This Michelin-starred spot in Santa Barbara welcomed us in, despite being clueless to their 2:30 -…read more4:30pm closing. We just had to order somewhat quickly-- which was EASY because the Menu looked incredible. Claiming to have "the best Caesar salad in town", we grabbed that, and two unique to the area / season pizzas. The Elote (hold the cilantro) & the Stone Fruit, with peaches, nectarines, local cheese, and house hot honey. Holy-cow, the dough was incredible to the touch, smell, taste. The toppings were so fresh and elevated. The Caesar lived up to its own hype, by being quite incredible. Bettina is also attached to a really cute lil' shopping center, that is worth visiting, if in the area. Specials thanks to the Associate of the Month, at the Mar Monte Hotel, for recommending this spot, which will go on my list of places to go, in SB.

Pulled up here on a Monday, packed, had to wait and I wasn't very happy. Kind of already know what…read morewas coming, thin pizza, long wine list, and overall mediocrity. Anyway this place is very well renowned so to each their own. Tried the pizza, bro the breading is like a CD disc, you know what this pizza reminds me of, taking a bite into just straight up ingredients and well it's not bad, I feel like you need to taste the rich dough along with it. Overall the ingredients they use aren't bad but it's just not my thing. The bread with the butter on the other hand was pretty rough but the butter helps a lot, creamy, soft, and overall I think it compliments the bread well. Pizza: 7.0 Bread: 7.4

We went back to Caruso's for a gratuitously nice end-of-summer date night, this time getting a 6:30…read moretable with a prime view. For some reason, the only option for that time slot was the chef's tasting menu, though I wonder if we could have plead down to the four-course if we'd called ahead. The restaurant wasn't especially busy, and I'm sure there was some flexibility in the bookings. The chef's tasting was pretty decadent for a Wednesday. It was also a wonderful experience, a long dinner looking out at the beach, through sunset on a summer evening. Service was immaculate. Our waiter was fantastic, as was our sommelier Tre, a young guy with a clear passion for wine, who gave us handwritten recommendations for our upcoming trip to Paso Robles. We got the regional California wine pairing, and it was fun and educational, featuring several great wines that went well with our food. Dinner started with the house antipasti, a spread of small, delicate dishes. My favorite was probably the spot prawn open face sandwich with kimchi and finger lime, though I also loved the compressed melon topped with uni and Tsar Nicoulai caviar. There was a Baja kanpachi cigar, garnished with caviar, a super-thin toast with prosciutto and fig, and a shot's worth of sour plum juice flavored with cinnamon. Real Michelin star stuff here, both in the ceremony and the execution. Honestly, everything we ate was superb. The first larger course was the refreshing Cavaillon melon gazpacho with melon salad, feta snow, and an intricate melon rind tuille. Then we had a colorful Baja kanpachi crudo, silky raw fish arranged with shaved rhubarb, cucumber, avocado, pickled radish, pickled strawberry, and finger lime, with a strawberry aguachile sauce touched with serrano pepper. Next, we had Iron Chef tomato: tomato salad and tomato with panzanella; a sidecar of buffalo mozzarella and a "martini" of cool tomato water. Summery and light, with intensely concentrated tomato flavor. After that, bread service, house sourdough with ramp butter and Buellton olive oil. Two pastas, both very Caruso's, Italian cooking extruded through Montecito. There was casoncelli alla Nerano, crescent-schaped pasta with crispy fried zucchini, provolone del Monaco, and pine nuts. Then spaghettini with Stephanie's uni (thank you very much), burrata, and a lush tomato sauce fortified with shrimp consommé. We had the option of switching out our entrée courses for salmon and beef, for an extra charge. I don't know why one would do this with Channel Island white bass and Liberty duck as the default choices. Both were excellent, perfectly cooked. The bass came with Brentwood corn, chanterelles, and corn beurre a la nage, the duck--breast and sausage--with plum, in various forms, and sour prune sugo di cottura. There was a vibrant green palate cleanser of basil sorbet with candied pistachios and pickled and fresh blackberries, exactly my kind of dessert. Then a more decadent brown butter cake with marinated Santa Barbara peaches, pine nuts, and fig gelato, finished with vinegar infused with peach and fig. Finally, an array of mignardises: a chocolate hazelnut bonbon, a fig tartlet with goat cheese, a strawberry pate de fruit with Thai chili, a chocolate truffle with raspberry powder, and a Tahitian vanilla cigar with coffee. This was a special dinner, one I'd love to repeat in another few years. Next time, maybe we'll save Caruso's for a special occasion, but I'm glad we made the most of this lovely date night.

