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I have been to Aperitivo twice and had a great experience both times. The cute snacks they send out between 4:30-5:30 are delectable and the persimmon dish I ordered was incredible. It is such a cute spot with a great selection of spritzes. Service was attentive and helped make me comfortable. I'm looking forward to going back to try more of their wine selection!
Absolutely wonderful! This place is great for happy hour, after work, and catching up with friends! Everyone is super friendly and helpful. It's a feeling of Italy without leaving Santa Barbara. Their spritz is AMAZING. Also the Dolomites beer was great too.
This was my first time here. I arrived between 4 and 5, so they were offering complimentary aperitivo snacks. I had truffle potato chips, peanuts, and olives with my drink. Since I was enjoying the atmosphere and hadn't had dinner yet, I ordered the creme di carciofi. It's a spread made with fava beans and artichoke, topped with fresh mint and served with excellent toasted bread from the bakery next door. The menu says it also has pine nuts and confit garlic. I was expecting pine nuts to be on top. I guess they were blended in or missing? Regardless, it was very tasty and excellent quality. I would definitely order it again. My only note is that if you're dining solo, it's a pretty large portion for one person. It would be great to have a smaller or half-and-half option so you could try something else alongside it. It was a lot of spread for one person, though the bread was really good. I also ordered a bottle of sparkling water, San Pellegrino. Service was excellent.
We came here during their soft opening and at the time, they did not have any of the pasta dishes (sad); only serving up small appetizers and tasters. Nonetheless, our experience was very good. Staff and owner were super pleasant and ensured our needs were met. Minus 1 star only because 1 of the staff kept standing there staring at us the whole time, which made us feel uncomfortable. 1. Marcona Almonds (5/5) I've always liked Marcona almonds and get them often from Trader Joes, so I know what these are like when they are fresh and "nutty." For those who do not know, Marcona almonds are softer in texture, so don't expect that crunch. 2. Carciofi Alla Romana (5/5) This marinated artichoke is dressed in lemon seasoning, breadcrumbs and topped off with a good amount of pecorino cheese and fresh mint leaves. It was light, citrusy from the lemon dressing and not too woody, indicating the artichoke is fresh and prepared well. I love the mint leaves, which makes it refreshing and the breadcrumbs, which adds the crunchiness texture. 3. Tomino, Fichi Rucola Rossa E Noci (5/5) A very interesting fig dish that is served with a large block of creamy seared Piedmontese cheese topped with fresh arugula, toasted walnuts and honey-balsamic dressing. It comes with a side of nicely grilled sliced bread. The fig was sweet and fresh. The arugula adds a nice herbally taste. The honey balsamic gives it a very homey honey flavor profile, with the honey flavor being the most dominant. Everything came together very well. Very creative way to turn plain figs into an inspiring, fun and flavorful dish. 4. Bruschetta Peperoni Ricotta (4/5) Toasted grilled bread topped with whipped ricotta and tomato sauce. The bread could be better; it was a bit on the soggy side or seemed a bit under-developed. However, we loved the tomato-spice sauce as it gave it a pleasant sweetness from the tomato with a slight spicy kick from the peppers. The whipped ricotta was smooth and creamy and the rosemary bits they added on top gave it a dash of rosemary flavor. 5. Tartufo Al Pistachio (5/5) Their own version of pistachio gelato that we absolutely loved. This is how gelato should be ... creamy, not too sweet, yet packed with a generous amount of real pistachio bits and praline hazelnuts. As long as you are not allergic to nuts, this is a must try! We will be back to try out their "warm" dishes and pastas the next time we are in SB. Keep up with the good inspiring dishes!!!
Thank you for the relaxing night with my Yelp friends. Loved the ambiance and for fitting us in. To be honest, I thought the skewers would be a little bit more than they were for the price but it was a nice touch to the beverage. The spritz we received was refreshing, thank you to Aperitivo for hosting us.
