Olitas Cantina Grille - Santa Cruz

Nice laid-back please upstairs with awesome views of the ocean. Competition amongst the restaurants on the wharf must be fierce because the prices are reasonable and the food quality is good. Chips and salsa served even with drinks. The south size is not very good. Kind of blend.

We stumbled upon Olitas while walking along the warf. We were able to walk right in and get seated given it was a Tuesday evening. We sat right along the window and got a view of the evening sunset. Service was quick and the food came out hot! A few recommendations from the menu, try the surf and turf quesadilla, full of Carne asada and Maine lobster. A warning when ordering the 2 combo order an enchilada and taco was so much food! It also comes with rice and beans. One of the kids menu options was enchilada and that was also a large portion. All and all, we enjoyed our time at Olitas.

Went on a Sunday afternoon with a group of 5 with no reservation. Seated right away with a window view of the bay. Food was incredible and the service spot on. Highly recommend the crab and shrimp enchiladas.

This restaurant has great views and an even greater menu. I started with an Olitas mule and the chips. I am not usually a fan of blended salsas I usually like it chunky), I really enjoyed the sweet and warm flavor of their salsa. I could not decide on whether to order the ceviche or the scallop tamales, so I wound up getting both. I love traditional ceviches, but they can often be hard to eat because of the intense acidity at many restaurants. Their ceviche was enough to be an entire meal for 2 and was perfectly balanced in flavor and acidity. The seafood was incredibly fresh no fishy taste you get from frozen or day-old fish). I also ordered the scallop and shrimp tamales and I am glad I did. The tamales were pretty large and filled to the brim with masa, mushrooms and other spices. I couldn't quite make out everything in there, but it was delicious by itself. But it wasn't by itself as it was served with a creamy sauce and perfectly cooked scallops and shrimp. When it was all mixed together I nearly began to cry, overwhelmed by the incredible flavors and the vast ocean view. The seals were extremely active and I enjoyed watching the birds dive into to the water after the fish and battles against the gulls and seals to be first to the meal. I suppose we all had our fill on seafood that day. Definitely check this place out if only for happy hour to take in the Amazing views. I spent quite a lot $60), but the meal could have easily been shared by 2 or 3 people.

Actually ordered Papaya Salad, all I can say is that it was interesting