First time trying Mollie's, and I can say that the service is very kind and welcoming. The food, however, was incredibly underwhelming. Here's a break down of my experience: First of all, we came on a Tuesday afternoon for lunch. It says on the menu to ask about the daily special, but there weren't any. The waitress told us that on the weekdays, they do not offer daily specials since they do not have seafood on the weekdays; a weekend exclusive is what we were told. Very disappointing. We said it was fine, however, when it came to placing our orders from the menu, the waitress stopped us three times to let us know they were out of certain ingredients like ham and Italian bacon. Most of the food we ordered were not the dish in its complete form. Pasta Amatriciana: The dish I ordered. It did not come with the cured pork Italian bacon as advertised. The dish itself looks visually appealing but it was incredibly mediocre. The sauce was watery and poorly seasoned. Overall, the dish lacked flavor. I rate it as a 1/5. Chicken Vodka Pasta: the dish my mother ordered. Her comments were the same as mine. She notes that the sauce lacked seasoning and she described it as tasteless. Again, another poor dish. She rates it as a 2/5. Chicken Fettuccini: the dish my father ordered. He didn't have that much to say about it other than it being subpar. He rates it as a 2/5. I will say, in terms of pay, the price was fair. For 3 dishes, all of which came with generous portion sizes, totaled to about $62. Overall, I don't see myself returning to Mollie's in the future. They were out of many ingredients which led to mediocre dishes being served. If you wish to come here, I strongly suggest you visit on the weekend since they only serve special/ seafood dishes then. Other than that, Mollie's is a hard pass. read more

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What a gem. Clearly all the locals go here. I started with the minestrone which was amazing. Very subtle flavor. The owner recommended the lasagna when I told him what pasta I should get! I've been to Italy and this was on par with that. I would have liked to see a layer of spinach but that's probably not authentic. My mom made it that way so I'm a little biased! For desert I got the light lemon custard which was very refreshing with an equally impressive cappuccino. Ciao, Bella! read more

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I had such a wonderful time here. It's a small restaurant with a casual vibe and lots of local regulars. You can see the open kitchen and all of the cooking while you wait. The menu is simple with daily specials but everything is crafted with care and tremendous technique. Handmade pastas, sauces, and high quality ingredients. I see people dining in and also taking food for dinner. We were given house made foccacia while we waited and had two whole plates of this! It was delicious, soft, and went well with the oil and vinegar at the table. We had the seafood pasta, lasagna with meatballs, and finished with panacotta and an americano. The quality and cook on the seafood was incredible. The clams, mussels, octopus, and shrimp were all perfectly cooked and incredibly fresh. You can really taste the difference. Lasagna layers were so impressive and a perfect amount of sauce. The meatballs were delicious with raisins providing a mellow sweetness. Dessert was a perfect cap to our lunch. Coffee was strong and the panacotta was lightly sweet, creamy, and brightened with orange. Mollie and her staff were incredibly kind. We will absolutely be back! read more

Mollie's - Seafood pasta special - Italian Near Me - Carpinteria, California

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Mollie's is the kind of Italian restaurant that instantly makes you feel at home. The staff treats you like family from the moment you walk in, and that warmth carries through the entire experience. The homemade pasta is outstanding -- you can really taste the difference. I ordered the carbonara and it was absolutely delicious: rich, perfectly balanced, and cooked just right. Comfort food at its finest. Between the welcoming atmosphere, attentive service, and truly great food, Mollie's is a place you'll want to come back to again and again. Highly recommend if you're looking for real Italian food with heart. read more

Mollie's - Carbonara - Italian Near Me - Carpinteria, California

Everything I have ever had at Mollies has been excellent. The food is hand crafted, the ingredients are top quality, from the house made bread, pastas and sauces. The restaurant in Carpenteria is relatively new, but Mollie is a veteran. She has had successful locations in Montecito, downtown Santa Barbara at the Paseo, and every time I have enjoyed delicious, consistent cooking, in a warm atmosphere. I am so thankful that I have found her new location! read more

Pasta came out undercooked but the staff were very friendly .................................................................... read more

I can't believe my favorite gluten free pasta in the US is in my backyard! I've gone to all of the famous NYC and LA joints for GF pasta and many are good but this was the best. Mollie pulled out a fresh sheet of pasta and cut it into a spaghetti/linguini sized strips and then added sauce. My family did enjoy the regular pasta as well as the desserts. It's a small menu made with love and care and authenticity. read more

we had the best time , maybe 8 tables great " homecooking" fresh bread keeps coming with olive oil and basmati . Molly is from Ethiopia and puts her classic talent to work! Our second time in two weeks on our summer visit to carp! nice wind glass or bottle ! annie read more

