Cancel

Open app

Search

California Pasta

3.9 (453 reviews)
ModerateItalian
Open • 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

Order California Pasta Takeout or Delivery

California Pasta Photos

CALIFORNIA PASTA ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Moderate noise
Outdoor seating
Good for groups

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - California Pasta

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Megan D.

7/10 Santa Barbary Spicy Shrimp Pasta - My boyfriend ordered this dish and I tried it as well. Unfortunately, the noodles were overcooked and ended up too soft. However, the sauce was definitely the star of the show and really stood out! 7.5/10 Pesto Cream Alfredo with Chicken - The pasta wasn't overcooked on this plate, thankfully. The sauce was delicious, and the chicken was okay, but nothing to really rave about. Cost - Santa Barbary Spicy Shrimp Pasta $17.45, Pesto Cream Alfredo with Chicken $16.95 (before tax).

Angie A.

Absolutely love this place so much the food is to die for and taste amazing and the prices are super affordable I had the Cajun pasta and my boyfriend got the Cajun sandwich his salad was pretty good to will be coming back again thank you for having me :)

Tony H.

这家意面店不错,菜品多是美国人常爱吃的经典口味,价格也合理。地理位置也很好,绝对是个适合坐在户外、悠闲享受美食的好地方。 Good pasta place with many of the standard American favorites at a reasonable price. The location is also quite nice. Definitely a good place to just sit outside and enjoy a nice meal.

Cajun chicken linguine (back), chicken Caesar w avocado (front)
Kristina F.

In a sea of expensive eateries in downtown Santa Barbara, California Pasta offers a solid serving of food for a decent price. Definitely designed as a takeout establishment, you order at the counter in the restaurant, find a seat outdoors in the plaza, and anxiously wait for someone to find you and unite you with your food. We tried their Cajun chicken linguine and a chicken Caesar salad. The salad was absolutely delicious, with a generous serving of (slightly dry but not bad) grilled chicken. The linguine was less creamy than anticipated, but still had a rich and spicy kick. All in all, a good choice for when hunger strikes in downtown SB.

Tina T.

Visited this place with some friends during my bachelorette in Santa Barbara. This is a quick lunch spot located on state street. You order your food and the bring the food to your table. Although the place is very cute and conveniently located on state street I was not impressed with their food. I got the Caesar chicken salad and it was not the best in my opinion.

Avocado farfelle
Karen T.

Surprised at the variety of pasta dishes and quality of this hidden gem at Paseo Nuevo.

Thai pasta, Cajun Shrimp Pasta,
Gabriele A.

Best food and service! Honestly the food is so delicious and they don't skimp on their portions! Always fresh ingredients and everyone is so helpful.

Sausage Penne and Side Caesar Salad
Richie D.

Solid Italian casual food! Sausage penne with a side of Caesar salad was good enough to share. Staff is super friendly and service is great.

S B.

Ordered to go Awkward customer service they just starred at us blankly and said " we think this is your order " Then when we started eating we noticed a bug marinated in the Cesar salad disgusting Avoid at all costs

Sun-Sun Dried Chicken Farfalle
Victoria S.

Great food, big portions, quick service, outdoor seating, inside Paseo Nuevo. We ordered take-out, we enjoyed the sun-dried chicken farfalle pasta & the Chinese chicken salad.

Penne pasta & Garlic bread

One of the best casual Italian spots in Santa Barbara. The pasta here tastes fresh and authentic -- you can really tell they focus on quality ingredients and proper flavors instead of overcomplicating things. The sauces are rich and well balanced, and the pasta texture is exactly how it should be: perfectly cooked and not mushy. Portions are generous, which makes it great value for Santa Barbara where many places tend to be pricey. Service was friendly and quick, and the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. It's the kind of place where you can enjoy a satisfying meal without the pretentious vibe that some tourist restaurants have. If you're in Santa Barbara and craving good pasta, this place is definitely worth visiting.

Tortellini Cream Marinara
Danielle M.

California Pasta is one of our favorite restaurants! At times we eat here back to back days. The food is extremely fresh & delicious with fast service and friendly staff! It's a must visit restaurant and truly a hidden gem in Santa Barbara!

