Beautiful place for lunch. I ordered an Ethiopian lunch which came with two curries and injera. Yum for anyone wanting to try Ethiopian food within a good price. Nice server and access to Santa Barbara walking. Photos are from Christmas time read more

Went back for their Ethiopian food. As always, absolutely delicious food. PS - you can ask for more injera and they usually give it to you for no extra charge! read more

Petit Valentien - Injera with lentils, butternut squash and okra - French Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Outstanding in every way. Chef-Owned and family operated, which is evident in the attention to detail and the warm, friendly atmosphere. A somewhat limited menu, though the choices are well thought out and the presentation and preparation really show off the culinary expertise of Chef Robert. Less is more is obviously in play at this little culinary gem. Both food and wine selections are refreshingly, very reasonably priced. The location: "Hey round the corner, behind the bush" comes to mind. Very much a locals location, hard to find; but hands down, one of the best, small, intimate restaurants in the entire SB area. read more

The best restaurant in SB. (To me) :)The attention to detail the chef has is remarkable. The branzino, mushroom crostini, and mushroom soup are my favorites. The menu changes according to the season. The French wine I had last night here was lovely. They do Ethiopian cuisine for lunch on the weekends can't wait to try it out. read more

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Love love this place. Owner is TRUE French chef. All the dishes are super! It is level of Michelin! If you choose any dishes here you will be amazed. I really hope this restaurant continues long time. Very very good quality French dishes here. Thanks to Chef!! read more

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We've had good experiences with this place a year ago and we were excited to go again. Lovely location with pleasing bistro interior but when we arrived it was deserted. No bartender, no waitress and no customers, either. That we had to go find someone in the kitchen should've been our cue to leave. The service was lacking, no bread was forthcoming. We ordered fish and it was over cooked and greasy, literally bathing in oil. Don't know what happened since last year, but nothing good it would seem. Used to be a nice place. read more

What a lovely restaurant! We went to an early dinner before a show at the Granada. The food was delicious and the service was exceptional. The vibe of the restaurant was very European and welcoming. We started with the mushroom crustini and cheese plate and then the chef did a split plate on the veal as our entree. Every bite was flavorful and fantastic! The portions are generous... perfect for sharing. And the pricing was very reasonable. A nice touch was the chef coming out to check on us! read more

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We've only been here for the lunch special, but it definitely left an impression. The food has that classic French style - simple, clean flavors that the chef brings together really nicely. Nothing over the top, just well-executed dishes that let the ingredients shine. You know it's good when you walk in at lunchtime and it's packed with old folks. That's always a sign that the food is legit - they know where to find quality meals, and this place clearly hits the mark. The vibe is relaxed, and it feels like the kind of spot where you can take your time and enjoy your meal. We're looking forward to coming back to try more of the menu. If you're in the mood for some quality French-inspired cooking without the fuss, this place is worth a visit. read more

Every time I am a new town I look for French restaurants since they are hard to find these days. Found a good one in Santa Barbara. Very pleasant dinner with excellent food. Inside was a vintage building with pretty decor. They also had outside tables in the passageway which would have bee nice in warmer weather. We started with excellent bread and a crab cake and then went for the veal Milanese and finished with a creme brûlée. Everything was perfect and the serivvce very good. Parking is available a black away. read more

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Excellent French cuisine This place is a real find. In La Arcada, Petite Valentien's offers up a wonderful French meal. We started with the garden salad and their daily special starter which was beautifully locally foraged chanterelles in a very light butter sauce over freshly made pappardelle - just superb. We followed with the petrale sole in a light lemon caper sauce served over a bed of fresh al dente green beans - so tasty, and the branzino - delectable. Dessert was a simple Crème brûlée. Nice wine list and all very modestly priced. Not to be missed. Highly recommended. read more

Always delicious, a charming little restaurant in La Arcada A wonderful place to enjoy lunch in downtown Santa Barbara read more

Driving back to Ventura and had to stop here! My bf loves this place. We cannot drive by SB and not stop here. He loved the chicken and lamb! He also really enjoyed the red cabbage, mushrooms and lentils. Good customer service. read more

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Hard to accurately rate a business when you didn't get to try their food. But that's why I'm leaving a review. Walked in an hour before closing and was told to wait 20 minutes in case any reservations didn't show up. There were at least 4-5 tables available the entire time. An older (rich) looking couple came in and asked if they could sit 20 minutes after I asked and immediately got sat. When I went to see why she didn't come out to sit us she said we're full for the day... why waste someone's time and make them wait plus not let them know if you're full or not? Extremely shocked at the lack of common sense here. Was excited to finally try this spot but instead, they're getting a 1 star and lost a large group of customers. read more

LOVED our total dinner experience - food, ambience, pricing - all outstanding. Will definitely be dining here again. Limited menu but in a good way as every dish was superb. read more

Tucked just off State Street is this gem of a restaurant that checks so many boxes for me. There I discovered outstanding food and wine, friendly service, and a comfortable ambiance. It's also dog friendly. I'll be back. read more

