Dinner service 2:00-9:00 pm inside and on our heated outdoor patio. All menu of our items are also offered To Go and for Curbside pickup. Our award winning dessert menu features items to share like the Chocolate Trio and Dessert Fantasy plus favorites including Lemon Napoleon, Bittersweet Chocolate Mousse, Classic Creme Brulee, cheesecakes and bread puddings, ice creams and sorbets.
Available starting at 2:00 pm inside and on our heated outdoor patio. Happy Hour - 3-6 pm - Wed-Fri & Sun inside and on our heated outdoor patio and also available To Go. - Draft Beers $5. Well Drinks $6. House Select Wines $6. Miracle Margarita $9. Bittersweet Cocktail $9. BAR BITES (with the purchase of any beverage) - Mushroom Pizzetta $12.
Available starting at 2:00 pm inside and on our heated outdoor patio. Happy Hour - 3-6 pm - Wed-Fri & Sun inside and on our heated outdoor patio and also available To Go. - Draft Beers $5. Well Drinks $6. House Select Wines $6. Miracle Margarita $9. Bittersweet Cocktail $9. BAR BITES (with the purchase of any beverage) - Mushroom Pizzetta $12.
Services
The Bittersweet Bistro is a dream come true for chef Thomas Vinolus and his wife Elizabeth. Housed in an idyllic stone and stucco building in Rio Del Mar, the restaurant boasts a mahogany bar, bistro style booths, fireplaces and a spacious, sleek, neutral-toned dining room dressed in white linen. The focus of the interior is the glow of the open kitchen at the back of the softly lit dining room.
Coming from the midwest, I was not prepared for the local abundance of vegetables, fruit, fish and seafood that I was to discover here. Before coming here, I could not have even imagined stepping outside my own restaurant and picking a plethora of fresh herbs. I would never have expected to find a farmer at my back doorstep with the freshest of produce.
Bittersweet Bistro offers a variety of meeting and function rooms for your upcoming event. The exquisitely refurbished property provides private patio and banquet facilities for gatherings. Your event is entered through our year-round blooming garden patio into your choice of room sites.
Indoor and outdoor fireplaces, candle light, elegant landscaping with fountain and koi pond make a memorable setting for special events, family celebrations, corporate and holiday functions, anniversaries, birthdays, meetings and more.Your menu is personally designed by acclaimed Executive Chef and owner, Thomas Vinolus.
Indoor and outdoor fireplaces, candle light, elegant landscaping with fountain and koi pond make a memorable setting for special events, family celebrations, corporate and holiday functions, anniversaries, birthdays, meetings and more.Your menu is personally designed by acclaimed Executive Chef and owner, Thomas Vinolus.
You can also Order Gift Cards Online to pick up in-person at the restaurant or have mailed to you. Orders are usually processed within 24 hours and available the following business day. If you need your gift card sooner, please call us at (831) 662-9799 to ask us to expedite your order. Join our email list and we'll let you know of the latest promotions and events at Bittersweet Bistro!
Reviews (23)
Diana F.
Dec 17, 2021
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We had not been to the Bistro for several years. We were disappointed. The staff was great, attentive and kind. The appetizer, stuffed mushrooms, was excellent. My chicken parm was good, not great, but a large serving, enough for two. My friend had the small plate scallops for 2 scallops at $30 seemed way too expensive for what was served. My husband had clams and linguini. He said it tasted off, not liked spoiled clams, but a sort of chemically flavor. The wine was good, bit of a short pour in my opinion. The desserts, bread pudding, acceptable, the lemon Napoleon was excellent. All in all a
Amanda H.
Dec 07, 2021
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Jazzy Cherie
Oct 25, 2021
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Sadly I don't have any photos BUT...
I reserved the back room at Bittersweet Bistro on Sunday for my dad's memorial gathering. Thomas and Elizabeth, the owners, went above and beyond for the event.
We ordered calamari which came in cute single-serving paper cones, beef sliders with burger sauce and cheese on butcher boards, dynamite shrimp… (tempura shrimp on am Asian glaze, sesame aioli, mac nuts, and sesame seeds) served in miso soup spoons, spinach and gorgonzola mac n cheese topped with bacon crumbles in small ramekins, and a cheese board with crostini.
All 30-40 of us loved the food
I reserved the back room at Bittersweet Bistro on Sunday for my dad's memorial gathering. Thomas and Elizabeth, the owners, went above and beyond for the event.
We ordered calamari which came in cute single-serving paper cones, beef sliders with burger sauce and cheese on butcher boards, dynamite shrimp… (tempura shrimp on am Asian glaze, sesame aioli, mac nuts, and sesame seeds) served in miso soup spoons, spinach and gorgonzola mac n cheese topped with bacon crumbles in small ramekins, and a cheese board with crostini.
All 30-40 of us loved the food
Tamara D.
Sep 10, 2021
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We had a mom's night out for my children's school and was so impressed by the setup, staff, service and quality. We weren't an easy bunch with over 20+ attendees ordering separately, moving from table to table but the staff did a awesome job and the food was amazing. You have the best patio to host the event. Thank you for making our event so special, we will for sure be coming back!
Lisa B.
Aug 24, 2021
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I'm surprised this place doesn't have more stars! Dog friendly (with treats and doggie menu!) and plenty of outdoor seating with beautiful ambience. (Heaters, fire, decor). Indoor seating is limited to the bar area due to Covid protocol. All staff were masked and very friendly. Unfortunately they are only serving dinner right now, but it's delicious. Prices are on the higher end so be prepared if you want a budget dinner. They accommodated are larger party of 7 (with 2 kids - age 7 and 8). Not pictured was the warm bread and butter, crunchy chicken sandwich that was delicious with
Susie P.