Unsuspecting bistro in Carpinteria. Excellent fresh made food by a great chef! They have a great gluten free pasta too. Will definitely return and highly recommend for a nice fresh made casual meal. read more

The food was amazing very family friendly. There was laughs filling the whole room. The chicken vodka pasta is amazing. The waiter was very friendly and I liked how you were able to see them cooking your own food. The room was giving a very welcoming aura. I highly do recommend it. read more

There isnt a single thing on the menu that isn't fantastic. The sauces were flavorful, the lasagna was light and delicious, and the gnocchi was amazing. Service was excellent, with recommendations that didn't disappoint. Don't let the small space fool you, this place is an absolute gem! read more

Hole in the wall vibes -- in the best way! I am quite gluten sensitive, and unfortunately they didn't have their gluten free pasta available the night I visited. Our server mentioned the flour used in the regular pasta was direct from Italy and it might not bother my stomach the way the flour in the US did. I'm not celiac so I took the gamble. He was indeed correct, here I am a few hours later feeling fine. Sauces are delish and have real depth, pasta is super tender. I'll certainly be back. read more

Mollie is the MASTER! Everything she makes is amazing. A simple menu and daily specials - just perfect. An intimate small restaurant where it's all about the food! read more

In summary, the food, service and ambience were superb. Additionally, very reasonably priced for high-quality Italian gourmet food Mollie and her team were so attentive! Truly amazing. It's indeed a local gem!! read more

The service and food was spectacular! I heavily recommend the Lasagna Bolonese and the bread was delicious!

Small place, big flavors. Stopped in for dinner was worried as we were only people there. Eat there or take away. We had lasagna, minestrone soup, and Cesar salad. Bolagnese sauce was on point, soup was nice and fresh. Would say portions could be slightly larger for the price. Would likely eat here again. Staff was friendly also. read more

This place is amazing. Great food. Great service. Could not have asked for a better experience. I cannot recommend this place highly enough.

Mollie and Ali...we love you. Amazing visit with my folks for early Mother's Day and my dad's birthday. Your food and experience are without equal and I will treasure this forever. And yes, will we be back? Happily and yes. You two are the perfect team. We love you, and we will see you again soon!! Ashleigh read more

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We decided to go to mollies for lunch after reading reviews... very small place, limited sign outside, but it is nice. We shared a caprese salad, it was delicious. The foccascia bread was yummy. We each had a prosciutto sandwich.... it was great, I would have put pesto on the bread instead of marinara, but it was also good.... the service was good... I would move wine glasses, they were behind our table and he had to reach over each time.... but otherwise, nice place.... read more

delicious and fresh food. we have had sandwiches and pastas, all generous portions and tasty. eat in or take-out. Molllie and her staff happy to explain items on menu. read more

I really wanted to like Mollie's - the staff was great and it's a cute spot but the food was mediocre at best. Totally bland, I've had better pasta sauce from a jar. It's super pricey for what it is. I get that everything is expensive right now but for what I spent I was hoping for something I'd actually want to eat. I hope I just came on a bad night :( read more

We go to Mollie's 3 or 4 times a week. Every dish she makes is incredible. Her meatballs? Unbelievable. I currently hooked on her pollo cacciatore which is the best meal I've had in my life. Mollie and her staff makes you feel you're at home. I hope this review doesn't make her place too popular where we can't get in... read more

What a hidden gem. We were driving up to Santa Barbara and I googled vegan options on our route. This place is right off the highway and easy to get to. We walked in to a friendly staff, the aroma of garlic, and fresh pasta was being made, it was the perfect place. I couldn't decide between the minestrone and the lentil soup, she suggested I get both mixed together, it was amazing!! I also got a platter of their just made fresh pasta with a marinara sauce. If I'm ever in the area again, I will for sure return. read more

Mollie's - Fresh pasta with marinara sauce, vegan. - Italian Near Me - Carpinteria, California

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My wife and walked in on a quiet Monday evening and were warmly greeted by Ali who took care of us. The service was amazing! Mollie's has a cozy storefront that you may completely miss just walking by. Luckily we were suggested this place by a local as we were craving Italian and the other spots on Linden Ave. were closed. My wife ordered the vegetable pasta and I ordered the pasta bolognese. These were delicious examples of cuisine done meaningfully and simply with fresh ingredients. I'm glad we followed through with our curiosity about this place and you should too! read more

Everything I've tried there has been delicious. The tomato sauces is one of the best I've ever tasted and I say that as someone who used to live in Italy. If you're not in the mood for tomato sauce, the pesto sauce is also outstanding. read more

I enjoyed the chicken sandwich I ordered. I also ordered it with a side of the balsamic dressing. It was delicious! The owners are such a delight. I'm glad they are in Carpinteria now. I think they should expand the menu a little. But who knows, they might have plans to expand it already. Mollie also makes fresh pasta, from what I saw in the deli case. Looks so good, I love fresh pasta. We sat inside but we had the option of sitting outside too. Either seating area would have been nice. Not a ton of seating over all but enough. read more

