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    China Palace

    3.6 (247 reviews)
    Closed 11:30 am - 9:00 pm

    Order China Palace Takeout or Delivery

    China Palace Photos

    CHINA PALACE ATMOSPHERE

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

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    Reviews With Photos - China Palace

    Hunana lamb
    Emmy C.

    Great Chinese food. I would say best jam bbong in town- spicy Korean seafood soup. Really nice dept of flavor. The basil beef is my favorite because it has a nice strong basil flavor. The wife likes the crispy walnuts shrimp because they don't over batter the shrimp like many other places. So you get a nice ratio of shrimp to fried wrappings and they candy the walnuts. Wife also likes Chinese scallion pancakes because it's a nice texture. This time we ordered the Mongolian lamb and Hunan lamb. We preferred the Mongolian lamb because there was more lamb and Hunan lamb has broccoli(I'm not too big on broccoli). The crispy fried jumbo shrimp was good and I liked how they gave us spicy mustard sauce (wasabi hot). Service is pretty good.

    I really like this Chinese restaurant . Today I ordered a serving of stir fried green beans and specifically requested that they not use the original black sauce but instead use a white garlic sauce. I also asked for additional shredded ginger and chicken breast. The waitress was very patient and helped me fulfill my request.

    Menu on the table as you sit at your table.
    Melissa L.

    The food is very tasty and exquisite. The service here is great, very attentive. The Ambiance is a typical China house feel. The bathroom is cute. If your in the area please stop in and enjoy some dinner in the Montecito area.

    Crispy Duck Moo Shu. 3/5. A bit bland. IG: @amei.eats
    Alex M.

    Overall: 78% | C (HK Crispy Noodle: 82.5% | B) - For Santa Barbara standards, this is a reasonable take on this Cantonese classic dish. The noodle is adequately crispy and pairs well with the gravy. The ingredient choice is reasonable, with bacon substituting cha siu, to pair with this dish. However, I do feel like the overall fish is missing some excitement that makes it truly stand out like other pan fried noodles. (Duck Moo Shu: 72.5% | C) - To be honest, this was not what I expected as crispy duck. I imagined a crispy skin style duck instead of it being deep fried. The overall dish lacks seasoning and needs more aggressive flavors, both for the stir fry and the hoisin sauce.

    the dining room of a chinese restaurant
    M M.

    Food is okay. The general Tao chicken tasted more sweet and sour than the Sweet and Sour Pork. Small portions for the price compared to the lunch portions at the Chinese restaurant on Chapala.

    Interior. Very nice!
    Kristine H.

    Excellent service! What a nice man. He greeted with a smile and helped me decide on my dish. Service was prompt. Food was excellent and fast. We could hear the chef stir frying the dishes fresh for us. We had the Crispy Walnut Shrimp and the Seafood Chow Fan. The chow fan had a large mixture of seafood. Both excellent and a large quantity. Great stop along Coast Village Road!

    Chicken and broccoli with added eggplant and ginger

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    8 days ago

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    10 days ago

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    19 days ago

    Great service and AMAZING authentic Chinese food. Very welcoming with young kids too. We had a amazing experience

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    9 months ago

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    4 months ago

    Excellent food and service. Great flavor and well cooked dishes. Love the lettuce cups and dim sum appetizers

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    1 month ago

    Some of the best Chinese food I've had in a long time. Great service to match as well. Would definitely recommend.

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    5 months ago

    Easy and yummy picked up from here when I stayed in town, would definitely recommend it!

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    2 years ago

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    2 months ago

    Went with two friends there for lunch. We all got the MooShi pork lunch special. Delicious!

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    2 months ago

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    5 months ago

    Good portions and tasty food... got beef broccoli and general spicy chicken with white rice.. had enough for a snack next day.

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    6 months ago

    Great food, got take out and it was a little slow other than that it is a super solid spot.

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    11 months ago

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    4 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Delicious! We always get the chicken chow mein and the chicken curry...wonderful and enough for more than one meal!

