Mentone - Aptos, California

Grace L.

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.

Isabel A.

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.

Monica I.

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.

Camille

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!

D. Y.

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.

Jamie F.

We had only a short period of time before having to rush off to an event and the staff were very accommodating, seating us at a tall table quickly and bringing us a simple, quick appetizer immediately. Our cocktails were beautiful and delicious, and we the appetizer simply knocked my socks off. In fact, I dream of having a big bowl of that stracciatella and crusty bread quite often since our visit. It was amazing. The space is welcoming and casual, all the details are great.

Rose M.

We’ve been to Mentone in Aptos so many times, and it never disappoints! Every visit is a treat, with delicious food, impeccable service, and a lively, welcoming atmosphere that keeps us coming back again and again.

The ambience is one of our favorite things about this restaurant. It’s vibrant and energetic, yet cozy enough to feel intimate. Whether it’s a casual night out or a special occasion, Mentone always sets the perfect tone.

The food? Absolutely outstanding. Every dish is thoughtfully prepared, bursting with flavor, and consistently high-quality. From the appetizers to the desserts, everything is crafted with care and creativity. You can tell the team at Mentone truly loves what they do.

No matter how many times we’ve dined here, it’s always a memorable experience. Mentone has become a staple in our dining rotation, and we can’t recommend it enough. If you’re looking for great food, warm hospitality, and an unforgettable atmosphere, this is the place to go.

Thank you, Mentone, for always delivering excellence! We can’t wait for our next visit!

Elena B.

Mentone is a gem in the heart of Aptos. A true delight for the senses. They capture the feeling of dining out on the Riviera. The style of cuisine is truly European so drop your American expectations at the door and submerge yourself in a wine and cocktail fueled evening of elegantly crafted fare.