Wow! So enjoy coming to Mollie's! Mollie is fantastic and friendly along with the staff. Cute small family restaurant with 5-6 tables inside & a couple more outside on the front. Food is so fresh & delicious. Prices are great, especially for this quality. We are hooked and will be back. Thanks Mollie & family! read more

Mollie is so loving and an amazing chef. Wonderful experience and outstanding food. Home made pasta and everything is fresh to order read more

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Mollie is amazing- you have to eat her lovely pasta! I am gluten free and her homemade gluten free pasta is excellent! Highly recommend this restaurant and this chef! read more

Love Mollies food made with love and soul, lasagna, gnocchi and sandwiches I've tried all filling and soooo sooo yummy fresh tasty and will not disappoint, on top of this service is great and price is right. Thank you Mollie read more

Mollie gets a 5-star from me for food quality and taste. She makes her breads homemade daily, along with homemade pasta for her killer 9 layer lasagna and a bolognese that tastes like you are in the heart of Italy. Her desserts are to die for and there are so many delicious dishes to choose from. Also, ask about the daily specials like her famous meatballs. She has had the big-time famous Trattoria Mollie in Montecito years ago and today, these dishes taste just like back then, except 1/2 the price. Yes, this is a small understated location now, but it's quaint and it's all about the food. Plus, Mollie takes time to chat and connect with each client. Amazing lady! read more

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My husband & I are so stoked to have Mollie's in town! We're local and there's not a great selection of quality food in Carp. So let's get to the point. 1. Mollie & her son are some of the sweetest people you will ever meet! 5 star service. We bring our little ones with us and they are always so kind to them. 2. THE FOOD! I drool just thinking about it the Gnocci is amazing and my hubby loves the bolognese. Don't pass this place up. read more

Mollie's - Gnocchi & Pasta Alla Bolognese - Italian Near Me - Carpinteria, California

We were so excited to hear that Mollie has a new restaurant! We've missed her amazing food so much. Everything was just as we remembered... large portions and absolutely delicious. Mollie is incredibly gracious, and her love of cooking shines through in every dish. read more

Mollie's - Gnocchi and homemade bread - Italian Near Me - Carpinteria, California

Amazing food! Highly recommend!! Her meatballs are to die for- but so is EVERYTHING! Truly authentic Italian!

As a chef myself I get pretty discouraged by some of the meals I have had. I saw a sign up today that said italian deli...let me say this..it's so much more than a deli. I went in thinking I was going to get a sandwich and chips..then saw the menu. My friend ordered the penny with meatballs I decided on lasagna. As I sat down I noticed a cookbook the chef/owner had written and realized this was an extraordinary place. The meatballs amazing..a bit of Ethiopia meets Italy. A fusion beyond expectations. The spinach pasta perfectly done. I was working and couldn't have wine but she has amazing selection of napa and Italian wines. Treat yourself. Don't let the Italian deli sign fool you. This deserved fine dining lunch without a doubt. Beautiful experience can't wait to go back. Thank you chef Mollie! read more

Really good Vodka chicken pasta! Mollie made it to order and the focaccia bread was so moist and tasty that it was the perfect combination. I couldn't resist the Tiramisu as well and I'm glad I got it! Mollie is a sweet heart and she make you feel welcome, the place is small but there is enough seating as well as a take out option. I noticed that the menu has lots of different options which is great! Last time we tried the minestrone soup and the bruschetta salad and they were ok but today I was happily surprised with the pasta! Definitely coming back for more yummy food! read more

Everything I have tried from Chef Mollie has been great. I've tried pastas, sandwiches, but random note my favorite dish was her soup. I'm a sucker for a soup and sandwich combo. The foccocia bread she makes is delicious. Everthing is a little on the pricy side but quality of the dishes shines through. Her storefront is also cute with a few speciality items to pick up as well. read more

Excellent food! Not to be missed. Mollie has cooked for Oprah. Pastas are delicious. read more

Amazing, delicious food. Wonderful and kind hosts. The ambience is very cozy. Small mom/pop shop with some of the best food. Reasonable prices, generous portions. The gnocchi and lasagna were so good!!! read more

Yelp got it right again! The lasagna was delicious. It was light and filled with flavor but creamy with no overwhelming cheeses. It was so good I wanted to take some home, but my husband said we needed a good excuse to come back to Carpinteria! The bread had the right amount of chew and flavor to pair well with the oil and vinaigrette. The restaurant was very cute and clean. And the ladies were so welcoming and kind, you definitely wanted to get to know them. We will be back. read more