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Aptos

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Nestled in the charming town of Aptos, California, Mentone is a delightful restaurant that offers a sophisticated dining experience inspired by the Ligurian coast. Located at 174 Aptos Village Way, this culinary gem stands out in Santa Cruz County for its vibrant atmosphere and exceptional menu. With a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, Mentone serves an array of dishes that highlight the best of Italian cuisine, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts.

Mentone's menu is a celebration of Ligurian flavors, featuring a variety of dishes that cater to all palates. Highlights include:

Freshly made trenette pasta with house bolognese.

Delicious eggplant with Calabrian chili pesto.

Seasonal cocktails and a curated wine selection.

Mentone is conveniently located in Aptos, making it an ideal stop for those exploring the beautiful Santa Cruz County. Nearby attractions include the stunning beaches of Aptos, the scenic trails of the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, and the charming shops and cafes of Aptos Village. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Mentone offers a perfect blend of culinary excellence and a welcoming atmosphere, making it a top choice for dining in the area.

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Visiting Mentone is about more than the sophisticated, Ligurian coast-inspired menu; it’s about enjoying an elevated dining experience unmatched in Santa Cruz County. The exterior is warm and welcoming, with a vibrant and friendly atmosphere just inside the doors. Upon entry, you are immediately greeted by the kind and professional hosts. We were promptly seated at a cozy booth, surrounded by what looked like carefully curated and unique art, enhancing the colorful, summertime-in-the-Riviera vibe.
Our server was attentive and very knowledgeable, suggesting some culinary gems- the caesar salad with buttery croutons, perfectly cooked eggplant with calabrian chili pesto, and freshly made trenette pasta with their house bolognese to name a few. With our server’s guidance, we ordered a few appetizers, a pasta, an entree, and a pizza to share so we were able to try a bit of everything. It is rare when every item you order is remarkably good, and everything we ordered was fantastic. Each component of every dish was intentionally and thoughtfully selected to complement one another and had us savoring every last bite. Everything is made in house, and the care and craft is beautifully conveyed in the food. We finished our meal with some gelati and panettone. The fior di late gelato finished with the olive oil and sea salt will change your life.
I was impressed by the creative seasonal bar offerings like the Fuyu, a delicious and well-balanced persimmon and Calpico cocktail that went exceptionally well with our appetizers. The bar program is one of the best in the county, featuring a wide selection of amari, unique wines from Italy, France, and local wineries, and a variety of different signature cocktails to suit any taste (I highly recommend any of the negroni riffs). The bar and food menu are a match made in heaven, perfectly capturing the fresh and vibrant characteristics of regional Ligurian cuisine.

It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to experience Chef Kinch’s exceptional creations and dine with the friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive staff at Mentone.

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We walked in and were seated at the high stool seating area fairly quickly. Bar stools were uncomfortable after a while which made it hard to fully enjoy our plate. The eggplant appetizer was delicious and while the pizza was fresh with a soft, chewy crust, the toppings tend to slide off the crust and are a bit soggy so you have to eat it quickly after picking it up. Nothing really stood out.

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We sat outside at the “beach” on a Saturday afternoon.  DJ playing old school R&B was a great vibe.  Pizza and an Aperol Spritz was just right on this Summer weekend.  We will definitely be returning.  Neighboring tables salads and other pizzas looked equally good.  Dog friendly.  Staff would bring water bowls to each table with dogs.  Staff was friendly and attentive, even in the casual outdoor environment.

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Their 31 days 31 nights nonalcoholic drink is great! Really enjoyed the Soppressata pizza and eggplant. The fruity gazpacho was refreshing. Duck terrine, especially the cherries were flavorful. Bolognese pasta wasn’t my favorite.

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Some hits and some misses! The hits were the pizzas and gnocchi and frozen cocktail. We also loved the decor and the service! The misses were the bread and the Caesar salad. Both were ruined by too much bitterness. We had the stracciatella and bread. The cheese had some olive oil on it, which was a little bitter but it worked well, the problem was that the focaccia it was served with was coated in fennel or caraway and the bitterness over powered the whole thing. And I love fennel and caraway, but it did not work in this dish. I imagine how delicious it would be if the focaccia was just topped with a flaky salt! Secondly, the Caesar dressing was great but again, a little bitter. Normally I would love that but the salad was way overdressed and full of bitter/soggy radicchio, which ruined the salad for me. There was also some frisse, one of the worst lettuces, in my opinion. My family usually fights over the salad and we didn’t finish it. I am surprised by the misses, I expected to love everything!

Elevated Dining at Mentone: Best Italian Cuisine in Aptos, CA

Dine In

Takeout

Restroom

Live Music

Reservable

Serves Beer

Serves Wine

Serves Lunch

Serves Brunch

Serves Coffee

Serves Dinner

Good for Groups

Serves Dessert

Parking Options

Payment Options

Tucked away in the charming coastal town of Aptos, California, Mentone blends culinary delights with a warm, inviting atmosphere. This restaurant offers a sensory experience that captures the essence of California's vibrant culture, featuring a menu that celebrates the bounty of the Pacific Coast with dishes like artisanal pizzas and exquisitely crafted pasta.

Mentone

Savor artisanal cuisine at Mentone in Aptos, CA. Discover vibrant flavors and a cozy atmosphere—perfect for your next dining adventure! Reserve now!

Elevated Dining at Mentone: Best Italian Cuisine in Aptos, CA

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