We had a memorable evening at Caruso's tonight. Their location is stunning. The restaurant is…read morelocated right on the beach. You cannot find a better oceanfront dining experience in Santa Barbara/Montecito. The hostess team was super friendly and chatty. Great first impression. One hostess took a photo of our group when asked. The wait staff team were very professional, knowledgeable, and fun. Vincent, Arturo, Ali, and Olive were just a few of the standouts making our evening unforgettable. We had at least another 5 or 6 other service team members that assisted throughout our culinary journey tonight. With the chef's tasting menu, we had a 4 hour dining experience. My only critique is that 80% of the time we had to pour our own wine. This is very unusual for a restaurant the caliber of Caruso's. While I don't believe the responsibility should rest entirely on our sommelier, Trey. However, he should be the one leading the charge on rectifying this service oversight. The lack of attentiveness on pouring our wine and cleaning the crumbs off the table were the two reasons I couldn't give Caruso's 5 stars. The unique, creative, and amazing food preparations that our group enjoyed all evening certainly wasn't the issue. Okay, so let's talk about the food. In a word...Amazing!!! Chef Massimo and his kitchen brigade are flexing their world class culinary gymnastics with local produce, seafood and proteins that scream Michelin experience. Each tasting course was beautifully presented on unique 'plates' or serving vessels that enhanced the artistry of Chef Massimo's tasting experience. We ate seasonal and local preparations that represented Santa Barbara farm and coastal cuisine incredibly well. Caruso's is a dining experience worth the every penny we spent. If you appreciate great food and service, treat yourself, your best friends, and your family to a chef's tasting dinner at Caruso's. It will be an amazing experience that will leave a lasting memory.

Tre Lune is a classic Montecito restaurant that lives up to its reputation. The atmosphere is…read morelively, even on a Monday night, and the restaurant's ambience fits perfectly with the the neighborhood. We started with the Frittura Mista di Pesce, which was lightly fried, fresh, and a great way to begin the meal. Excellent choice. The Gene Salad was another standout, simple, fresh, and well balanced. The tomatoes were so sweet. The food was solid across the board, the service was polished, and the energy in the dining room made for an enjoyable evening. A dependable choice in Montecito that I'll happily return to.

Had to stand on street to wait for our table that was empty next to us!…read moreDid not see a waiter for 15 minutes. Had to ask because they were busy even though our waiter had been standing at next table talking up the lady there. Finally a waiter arrived. No greeting. Took wine order but came back because he didn't remember what we ordered. 45 minutes later we had a glass of wine. I politely pointed out food all over the floor at table next to us. They sat people there without cleaning. Took our order, came back because he didn't remember my order! Food arrived. I have to say it was good burrata. Next course came, and I truly can do better at home! Both dishes disappointed. Left the food there. The attitude, the dismissals and the bland food was not worth it. We won't go back!

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.

We just had a post wedding lunch at Lilac Montecito for our daughter, husband and immediate…read morefamilies (reserved, 22 people). It was great to eat at a restaurant where you don't have to worry about someone accidentally getting gluten and becoming sick! The food was fantastic! I wouldn't have known it was GF. We ordered a wedding cake from their bakery (carrot). We ordered GFV (Vegan is an option) and it was delicious! I don't know how they did it and made it taste so good. The restaurant manager, waitress, and employees were so accomodating. It made the day very special for our family. Thank you Lilac Montecito! Martha Terry

We had a most delicious dinner at Lilac tonight! We ordered…read morefour starters, each one notable . Starting with tasty shrimp and clams, spicy and saucy with a knock out sauce and toast for mopping. Outstanding cauliflower seated on a bed of fantastic sweet and sour sauce. The fried calamari was delicious with a dipping sauce of spicy aioli. Sadly, we had no room for their famous desserts! Highly recommend this lovely spot in Montecito. Outdoor seating was pleasant and friendly .

