Shelly C.

I got looped into trying this new SB restaurant through a $75 off coupon this week. I went but I regret it, don't fall for it like I did. We had a 5pm reservation. The bad experience started when we arrived 5 minutes early and the door was open but they did not allow us in. They made us wait outside in the hot sun, looking at their inappropriate political posters taped to the windows. Don't we get enough politics on the news? Is that what people want to look at when they dine out?? No. The host then seated us in the hot sunny window in the front. The window shade wasn't strong enough, my dining partner had to squint for the first 30 minutes or more, he literally got semi-sunburned. We started with the smoked fish appetizer and drinks. We ordered the crudo to follow, but they brought both out at the same time. For drinks, I started with a Paloma cocktail. It was bland and watery, not nearly as good as the fresh-squeezed grapefruit Paloma I had at Loquito the other day. The smoked fish appetizer was good. The crudo had raw scallops and white fish with watermelon in olive oil. The scallops were sweet and yummy but I didn't care for the white fish, it had no taste and the dish needed acid to balance the sweetness of the scallops and the blandness of the oil. Same hot pickled peppers used on both the smoked fish appetizer and atop the crudo - where the creativity in that? The servers didn't describe the dishes so it was hard to know what you were getting or what the chef had in mind. (Was there a chef in the house? I don't know. None was mentioned.) We then ordered crab legs and a $68 bottle of white wine, a bottle of Perluca Khoros from Paso Robles. Our new server was a bit nicer and offered to chill it on ice. The crab legs and wine were both delicious. For the main we ordered the Morcilla, a meat and bean dish. It looked so unappetizing I didn't even want to try it. It was less than ok. I just nibbled at it and we didn't finish it. Also of note, I went to the ladies room mid way through and both bathrooms were occupied for a long time. After a 2nd knock, the host who had been rude from the start emerged in a huff. Something's not right here. The bill was still $250 after the supposed discount. Not worth it! Blah. Bland. Boring food. Expensive. Don't go.

Teri C.

We hit up Dom's Taverna for an early dinner during our spring break visit to Santa Barbara. We chose the table by the window to enjoy the natural light coming in. * Steak Bites $19 - These Wagyu pieces were a little overcooked for our liking. * Seaside Snap Pea $16 - This was a refreshing dish with fresh peas and arugula. * Smoked Fish Dip $20 - I love a great smoked fish dip and theirs did not disappoint. The salmon roe gave it that salty kick too. I wasn't the biggest fan of the tapa crackers as they didn't hold the dip very well. I would have preferred a different vessel for the dip. * Surf & Turf Tartare $26 - We love tartare and will order it every time we see it on a menu. Their Wagyu version with the anchovy aioli and fish roe, and truffle chips was very enjoyable. We ended up getting two orders! * Clams & Mussels $16 - A light and tasty dish. * Pea & Artichoke Pasta $28 - An enjoyable pasta with peas and artichokes. There were some super salty bites and can only guess it came from the Basque cheese. * Hongos $27 - Grilled mushrooms with more of a marinated or brined egg yolk, rather than raw, poured table side. Great flavors. * Grappa's Tarta Vasca aka Basque Cheesecake $20 - We never would have known it was a Basque cheesecake if the waitress didn't explain it to us. It was good choice to close out our meal. We had some really enjoyable dishes at Dom's and would probably go again if we were in the area. Service was much more attentive in the beginning but as the evening picked up, service slowed down. It wasn't a deal breaker, but we did have to ask for more water and things like that. I love the water glassware. Very cool. Overall, there are some innovative dishes happening here and I think their menu has been changing already. So I gotta love a restaurant that is constantly changing with the season.

Mark F.

