Organic American bistro fare plus various truffles & hot cocoas in a charming space with a patio.
Since 1999 Chocolate the Restaurant has been serving meals in downtown Santa Cruz. We use organic produce from local farms, ethically raised meats, and reliably sourced chocolate from central and south America. On our heated patio we welcome guests to bring their pets and enjoy our garden and fountain. Popular menu specialties include our hand-rolled pasta rosettes; stuffed with ricotta and asiago cheeses, roast pork in our own bbq sauce, three kinds of chicken mo’le, and an extensive salad menu. Vegetarian and gluten-free options abound on our menu. We feature specialty cocktails, local wines and local beer. Try any one of 10 flavors of our house-made chocolate mousse truffles. Delicious!
4.3 – 374 reviews $$ • Restaurant
Menu
| Cocktails | |
| Cocktails | |
| Fresh Lime Margarita Where can you get a margarita like this? Fresh lime juice, Arette silver tequila, a splash of curacao, and a squirt of agave syrup. Served on the rocks. Tequila Upgrade (dine here only): Venus Ladron Silver (+$2), Venus Ladron Reposado (+$3), Fortaleza Añejo (+$5), Fortaleza Reposado (+$3), Arette Silver, Mezcal Bachez Artesanal, Mezcal Machetazo, Cupretta |
$18.00 |
| Mai Tai So popular in the 1970s among beachcombers, the Mai Tai is a bomb boasting 4 ounces of alcohol. Golden rum, curacao, and a splash of passion fruit juice are topped off with a shot of dark rum to make this drink unforgettable |
$14.00 |
| Fresh Mint Mojito Fresh mint, muddled with turbinado sugar, a splash of lime and a double shot of premium gold rum! |
$18.00 |
| Moscow Mule Made with fresh lime, ginger juice, and a splash of agave syrup. This is made from basic ingredients, and you taste it! |
$11.00 |
| Cucumber Gin and Tonic We infuse our gin with cucumber, add a splash of fresh lime, and top it of with Q tonic water |
$14.00 |
| Passion Fruit Margarita Arette tequila and passion fruit juice make this one of my favorite cocktails. |
$12.00 |
| Cordials | |
| Nocino (“no-chee’-no”) We made this traditional Italian after-dinner liqueur with our own freshly-picked walnuts. This “digestivo” is often used to settle the stomach after a rich meal. It is sweet with hints of black licorice, cinnamon and clove |
$12.00 |
| Artichoke Liqueur We made this traditional Italian-style liqueur with fresh artichokes from Rodoni Farms. It is sweet with a pronounced artichoke flavor |
$12.00 |
| Hot Cocktails | |
| Irish Coffee Locally roasted Alta Organic Espresso, with a shot of locally distilled Westside Water Bourbon. Topped with rich whipped cream. Delicious! |
$9.00 |
| Hot Apple Pirate Hot spiced apple cider, with a shot of dark rum! |
$9.00 |
| Hot Toddy Lemon, honey, ginger and rum |
$9.00 |
| Bianca Loca Machetazo Mezcal Cupreato, white hot chocolate and a sprinkle of cinnamon. |
$12.00 |
| Fuego Loco Arrette Tequila Silver, with cacao, cinnamon and chipotle. |
$11.00 |
| Bourbon Carmela Locally-made Westside Water Bourbon, with Valrhona Dulcey caramelized chocolate. |
$12.00 |
| Appetizers/Small Plates | |
| Appetizers/Small Plates | |
| Gorgonzola Fondue Pot A small fondue pot of melted gorgonzola cheese and white wine. Comes with baguette slices for dipping |
$12.50 |
| Antipasto Platter A sampler platter of pestos, cheeses and roasted &pickled vegetables. Fun to share. Comes with baguette slices. (Can be made Gluten-Free by upgrading to Gluten-Free mini-loaf, or omitting bread) |
$14.50 |
| Roasted Potatoes Organic russet potatoes, roasted golden brown like steak fries. Comes with organic ketchup |
$6.50 |
