Our Restaurant

Everything starts with a dream

Founded in 1947, Shadowbrook has been known for “romance in dining” from the start. Here’s the story behind this unique restaurant.

The Original Log Cabin

The heart of Shadowbrook is a log cabin. It was built as a summer home in the 1920s. An English family later enlarged it and added what is now the Fireside Room, complete with a hanging balcony and Swiss chalet decor. They eventually sold the home to another family. For unknown reasons, that family abandoned it a few years later.

Restoring the Ruin

In 1944 the original partners discovered the house in ruins. Those entrepreneurs spent three years restoring the structure. They then carved a steep path through the tangled underbrush. They carried every piece of furniture and equipment down the treacherous hillside by hand.

A vintage black-and-white photograph of Shadowbrook Restaurant in its early years, showing the original timber structure and hillside gardens overlooking Soquel Creek.

Historic archival photo of Shadowbrook in Capitola, featuring the rustic wooden facade and glowing windows as seen from the garden trails, capturing the 'treehouse' aesthetic of the original building.

Historic interior dining room at Shadowbrook Restaurant with rustic wood and stone details.

Vintage photo of paddle boating on the creek at Shadowbrook Restaurant in Capitola.

Vintage 1950s interior view of the natural stone walls in the Shadowbrook Rock Room Lounge.

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Dress to Impress

Dining Room Dress Code Policy

The evening attire can be described as "Business Casual."

Because so many of our guests are celebrating important
occasions in their lives, they expect that Shadowbrook's
special setting & ambiance to be respected.

The following attire is prohibited in our DINING ROOMS:

• Beachwear

• Un-tailored shorts

• Tattered jeans
(Jeans are accepted if they are not torn or tattered)

• Tank tops

• Caps

• Flip flops (Dress sandals are okay)

(please note that our dress code is more lenient
for patrons using the Rock Room bar and patio)

Shadowbrook Shuttle

COMPLIMENTARY SHUTTLE SERVICE WITHIN 3 MILE RADIUS

To book a complimentary pickup please call: (831) 475-1511

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Vintage yellow checker taxi cab parked outside the Shadowbrook Restaurant entrance as guests walk past.

Historic archival photo of a social luncheon at Shadowbrook; women in classic 1950s attire are seated in a sunlit dining room surrounded by timber beams and lush garden views.

A vintage black-and-white photograph of a group of beauty contestants in sashes and evening gowns posing on the garden stairs at Shadowbrook Restaurant, showcasing a mid-century community event.

alt="A vintage evening view of Shadowbrook Restaurant from across Soquel Creek, with the multi-level building’s warm lights reflecting on the water and the red cable car visible on the hillside.

alt="A vintage photograph of the Rockroom Lounge at Shadowbrook Restaurant, featuring the natural rock hillside integrated into the interior wall, a stone fireplace, and mid-century modern lounge seating.

Opening and Early Growth

In the autumn of 1947, Shadowbrook opened for dinner. It was redesigned, redecorated, and seated 50 guests. It became popular right away. In 1958 the cable car was added. In 1972 new owners added the cupola entry and the deck by the river. They replaced the furnishings with authentic antiques from the era of the original structure. For the first time, the restaurant stayed open year-round.

Ted Burke and Bob Munsey Era

In 1978 current owners Ted Burke and his partner Bob Munsey purchased Shadowbrook. The following year they joined the former Garden Room Annex to the main building and turned the roof into a comfortable outside cocktail deck. Two years later they enclosed the outdoor dining patio, creating a greenhouse setting for year-round comfort.

Wine Cellar and Bakery

In the mid-1980s the team added Shadowbrook’s wine cellar for proper wine storage and significantly expanded the wine list. They also added a bakery so the kitchen could produce fine desserts and breads, including wedding cakes and the famous Orange Rolls served at Sunday Brunch.

A vintage black-and-white photograph of beauty contestants in sashes posing and smiling from inside the iconic Shadowbrook hillside cable car during a historic promotional event.

Hidden Improvements

During the late 1980s the owners made improvements guests don’t see, including plumbing, wiring, and earthquake protection. The earthquake work proved worthwhile. Shadowbrook experienced virtually no damage during the big quake of 1989—just a broken bottle of wine or two.

Gardens and Reliability

In 1992 the lush hillside above Shadowbrook was landscaped with new plantings. Afterward the walkways were refurbished and the old waterfall was re-established. A powerful generator was also added. It lets Shadowbrook continue full operation, including the Cable Car, during occasional winter power outages.

Redwood Room and Bar Renovation

Fall 1994 brought the Redwood Room, which sits atop the kitchen with a view of the chef’s herb garden. Its ceiling and walls use first-growth redwood recycled and milled from large antique wine tanks.

The bar had been the only part of the building still in its original 1947 condition. It was dark with low ceilings. During the renovation some ceilings were raised as much as 10 feet, and a dramatic skylight was installed for more light. A food-prep area with a wood-fired oven was added so the bar could serve light meals. A state-of-the-art sound system was installed for background music and live entertainment.

All the redwood in the new bar came from large antique wine vats that were recycled and re-milled for the project.

With more than 50 years of history, Shadowbrook remains one of the most unique restaurants in the West. Come see for yourself.

A vintage black-and-white photograph of the Shadowbrook owner cutting a large ceremonial anniversary cake to celebrate a milestone year for the restaurant.

A vintage black-and-white photograph of the Rockroom Lounge at Shadowbrook, showing guests gathered around the natural rock walls and stone fireplace in a cozy, mid-century setting.

A vintage black-and-white photograph of a crowded dining room at Shadowbrook Restaurant, showing guests in mid-century formal attire enjoying dinner and drinks in a lively, packed atmosphere.

A vintage black-and-white photograph of the Shadowbrook Restaurant exterior in the mid-20th century, showing the original timber architecture and the beginning of its famous hillside gardens.

Shadowbrook Profile

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Awards & Accolades

Diners' Choice Awards

-OpenTable

Neighborhood Favorite!

- Nextdoor

Best Places to Kiss

- New Woman Magazine

Top 10 places Nationwide for Dining with Kids Near the Beach

-USA Today

Silver Spoon Award

- Gourmet Diners Club of America

Most Romantic Restaurant, Best Restaurant South Bay

- San Francisco Focus Magazine

Most Romantic Restaurant

- San Jose Mercury News

Most Romantic Restaurant, Best Service, Best Place to Take Visitors

- GoodTimes, Santa Cruz

Best Service, Most Romantic Restaurant in Santa Cruz County

- Metro Santa Cruz

Waiter of the Year, Dan Williams

- California Restaurant Association

World Stars Award

- Mumm's Champagne

BRO awards this Seal to professionals who meet the standards for quality and client satisfaction.

- BRO Seal of Approval

Donations

All requests for donations must be made in writing and emailed to donations@shadowbrook-capitola.com.

Requests should be made at least 40 days in advance of an event, as the owners meet just once a month (usually the first week of the month) to review several hundred requests.
Requests made on official letterhead stationery are preferred.

Because of the great number of requests received, we are not always able to respond personally to each request. However, we do encourage requests in subsequent years for those whom we could not accommodate in the current year.

Careers

Join the Legacy. Elevate Your Career.

Since 1947, Shadowbrook has stood as one of California’s most iconic fine-dining destinations—where exceptional service, timeless ambiance, and culinary artistry come together. A position here is more than a job; it’s a credential of excellence. If you’re ready to grow your skills, work alongside a dedicated professional team, and become part of a storied tradition, explore our employment opportunities today.

Employment Form

Local Links

Capitola Lodging

Capitola Village

Capitola Chamber of Commerce

There is no place like

Since 1947