Santa Barbara Spicy Shrimp Pasta

See all

3 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

9 months ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 5
Oh no 0

10 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Tony H.
0
68
533

6 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

9 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

11 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Karen T.
7
115
224

5 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

11 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

6 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 months ago

Solid pasta spot with tons of options! Very casual and pretty reasonable given the portion size. Good lunch spot

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of S B.
0
27
22

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

30 days ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of 韵韵
0
7
33

4 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1
Photo of Adele Z.
137
4
28

9 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

10 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

3 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0
Photo of Alyssa H.
25
29
19

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Olive M.
1
88
197

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 7
Thanks 2
Love this 7
Oh no 0

Page 1 of 12

California Pasta Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - California Pasta

You might also consider

Verify this business for free

People searched for Italian 4,977 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

Verify this business

Via Maestra 42 - Tiramisu

Via Maestra 42

4.3(893 reviews)
2.5 mi
•$$

If you've not found this spot you are missing out!…read more Yes lunch & dinner are delicious- but breakfast here is like the best kept secret in Santa Barbara. Big fan of the toast, jam, and TRUE Italian combos. Everting from delightful eggs to sautéed peppers. Lunch entrees come with a simple salad- a perfect day date. Dogs welcome outside, more kid friendly than it may seem- and don't forget to take desert with you or at the table!

My visit to Via Maestra 42 came way with mixed feelings. There were definitely aspects of the…read moreexperience that I enjoyed, but a few issues with the food prevented the meal from living up to its potential. For my entree, I ordered the Costolette d'Angello alla Griglia, the grilled lamb chops served with vegetables and mashed potatoes. The lamb was okay, but it arrived more warm than hot and the accompanying mashed potatoes were a disappointment. They arrived noticeably cold in the center, giving the impression that they had been reheated rather than freshly prepared. Unfortunately, those temperature inconsistencies distracted from the dish and even made me question whether everything had been plated and served at its best. The lamb chops were okay overall, but the execution left something to be desired. I also tried the Linguine con Vongole (clam pasta). The flavors were fine and the dish was enjoyable enough, but diners should be aware that there were some broken shell fragments and bits of sand mixed in with the clams. While that can occasionally happen with shellfish dishes, it was noticeable enough that I found myself eating a little more cautiously than I would have liked. One aspect of the restaurant that stood out was the atmosphere. The environment has a distinctive character and personality that makes it feel different from many of the other dining options in SB. It certainly adds to the overall experience. The service was somewhat slow during my visit, though the staff remained friendly and courteous throughout the evening. Overall, this place offered an interesting atmosphere and friendly service, but the food execution felt inconsistent. Between the warm lamb, cold mashed potatoes, and shell fragments in the linguine, the meal didn't quite meet expectations. There's potential here, but a little more attention to detail in the kitchen would go a long way.

Photos
Via Maestra 42 - Desserts

Desserts

Via Maestra 42 - Bruschetta di Pomodoro

Bruschetta di Pomodoro

Via Maestra 42 - Lasagna alla Bolognese

See all

Lasagna alla Bolognese

Arnoldi’s Cafe

Arnoldi’s Cafe

4.1(557 reviews)
0.6 mi
•$$
Outdoor seating
Large group friendly

An absolutely fantastic experience at Arnaldi's Café! From the moment we walked in the front door,…read morewe were greeted by the hostess with a smile. She escorted to show us the entire restaurant, as this was our first ever visit. We chose to first sit at the bar for happy hour, Which was delightful! Our dinner experience was made all the better by our bartender/waiter Sean; professional in every way. He made a difference in our evening. Kudos to him. The food was exceptional. This restaurant has a distinct positive "vibe" with customers happy to be here! I cannot understand the negative reviews posted about Arnoldi's . We look forward to our next visit.

We came in for large birthday party, and had an absolutely terrible experience…read more Bad service, bad food, and the worst ambiance/ temp regulation of any place I've ever dined in SB. It was very hot inside, no servers checked on us for 45+ mins, no fans, no windows could open, and and we ran out of water in 5 mins then ignored by staff. We were so hot and thirsty, and 5+ staff walked by and ignored us asking for help. So, I got up, collected the two small water pitchers left for 15 people, and tried to get the attention of staff. We finally got the pitchers refilled, but our drinks that we ordered still hadn't arrived, and our food order had not been taken. Finally, after being there for over an hour and a half, we get our food order taken, but no drinks were delivered yet. When drinks began coming out, only 1/2 the table received anything. Now, we are hot, thirsty, hungry, tired of being ignored, and watching our friends have nothing to drink. Food took forever to hit the table, and of course those that ordered the most simple food so it would come out fast (salads) didn't received their food or drinks until after the rest of the table had finished eating. Our friends across from us didn't receive their cocktails until after the food came out. $150+ / couple and we paid it so we could leave. Yes, the restaurant was busy-- they over booked at least 6 large parties that night, including a wedding and bocce (and that just in the back). Clearly they need better systems in place before they book multiple parties in the future. Our experience is enough for me to never return. Oh did I mention the food is NOT good-- it's mid at best. All the pasta was overcooked, the flavors dull, and it was also somehow under-salted. With its lore, I definitely was expecting more from this spot. So sad.