| Marinara and Pesto Pot A pot for dipping. Comes with baguette slices for dipping |
$9.00 |
| Portobello Mushroom Dripping with Gorgonzola A roasted portobello mushroom sitting on a wedge of flaky pastry, and topped with melted gorgonzola cheese. Drizzled with balsamic reduction and sprayed with white truffle-olive oil. Can you say no? |
$11.00 |
| Gluten-Free Mini Loaf Light, and yet rich and delicious, this fragrant mini-loaf was developed for us by the folks at Red House Bakery, and now we make it here for you. Served with butter |
$7.00 |
| Artichoke & Cheese Pot A sizzling pot of melted asiago and ricotta cheeses, with sliced artichoke hearts and a splash of white wine. Comes with baguette slices for dipping. |
$12.50 |
| Brussels Sprouts Organic Brussels sprouts from Rodoni farms. Roasted with telecherry black pepper and smoked sea salt. Served with sesame dipping sauce |
$10.00 |
| Salads and Soups | |
| Salads and Soups | |
| Greek Salad Organic romaine lettuce, house-marinated organic cucumbers, kalamata olives, feta, organic tomatoes, pickled red onion and our lemon-XV olive oil dressing |
$10.50 |
| Mediterranean Salad Sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, kalamata olives, Romano cheese, and roasted pistachios. With our lemon dressing on the side |
$10.50 |
| House Salad Organic baby greens, tomatoes and house-pickled cucumbers. With our balsamic vinaigrette |
$6.50 |
| Chicken Soup Mary’s chicken with organic vegetables and potatoes. Served with organic sourdough bread from Companion Bakery |
$17.00 |
| Sesame Chicken Salad Shredded organic romaine lettuce topped with sliced Mary’s chicken breast, organic cauliflower, fried garlic, pickled ginger, and peanuts. Served with our sesame dressing |
$16.50 |
| Caesar Salad Chopped organic romaine lettuce, tossed in our vegetarian caesar dressing. Topped with toasted walnuts and pecorino Romano |
$8.50 |
| Main Courses | |
| Main Courses | |
| Sesame-Ginger Shrimp Roasted jumbo shrimp, topped with our sesame-ginger glaze. Served with chipotle rice and roasted plantains |
$22.50 |
| Pork & Plantains Our roast free-range pork, slow roasted and simmered in our own barbecue sauce. Slightly spicy. Served with Sesame Roasted Plantains and our House Salad |
$20.50 |
| Veggies with Chicken Roasted organic seasonal vegetables. Served with chunks of Mary’s chicken breast, and topped with our lemon-garlic compote and roasted peanuts |
$16.50 |
| Chicken Parmesan & Caesar Roasted Mary’s boneless chicken, with organic marinara, fior di latte, and pecorino Romano. Sizzling golden. Served with a side of our Caesar Salad |
$19.50 |
| Pork Plate Coleman Ranch pork shoulder, slow-roasted and then braised in our house-made bittersweet chocolate barbecue sauce. Slightly spicy. Served with our house salad and a slice of our Potato Gateaux. Salad Choice: Mediterranean (+$3); Greek (+$3); Caesar (+$2); House Salad; Shiitake Soup, no salad (+$1); Chicken Soup, no salad (+$2) |
$20.50 |
| Fettuccine Bolognese A generous portion of hand-rolled fettuccine with our house-made Bolognese sauce. Topped with Romano cheese! |
$16.50 |
| Chicken Pie & Salad Light, flaky crust; no soupy filling. Mary’s Chicken with potatoes and vegetables. Our chicken gravy on the side. (not “pot pie”) Served with our House Salad. Salad Choice: Mediterranean (+$3); Greek (+$3); Caesar (+$2); House Salad; Shiitake Soup, no salad (+$1); Chicken Soup, no salad (+$2) |
$17.50 |
| Mo’le Plate Traditional Mexican dish. Choice of Rich Oaxaqueño, Spicy Poblano, or our very special golden Amarillo, which is medium spicy. Made with Mary’s free-range boneless chicken breast. Includes House Salad and a slice of our cheesy polenta pie |