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    Ask the Community - China Palace

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    Caruso's

    Caruso's

    4.4
    (257 reviews)
    1.2 mi
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    Fantastic first experience at Caruso's last month! The ocean view was beautiful, with the…read moreindoor/outdoor vibes, plenty of heaters for warmth, a live pianist playing, and the service was excellent. It is worth mentioning that it takes a little time and is a little challenging getting to the restaurant from the valet area, for those who might be a little physically challenged or slower moving. I do believe that they have an elevator to take you down to the restaurant level though! Reservation-wise they have two options, the four course Prix Fixe menu (which I chose) and a three hour Chef's Tasting Menu. For my menu, I was able to select from about 3-4 options in every course, and there were some available add ons as well. I loved the La Mora Messicana NA Cocktail, it paired nicely with all of my dishes and still felt fun and margarita-esque. Of all the dishes I ate during the evening, the standout for me was the Yolk Gnocchetti Sardi Risotti with Stephanie's Uni Santa Barbara Abalone, Yuzu, and Caviar. It somehow combined all of my favorite things and made what felt like a comfort dish, but elevated. The Chef's Bites at the beginning and end were also delicious, I loved the little blueberry tart. I would definitely return for another meal here, and recommend it to friends or family.

    Came here on a Saturday night with my mom and overall had a really lovely experience…read more Even though we didn't stay at the hotel, the service throughout the property immediately stood out. When our Lyft arrived, employees rushed over to open the doors, and when we asked where the restaurant was, the front desk employee actually stepped away from the desk to personally point us in the right direction. The walk to the restaurant is a bit long since it overlooks the beach, but it was a beautiful night and ended up feeling relaxing and special. (Particularly on the way back when we were full from the tasting menu) I just wouldn't wear uncomfy heels. One interesting touch: we overheard the hostess offering another couple the option to put their phones away for the evening so they could fully experience dinner distraction-free. I ended up keeping mine away too and honestly enjoyed being more present during the meal. As a side note, another couple took photos of every meal and there didn't appear to be a stigma regardless. We did the tasting menu, and our waiter was fantastic with recommendations. All the staff was great, honestly. What stood out most to me compared to other Michelin-starred restaurants I've visited was the focus on seasonal ingredients and vegetables. That night featured Harry's berries and asparagus throughout several dishes. My favorite was probably the burrata with Harry's berries and rhubarb. There are quite a few optional upgrades throughout the tasting menu, including caviar and upgraded steak options, but we only added the chocolate bar selection at the end, which was excellent. I also appreciated the atmosphere. You could hear the waves crashing through the open doors, but it still stayed warm and comfortable inside. The noise level was lively without being overwhelming, and the recently added piano really elevated the experience. Some dishes seemed to sing to the symphony. Overall, I wouldn't say it was the best meal I've ever had, but I absolutely would return. Several dishes highlighted the ingredients so beautifully that I'd love to come back during another season to try a different menu. Solid experience and felt more or less felt worth the price.

    Photos
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    Aperitivo

    Aperitivo

    4.8
    (166 reviews)
    2.7 mi

    A warning: don't come here…read more If you come here, your expectations for any future plate of expertly and carefully prepared crudo will be extinguished forever in the aftermath--the afterlife--of a crudo so delicate, so beautifully presented that few plates could compare. There was life before this crudo plate, and there is life afterward. Burrata? You haven't *tasted* burrata. A plump burrata seeming to bloom amongst hefty slices of speck resting on a bed of some of the sweetest peaches I've ever eaten, grains of oil-kissed mustard seed divinely adorning its crown. I'm light-headed writing this. My queendom for burrata of this caliber. Now, the service. Exquisite, warm, intelligent. Lindsey (Lindsay? Please tell me how to spell thy name!) was incredible. From the moment we walked in, to the moment we left, we felt genuinely welcomed and cared for throughout our dining experience. I was merely passing through on my way back home to Claremont from Monterey (on a research trip; you didn't ask, dear reader, but this context is essential as research takes its toll on one's nervous system and sometimes only a glass of wine and delightful aperitivos will do to calm thyself) and decided to stop here on a whim. Don't come here, lest you find some excuse to drive 2.5 hours out of your way from the Inland Empire to Santa Barbara to taste not only these delights again, but to feel welcomed so wholesomely into a space where it is clear (from service to food prep) that the art of the aperitivo is not lost, not shallowly puppeteered for an unknowing diner, but ALIVE, and vibrantly so. Thank you to everyone there for one of the best dining experiences of my life. I will be back. Don't come. Turn away. Do not embrace the internal shifting of one's sense of self. Like Stephen King warns his Constant Reader at the end of The Dark Tower: "Should you go on, you will surely be disappointed, perhaps even heartbroken...Endings are heartless. Ending is just another word for goodbye. Would you still? Very well, then, come. (Do you hear me sigh?) Here is the Dark Tower, at the end of End-World. See it, I beg. See it very well. Here is the Dark Tower at sunset." Here, at Aperitivo, is a materialized sunset that you can taste in every bite. Like many, I read beyond Stephen King's warning to see the truth of what lay at the culmination of his most famous series. I want the truth, however painful it may be. If you are strong enough to embrace a shift in what a truly special dining experience *can* be, then come, at your own peril. Oh, and they have txakoli. Long days and pleasant nights, dear reader.

