champagne$79.00
NV Drappier Carte d'Or Brut, Champagne$100.00

Italy

2014 Riff Pinot Grigio delle Venezie, Progetto Lageder$8.00
- Gl$8.00
2016 Antornori Santa Cristina Pinot Grigio, delle Venezie$32.00
2016 Villa Barbi Orvieto Classico$8.50
- Gl$8.50
2015 Inama Soave Classico, Veneto$40.00
2016 Bortolomiol Prosecco Superiore Brut$40.00
2012 Strasserhof Kerner, Alto Adige$44.00
2013 Jermann Pinot Grigio, "Venezia Giulia", Collio Friulano$50.00

Spain

NV Bohigas Brut Cava Reserva$48.00
2014 Ameztoi Getariako, Txkolina$48.00

Portugal

NV Broadbent Vinho Verde Rose$28.00
NV Broadbent Vinho Verde$29.00

Greece

2014 Boutari Moschofilero, Tripoli$38.00

Slovenia

2013 Verus Riesling Suho, Ormoz$56.00

Hungary

NV Torley Gala Sec, Budapest$32.00

Germany

2011 Strub "Soil to Soul" Riesling Kabinett, Rheinhessen$36.00
2011 Selbach Oster Riesling Kabinett, Mosel$40.00
2016 Werner Schweicher Annaberg Riesling Kabinett, Mosel$12.00
- Gl$12.00
2015 Wittmann Reisling Estate Trocken, Rheinhessen$48.00
2011 Meulenhof Riesling Spatlese, Mosel$52.00
2013 Christoffel, Riesling Spatlese, Mosel$55.00

Austria

2015 Huber Hugo Gruner Veltliner, Weinriedenweg$36.00

Australia

2015 Tahbilk Viognier, Victoria$40.00
2013 Tahbilk Marsanne, Victoria$9.00
- Gl$9.00

New Zealand

2016 Tohu Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough$9.00
- Gl$9.00
2015 Astrolabe Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough$38.00

Argentina

2013 Anko Torrontes, Mendoza$40.00

Chile

2016 Casas del Bosque Sauvignon Blanc Reserva, Casablanca Valley$32.00

South Africa

2014 Painted Wolf "Rosalind" Pinotage Rose, Swartland$32.00
2015 Nederburg "The Anchorman" Chenin Blanc$48.00

Red

North America

2014 Sparkman Cellars Wonderland Grenache, Yakima Valley, WA$40.00
2015 Fortnight Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA$40.00
2014 William Hill Pinot Noir, Central Coast, CA$11.00
- Gl$11.00
2012 Bonny Doon Vineyard, Le Cigar Volant, Santa Cruz, CA$45.00
2014 Random Ridge Old Wave Zinfandel/ Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA$45.00
2014 Random Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA$46.00
2014 Angles & Cowboys Proprietary Red, Sonoma County, CA$12.00
- Gl$12.00
2012 Roth Estate Merlot, Sonoma County, CA$12.00
- Gl$12.00
2014 Valley Vista Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains, CA$50.00
2012 Cambiata Tannat, Monterey, CA$52.00
2014 Random Ridge Fortunata Sangiovese, Napa Valley, CA$52.00
2016 Banshee Pinot Noir, Sonoma County, CA$54.00
2015 Sparkman Holler Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, Oregon$15.00
- Gl$15.00
2014 Four Graces Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon$60.00
2015 Fess Parker Syrah, Santa Barbara County, CA$65.00
2015 Orin Swift Abstract, Napa Valley, CA$68.00
2013 Rexford Merlot, Santa Cruz, CA$70.00
2014 Orin Swift Palermo Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA$72.00
2013 Au Bon Climat Estate Bottled Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley, CA$82.00
2014 Flora Springs, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA$88.00
2012 Mount Eden Vineyards Estate Bottled Cabernet Sauvignon, Santa Cruz Mountains, CA$98.00
2014 L'Ecole Apogee Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, WA$110.00
2013 Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap, Napa Valley, CA$120.00