$23.50 |
| Pasta & Salad Hand-rolled pasta, stuffed with ricotta and Romano Cheeses. Topped with Asiago. Please specify your choice of Organic Marinara, Artichoke Pesto Cream Sauce, or classic Bolognese. Served with our House Salad. Pasta Sauce: marinara, Artichoke, No Sauce , Bolognese, sub Butternut (no sauce). Salad Choice: Mediterranean (+$3); Greek (+$3); Caesar (+$2); House Salad; Shiitake Soup, no salad (+$1); Chicken Soup, no salad (+$2) |
$14.50 |
| Pasta Rosettes for Two Hand-rolled pasta, stuffed with ricotta and Romano Cheeses. Topped with Asiago. Please specify your choice of Organic Marinara, Artichoke Pesto Cream Sauce, or classic Bolognese. Pasta Sauce: marinara, Artichoke, No Sauce , Bolognese, sub Butternut (no sauce) |
$18.50 |
| Polenta Plate Baked here with corn, onions, eggs, asiago, provolone and Romano cheeses. Served with your choice of two sauces. Includes our spinach mushroom salad with truffle oil dressing. Polenta Plate Sauces: Marinara & Artichoke Cream, Artichoke Cream & Bolognese, Bolognese & Marinara Sauce |
$17.50 |
| Spicy Salmon Tostadas Roasted king salmon on a crunchy fried corn tortilla with our napa-lime slaw. Served with organic black beans and chipotle rice. Topped with our delicious Mango Salsa |
$16.50 |
| Butternut Rosettes for Two Our seasonal specialty! Six fresh pasta rosettes stuffed with organic butternut squash, imported cheeses and caramelized onion. Topped with crushed almonds. Delicious |
$18.50 |
| Desserts | |
| Desserts | |
| Triple Vanilla Cheesecake This creamy cheesecake is all about fresh Mexican vanilla flavor |
$7.50 |
| Dulce de Leche Torte Triple-layer dark chocolate cake with two layers of rich, caramelized Valrhona white chocolate cream and a touch of rum. It’s like a light caramel chantilly. A very special dessert! |
$7.50 |
| Chocolate Cream Pie Rich custard filling made with Columbian bittersweet chocolate. Our crust is made with grated almonds and chocolate |
$6.50 |
| Coconut Cream Pie Classic coconut custard filling in our almond (gluten free) crust |
$6.50 |
| Chocolate Mousse Cake Three layers of chocolate mousse, and three layers of chocolate cake. Covered in bittersweet ganache |
$7.50 |
| Cupcake Dark chocolate cupcake served warm and drenched in bittersweet chocolate ganache. Decorated with rich whipped cream. |
$7.50 |
| Dessert Orgy A sampler platter of sweets to share |
$13.50 |
| Chocolate Ecstasy Cake Strong, dark chocolate cake, served with a side of whipped cream. For vegans, no whip makes it a vegan dessert! |
$6.50 |
| Canoli A crispy pastry tube, filled with sweetened ricotta, candied oranges, and bittersweet chocolate bits. Our home-spun version of the Sicilian classic! |
$6.50 |
| Gelato Pint Rich, dense, Italian-style gelato. A little less sugar, and lots more flavor! |
$9.00 |
| Tiramisu Served cake-style; using ladyfingers, mascarpone, espresso, and a touch of rum. Topped with lots of chocolate, and sitting in a pool of espresso syrup |
$7.50 |
| Coconut Cheesecake Made with coconut milk, in our gf almond flour crust. Topped with dark chocolate ganache and shredded coconut. Fragrant and delicious! |
$7.50 |
| Truffles | |
| Truffles | |
| Rum Ball A dark chocolate shell, filled with rum-soaked cake, dark chocolate bits, & candied oranges |
$4.00 |
| Fresh Mint Truffle White chocolate mint mousse, made with fresh mint leaves. In a dark chocolate-mint shell |
$4.00 |
| Coconut Truffle Coconut white chocolate mousse, covered in dark chocolate and topped with shredded coconut |
$4.00 |
