Shadowbrook 1750 Wharf Road • Capitola • California 95010

Shadowbrook is unlike any place we’ve ever seen and, truth be told, you can’t really see it until you’re actually in it. Almost completely hidden at the base of a steep, beautifully landscaped hillside, the site has a tantalizing aura of mystery and romance. We were intrigued. Instead of descending via the unique cable car, we walked down one of the winding garden paths through a riot of palms, ferns, colorful flowers, waterfalls, and koi-filled ponds.

Originally built in the 1920s as a log cabin summer house, the restaurant now consists of seven distinctly different rooms and three patios spread out in tiers above Soquel Creek. The garden theme, so meticulously executed outside, is carried throughout the interior. Greenery is visible everywhere, from vines clinging to the ceilings in the Main Dining Room to the almost-100-year-old cypress growing through the ceiling of the Garden Room. And then there’s your choice of views: gardens, woods, the quietly flowing creek or all of the above. It’s no surprise that Shadowbrook continues to be voted “One of the Top 100 Romantic Restaurants” in the country by various publications year after year.

Shadowbrook has hosted weddings since the early 1950s, and the stunningly remodeled Rock Room Bar and Lounge is a sublime spot for exchanging vows. While its massive wooden beams, impressive stone fireplace and stone walls convey a comforting sense of history, it’s the partially glass ceiling and wall that make ceremonies here truly magical. Through the glass everyone can watch the bride’s entrance as she walks down a garden path, framed by the gorgeous landscape. Outdoor ceremonies on the private Creekside Patio are also blessed by nature: Held at the water’s edge, they’re enveloped in a lush mix of ferns, flowers, and coastal redwoods. At dusk, the surrounding treescape comes alive with twinkle lights.

Every room at Shadowbrook has its own individual charms, and many can be used for rehearsal dinners or other private events. The Fireside Room dates back to 1947, and the original stone fireplace, redwood walls, and Craftsman-style lighting fixtures preserve its rustic feel. A lovely choice for an intimate event is the Redwood Room, featuring redwood beams and wainscoting, and a sun-drenched private brick patio next to the chef’s herb garden. The Owner’s Private Reserve Room will make you feel like you have the restaurant all to yourself, as a fire blazes in the river rock fireplace. Larger groups who still want a sense of privacy will appreciate the Wine Cellar Room, boasting a brick fireplace and a collection of fine wines on display. Last, but certainly not least, is the Greenhouse Room, which delights the senses with an abundance of plants and light. Windows along its entire length afford a view of the creek and open to let in fresh coastal breezes.

People are drawn to world-famous Shadowbrook by its incomparable ambiance, but they also come for the food. Their chef utilizes regional products, organic ingredients, and hormone-free meats to provide diners with consistently high-quality cuisine. Each menu is tailored to your tastes, and thanks to their very talented on-site pastry chef, you can even order custom wedding and celebration cakes.

Shadowbrook is popular for many reasons, one of them being its strong emphasis on customer service. As the Banquet and Events Coordinator says, “We’re far more interested in having you tell us what you want, rather than us telling you what you can have".