Well done, Chef! You've solidified Don's in my top3 restaurants in Santa Barbara. First off you'll want to make reservations. This cute, little place fills up by 6 so plan ahead. Not to say you can't walk in but with his popularity and amazing food I don't recommend it. Go ahead an arrive early for a seat at the bar and take in the vibe. It's bright, loud, friendly, and filled with beautiful locals who put thought into what they're wearing. We may be at the beach but wear proper shoes and look sharp on your date night. Why so popular? Before the food is definitely the. Both at the bar and at tables the team is well educated on the menu, friendly, and ready to jump in or give you a little space to figure out northern Spain's Basque region cuisine. It may look scary but I promise you it's not. My latest visit was with a GF friend and our server, Erin, along with Chef Don, even managed to split some ingredients to make every bite safe and delicious for all. Now on to the food. Well, maybe a cocktail. You must start with a Spanish staple, the LAIE Vermouth $8. Next jump on the Bar Bites menu served 5-6 and available at the bar or table. I highly recommend the Jamón Grilled Cheese $10 and Lamburgesa $12. I've tied the Chistorra Glizzy $13 sausage but found it dry. The winner of the night was the Hongos $28 Grilled Mushrooms. I wanted another order but knew we had to keep the party going with Crab Rice $19 and the Spicy Fried Plantains $14. Not don't yet the Prawn Koktel $24 was garlicky awesome with some bread to dredge and we finished off with 6 Raw & 6 Grilled Oysters. Was this a lot of food? YES. And shared by 4 but when food is fresh and if a high quality not processed and preserved you don't feel it. None of us left stuffed. I wanted more but knew I was at "Just Right". Well... until dessert. The Goxo Itota $14 good but the Torrija $17 was the cherry on the top. If you made it through this review you'll see I'm impressed with all Chef Dom Crisp brings to the table. Next time you're at the bar look around, you might just find me sipping on a Vermouth and enjoying a mouth watering Lamburgesa. Eskerrik asko!

Elysia G.

Finally had a chance to dine at Dom's Taverna, one of the newer restaurants that opened last year, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. We made a dinner reservation via OpenTable before heading to an SBIFF event, and everything from timing to service felt seamless. This is a share-plates dream, so we ordered accordingly. Hongos, mussels and clams with chorizo (that broth alone is worth the order), prawns with butter and garlic that were rich and perfectly cooked, steak bites, half a dozen oysters, and Santa Barbara crab claws. Every dish came out well-paced and clearly meant for the table, which made the experience feel relaxed instead of rushed. For drinks, I tried both the Don Raj Spritz and the freezer gin martini. One was earthy and refreshing, the other ice-cold and dangerously smooth. Exactly the kind of cocktails you want before a night out. Service was attentive without hovering, knowledgeable when asked, and genuinely warm. Plates were cleared on time, drinks stayed filled, and no one made us feel like we needed to rush out the door. As for value, the quality of the seafood, portion sizes, and overall experience felt fair for what you're getting. This is the kind of place where sharing a few dishes gives you a full, satisfying meal without feeling overcharged. We missed happy hour this time, but for those planning ahead it runs from 3-5:30 pm and again from 9-11 pm, which is honestly a great deal considering the menu. Dom's Taverna hits that sweet spot of elevated but approachable, with thoughtful collaborations that show they're tapped into the community. Great food, solid service, and an easy go-to for both special occasions and spontaneous nights out.

Shooter M.

First time at Dom's and it was outstanding. Delicious Fresh Food, Atmospheric Vibes, Great Service with a sprinkle of Michelin Stars on the horizon. A turnkey dining experience from Pintxos to Postre. Santa Barbara Magazine called their Ceviche "a Playful, yet mysterious Little Dish" and each delicacy far exceeded my expectations. Loved the Oysters too! Overall a warm & welcoming Dining experience. We'll be back soon!

Sosa J.

My wife and I recently went to Dom's Taverna in Santa Barbara for date night and it turned into one of our favorite dining experiences in town. We kicked things off with some tasty cocktails, which immediately set the tone for the night. From the moment we walked in, the entire staff made us feel genuinely welcomed, but a special shoutout goes to our server Raul. He absolutely nailed every recommendation and guided us through the menu like a pro. We started with the crudo, which was bright, fresh, and perfectly balanced. Then came the smoked seafood flatbread, rich and flavorful without being heavy. For our main, Raul suggested the steak txuleta, and it was phenomenal. Cooked to perfection and beautifully paired with the tomato salad, it was one of those combinations you don't forget. We wrapped things up with "La Cuchara," a spoonful of Basque cheesecake topped with caviar. It sounds unexpected, but it was pure magic, creamy, salty, and just the right amount of indulgent to end the night.