    Not the first and definitely not the last we'll be here. Stumbled upon Aperitivo a few years ago,…read moreand it was some of the best and most authentic Italian food I'd ever had (even before knowing what real Italian food tasted like). Now that I've come back from Italy, I have a greater appreciation for Aperitivo and what it stands for. Definitely fell in love with the concept of aperitivo in Italy, and this restaurant really embodies that concept. Sat down and got myself a Negroni. It was pretty damn good and close to what a real negroni would taste like if it had Campari. Was pleasantly surprised that they gave us snacks on the side (in true spirit of aperitivo) and then proceeded to crush some crudo and mortadella sandwich. Afterwards, ended the night off with delicious affogato. Really brought me back to my time in Italy. The menu is always fresh and seasonal, so there's always something new to look forward to. Will definitely be back.

    Photos
    Inside view. Love the checkered floor
    Inside view. Love the checkered floor
    INSALATA DI RADICCHIO, PERE, NOCCIOLE, PARMIGIANO
    INSALATA DI RADICCHIO, PERE, NOCCIOLE, PARMIGIANO
    Inside view - Get here early because they get busy!

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    Inside view - Get here early because they get busy!
    Bar Lou

    Bar Lou

    4.0
    (45 reviews)
    0.3 mi

    Came in on a lovely Sunday, to grab a drink before our nearby dinner reservations. We had our eye…read moreon BarLou previous Montecito dates. Unfortunately, the service left much to be desired. Hot or Not? Spoiler! it's a NOT. What a coincidence, it's happy hour . . . YAY ! Upon arrival, we were the only party on our end of the patio. (aside from a group of women on their way out.) We ordered our drinks promptly, but over the next 30m 3 small parties arrived, placed their drink orders, then their food orders, and were served well before us. disappointing. Despite being reassured multiple times over 30-40m period that our drinks were "on the way" they hadn't arrived long after having ordered--far before all the surrounding parties had arrived. We were checked in on plenty and added Ratatouille to our order. My Spicy margs finally arrived and (1) glass had visible lipstick stain on it. Luckily Bf double ordered for HH deal so I had the clean one while we waited to be checked in on to no avail. Beau had to wave down a server but 20m after a manager/owner ((it's unclear) she was casually dressed not in uniform like the servers.) but This woman came by and checked in we told her about the stain, she took the dirty glass, asked our drink and we get brought the wrong drink. Spicy Marg : 2/5 sips light refreshing and with a hint of spice not too overpowering. ($12) Bloody Mary: Beau thought it was ok would not order again.($10) Overall the experience felt dismissive and disorganized. We love to go for an experience, the ambience/atmosphere was great but the service we received ruined the experience, as the Idiom goes, IT LEFT A BAD TASTE IN MY MOUTH. Ratatouille never arrived, we gave plenty of time and grace, decided to Cancel our order and request the check. Note: When we arrived the hostess said "it's just us two" so I gave the benefit of the doubt, on another occasion I would have left to avoid a situation like what we experienced, I understand. But we only came in for a Drink ?? :((

    Food was delicious We requested patio, we were seated on…read morethe side overlooking Coast Village Road ,had our dogs with us and they were very accommodating, even brought a water bowl Glad we picked Bar Lou for our birthday dinner , all our dishes were memorable and will definitely go back . Inside is very cozy and modern.