This is a very cute and quaint small Italian eatery that is 21+ . What I love about this spot is that the menu is small but they focus on quality and I kid you not I had some of the best and freshest pasta ever considering I've never been to Italy before. I love how intimate the dining scene is because it allows you to not only focus on the food, but as well as the conversations you're having when you're grabbing dinner. The entire dining culture does remind me of how it is like in Europe, which where takeouts are kindly declined, and the staff allows you to focus on the conversations that you are having without being rushed. Aperitvio Spritzer 3/5 Castelvetrano and Kalamata Olives 4/5 Panzanella 5/5 Tagliatelle al ragu toscano 4/5 Topini al pesto di zucchine 2/5 I realized that their menu changes a bit so if you get a chance to get the tagliatelle al ragu toscano then do so because it was packed with so much flavor! I personally thought the topini al pesto di zucchine lacked in flavor. I felt that the zucchini was more flavorful than the gnocchi itself. I was also surprised by how good the panzanella was! I never got so excited for a salad until now! I literally had this a few weeks ago and I am still thinking about it! Seriously, come here for a date night, solo dinner date, or anything! I absolutely enjoyed my time here
This hidden gem located on Haley is a perfect spot to come after work for a spritz and a snack or bottle of wine if you prefer. Get there early as they do get full and the place is narrow with high top chairs and some spots at the bar. The staff is super friendly and welcoming as well as make recommendations based on preferences. The bruschetta is extremely flavorful and fresh tasting. Great plate to share. The panzanella salad is an explosion of flavor with a Cabernet vinaigrette that brings the dish together. The spritz you cano or go wrong with any and they have an extensive wine list however few options to order a glass.
Fantastic experience with delicious food and a large variety of wine. They have a small kitchen so food does take awhile but it's worth the wait. They're going to open their larger restaurant soon. They take reservations on a piece of paper but I recommend going early to grab a seat. The staff was very friendly and hard at work. The panzanella tomato salad was delicious and very refreshing. I ate the whole thing by myself it was so good. Rigatoni with pancetta was also delicious and rich. It was similar to a salty crunchy bacon and the Hugo Spritzer cut the oil and heaviness. Even though it looks small from the outside, it was better than most Italian restaurants I've been to.
Visiting santa barbara this is a must. Small quaint restaurant so if we arrived the moment they opened to make sure we had a spot. The server was nice and gave us the perfect advice on what to order. We had the burrata, and two pasta dishes. Holy burrata, the pastas were amazing but I could have had 3 orders of the burrata. The pastas were a creamt gnocchi, which were perfectly light and delicious and a duck pasta. They paired perfectly together and i continues to go back and forth never sure which was one my favorite. I look forward to my next visit up north to return again.
They have a Sangiovese by the glass. Not many places in SB do. That right there gives it 5 stars in my book. It's always packed every time I walk by, I was actually on my way to Villa when I passed by and they had open bar seating (was during fiesta so makes sense, otherwise this basically never happens). Bartender told me they're opening a spot on State around the corner to do pasta and a few other items while keeping their menu small. They're not kidding about a small menu, the food looked great from what I could tell- I was just here for the Sangiovese. I'll be back if it's ever not super packed when I walk by.
Came here at the recommendation of a near by bar. They do not take reservations, which is understandable with the small space they are in. We were seated by Hannah, who was so welcoming and talked us through the menu. Everything we ordered was better than the last and the mix of flavors were things you would not normally think would go together, but they DID! This food is cooked with love and passion and the kind staff are the cherry on top! Get into to this place for dinner ASAP!
Aperitivo has been at the top of my list for months and I'm so glad I finally tried it! The restaurant is small and intimate with bar and table seating. A group of three of us walked in on a Saturday night and only waited about 25 minutes. The restaurant is conveniently located near tons of bars and breweries on State Street, so we grabbed a glass of wine while we were waiting. We ordered three side dishes and the two pastas on the menu that week. We really enjoyed the burrata dish and the pesto pasta. High quality ingredients and everything was hot and fresh out of the kitchen. I have heard rave reviews about aperitivo, so I came in with very high expectations. Everything tasted good and I liked everything I tried, but I was not absolutely blown away. That being said, I still had a great meal and thought everything was prepared well. Service was good. Our server checked in on us often and seemed knowledgeable on the wines and menu items. I think this is a great spot for a date night and I love the rotating menu. It's pricey but I would come back to try other dishes and see if there's anything that I absolutely love.
I was in town for my birthday and I was crying for some pasta. After some research, this place came up and it is highly raises. When I arrived, I knew it was a good choice because small local restaurant like this it's usually good indication that the food and service excel ! The two house-masa pasta dishes are a must try. The flavor is complicated and I have never had Italian pasta like these. On top of that, please do yourself a favor and get a glass of wine. If you're not sure about wine pairing, make sure to ask the waiter or waitress to suggest the wine. The pasta is cooked to perfection ! Every bite was so delicious ! There aren't many tables but wait wasn't long. The interior gives out a cozy small restaurant vibe. The waiter and waitress were very friendly.
Reviews are largely positive. Diners highlight the fresh, flavorful food, rotating seasonal menu, excellent cocktails and wine, intimate Italian ambiance, and friendly, attentive service.