Jul 17, 2021
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This place is GREAT!! I over-heard someone complaining about absolutely everything - and they were so unreasonable and rude - I thought I'd counter the review.
We eat here regularly and always enjoy ourselves - the food is well prepared and despite the last year of Covid, they've done a good job of keeping us safe while still having fun.
I also really enjoy their cocktails and desserts! Try the fantasy! YUM!!
We eat here regularly and always enjoy ourselves - the food is well prepared and despite the last year of Covid, they've done a good job of keeping us safe while still having fun.
I also really enjoy their cocktails and desserts! Try the fantasy! YUM!!
Rafael Morataya
Jun 25, 2021
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Melissa P.
Jun 07, 2021
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I booked Bittersweet because our dinners have been great this past few years and our friends visiting for the weekend would enjoy a nice place. What a disappointment! We ordered 4 dinners and 3 of them came. My girlfriends dinner didn't end up coming until we were completely done eating. And she ordered a scallops so certainly not labor intensive. Waiter was apologetic but come on!!! Kitchen mishandled things and the manager wouldn't even come talk to us about it. So embarrassing as my husband and I were hosting our friends and she didn't even get fed. It's one thing for Bittersweet
Mary D.
May 20, 2021
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I have been a fan of Bittersweet Bistro since they were on Mission St in Santa Cruz many years ago. This is one of the best restaurants in Santa Cruz County. Their dinners do not disappoint.
Some reviewers would argue their prices are too high. Yes....I agree prices are a tickle high. But, there's a lot of bang for the buck. The quality of food is worth every penny. Recently my table had the salmon, scallops, and pork loin dinners and a bottle of Napa Valley cab. All plates were beautifully presented (you eat with your eyes first!) and absolutely delicious. We ate everything but the plates
Some reviewers would argue their prices are too high. Yes....I agree prices are a tickle high. But, there's a lot of bang for the buck. The quality of food is worth every penny. Recently my table had the salmon, scallops, and pork loin dinners and a bottle of Napa Valley cab. All plates were beautifully presented (you eat with your eyes first!) and absolutely delicious. We ate everything but the plates
RoNatz Eenrug
May 14, 2021
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Stewart P.
Apr 12, 2021
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Went in with a party of seven. Waited quite some time for food. Food was ok but very pricey. In addition the restaurant area we sat in was patio seating. Very large, spacious, and lots of seating. It was a Friday lunch and they were almost full. Not quite to capacity. My Bill had a COVID19 surcharge of 6.5%. The waiter made sure to attach a special not at the bottom saying "this doesn't include tip". Hmmm. I don't think we will return. Not at that price and quality or surcharge.
David Martin
Mar 28, 2021
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Gerry Davila-Hernandez
Mar 28, 2021
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Zai
Mar 11, 2021
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Hostess initially warm with her greeting upon entering. I asked the hostess for a patio table. Hostess said "well that's all we have cause it's illegal to sit inside." I said I understood, I was asking for patio seating, believing she must have misunderstood me. Hostess rude and demeaning again saying "well yeah, that's all we have." Decided not to eat there if this was the interaction before even ordering the food, which is probably good. How can you enjoy your time if you're uncomfortable because the staff is rude upon meeting you? Will not be returning, and went to the nearby Pizza joint where
Sierra Smith
Mar 05, 2021
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I love that they are open later than most places right now during the covid era. The outdoor dining area is amazing and we loved sitting by the fireplace although the person seating us seemed a little irritated… when I asked to be seated by the fireplace. Perhaps because there was only two of us? I don't know, but it wasn't being used so I don't see what the problem was and they weren't busy; they were about to close. We were not happy when we found out that the beef stroganoff was not very tasty at all and surprisingly was $40. I was expecting it to be more like 20 and was very shocked
Alyssa M.
Nov 01, 2020
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This has always been a family favorite, been coming here ever since I was a kid. Their desserts are incredible, if you come with a group I dare you to order the sampler platter! If not, the chocolate mouse is heavenly.
Started with the shrimp dynamite which I totally could've had as my entree, perfect combination of sweet, crunchy, nutty.
We had the paella (filled w/ so much seafood and bursting with flavor), pork oh man so juicy and those apples....yum! The bistro steak was delicious & the potatoes creamy and cheesy. Scallops were perfect!
Started with the shrimp dynamite which I totally could've had as my entree, perfect combination of sweet, crunchy, nutty.
We had the paella (filled w/ so much seafood and bursting with flavor), pork oh man so juicy and those apples....yum! The bistro steak was delicious & the potatoes creamy and cheesy. Scallops were perfect!
Theresa Manfreda
Aug 09, 2020
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Today I celebrated my birthday here for the first time with my family and friends and it was an amazing time !! Service was excellent and the server Kaleb, made my birthday even more special by dimming the lights by firelight and bringing my vegan delicious sorbet with singing happy birthday đ! Highly recommend this place and its a new favorite spot for all to enjoy what ever palate you desire!
Lou Schmidt
Jul 28, 2020
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Paula Alder
Aug 08, 2019
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Spencer Wilkerson
Jun 03, 2019
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Laurie Mccomb
Dec 24, 2018
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Patrick Moran
Aug 27, 2017
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Von Kidd
Jul 11, 2017
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