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    Ca’Dario - Montecito

    Ca’Dario - Montecito

    4.1
    (111 reviews)
    0.3 mi

    Our first time dining here, and it was a great experience! We were able to get a last-minute dinner…read morereservation for a party of five to celebrate our dear friend's birthday. The staff was kind and welcoming, and we received excellent service from our servers. The food we ordered was delicious, and everyone enjoyed their meals. We were seated on the outdoor patio, which was especially nice with the beautiful weather. If I'm back in Montecito, I'll definitely want to dine here again!

    If you can eat somewhere else, you should. We eat dinner in Montecito at least once a week and we…read morehad never tried Ca Dario. We did last night and at least we now know where not to go. My wife ordered the carbonara pizza. The egg was more than over hard. I had the salmon pasta. Cheap penne swimming in a cream sauce. The overwhelming flavor of the night? Salt. Everything was salted heavily for flavor. Low quality food seasoned to be acceptable. If Walmart opened an Italian restaurant, this would be it. The table behind us checked out early and left without eating hardly anything because it was so bad. Ambience is also nothing great. Too bright. Minimal decor. It was very hot inside on our visit. Both tables on the sides of us were fanning themselves as well. EXTREMELY loud. Between the kitchen noise and general customer noise, you could not have a conversation. We even asked our server about it and he said that yes eventually you get used to it but it's always very loud. I will say that the bathroom was very clean AND well maintained. Those are not the same things. One solid star for the bathrooms. When I went to write this review, I thought I would take a look at the other reviews and see what other diners had to say. I noticed that the owner has a habit of commenting back on the reviews rudely without addressing any of the issues raised. He clearly can't recognize an opportunity to improve and lets his hubris dictate his actions. No reason to go back. Please save yourself and eat somewhere else. Many other wonderful eateries in Montecito that are deserving of your dollar.

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    Rughetta Salad (Individual Size)
    Rughetta Salad (Individual Size)
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    The Spumoni tartufo
    Montecito Gourmet

    Montecito Gourmet

    4.6
    (101 reviews)
    1.4 mi
    $
    Established in 1973
    Kitchen open late

    We've picked up lunch from Montecito Gourmet a few times, and the sandwiches are decent, if not the…read morebest in town. The menu is long with a lot of overlap in ingredients, many combinations of meat, cheese, and vegetables with a lot of condiments on your choice of bread. There are also salads and flatbread pinsas and various cheese and charcuterie platters. I've stayed home for the pick-ups so have yet to see the place in person, but it's worth noting that they do get overwhelmed by big orders. We got like eight sandwiches last time and the order took over half an hour longer than promised. My friend got an apology and a free cappuccino for his long wait--absolutely wasted, as my husband pointed out, on the one child-free adult in our party--and we all ate a late lunch. I've had a few of the sandwiches, and they've all been solid. The Montecito Club comes with roast turkey, honey baked ham, Swiss, Gruyere, mayo, lettuce, tomato, and avocado. The Butterfly Beach is another roast turkey sandwich, with prosciutto, French brie, mayo, lettuce, tomato, olive oil, and red wine vinegar (though it's worth noting that this one was better when I added balsamic at home). The Italian Style is a meaty, loaded sandwich with hot capicola, Italian Toscano salami, mortadella, provolone, lettuce, tomato, onion, kosher pickles, pepperoncini, olive oil, and red wine vinegar. I made the mistake of getting this juicy sandwich on a French roll, the soft bread got soggy almost immediately. This place gives you a lot of bread options, and I've found I like the sourdough, especially when I'm saving half of my sandwich for later. We usually hit Panino for easy sandwiches, but it's nice to mix it up once in a while. I'm sure we'll order from Montecito Gourmet again, and maybe I'll even land pick-up duty next time.

    This is quite a good spot! They clearly invest in the quality of ingredients for everything they…read moredo. I got to try the Spanish chorizo and especially loved it. It's a bit of a hidden gem! The owner and staff members are super friendly and invested in making sure you have a great meal. They also have wine tasting and dinner services!

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    Montecito Gourmet
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    China Palace - chinese - Updated August 2026

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