Photos
Arnoldi’s Cafe - Salumeria

Salumeria

Arnoldi’s Cafe
Arnoldi’s Cafe

See all

Ca' Dario - Pan-fried Sole with tomato, olive and caper sauce. Beautiful!

Ca' Dario

3.8(852 reviews)
0.5 mi
•$$$

My linguini with clams was delicious! I loved that they filled my plate with plenty of fresh clams,…read moreunlike some restaurants that serve mostly pasta with only a few clams. The dining room is much larger than it appears through the building's exterior windows, which was a pleasant surprise. We were seated at a long table that comfortably accommodated all seven of us, making it perfect for our group. My friend is very pleasant and sociable, but she is also quite clumsy. While chatting and enthusiastically gesturing with her hands, she accidentally knocked over her full glass of red wine, spilling the entire contents onto the man sitting across the table from her. His pants were completely soaked in red wine! Most of the group laughed at the unexpected mishap, but I felt terrible for our friend. He was a good sport, though, and never seemed upset. The waiter immediately came to our aid, removing the white tablecloth and replacing it with a fresh one. I truly appreciated how gracious, patient, and understanding the staff was throughout the whole situation. They handled the unexpected incident with such professionalism and kindness that it made a memorable moment much easier to laugh about. Thank you for your wonderful service and for making our experience so enjoyable. We will definitely dine here again--and hopefully my guests won't be quite so entertaining next time around!

My dad was craving Italian food on a recent stay in Santa Barbara, and this place came up as a dog…read morefriendly option. We had spent the day wandering through wine tastings and Solvang, so we were hungry. I wish we would have stopped somewhere else though. Ca'Dario was ok, but definitely not great. I wouldn't come back. - mozzarella caprese: probably the best thing on the menu. It's tough to mess up cheese and tomatoes. - fettuccine Alfredo: The dish became coagulated when it was set down in front of us, which made it really unappetizing. - ravioli: This was good, but not memorable. - spaghettini Della Nona: the best pasta we ate.

Photos
Ca' Dario
Ca' Dario - Hurricane Hilary dinner

Hurricane Hilary dinner

Ca' Dario

See all

Bettina

Bettina

4.1(853 reviews)
2.8 mi
•$$

Amazing pizza, mocktails, and service!…read more Bettina was an incredible stop during our Santa Barbara trip! We loved the house mocktails, and the crispy sweet potatoes with crème fraîche were absolutely delicious. We also tried the GRAPE pizza with added sausage, and it was incredible! Everything was so satisfying, and the flavors really stood out. Natalia and Mia provided excellent bar service and made the experience even better. We also noticed the restaurant's 2021 and 2025 Michelin posters, which caught our attention! One tip: make a reservation ahead of time. We showed up without one, but it was still a great experience. Definitely worth a visit if you're in Santa Barbara and love great pizza!

We always love trying the restaurants that come up on Guy Fieri's "Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives" so…read morewe were excited to try this place when we were in Santa Barbara! It's in the Montecito Country Mart, a little boutique shopping center. We made a reservation for a Wednesday dinner and thankfully we did, as it was pretty busy. The service was good but it was pretty hot and stuffy inside (no AC, I guess), which made things a little uncomfortable but that would really be my only complaint for the evening. We started off with the Arancini. Flavor packed little balls of goodness! Very tasty and a great cheese pull when we ate it! The Roasted Cauliflower Pizza and the kid's pizza we got were great as well. Loved the texture and lots of unique pizza selections featuring great local ingredients! Reasonably priced, I wish they had Bettina where I live as I'd definitely go back again!

Photos
Bettina - Dining room and Bar during a bustling Saturday lunch

Dining room and Bar during a bustling Saturday lunch

Bettina - Meat lovers pizza

Meat lovers pizza

Bettina - English Pesto Pea Pasta

See all

English Pesto Pea Pasta

L’antica Pizzeria Da Michele - Santa Barbara - Beet salad

L’antica Pizzeria Da Michele - Santa Barbara

3.8(209 reviews)
0.2 mi
•$$

If you are looking for some quality pizza in SB, look no further. L' antica pizzeria hand makes and…read morebakes each pizza order in-house. I love the thin crusts of their pizzas because it doesn't leave you feeling too heavy even if you ate the whole pizza (aka, no food coma crash despite the carbs). Tried the Caserta Pizza (5/5) It's made with double flor di latte sauce base that gives it creaminess. Then topped with Italian sausage, garlic pecorino, basil, smoked provolone cheese, and Calabrian chili. The sausage was savory, and the cheese was melty and of good quality. You can taste the mild spice from the chili flakes and the herbal-ness from the basil. Add-on some of their housemade chili oil sauce for an additional spice kick. Service was professional and courteous. We had a great time and really enjoyed our dine-in experience here. We'll be coming back to try out other flavors for sure.