Carolyn N.

I can't sing my praises about this spot enough. Each dish was an absolute home-run for me. The flavor and depth to each dish was so exceptional. If there is anything that you have to try here, I would recommend the Surf and Turf Tartare and the Bread Pudding. Ambiance was perfect in here. We came during dinner time so it was busy and bustling. The wait staff was helpful and the noise level felt just right. Nothing felt boring here and it was a great mix of casual chic. I'm excited to come back for more next time! This has got to be one of my fav spots in SB thus far!

Petra K.

We had a beautiful first time experience! It was beautifully decorated. We appreciated the attention to detail by the servers. Also, we loved interacting with the chef! You can tell that he really cared about our experience. We loved our drinks and meal, especially the steak bites and ciopinno.

Jenn M.

I debated on the stars. I'd hate for their rating to be low due to my sense of what things should cost. The sandwich was good; it was $20. After tax and tip, I spent $27 on a sandwich today. It did not come with anything: chips, garnish salad. It was a holiday lunch with friends so special occasion. On a regular basis, I don't see this being a go to for me. The service was nice. The environment is inviting. This is my third visit there and I'm still not sure of what to order when I go. As I don't speak Basque, I find the menu a little difficult to understand. So far it seems like the Basque Bowl with rice and a few little things in it could be a good choice.

Britt R.

The food and cocktails were excellent. I will have dreams of the cheesecake caviar bites. They are bus and have 2 seating times- I was catching up with a girlfriend so at times I felt a little rushed. But won't knock points for that- being busy means you are doing something right. Will be returning

Gracie G.

Loved this place! Not sure why i waited so long to try it. I didn't know they had happy hour and open late. Its always a struggle trying to find something to eat after a show at Arlington and people are constantly asking me. I had the red happy hour wine, jamon grilled cheese and fries. I can't wait to return. I saw other items on menu that caught my eye. And i loved the vibe. I would feel so comfortable popping in by myself, sitting at the bar for a glass of wine and meal.

Crystal N.

My group of friends and I visited when they just opened and had a lovely time for lunch. The seafood is quality. We enjoyed the fusions of flavors and enthusiasm from the staff. I have on thing to say- GET THE GRILLED OYSTERS! It was so good, we HAD to get another order in. I dream about these oysters often, they are the best grilled oysters I've ever had.

Vanessa D.

My friends and I were greeted by the sweetest person, Audrey. She was so friendly and gave us the rundown. I appreciated that she was honest about the wait time and recommended the bar seating (there were two seats available). By sheer luck, a reservation only had half the people show and we got a table. Thank you food gods! Raul was our server and he was simply the best! He educated us on the menu and made amazing recommendations. He was a joy to have serve us in this foodie experience. Literally no other feedback other than I hope he always serves me when I come visit. The tomat was an explosion of different flavors that meshed so well. SO WELL! We ordered a side of bread just to dip in the sauce. Fresh, delicious, flavorful...what more can one ask for? The crudo was devoured quickly. What can I say? It was exactly what it should be. Surf and turf tartare dish was perfection especially eaten with the chips. Salty, crispy, crunchy ::chefs kiss:: I would literally come back just for this. I don't think i can order this dish any where else because it will never be this good. Full disclosure, we ordered THREE rounds of this dish and had zero regrets. Lobster rice was a special (you can typically order the crab rice) and i would highly recommend it. The lobster was cooked perfectly and everything mixed together so well. The smoked shell flatbread was too much, too overpowering. I could not throughly enjoy what this dish had to offer due to the kick. I was told it had a little more spice than usual so I'll need to try it again in the future. Chicken croketas were flaky on the outside, perfectly cooked on the inside and sat in a lovely (and delicious) sauce of dill. Look, bathrooms (in general) are pretty standard however, i need to give kudos to the fact that they provide feminine hygiene products and a full length mirror. It's the small touches that really make this place great! Quick tip: make reservations. This place is a hot spot and while you can gamble with walking in, bar seating is not guaranteed and tables get snatched quickly.