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.

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.

We were so happy to finally be back in the area for round two at this spot. The great vibes and…read morefriendly staff made us feel right at home again. When it came time to order, we purposely decided not to look at what we had last time because we wanted to try something new. Well... turns out we ordered the exact same things! And honestly, I can't blame us. Once again, both the salad and the pizza were absolutely amazing and just as good as we remembered. While this pizza by no means needs ranch, the owner was kind enough to give us some of their house-made ranch to try. All I can say is... wow! The pizza is fantastic on its own, but that house ranch was seriously impressive and made for one heck of a bonus. It's always a great sign when you return somewhere and the experience lives up to the memory and this place definitely delivered again. Thanks again for another memorable experience. We can't wait for round three!

Picked up a couple pizzas for takeout - there were a lot of people picking up so it's clearly a…read morepopular spot! I liked the range of pizzas they have, we ordered a lemon mushroom and something with ricotta, bacon, and fig as well as some garlic knots. They were both really tasty; the fig one was my favorite pizza, but my favorite bite was perhaps the garlic knots! Perfectly fluffy and the marinara sauce was the perfect accompaniment. I would've liked more char on the crust, but no complaints otherwise. Definitely want to order from them again and try the Hawaiian and other pies.

Came here for their happy hour yesterday (2pm - 5pm M - F) and it did not disappoint! Had a few…read moredrinks and my friend and I shared the coxinhas, pizza, and ribs. We left feeling very satisfied. Everything was so good but the pizza and coxinhas were my faves. Our server was very attentive and made sure we had everything we needed. Ask for patio seating so you can dine while looking out into the ocean. Beautiful view!

So ate here twice while in town. I'd say modern Italian with some old world notes. Cocktails…read morewere on point, mojitos & old fashioned. First night, we had the potato appetizer to start & the market salad. The potatoes were yummy, probably could have just eaten them for my main. The salad was really fresh. The mains were: the risotto with scallops & the 7 hour veal bolognese. The risotto mentioned nothing of have octopus , which I later learned had, would have been nice to know way in advance. Note to the chef, some of us cannot have mixed seafood dishes. For dessert we tried the chocolate caramel bar - ooh what a gooey delight. The following night there was order of the chicken, the ribs, the lobster raviolis, bucatini and a margarita pizza. There were no complaints. Ambiance - casual; both in door & outdoor seating. There's heaters should it get chilly. Shall return our next trip down.

Fantastic all around! The patio is so cute and covered in plants. You feel like you're tucked away…read morein a secret garden with the whimsical mismatched tables and seats. Our server was very nice and when I ordered a gluten free pasta she brought out gluten free bread for the table without even asking, such a nice touch that I rarely see at restaurants. They were a bit busy the night we visited so the food took a while to come out, but it was worth the wait! I got the gluten free primavera Rosa with added chicken (and it only cost me $3 extra which so affordable!) and my date got the chicken piccata. We were both raving about it as we scarfed it down! This place really feels like they've invited you into their home for a delicious home cooked meal. I think it is also family owned and operated which I always so nice to see. Please visit Thario's kitchen, you won't be disappointed.

First, the ambience is really cozy! It looks like an old farm house with mismatched chairs, dishes,…read moreetc. feels like visiting Grandma! Love it! We were greeted by Pierre, our server, and he's probably the best server we've had in a long time! He's young but has great people attitude! Now onto to the food... It was spectacular! We had different dishes and all were equally delicious- lasagna, puttanesca and chicken piccata! I am a California native and although I was raised in LA, I spent my summers in this area but haven't had a chance to discover this hidden gem. It is definitely a must try and you hopefully the ocean breeze, and Thario's Kitchen will remind you why life is good.