I cannot believe that this place doesn't have five stars on Yelp. This was the best pizza I have…read morehad in recent memory. Wow. Paper thin crust, fresh ingredients. I thought I must've been in Napoli. I was with some friends because we were on our way to a performance (I am a musician) and we were in a hurry. The waiter accommodated us and the pizza came out in under 10 minutes, I believe. The atmosphere is simple but nice. I was surprised that it wasn't more busy on a Friday night. I am telling you, this was fantastic pizza. I cannot wait to go back and to try some of the pasta.

Photos
L’antica Pizzeria Da Michele - Santa Barbara - Polipo: braised Spanish octopus, potato, olive, caper,  tomato

Polipo: braised Spanish octopus, potato, olive, caper, tomato

L’antica Pizzeria Da Michele - Santa Barbara - CAPRICCIOSA: Tomato, Fior di Latte, Pecorino, Basil, Artichoke, Mushroom, Black Olive, Ham

CAPRICCIOSA: Tomato, Fior di Latte, Pecorino, Basil, Artichoke, Mushroom, Black Olive, Ham

L’antica Pizzeria Da Michele - Santa Barbara - DIAVOLA: Tomato, Fior di Latte, Pecorino, Basil, Spicy Soppressata

See all

DIAVOLA: Tomato, Fior di Latte, Pecorino, Basil, Spicy Soppressata

Convivo Restaurant and Bar - Chorizo and egg scramble piadina

Convivo Restaurant and Bar

4.1(773 reviews)
1.6 mi
•$$

Tucked inside the Santa Barbara Inn, Convivo is one of those spots I've been coming back to for…read moreyears. I'm pretty sure they've been open about 10 years now! I have a lot of memories here: birthdays, first dates with my now-husband, celebrations of all kinds, and plenty of happy hours. And don't let the fact that it's inside a hotel fool you. This is one hotel restaurant that absolutely holds its own. The atmosphere feels elevated but still relaxed, which is exactly my kind of spot. They offer happy hour Monday-Friday from 2-5 pm, and honestly, it's a great excuse to pop in early. I'm a big fan of ordering shared small plates so everyone can try a little bit of everything. Some of my favorites: * Beef Carpaccio * Gamberoni * Octopus * Fuyu Persimmon (and definitely add the focaccia because it pairs so well with burrata). * Charcoal Avocado * Shishito Peppers * Za'atar Flatbread with the ricotta + hummus accompaniments For drinks, the Jiji Spritz is my pick for a refreshing summer drink. And if you're a dirty martini person, the Convivo Dirty Martini is a must. The patio is such a vibe, especially when you're looking for a relaxed Santa Barbara meal that still feels a little special. Add the sunset and ocean breeze and, like, come on. The service is consistently great, and a special shoutout to Angel, the personable and warm manager, who always makes the experience feel welcoming. What keeps me coming back, though, is the consistency. The food is always delicious, the service is always great, and there's something about returning to a place that's been part of so many good memories. And bonus points for complimentary valet! There's also free street parking along East Cabrillo Blvd and the surrounding streets, although spaces can fill up quickly during peak hours.

This restaurant is inside of a hotel with views right by the beach. There is street parking…read moreoutside, and I believe there is valet parking if you are dining at the restaurant. Came here to grab dinner with a friend. We got the funghi pizza and the octopus. The pizza came out super quickly and was hot and crispy. I loved the different types of mushrooms and artichokes on the pizza, 8/10. The octopus wasn't anything special. It was a bit smaller than expected, and it was the same price as the pizza. I'd rather get another pizza than this octopus. The octopus came with a piece of pork belly, which was honestly better than the octopus, 6/10. The meal ended with complementary cookies. I think they are supposed to give them to you, but our waiter forgot and we just asked for them! They are small crunchy cookies, a great way to end our meal.

Photos
Convivo Restaurant and Bar - Hugo Spritz

Hugo Spritz

Convivo Restaurant and Bar - $18 Spicy Soppressata Salame pizza on happy hour menu

$18 Spicy Soppressata Salame pizza on happy hour menu

Convivo Restaurant and Bar - Desert

See all

Desert

California Pasta - italian - Updated October 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...