Oswald Restaurant

Oswald is a fantastic dining spot. The fried chicken was great, with excellent seasoning that enhances its flavor. The chocolate soufflé is a standout dessert, although the chocolate tasted a bit artificial, overall it was good ending to the meal without being overly sweet.

Our first visit. Good cocktails: Smoked Maple & Walnut Old Fashioned, Cosmojito and a glass of Chardonnay. Appetizer: Caesar Salad. Good with anchovies on top, but lacked acid. It was nothing out of the ordinary. I would expect more for $21. Entrees: Shishito Pesto Pasta was good but made with boxed pasta. For $43, we would expect the pasta to be freshly made. Seared Scallops with Beet Risotto had a great balance of flavor, but not for $53. Scallops were done perfectly with great flavor. The beet risotto not at all resembled risotto. Risotto should be made with arborio rice and have a creamy texture. Instead, whichever rice they used, long grain possibly, was par cooked, not al dente. Beef Lasagna was okay. I would've liked some cheese in between layers. Again, for $33, I would've exp

Busy night but really friendly, welcoming, attentive service at the bar. Loved my cocktail, the ahi tuna crostini was delicious and unique - with just the right balance of crunch, creaminess, perfectly seared ahi and the tartness of pickled onion. We had the crispy skin trout and it was so tender and crispy. Yum. But my favorite was the lightly sweet poached pear with slightly salty pistachio brittle and the goat cheese ice cream. I rarely order dessert but had to try, and it was just delightful. And then to see the chef/owner personally bring happy birthday treats to folks - wow. Just like what hospitality should be. Even the host checking in with us ON OUR WAY OUT - usually hosts just ignore you or give you like a half hearted "good night" without even looking up. Can't wait to come

We loved Oswald. We had heard it referenced as a classic spot in Santa Cruz, so it had been on our list for a while. The burger was, easily, the best burger I've had in Santa Cruz. They cooked it perfectly medium rare, and the add-ons to the burger were wonderful. The Dungeness crab was solid as well (though in my opinion a bit overpriced at $36 for the quantity). Would definitely recommend as a whole!

Loved the food and drinks here. The cocktail selection is spot-on, and the bartender was super friendly. We ordered the lamb, mac and cheese, mushroom risotto, and flank steak, everything was really good. Would definitely come back, especially for our next date night.