France

2016 Mont Gravet Carignan, Herault$32.00
2015 Chateau de Paraza Cuvee Speciale, Languedoc$9.00
- Gl$9.00
2015 Ogier Artesis Cotes du Rhone, Rhone Valley$10.00
- Gl$10.00
2016 Horizon de Bichot, Pinot Noir, Languadoc$48.00
2016 Domaine la Bonneliere Saumur Champigny, Loire Valley$48.00
NV Dave Phenney Locations F4 Red Wine$50.00
2014 Triennes St Auguste Cuvees, Provence$52.00
2014 Marie De Beauregard Chinon Cabernet Franc, Loire Valley$52.00
2014 Chateau Aney Haut-Medoc, Bordeaux$14.00
- Gl$14.00
2014 Chateau de Lancyre Pic St. Loup, Languedoc$52.00
2012 Le Galantin Bandol, Provence$61.00
2011 Domaine du Poujol Podio Alto, Languedoc$68.00
2014 Dept. 66 "Others" Grenache, Cotes Catalanes$70.00
2015 Chateau de Chamirey, Mercurey, Burgundy$70.00
2013 Domaine Barons De Rothschild(Lafite), Chateau d'Aussieres, Corbieres$88.00
2014 Maison Roche de Bellene, Savigny-Les-Beaune, Burgundy$90.00
2015 Domaine de Vieux Telegramme, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone Valley$95.00

Italy

2013 Cielo Centanni Ripasso Valpolicella, Veneto$32.00
2013 Statti Lamezia Greco Nero, Nerello Cappuccio$36.00
2015 Cantele Primitivo, Salice Salentino$38.00
2015 Cantine Colosi Nero D'Avola, Sicily$10.00
- Gl$10.00
2014 Pecchenino san Luigi Dogliani Dolcetto, Piedmont$40.00
2014 Tenuta Guado Al Tasso IL Bruciato, Bolgheri$40.00
NV PP Chiarli Lambrusco Vecchia Modena, Lambrusco di sorbara$46.00
2013 Pallazzo Della Torre Veronese$54.00
2015 Renato Ratti Barbera D'Asti "Battaglione"$60.00
2009 Vie Cave Maremma Toscanna$63.00
2010 Piccini Sasso Al Poggio Toscana, Tuscany$65.00
2012 Felsina Berardenga Chianti Classio Riserva$70.00
2011 Vignalta Gemola Colli Euganei Rosso, Veneto$78.00
2012 Roccolo Grassi Valpolicello, Veneto$82.00
2012 Conterno Fantino, Langhe Rosso "Mon Pra", Piedmonte$100.00

Spain

2013 Altes Herencia Garnatxa Negra, Catalonia$32.00
2014 Valcantara Garnacha, Carinena$36.00
2011 Bodegas Franco-Espanolas Rioja Bordon Reserva$40.00
2013 Campos de Luz Garnacha Reserva, Carinena$42.00
2016 Emilio Moro Finca Resalso Tempranillo$11.00
- Gl$11.00

Argentina

2013 Anko Malbec, Los Caldones, Salta$38.00
2014 Tapiz Alta Collection Malbec, Mendoza$11.00
- Gl$11.00
2015 Amancaya Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon, Domaines Baron de Rothschild, Mendoza$54.00

What 1,625 people are saying

Oswald reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4

4.4 based on recent ratings

4.4Food
4.4Service
4.2Ambience
3.9Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
Great for brunch
Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
Hot spot
Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
Great for fine wines
Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
Romantic
Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
Lively
Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Oswald is a standout restaurant in Santa Cruz, known for "excellent service" and a "creative drinks bar." Patrons appreciate its lively atmosphere and "amazing" food, including standout dishes like fried chicken and fish and chips. Attentive staff and a welcoming space make it ideal for intimate dinners or celebrations.

