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Copal Restaurant, the premier Oaxacan restaurant in Santa Cruz, CA, invites you to experience the authentic flavors of Oaxaca. Our chefs carefully craft traditional dishes using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients to bring you a truly immersive culinary experience. From tender moles to handmade tortillas, every bite is a taste sensation. Located in the heart of downtown Santa Cruz at 1203 Mission St, Copal Restaurant is the perfect spot to gather with friends and family or enjoy a romantic evening out. Our cozy atmosphere and attentive service ensure a memorable dining experience. Whether you're a foodie, a lover of Oaxacan cuisine, or just looking to try something new, Copal Restaurant is a must-visit destination. Come taste the rich flavors of Oaxaca with us!

Copal Restaurant Review Summary

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4.5
(486 Reviews)
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S S
S S -Google user
5 months ago
Really amazing food. Can get super busy and servers are kinda slow. Need to wave them down. But I would joyfully eat here again. And again.
Dine inDinner$30–50Atmosphere: 5Mole Negro, Nachos Oaxaqueños
Mauricio Vazquez (Something Witty)
Mauricio Vazquez (Something Witty) -Google user
9 months ago
Excellent Oaxacan cuisine in Santa Cruz. We always seem to drive by this place. Looks nice, we love Oaxacan food, and so tonight we finally tried it. The food is excellent. We got the Tlayuda, taco plate, and the kids quesadilla with horchata. Solid flavors...Read More
Take outDinner$10–20Atmosphere: 5Tlayuda, Oaxacan Taco Plate GFSomewhat difficult to find parkingFree parking lot
Russell Xavier (IG: #bushidobites)
Russell Xavier (IG: #bushidobites) -Google user
Edited 3 months ago
A nice take on Oaxacan regional cuisine. We started with the Guacamole apetizer. It was chunky and a bit spicy. I ordered the Mole Negro (sweet, chocolatey, smoky) with stewed pork leg, some of the other dishes at the table included Chicken enchiladas with Mole...Read More
Dine inDinner$20–30Atmosphere: 5
Rosa Heschke
Rosa Heschke -Google user
Edited a year ago
This was an authentic place for Oaxacan food! My husband and I have been to Oaxaca, MX and this food tasted just like what we had when we were there. Every time my husband and I go out to a Mexican restaurant they only have the...Read More
Brunch$30–50Atmosphere: 5Mole Negro Veg Option, Molotes GF Veg Option, Chips and Guacamole
Stephen Matzat
Stephen Matzat -Google user
2 years ago
I recently visited Copal with a couple friends after a hike in the redwoods. Upon arriving, I was struck by the friendly and helpful nature of the waitstaff. The ambience was festive and sleek, abound with nods to Oaxaca. The food presentation was beautiful, with each...Read More
Dine inLunch$20–30Atmosphere: 4
Marisol Arnold
Marisol Arnold -Google user
2 years ago
What a great place and great traditional Oaxacan food. The food was delish, menu can be a little hard to understand but the staff is great about explaining and recommendations. We had 3 sharable appetizers, grass hoppers, ceviche and Tlayuda. I'm not a regular Mezcal...Read More
Dine inDinner$20–30Atmosphere: 5Tlayuda, Ceviche, Nachos Oaxaqueños, Garnachas, Black Beans, Tamale DinnerFree parking lotSmall parking lot
Fei Yu
Fei Yu -Google user
4 months ago
Authentic Oaxacan cuisine. Fast and friendly service. Everything was a hit but would especially recommend the mole. Their chicken was tender and fell off the bone! Server was very kind and showed us a platter of different salsas which we loved! Chips were crisp. Ceviche...Read More
Dinner$30–50Atmosphere: 52 people, 3-4 people1+ hourPlenty of parkingFree parking lot, Free street parking
Ashwin Mudigonda
Ashwin Mudigonda -Google user
4 months ago
What an experience! Copal is all that Mexican food strives to be in the US, but falls flat and tries too hard doing so. From its cute logo, to its selection of mezcals, to its expansive and well thought of menu (with vegetarian options), and its...Read More
Dinner$20–30Atmosphere: 5Quiet, easy to talk2 peopleHighly recommendPlenty of parking
Casey Nova
Casey Nova -Google user
4 months ago
Unbelievably delicious drinks and food here! Loved the atmosphere and all the different mezcal cocktails.
Atmosphere: 5
courtney curtis
courtney curtis -Google user
a month ago
Great food and drinks, Great atmosphere and service. Worth trying this place.
Atmosphere: 5
Dorothea CopeckNolan
Dorothea CopeckNolan -Google user
a year ago
Fun and fantastic! So delicious! Make a reservation in case of a busy night but two can usually fit in. We liked dining on the enclosed patio. Drinks are terrific, best margarita ever. Plentiful portions and the mole was perfection.
Dine inDinner$30–50Atmosphere: 5Mole Negro Veg Option, ChurrosPlenty of parkingFree parking lot, Free street parking
Allison Fletcher
Allison Fletcher -Google user
3 weeks ago
Fantastic and unique cocktails, relaxed vibes and incredible food! The Tlayuda was incredible and the mole negro was deliciously complex and hearty. So glad we came! Great prices too!
Atmosphere: 52 people, 3-4 people, 5-8 peopleNo waitPlenty of parkingFree parking lot
Charlie Cowell
Charlie Cowell -Google user
4 months ago
This place is great. A different style of Mexican food that was a welcome change. Great cocktails too. We had vegetarian mole and it was great and filling. Definitely worth the price. Also had a few tequila cocktails that were strong and not too sweet.
Dinner$20–30Atmosphere: 5Mole Negro Veg Option, MemelitasNo waitSomewhat recommendVegetarian menu or sectionPlenty of parkingFree parking lot
S Y
S Y -Google user
4 months ago
Super delicious, authentic, Oaxacan food. Reminded me and my husband of the time we spent traveling through Mexico, especially near to the Oaxaca region. The mole negro is a must and has a really amazing flavor profile. It would be a disservice not to try...Read More
Atmosphere: 5
Yotam Nahir
Yotam Nahir -Google user
3 months ago
Literally favorite restaurant in Santa Cruz. Food is super good, generous portions, a bunch of cool drinks, and the service is super attentive! Almost always get the mole and one of the appetizers, especially the taquitos or molotes. Super good.
Dinner$20–30Atmosphere: 5Suitable for all group sizesUp to 10 min
Tracey Phan
Tracey Phan -Google user
a month ago
Mole negro was excellent. Would recommend getting it since it is prepared over 3 days. Wearing outside is very physically comfortable, but is quite loud due to the nearby traffic. Parking is available after 5 on some spots and it is clearly marked. Overall service...Read More
$30–50Atmosphere: 4Reservations recommendedVery loud, hard to hear3-4 people
Nanette Jacoboni
Nanette Jacoboni -Google user
3 weeks ago
Food was amazing. Patio allows dogs but Pup wanted to go in the car. Sunlight could have been blocked by shades but was in our eye for only 10 minutes. Food was excellent which complemented the service. Tipped 20 percent even...Read More
Dinner$50–100Atmosphere: 4Oaxacan Taco Plate GF, Ceviche5-8 people, Suitable for all group sizesHighly recommendPlenty of parkingFree parking lotYes
Daniel Jardine
Daniel Jardine -Google user
2 months ago
We had some truly wonderful food here. Well cooked, perfectly seasoned and not smothered in cheese. This is our new favorite Mexican spot. Service was really friendly and the terrace is lovely, if a little loud with traffic noise.
Lunch$20–30Atmosphere: 4Moderate noiseNo wait
Anke Koelzer
Anke Koelzer -Google user
a month ago
Nice staff, nice atmosphere, great cocktails. We tried different dishes and even crickets. The cuisine is a bit different from usual Mexican, so it's a nice change. The food was very tasty.
Tanner Bryce Oertel
Tanner Bryce Oertel -Google user
2 months ago
My visit at Copal restaurant was long overdue. My partner I went on a weekday evening, and we were seated promptly without a reservation. The food was excellent, specifically the mole Negro con puerco. I was nervous to try the dish, but the smoky flavors...Read More
Dinner$30–50Atmosphere: 5Moderate noise2 people, 3-4 people

