Dharma’s Restaurant sits right in Capitola’s village area, steps from the beach and the Capitola Wharf. Since opening in 1982, it’s been serving organic vegetarian and vegan food to locals and visitors who actually want their meals to mean something. The restaurant has maintained that commitment through decades of Santa Cruz food trends coming and going.

The outdoor seating area is where you’ll want to be with your dog. It’s casual enough that your dog won’t feel out of place, and you can watch the mix of Capitola characters walking by while you eat. The menu leans into what you’d expect from a place that’s been prioritizing organic ingredients since before it was common — lots of vegetables, grains, legumes, and creative dishes that don’t feel like they’re compensating for anything. They do fish and seafood alongside the vegetarian options, so there’s actual variety if your table has mixed dietary preferences.

What works well for dog owners is that Dharma’s has clearly been welcoming them long enough that staff know how to handle it. Your dog gets water without you asking. The outdoor tables have enough space that you’re not packed in with strangers. Capitola itself is already a walkable beach town where dogs are common, so you won’t feel like you’re doing anything unusual being there with a dog in tow.

The spot works best for a casual lunch or early dinner where you’re not trying to rush through a complicated meal. Parking in Capitola can be tight, especially on weekends, so factor that in — there’s a public lot near the village, but it fills up. If you’re coming down the coast for the day, this is a logical stop that actually satisfies both your preferences and your dog’s need for a break.