We stopped here for a weekday lunch and it was mostly empty when we arrived. They have a few lunch specials. We had the steak with mushroom crostini and the crab cake with spicy avocado sauce. Both were delicious. Our food was a bit slow to arrive because they seemed understaffed. There seemed to be only two people working: one waiter and one cook. Nice decor inside and several tables outside. read more

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We just had a great lunch here. We each had one of their four lunch options and all were delicious and prepared exquisitely. The service was good and environment is very nice. read more

Didn't know they were open for lunch with even more reasonable prices and delicious food. Excellent and relaxing time having lunch with my cousin. AAA+ trifecta for food ambivalence and service read more

We sat for 20 minutes before anyone acknowledged just. Perhaps the poor man was the only waiter working that night. We ended up leaving. read more

This underrated restaurant is our secret treat in a cute little alleyway in the heart of State Street!!! As locals we always wonder why we don't come here more often!!! read more

We had the most amazing food experience at Petite Valentien, the hourdourves and main dishes were beyond freshness and delicious, the presentation was amazing, wine selection perfect and thebservice impeccable!!! read more

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Overall, still wonderful after all these years, even though the prix fixe is a thing of the past. Actually, we liked the a la carte ordering, as it gave us more flexibility. We've been visiting Santa Barbara several times a year for many, many years and coming here on just about every trip. On our most-recent visit, the soup du jour was chanterelle bisque (can't quite remember whether they called it that), and it was wonderful, especially with warm, delicious bread (extra charge for bread and olives, but well worth it). The Dover sole was cooked perfectly and enjoyed tremendously. The steak au poivre had excellent flavor, although the meat itself was somewhat tough/stringy/chewy. One odd thing was a complete lack of any potato-based side dish (not sweet potato, which was available) EXCEPT for cold deli-style potato salad, which, while tasty, did not go extremely well with the entrees we picked. We've had excellent potatoes au gratin and mashed potatoes, among other sides, in the past, and something like that was sorely missed. The chocolate Marquise dessert was outstanding in every way. Service was perfectly pleasant and eager to help, if a tiny big inexperienced. Overall, this is a great restaurant, with very high standards, and is highly recommended. read more

Wonderful food & delightful service ! We were very happy and satisfied! I highly recommend this wonderful Ethiopian food experience . Open 11:30-2:30 perfect for a weekend brunch! read more

Petit Valentien - Ethiopian teff bread family with spicy chicken , beets , lentils , oakra , and lamb . - French Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

We had a delightful and delicious dinner here tonight. We sat outside and it was the perfect setting for us to enjoy our dinner and conversation. The food was perfect- from our salad to the crème brûlée and French press coffee. read more

We were looking for some Ethiopian food while driving by Santa Barbara, and were pleasantly surprised to find out that Petit Valentien has an Ethiopian food menu on the weekend during lunchtime! The restaurant has both outdoor and indoor seating--the outdoor area in particular has a great atmosphere. For the Ethiopian food, note that some ingredients may run out if you go later in the day. The food was pretty good overall, though some of the dishes felt like they could use a bit more flavor compared with dishes at some other Ethiopian restaurants. We liked the okra and the lentils. Prices are on the higher side for the portions, with $9/veggie and $13/meat a là carte, and $18 for a combination plate which is intended as a one-person serving. read more

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My friend & I had dinner at Petit Valentien in La Arcada Plaza last night. I don't go there often enough! It is pretty, warm & cozy & the food is so good. They have kept their prices very reasonable. My petrale sole & my friend's pork tenderloin were each $25. I do not know the owners but wanted to get the message out how lovely this place is. read more

Petit Valentien - French Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Came for the Ethopian but unfortunately they didn't have it on Fridays :( I got the soup du jour as a side with the lunch special - forgot the name but it was tomato based with olive oil. Was surprised that it was a cold soup... I know it's meant to be cold but personally enjoy soups warm/hot so it was just eh. Flavor was also just okay, nothing special. The lunch special was shrimp and tortellini. Portion was small so I wasn't full after both the soup and this main dish, but the flavor was really distinct from other tortellini I've had! Writing this review like 2 months late so I can't put my finger on it, but the dish was light and very comforting. The area this restaurant is in is super cute, great vibes for outdoor dining. read more

Petit Valentien - Soup Du Jour - French Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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This is a sweet little restaurant. It is a great value for lunch; dinner, less so. The menu is simple and everything is priced separately. The kale salad is really really good, full of garlic without being over garlicky (if that's possible). The sole is always very good. The flat iron steak last night was good also. The menu presentation could definitely be freshened up. The server was good and nice without being pushy. read more

