CALIFORNIA GROWN
Nestled in the charming town of Capitola, CA, Shadowbrook Restaurant is more than just a place to dine—it’s a true culinary experience! Since 1947, this decades-old Capitola institution has been serving up freshly sourced culinary creations using local California-grown produce—some from its very own roof-top garden!
Shadowbrook combines fine wine and culinary excellence in a setting that blends history and romance. Whether you’re planning a special occasion or simply looking to enjoy an incredible meal, Shadowbrook’s enchanting atmosphere, freshly sourced ingredients, and passionate staff make it a must-visit destination.
Imagine dining in a cozy, intimate 1920’s log cabin-turned-restaurant, surrounded by lush gardens and the soothing sounds of the creek. Shadowbrook Restaurant in Capitola, CA, has been a cherished destination for over 77 years where every meal is an enchanting experience steeped in culinary history. Your dining experience begins with a ride down the steep hillside in a cable car, cleverly called a ‘hillevator’, all the way to the beautiful restaurant, nestled amongst a garden at the water’s edge.
“Hi, my name is Ted Burke. I’m the owner of Shadowbrook. I’ve been here for over 50 years, and right now, we’re sitting on the patio of what we call the Redwood room, which is a small private dining room made out of old Redwood wine barrels.”
In addition to California wines, the Shadowbrook Restaurant takes pride in showcasing the best of CA GROWN produce. The menu features a variety of dishes that highlight fresh, local ingredients. A true standout favorite is the Creamy Artichoke Soup, made with California’s state vegetable – the versatile artichoke. This creamy, flavorful soup is a testament to the quality of locally sourced produce.
Joining the Shadowbrook team in 2012, Micheal Cameron, Executive Chef at Shadowbrook Restaurant, has held every position in the kitchen. In 2018, he was promoted to sous Chef and then Executive Chef in 2020. Michael praises the variety and quality of local farm-fresh produce. He says, “Any chef working in the Bay area has to consider themselves very lucky. The quality and availability of farm-fresh produce, fresh seafood, and artisanal ingredients is something that you just can’t find in most places.”
Shadowbrook features Artichokes – California‘s official state vegetable. Chef Cameron shared a few ways they use artichokes: “We frequently feature Castroville artichokes. Artichokes are one of my favorite vegetables because they are so versatile and delicious, whether it be in a soup, artichoke dip, saute, or braise. Jane at Monterey Farms provides us with the freshest artichokes in the Bay area.”
California wine enthusiasts will love Shadowbrook’s extensive wine list, featuring selections from some of California’s finest vineyards. Whether you prefer a robust red or a crisp white, the knowledgeable staff can help you find the perfect pairing for your meal.
Ted tells us, “Sustainability is more than the food we eat. I’m really proud of how long Shadowbrook has been sustainable in its operations. For example, all of our refrigeration and compressors are moved to one area, so they’re next to each other. We take the gases that the compressors shoot off, and they circle around a holding tank of water. And it preheats the water from street temperature to about 110 degrees. Therefore, our heaters and boilers must only move up from about 110 to 180. That is just one of many things that we do to be aware of the environment and our role to protect it.”
Famous for its beautiful garden, extensive wine list, and intimate dining rooms – Shadowbrook’s hallmark is its romantic ambiance. Whether sitting in one of the cozy dining spaces, overlooking the rooftop culinary garden, or enjoying the view from the terrace, the setting is perfect for a romantic dinner or a special celebration
“Take this hillside elevator, elegantly called the ‘hillevator,’ which is what we all call the ‘cable car’ that takes you from the parking lot down to the restaurant. Children especially love it. And we do welcome children here, especially well-behaved children. We have a children’s menu and try to cater to moms and ensure they’re all happy.”
The Shadowbrook Restaurant offers a dining experience like no other. From its historical roots and romantic ambiance to a focus on local, CA GROWN produce, every aspect of the restaurant seeks to delight and inspire. Next time you’re in Santa Cruz County, be sure to visit Shadowbrook and experience its unique charm for yourself.
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To help consumers recognize California's role in food production and to connect them with the farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers that grow over 400 specialty crops in the Golden State. And since California produces over 50% of the nation's produce, we have lots of stories to tell.