| Salted Caramel Truffle Valrhona caramelized white chocolate mousse, in a caramelized chocolate shell. Topped with salt crystals |
$4.00 |
| White Rose Truffle Rose flavored white chocolate shell, filled with rose flavored white chocolate mousse |
$4.00 |
| Cherry Truffle White chocolate vanilla mousse, with a big Bordeaux cherry, in a dark chocolate shell |
$4.00 |
| Hazelnut Truffle Hazelnut milk chocolate mousse, in a hazelnut milk chocolate shell. Topped with chopped hazelnuts |
$4.00 |
| Dark Rose Truffle Dark chocolate-rose mousse, in a dark chocolate shell |
$4.00 |
| Bittersweet Truffle Dark chocolate shell filled with dark chocolate mousse and rolled in cocoa |
$4.00 |
| Dozen Truffles Truffle: Fresh Mint, bittersweet, Dark Rose, White Rose, Coconut, Cherry-Vanilla, Rum Ball, Hazelnut, Salted Caramel |
$40.00 |
| Hot Chocolates | |
| Hot Chocolates | |
| Carmela Caramelized white chocolate from Valrhona, steamed with organic milk. A rich and decadent drink! Milk Choice: organic dairy milk; almond milk; No milk, just water; coconut milk; Almond Milk; Oat Milk |
$6.50 |
| Tres Chiles Dark chocolate, milk chocolate and cacao, join with mild anchio, guajillo and chipotle chiles and a dash of smoked salt to make this one of our most complex hot chocolates. Only slightly spicy. Milk Choice: organic dairy milk; almond milk; No milk, just water; coconut milk; Almond Milk; Oat Milk |
$5.50 |
| Coca Rich, dark hot cocoa made with fragrant coconut milk. Milk Choice: organic dairy milk; almond milk; No milk, just water; coconut milk; Almond Milk; Oat Milk |
$4.75 |
| Frida Classic Mexican dark cocoa with cinnamon. Milk Choice: organic dairy milk; almond milk; No milk, just water; coconut milk; Almond Milk; Oat Milk |
$4.50 |
| Pantoufle Named for the invisible pet kangaroo in the movie Chocolat, Dark chocolate, milk chocolate and cardamon make this drink fragrant and complex. Milk Choice: organic dairy milk; almond milk; No milk, just water; coconut milk; Almond Milk; Oat Milk |
$5.50 |
| Zenu Extra-strong Colombian chocolate. Rich, & fragrant |
$5.50 |
| Fuego Hot ‘n’ spicy dark cocoa, organic cinnamon, and chipotle. Milk Choice: organic dairy milk; almond milk; No milk, just water; coconut milk; Almond Milk; Oat Milk |
$4.50 |
| Vianne Named for the Chocolatier in the movie Chocolate, this one is made with dark cocoa, ginger juice, honey & cardamon. Milk Choice: organic dairy milk; almond milk; No milk, just water; coconut milk; Almond Milk; Oat Milk |
$5.50 |
| Belga Extremely rich & flavorful hazelnut chocolate from Belgium. Milk Choice: organic dairy milk; almond milk; No milk, just water; coconut milk; Almond Milk; Oat Milk |
$6.25 |
| Bianca Fragrant, top quality white chocolate. Rich, thick and sweet. Milk Choice: organic dairy milk; almond milk; No milk, just water; coconut milk; Almond Milk; Oat Milk |
$5.50 |
| Victoria Columbian 70% bittersweet chocolate with extra cacao to make this drink a full-bodied chocolate experience. Milk Choice: organic dairy milk; almond milk; No milk, just water; coconut milk; Almond Milk; Oat Milk |
$5.75 |
| Lena Very creamy and smooth milk chocolate. Great for kids. Milk Choice: organic dairy milk; almond milk; No milk, just water; coconut milk; Almond Milk; Oat Milk |
$5.50 |
| Sofia Strong, full bodied, dark Italian hot cocoa for chocolate lovers. Milk Choice: organic dairy milk; almond milk; No milk, just water; coconut milk; Almond Milk; Oat Milk |
$4.25 |
| Coffee and Other Hot Drinks | |
| Coffee and Other Hot Drinks | |
| Hot Tea Choose from several options: Mint Herbal; Chamomile Herbal; Green; English Breakfast; Darjeeling; Jasmine; Oolong; Cinnamon Spice |