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2 years ago
Walking in we felt like we were transported to Italy, with the cozy restaurant vibes where patrons sit wherever they can fit them and the delicious smells from the kitchen keep you attentive to each dish. The service was wonderful and the staff constantly checked on us, provided excellent recommendations, gave our mostly well behaved dog love, and even small talk about their Italian roots. We loved that the menu was curated and not overly complicated, the dishes complex but fresh and familiar. The cocktails and wine paired well with the menu. This is what dining out is all about, a guided tour of the wonderful world of cuisine. read more
3 years ago
First time here, recommended by a gf as a great date night spot. A small Italian gem of a place! While waiting, there was 3 parties ahead of us, we were given soup tasters outside. Smart! An open space so you could see everything that was going on! From the owner to the waiter to the cook, everyone was friendly and attentive. They ran out of the gnocchi so we'll have to go back another time for sure! Here's the pics! read more
3 years ago
Amazing food! It's a little slow but that's understandable given the size of the kitchen. It's a cafe chic ambiance with very skilled, knowledgeable staff. Everything is delicious. They change the menu often. They don't have a liquor license but they still manage to make fun wine-based cocktails. Your best chance of getting in quickly is going right when it opens. I wouldn't recommend going with more than three people. It's a very small space. read more
The food and care given to the ingredients feels like like Italy. The spritz variations are superb on a warm day and different to the typical Aperol variety. Only downside is the busy road. The location is unique and has character, but very small - Italian style! Come for a spritz! Enjoy some fresh pasta or the bruschetta. You won't be disappointed. Saw they are reviving the order ahead home meal for two once a week which looks interesting. read more
1 year ago
I am not a huge Italian food person but this place blows every dish out of the water! They have very little seating but the menu is unique every night and they kill it on every dish. The burrata is a must!! I also really enjoyed their bruschetta with prosciutto and a mushroom pesto read more
1 year ago
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2 years ago
Lindsay was amazing!! We loved the vibe, the food, and the wine! We'll be returning the next time we're in town read more
2 years ago
We thoroughly enjoyed our meal at Aperitivo. The food was cooked fresh to order and the quality of the food was amazing. Customer was great and they seemed to be very busy but very efficient. The food here was really good. Prices are decent for the portions and quality of the food. Highly recommend! read more
2 years ago
It's a small restaurant that's first come first serve, best fitted for groups of 2-4. Everything tasted freshly made and reminiscent of the restaurants you would find in Italy. The menu changes frequently, would absolutely try to come back quarterly! read more
2 years ago
One of the best pasta dishes I've tried outside of Italy. The food is amazing. The place is small and intimate and the service is super friendly. The pasta dishes are made fresh to order so this is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a glass of wine with good company. Overall, so glad we stumbled upon this place thanks to Yelp! read more
2 years ago
The best little spot! The pasta was absolutely amazing. Only a few spots inside but we got sat almost immediately. Service was excellent. Nothing else like it around SB. read more
5 years ago
Had my best friends bachelorette dinner here and it did not disappoint! This place is so aesthetically pleasing and had a great atmosphere. Also loved how picturesque this place was! Come early though, they get packed and there's not much seating for big groups. We had a group of 7 and we got lucky with seating. Service was great, the staff was really nice and attentive. Food was amazing! Only a small complaint is that the pasta was a bit salty for me, but I also eat more on the lighter side of salt, other than that, everything was great! Would definitely come back again read more
3 years ago
This place is top notch. The drinks are delicious, the food is incredible, and the owners and staff are friendly and warm. We brought our dog and they welcomed us like family, even though it was our first visit. We have been coming to Santa Barbara for many years and Aperitivo will remain on my "must visit" list. Strongly recommend. read more
A must visit if you're looking for a place to dine in Santa Barbara! The food is beyond flavorful and the spritzers teleport me to Italy! A must try is the burrata, do your taste buds a favor and immediately order this cheesy delight! Beyond the food being impeccable the staff is the friendliest you'll ever meet; making everyone feel like a regular and valued as a patron! Do yourself a favor and mark this as a must see on every visit! read more
