“I found this place in a search of restaurants in Aptos. My inlaws live there and the family owns a Condo in the area in Capitola on the other side of the freeway. We always go to Shadowbrook and I wanted to find something other than Shadowbrook as we always go there and we are very well familiar with that wonderful place already so when I found Persephone and saw it was fine dining, I thought perfect, we need to check this one out. My first reservation was for inside. And when we got to Capitola the night before, we were not sure we were gonna make it so I had cancelled. then after deciding we were gonna stay, I rescheduled and we ended up getting outside seating for 6:45. Upon arriving, late of course, we still managed to get our seating. It wasn't busy on the outside patio. There was another couple there and then it was my partner and I. We were sat and our server came up and introduced himself. He gave us the wine list and our menus. Said he'd come back for our orders for drinks. I ordered a Wine and my partner a beer. I also asked for Tea as well. after he walked away, we looked at the menu, which is not very large. Appetizers are great looking, but we were thinking well for 7$ which is the cheapest item on the menu period we thought that it looked good. It was a Facaccia bread served with hummus and oil. We thought oh we will get that. But upon the return of our server he had brought us that very item. I thought OH ok, so you don' have to order it they just bring it to you. But the little plates they serve the hummus and oil on are not big at all. And you run out fast. We had asked for more and the server just brought us the bread and not the hummus or the oil. He took our order and then walked off. We never got water. or asked if we had any questions on the menu at all. We had to finally ask for water. So they brought us a bottle. My partner had finished his beer and for a while before food came out we didn't see our server at all. Until food came out. No return in between to check to see if we needed another drink etc. The patio is a nice little side section. But the thing I noticed is the vines to the tree's over the side hill were over growing on the fence and over the side tables which were all empty cause of rain. But still no trimming. There were speakers up above the ceiling, but no music playing so we had the entertainment of the traffic off the road. It was rather quiet in the sense of no one was really outside but two couples us and the other couple. Then when they left, it was just us. Back to the food, the food was amazing. I had the Serloin and my partner the short rib dish. Neither dish disappointed. They were amazing. Flavors were all on target. The wine my partner had asked for was brought out to him before getting our dish. At that time we had to ask for water for our glasses that sat empty the entire 30 minutes being there. It was at least a good 10 minutes before the server came back out to check on us. I didn't mention that when I got my dish, they didn't provide me with a steak knife nor my partner. I was using my butter knife to cut my meat. Then the server came out and noticed and apologized and ran and got me a steak knife. After the meal, we sat and discussed how amazing the food was and waited for the servers to come get our dirty dishes. Then the host came out and gathered, the server came behind and asked if we wanted dessert. I thought we are in this so yes, I want to try the dessert. I had the brownie ala mode and my partner got the Panna Cotta with Kumquats, Olallieberry and chocolate. again both dishes gave a great presentation. Both delish and we were very happy with our choices. Over all, food is by far amazing and worth the visit. I fell that the service lacked in a big way though cause although we were the only one's that ended up out on the side patio, it was like people forgot about us. We had long delays before we got service and our server. when they brought out our dessert, I had also asked for our check. Which I'm glad I did caus“
“Well done! Six of us had the best time at Venus beachside! The remodel is gorgeous, the food dee-lish, and the staff was super attentive. The food and drinks are always the best at every Venus location! We were so happy to see the place busy and everyone having a good time. Let's all support this wonderful restaurant....I know my friends and I plan on returning often!“
“Pino Alto is a hidden treasure. The restaurant doesn't have a professional staff. Instead, all the staff are students of the Cabrillo College culinary program, so they really care about doing the best possible job. They are on top of it - from sanitation to serving. We've eaten there several times. It has been excellent. Tuesday we had: roasted red pepper soup which was a perfect balance of creamy and pepper flavor, we also had shrimp on polenta. It was the best shrimp I've ever tasted in my long years. They make everything, including the bread served with lunch, which was better than bread served at other restaurants. The students rotate within the staff jobs to get the full experience. The waiters are careful and accommodating. The prices are reasonable and the environment (in the Session House) is open, uncrowded and visually pleasing. I highly recommend it.“
“I loved my salad! Didn't pay attention to what Hubby ordered, but he scarfed it down and we were very pleased with the beer selections, too. Dog ? friendly outdoors which was nice since we brought our little guy as did several other parties dining outdoors.“