$3.00 |
| Our Chai We make our chai from scratch here, using spices, ginger juice and honey. It can be made with non-dairy milks only. Chai Milk Options: Almond Milk; Coconut Milk; Oat Milk |
$4.50 |
| Hot Cider | $4.50 |
| Cafe au Lait Milk Choice: organic dairy milk; almond milk; No milk, just water; coconut milk; Almond Milk; Oat Milk |
$5.25 |
| Americano | $3.00 |
| Latte We use whole organic milk and organic coffee for our espresso drinks. Milk Choice: organic dairy milk; almond milk; No milk, just water; coconut milk; Almond Milk; Oat Milk |
$4.50 |
| Organic Espresso | $3.00 |
| Cappuccino We use whole organic milk and organic coffee for our espresso drinks. Milk Choice: organic dairy milk; almond milk; No milk, just water; coconut milk; Almond Milk; Oat Milk |
$3.50 |
| White Wines | |
| White Wines | |
| Malvasia Bottle, Birichino Winery, Santa Cruz Delicious flavors of lemon curd, lemongrass & lime blossom with aromas of peach and frangipani |
$34.00 |
| Chardonnay, Storrs Winery, Santa Cruz A Central Coast classic! |
$38.00 |
| Rose’ 2014 Birichino Winery, Central Coast, CA Delicate plummy bouquet and surprisingly dry flavor, & smoky pink glow. Harvested from 100+ year old Grenache & Mourvedre vines here in central California; this wine is as lovely to look at, as it is delicious |
$30.00 |
| Pinot Grigio, Italo Cescon, Friuli, Italy Dry and crisp, ripe, aromatic fruit, with hints of pear and apple |
$36.00 |
| Sauvignon Blanc, Husch Vineyards, Mendocino Lively and tart. Enjoy the long dry finish with hints of melon. Not sweet |
$29.00 |
| California Red Wines | |
| California Red Wines | |
| Pinot Noir, Birichino 2016 Birichino Winery, Santa Cruz, CA The clearest of raspberry reds, this full mouth-feel Pinot Noir is leggy and smooth; it satisfies and offers delightful complexity |
$42.00 |
| Tannat 2009-2012 Cambiata Cellars, Santa Lucia Mtns, Monterey, CA This Basque grape offers a firm tannic structure and dark blackberry flavor with earthy notes of leather and licorice. Well-balanced and full-strength |
$46.00 |
| Petite Syrah 2013 Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyards Smooth, strong and rich berry flavor, with a moderate tannic structure |
$45.00 |
| Merlot 2013 Bargetto Winery, Santa Cruz Mountains, CA Deep ruby in color, dark fruit & a subtle note of cinnamon. We selected this Merlot over so many others for it’s complexity |
$44.00 |
| Zinfandel, Rusty Ridge 2014 Storrs Winery, Santa Cruz, CA This old-vine zin is rich & bold, with abundant aromas of raspberry, ripe plum, a touch of spice, and violets on the finish. Double-Gold Medal, 2017 S.F. Chronicle Wine Competition |
$55.00 |
| Zinfandel, Central Coast 2015 Martin Ranch, Alameda, CA We love this delicious full-bodied zin for it’s strength & balanced tannins |
$37.00 |
| Mercury Rising 2014 Cinnabar Winery, Paso Robles, CA This wine has been one of our most popular, since we opened in 1999 |
$37.00 |
| Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserve 2014 Line Shack Winery, San Antonio Valley If you love drinking a jammy complex cab with balanced tannic structure, that doesn’t bite you back, this is an excellent choice |
$38.00 |
| Primitivo 2015 Uvaggio Winery, Lodi, California These grapes are the Italian cousin of our own Zinfandel grapes. This wine is slightly less sweet with a stronger tannic structure than most Zins |
$33.00 |
| Italian Wines | |
| Italian Wines | |
| Montepulciano Dabruzzo 2010 Cantina Dragani, Abruzzo, Italy Ruby red with violet nuances, a fruity bouquet reminiscent of plum. This is a rich, old fashioned Italian wine. Very high marks at our staff tastings |