1,625 Reviews

D
Daniel
San Francisco1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
I took my family here for an early Easter dinner while visiting our daughter who attends UCSC. Admittedly, we are food snobs from Sonoma County wine country and have high expectations. Oswald’s did not disappoint. We had three courses and every single dish (we share) was excellent. The dungeness crab appetizer is extremely fresh and I was surprised about the healthy portion. For dinner we had the strip steak (perfect MR temp) the Duck Confit, and my kids had the Seafood soup and the Cheeseburger. All were outstanding. Do not miss dessert either. My son had the Chocolate lava cake and I had the bread pudding. Thank you Oswald’s for an excellent Easter dinner! I look forward to returning.
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M
Michael
San Francisco2 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent drinks, food and service! Good atmosphere.
Is this helpful?
J
Jane VIP
San Francisco5 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always excellent! We’re regular customers and love Clay and the chef! Jane
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J
Justin
New York City24 reviews
4.0
Dined on April 10, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Welcoming space. Attentive and friendly staff. Boisterous bar scene. Good wine by the glass list. The grilled calamari was quite good.
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R
Rene VIP
Los Angeles1 review
3.0
Dined on April 5, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
I rarely leave reviews, but in this instance I asked to substitute fries for au gratin potatoes with my steak, and was told “there are no substitutions on weekends.” If this had been TV dinner I might have understood, but in response to a $169 dinner order this was bizarrely bush league.
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b
brian VIP
San Francisco17 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 2, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great dinner…service was exceptional and the drinks top notch. Food was very good. Hopefully with summer coming, there can be an expanded menu.
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P
Philip
San Francisco148 reviews
4.0
Dined on March 30, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
One of our favorite restaurants in Santa Cruz and an easy walk from our hotel. We were seated in a corner table for two which was suited for long intimate conversation. The menu had changed and there were several new additions since our last visit. Among these were the Sea of Cortez scallops on beet risotto and rabbit presented three ways. This latter was delicious but a little dry. The chicory salad was lightly dressed and savory.
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S
Susi VIP
San Francisco5 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 28, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Oswald’s never disappoints. Had lunch with my husband. We shared the fish and chips and the sautéed greens & farro with fish (trout). The food was amazing. Packed with flavor. Didn’t have any cocktails or drinks but in past have also enjoyed their cocktail menu. Service was perfect.
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k
kim
San Francisco1 review
5.0
Dined on March 28, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I had called in and left a message about a birthday, and for help changing our reservation. I received a call back that same day. From the time we arrived, the hostess, who knew about the birthday, was very accommodating and our server, Sylvan, was very friendly, made good suggestions, was efficient and on-point with his timing when checking in with us regarding our food, beverages, dessert, etc. He took some photos for us and related to our story. It was my first time to Oswald, but it won’t be my last! Thank you!
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b
barbara
Washington DC12 reviews
4.0
Dined on March 8, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Oswald’s was very good. Noise level was high. We enjoyed are meal & service was excellent
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FAQs

Oswald offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (831) 423-7427.

Oswald is rated 4.4 stars by 1625 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Apr 25, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 22 times today

121 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Additional information

Cross street
Front
Neighborhood
Santa Cruz
Hours of operation
Lunch Wed–Sat 12:00 pm–2:30 pm Dinner Tue 5:00 pm–8:15 pm Wed, Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Contemporary American
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Oswald is located on the street level of a four story public parking garage with very reasonable rates.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Damani Thomas
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://oswaldrestaurant.com/
Phone number
(831) 423-7427

Oswald

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Additional information

White Wine

North America

2017 Angels & Cowboys Rose, Sonoma County, CA$22.00

2015 Sparkman Cellars Birdie Riesling, Columbia Valley, WA$30.00

2015 Donati Family "Sisters Forever" Chardonnay, Central Coast, CA$34.00

2014 Montinore Estate "Borealis" Willamette Valley, OR$36.00

2016 Frog's Leap Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, CA$36.00

2015 Bonny Doon Picpoul, Arroyo Seco, CA$36.00

2016 Noceto Pinot Grigio, Central Calley, CA$40.00

2016 Bee's Box Chardonnay, Geyserville, CA$40.00

2015 Portlandia Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, OR$10.00

2015 Tin Barn Sauvignon Blanc, Carneros, CA$41.00

2016 Raeburn Chardonnay, Russian River, CA$11.00

2014 Alfaro Family Lindsay Paige Vineyards Chardonnay, Santa Cruz, CA$11.00

2015 Metz Road Chardonnay, Monterey, CA$55.00

2013 Scheid Vineyards Grenache Blanc, Monterey, CA$56.00

2016 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars "Hands of Time" Chardonnay, Napa Valley, CA$60.00