Features

From the business

check icon Identifies as Latino-owned
check icon Identifies as women-owned

Service options

check icon Outdoor seating
check icon Takeout
check icon Dine-in

Highlights

check icon Fast service
check icon Great dessert

Popular for

check icon Lunch
check icon Dinner
check icon Solo dining

Accessibility

check icon Wheelchair accessible entrance
check icon Wheelchair accessible parking lot
check icon Wheelchair accessible restroom
check icon Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings

check icon Alcohol
check icon Beer
check icon Cocktails
check icon Coffee
check icon Comfort food
check icon Happy hour drinks
check icon Happy hour food
check icon Hard liquor
check icon Small plates
check icon Vegetarian options
check icon Wine

Dining options

check icon Breakfast
check icon Brunch
check icon Lunch
check icon Dinner
check icon Dessert
check icon Seating

Amenities

check icon Bar onsite
check icon Gender-neutral restroom
check icon Restroom

Atmosphere

check icon Casual
check icon Cozy
check icon Trendy

Crowd

check icon Family-friendly
check icon Groups
check icon LGBTQ+ friendly
check icon Tourists
check icon Transgender safespace

Planning

check icon Dinner reservations recommended
check icon Accepts reservations

Payments

check icon Credit cards
check icon Debit cards
check icon NFC mobile payments

Children

check icon Good for kids
check icon High chairs
check icon Kids' menu

Parking

check icon Free parking lot
check icon Parking

Other

check icon LGBTQ+ friendly
check icon Identifies as women-owned
check icon Identifies as Latino-owned