Solaire Restaurant Bar - Santa Cruz

This is our third or fourth visit to Hotel Paradox, and one of the reasons we keep coming back is the fantastic restaurant that offers poolside dining with truly amazing food. Whether it’s brunch or larger-than-tapas plates that are perfect for a bite by the pool, the menu features delights like s'mores that take the campfire treat to a whole new level of elegance. If you’re in the mood for an afternoon drink, I highly recommend the Live Oak Bramble made with bourbon, lemon, and local blackberries. After all, it is vacation! Chef Beto Perez has truly put Solaire on the culinary map of downtown Santa Cruz, crafting a menu that showcases local ingredients with a touch of Asian influence. It’s California cuisine that is both playful and inventive. Even if you're not staying at the hotel, make sure to visit Solaire for a drink, a fun brunch with friends, or an elegant dinner under the moonlight, all while enjoying the best in outdoor dining at this beautiful and tranquil location.

The Hotel Paradox is an incredible spot to either stay or just stop by! The lobby is stunning, and the staff is exceptionally friendly. The pool area is perfect for families, and the food is outstanding! I highly recommend the shrimp tacos with kimchi cabbage slaw and the homemade chips served with the best salsa. The pork belly bao buns are indulgent, and the ahi wontons are fresh and crunchy. Plus, the drinks are strong and delicious! They host fun pool parties throughout the summer, so be sure to check it out! It's a fantastic choice for a staycation or daycation.

I chose to dine at the hotel restaurant, which has a lovely view of the outdoor pool. However, the ambiance could benefit from some background music. The Caesar salad was an oversized portion, but the Spicy Crab Bombas were delicious, and I finished every last one of them. The service was excellent.

My wife and I went to Solaire for a dinner date. Our waitress Shirlyn was on point. I ordered the Samauri Beef Tenderloin and I could have licked the plate. The carrot bacon puree was light and airy with just a touch of bacon flavor. SO delicious! The tenderloin was cooked perfectly and melted in my mouth. Broccolini, baby back potatoes and shitakes mushrooms were fresh, tender and perfectly seasoned. The new chef has upped the food game in Santa Cruz

Honey sriracha wings were flavorful, a good combo of sweet and spice. The seasonal margarita was SO good. I asked for tajin on the rim and they actually had it, which was a plus, the seasonal marg was pineapple and jalepeno and tasted fresh! We also had fries and the ahi tuna appetizer, not pictured, both very good. But most importantly the ambiance was top notch. My girlfriends and I went during a sunny afternoon in February, which typically would be cold and even colder with the wind, but the architecture of the paradox doesn't allow for wind with its high walls, so you get to enjoy warming up in the sun by the pool should you choose to sit outside, the inside also looked incredibly aesthetically pleasing).