2014 Saintsbury Chardonnay, Carners, Napa Valley, CA$64.00

2015 Frog's Leap Chardonnay, Napa Valley, CA$68.00

2016 Ziata Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, CA$70.00

2013 St. Innocent Freedom Hill Vineyard Chardonnay, Willamette, OR$72.00

2016 Bargetto Regan Vineyards Reserve Chardonnay, Santa Cruz Mountains, CA$75.00

2014 Ridge Chardonnay Estate, Monte Bello Vineyard, Santa Cruz Mountains, CA$100.00

France

2016 Rive Sud Pinot Noir Rose, Loire Valley$32.00

2015 M de Mulonniere Chenin Blanc, Loire Valley$32.00

NV Deutz Brut Classic, Champagne$34.00

2016 Department 66 "Fragile" Rose, Catalan$34.00

2016 Bila-Haut Cotes du Roussillon Blanc$40.00

NV Dave Phenney Locations F5 Rose$10.00

2012 Lucien Albrecht Riesling, Alsace$45.00

NV Jo Landron "Atmospheres" (Sparkling), Loire Valley$12.00

2015 Henri Perrusset Macon-Villages$12.00

2016 Domaine du Tremblay Quincy, Loire Valley$48.00

2014 Albert Bichot Saint-Veran, Burgundy$50.00

2016 Les Gendrines Cotes du Rhone Blanc, Rhone$13.00

NV Bailly-Lapierre Rose Cremant Brut, Burgundy$54.00

2015 Vigneau-Chevreau Vouvrey, Loire Valley$56.00

2015 Saget La Perriere Sancere, Loire Valley$62.00

2015 Alvert Bichot Pouilly-Fuisse, Burgundy$66.00

NV R H Coutier Ambonnay Champagne Grand Cru$75.00

2014 La Moussiere Sancerre, Loire Valley$75.00

NV Gonet-Medeville Tradition Premier Cru Brut Champagne$79.00

NV Drappier Carte d'Or Brut, Champagne$100.00

Italy

2014 Riff Pinot Grigio delle Venezie, Progetto Lageder$8.00

2016 Antornori Santa Cristina Pinot Grigio, delle Venezie$32.00

2016 Villa Barbi Orvieto Classico$8.50

2015 Inama Soave Classico, Veneto$40.00

2016 Bortolomiol Prosecco Superiore Brut$40.00

2012 Strasserhof Kerner, Alto Adige$44.00

2013 Jermann Pinot Grigio, "Venezia Giulia", Collio Friulano$50.00

Spain

NV Bohigas Brut Cava Reserva$48.00

2014 Ameztoi Getariako, Txkolina$48.00

Portugal

NV Broadbent Vinho Verde Rose$28.00

NV Broadbent Vinho Verde$29.00

Greece

2014 Boutari Moschofilero, Tripoli$38.00

Slovenia

2013 Verus Riesling Suho, Ormoz$56.00

Hungary

NV Torley Gala Sec, Budapest$32.00

Germany

2011 Strub "Soil to Soul" Riesling Kabinett, Rheinhessen$36.00

2011 Selbach Oster Riesling Kabinett, Mosel$40.00

2016 Werner Schweicher Annaberg Riesling Kabinett, Mosel$12.00

2015 Wittmann Reisling Estate Trocken, Rheinhessen$48.00

2011 Meulenhof Riesling Spatlese, Mosel$52.00

2013 Christoffel, Riesling Spatlese, Mosel$55.00

Austria

2015 Huber Hugo Gruner Veltliner, Weinriedenweg$36.00

Australia

2015 Tahbilk Viognier, Victoria$40.00

2013 Tahbilk Marsanne, Victoria$9.00