It's been said that you find the best food in a town by traveling it's side streets and seeking places off the beaten paths. Aperitivo proves this theory beyond all doubt. Located on West Haley street just a few meters off State, though generally not in a place that gets a lot of foot traffic. Aperitivo is stealthy and unassuming yet you are so greatly rewarded for taking that venture to its cozy environs. These folks aren't running your typical restaurant here it's got much more of an old school vibe (though it's clean and modern inside :-) . They have only a few items on the menu and they change every day (always some appetizers and pasta dishes for sure though). They make their own pasta daily (oh my goodness!!!) and it's wonderful! We had one of just about everything they had that day but the standout was the "tagliatelle con crema di mais e tartufi" Basically House-made tagliatelle pasta, corn panna, tuscan summer truffle & Parmigiano Reggiano. One of the most original and excellent pasta dishes I've ever eaten. And that sentiment was shared by all at the table! I'd describe more of their menu, but it varies day to day so I can only encourage you to try it for yourself :-). They do have a solid and varied wine list with a bevy of very nice Italian wines and some local favorites. We enjoyed the Vermintino , the Primitivo and the Sangiovese. They do take reservations and those are recommended as there is really not a ton of seating. A few two tops some four tops inside and one larger and one smaller table out on their parklet. It can fill up fast. We were served by the whole crew which was led by owner Andrea. A fabulous dinner and there's a reason they have so many 5 Star reviews, I cannot wait to go back!!! read more
We came here as a stop on our mini food tour of Santa Barbara. The staff were friendly and welcomed our dog into the restaurant as well. We were seated quickly at around 6 pm despite the weekend busyness. This will be a short review as we only ordered 1 dish. The delicious house-made gnocchi was a perfect sharing size for 2nd dinner! This restaurant warrants coming back multiple times. read more
No hesitation here with the 5 star review! Excellent food, stellar service, and guaranteed high quality product every time. When I want fresh and delicious pasta, Aperativo is my go-to. I appreciate their dedication and consistency. Highly recommend for date night since its a cozy intimate venue with an open kitchen. I'm also a big fan of Tues pasta club for take out, excellent wine pairings every time. read more
One of the best restaurant in town! I wasn't able to take a picture of my drink but it was not on the menu and very delicious! Everything I tried was delicious, especially the ahi tuna! It's best to order with a group so that everyone can try a little bit of everything. It was chilly outside but they have huge heaters that warm the patio section up. The space inside the restaurant is not that large but it's lively and my focus was on the food's flavor and obvious quality. I will definitely be going back! read more
3 years ago
What a cute little restaurant! Quaint and cute design. Super busy but was still checked on often by staff. Food was so good. The bruschetta was awesome, super flavorful, and a perfect crunch on the bread. Pasta cooked perfectly, can't wait to go back! read more
5 years ago
I am a foodie, I travel for work and have been fortunate enough to have amazing food all over the world. That being said this is one of the most underrated restaurants in Santa Barbara I can easily say this is one of the top three restaurants in Santa Barbara. My recommendation would to be to order anything with the burrata on it! The 24 hrs burrata, the pere brushchette , and the stratacciatella brushchette were all amazing! The passion fruit margarita is also to die f Thank you for upping the food game in Santa Barbara Aperitivo! Side note, my other two favorite restaurants in Santa Barbara are the Black Sheep and Bouchon read more
5 years ago
Wow, Wow, Wow!!! Santa Barbara has officially stepped up its game in dining. The limited menu is well thought out. This place has a limited menu, limited seating, and ultimate flavor. This is an absolute must. Beautifully cooked and presented food heightens your senses. The dishes don't require any further seasoning. They are known for their pasta and the menu changes frequently. We definitely will be back! Perhaps monthly. Side note: they have a pasta club you can become apart of and also take pasta home to cook a meal. read more
2 years ago
3 years ago
Aperitivo is an absolute must for dinner in SB. The food quality and creative flares are beyond exceptional. You can truly feel how every step for each dish is perfected. I highly recommend the spritz, Caesar salad, and panzanella when available. Simply cannot say enough positive words about this place read more
3 years ago
5 years ago
Amazing service. Menu changes often so check the website link. Has outdoor seating. Was popular on a Thursday night, so I would try to reserve ahead of time on the weekends. We sat indoors and could see the chef make our dishes. Food 10/10. Very aesthetic and the Hiramasa was next level and for an affordable price! A must try if you're in Santa Barbara! read more
2 years ago
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4 years ago
Aperitivo is such a hidden gem! They do not take reservations so be prepared to wait or come early as the place is small and intimate. They have a cute parklet in front for outdoor seating. The owner is from Milan and he rotates his menu based on seasonal ingredients. The menu is limited but everything is spectacular. There is usually a seasonal bruschetta and burrata on the menu as well as two types of pasta dishes. They have a variety of spritz options as well as wine. For those who like to cook, they offer a wine and pasta club. We can't wait to go back- it is wonderful to have a piece of Italy in Santa Barbara. read more
2 years ago
Love coming here for a special occasion or for a spritz. The menu changes and I have not been disappointed. Definitely recommend one of their spritzes and their pasta always tastes fresh. Seems like they only have their indoor seating now read more
2 years ago
The miso butter truffle tagliatelle was so perfect that we all said wow after every bite. The vibe was great and the chef hand-delivered our food. I'll be hitting this spot every time I'm in SB. read more
2 years ago
4 years ago
More info about Aperitivo
7 W Haley St
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
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(805) 869-2937
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https://www.aperitivosb.com
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