$55.00 |
| Ripasso della Valpolicella 2015 Cantina Salvalai, Valpolicella, Italy Ripasso wine is re-fermented on the dregs of the dried grapes used to produce Amarone. Ripe fruit, jam and cherries. Warm and elegant body. This wine offers the opportunity to try the flavor of Amarone, spending less |
$35.00 |
| Amarone 2010 Tezza, Valpantena, Veneto, Italy Alc 16.5% Very full bodied because the grapes are partially dried before the wine is made. It is the pinnacle of smooth Italian richness. At our all-staff tasting, it was named the wine possessing the most full spectrum of desired characteristics. Considered by many to be the finest and most desirable northern Italian wine |
$65.00 |
| Sangiovese 2014 Podere San Cristoforo, Tuscan Coast, Italy Deep red with hints of dark cherry, a firm yet balanced tannic structure. Sangiovese grapes are a key component of Chianti Classico. But this wine is so much more smooth! |
$45.00 |
| Nero d’Avola 2014 Casa di Grazia, Sicily blackberries, blueberries and a hint of licorice characterize this delicious medium-bodied Sicilian wine |
$38.00 |
| Sparkling Wines | |
| Sparkling Wines | |
| Pizzolato Spumante, Cantina “IL Pizzolato” Veneto, Italy Dry with complex and pronounced grapefruit flavor in the finish. This sparkling wine made from 100% organically grown Chardonnay grapes has been very popular here at Chocolate for almost 20 years |
$32.00 |
| Port & Madeira | |
| Port, Madeira and Cordials | |
| 5 Year Old Madeira, Michael Broadbent, Madeira Island, Portugal Dark gold color, sweet & nutty; this rich Madeira has an attractive fruitiness and aged citrus acidity |
$13.00 |
| 10 Year Old Tawny Port, Cantina “Ferreira” Portugal Alc. 20% Aged in oak casks. Flavors are reminiscent of apricot, golden raisins and orange peel |
$15.00 |
| Local Beers | |
| Local Beers | |
| Uncle Dave’s IPA | $8.50 |
| Hop Walla | $8.50 |
| Socks & Sandals IPA | $8.50 |
| Black Lager | $8.50 |
| Soft Drinks | |
| Soft Drinks | |
| Italian Soda Sparkling water over ice. With a shot of your choice of syrup. Select an option: Blackberry, Cherry, Lime, Peach, Orange, Strawberry, Dark chocolate, Mint, Amaretto, Coconut |
$3.50 |
| Ginger Honey Lemonade Fresh lemon juice, California honey, and ginger juice with sparkling water. Very refreshing! |
$3.75 |
| Whole Cakes & Pies (48 Hrs. Notice) | |
| Whole Cakes & Pies (Requires 48 Hours Notice) | |
| Whole Mousse Cake Three layers of chocolate mousse, and three layers of chocolate cake. Covered in bittersweet ganache. |
$48.00 |
| Whole Tiramisu Made cake-style; ladyfingers, mascarpone, espresso, and a touch of rum. Topped with grated chocolate |
$42.00 |
| Whole Ecstasy Cake Dark chocolate cake topped with bitter cacao. Serve it with whipped cream, ice cream, or with a glass of red wine. |
$25.00 |
| Dozen Canoli Crispy pastry tubes; dipped in bittersweet chocolate, filled with sweetened ricotta, candied oranges, and bittersweet chocolate bits, with a touch of rum! Our home-spun version of the Sicilian classic! |
$48.00 |
| Truffle Dozen Giftbox A dozen chocolate-mousse filled truffles of your choice. Packed in a display-window giftbox, with a ribbon. |
$45.00 |
… View more
Contact Chocolate
Address: 1522 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone: (831) 427-9900
Website: https://chocolatetherestaurant.com/
Hours
| Wednesday | 5–9PM |
| Thursday | 5–9PM |
| Friday | 5–9PM |
| Saturday | 5–9PM |
| Sunday | 5–9PM |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 5–9PM |
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