What gem in the small treasure chest of good restaurants in SB. My friend and I came here on Valentine's Day and were seated immediately, no wait!! The waitress was welcoming and polite. I ordered a few appetizers, soup, salmon and desserts. All were beautifully presented and tasted beyond delicious. My salmon was cooked to perfection, evenly caramelized on the outside, juicy and flakey on the inside, very fresh! All our food came out in order, on time and to temp. For dessert, I got the cheese cake and my friend got the cream brûlée. Both were wonderful and hit our sweet spots. As we finished up our desserts, the owner came out to pull in the tables for the night he started talking to us. This is so major in fine dining. It adds so much more to the experience, such a personal touch. This interaction gives customers the opportunity to gauge their passion for the craft and the importance of your business to them. The owner told us about the Ethiopian food served on weekend afternoons (11:30-2:30 sat & sun.) SB needs more food options other than Italian and Mexican fare. Also, Robert (the owner/chef) informed us of a COFFEE ceremony on Monday's 10-11!! I'm there! He also shared some stories with about his recent experiences at his home in Ethiopia and showed us a few food pictures. This was a great close to our Valentine's Day evening. It's was really refreshing to just chat with a down to earth local restaurant owner. Thank you for that, it was much appreciated. I'm a sucker for good salmon, coffee and adventurous food such as Ethiopian when available. I will be back for more! Side note: I was too busy being hungry and eating I didn't take any pics... :( next time :)) read more

Probably THE BEST local spot in Santa Barbara. Well made simple food without breaking the bank. Robert and his wife came up with a French Ethiopian themed restaurant, and let me tell you, it totally works. It is by far the best kale Caesar salad I've ever had. In addition to that, I can easily lick the plate for the roasted beets. Don't skip out on a local gem. read more

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Husband and I walked by Petit Valentien this afternoon and the Ethiopian lunch dishes we saw on the patio looked great, so we stopped in for dinner about 30 minutes ago. We weren't in a huge rush, but we didn't have hours to dine, because I had dough proofing at home and needed to attend to it. Hubby walked in and checked in with waitress and came out saying we should take any seat we wanted and she'd be right out with menus. So, we sat next to the Xmas tree on the patio and waited... and waited... and waited. We figured she couldn't see us so we moved right next to the front door, where she couldn't miss us. After waiting several minutes, I decided we would wait 5 more minutes and then find somewhere else for dinner. After 3 minutes, a 30-something brunette waitress came and dropped off menus. I let her know the table was wobbly and she said she'd bring a block for it (which she never did). Oddly, I detected a twinge of attitude from the waitress with that exchange... not sure why, but there was an element of nastiness in her tone. She also turned on the table-side heater, which was very effective, if somewhat atmosphere-killing, because of its very bright coils. I pulled up Yelp to look at the pics of the entrees and we settled on what we wanted to order. After about 5 more minutes, the waitress returned and informed us that dinner would take longer here than other restaurants. I let her know I was proofing dough at home and if we ordered immediately, how long would it take. She replied that if we ordered faster, the food would come faster. (Duh! Crazy how that works!) Again, a twinge of nastiness. Hubby and I heard the specials and I asked her to repeat the sides on one of the specials. Attitude was ramping up from her. I asked her what her favorite item on the menu was and she replied, "I can't say. You're the one who's going to eat it, not me! The chef wouldn't even tell you." I didn't dare ask another question, because she was in full beeeyatch mode. We both ordered off the regular menu. Then, she said it would be 20 minutes and we ordered wine. Before she left, I asked the waitress if she could please ask the chef not to hold the entree until we finished the appetizer... just to put it all in at once. Her response? "The chef doesn't need to be micromanaged like that." And that, my Yelp friends, was my limit to the abuse I was going to take from this witch of a waitress. I smiled and said thank you, but we aren't going to stay. She said okay, opened the door, walked into the restaurant, and I could hear her behind me exclaiming with a groan as she entered, "Oh my Gaaaaawwwdd." Good thing they're in a tourist zone, because Petit Valentien can have a fresh supply of customers the waitress can abuse. As for this local, I'd recommend one of our other many fine dining establishments and give this one a wide berth, if service is important to you. Two last comments: First, we noticed the restaurant had a Help Wanted sign posted, looking for servers, which could hint that maybe the attitude starts at the top and they have a hard time keeping servers. Second, I noticed another one of the local Yelp Elite crew (and other reviewers) also commented on the rude and inattentive service here. Seems to be a trend and unfortunately, it was our unlucky turn to experience it tonight. read more

The sea bass and sole main dishes were superb. Appetizers were really good. Service was excellent and the lovely bistro ambiance in the most quintessential Santa Barbara setting makes for a memorable evening. I think it is a treasure for Santa Barbara! read more

Delicious Ethiopian food in a great area. I visited this restaurant with a party of 4 (myself included) on a Sunday afternoon for their Ethiopian brunch. Located in the La Arcada in State Street, this restaurant is close to city parking structures, shopping, other restaurants, and theaters. The closest structure is right behind the restaurant and is $1.50 an hour. The restaurant has indoor and limited outdoor dining. The dining room is cozy and cute, and set up like a living room with table and chairs. The booth cushions were in need of replacement. A bar sits along the far wall. The vibe inside was social and friendly. The menu was simple and included options of ala carte or combination plates of 3 vegetable options or 2 vegetables options and one meat choice. Among all 4 of us, we chose the fish and all of the vegetable options. Our food arrived after a short to moderate wait and was brought out on two platters. Presentation was very good. The platters were neat, organized, and colorful. Most importantly, the food was outstanding! Customer service was wonderful. Our server was patient, friendly, and helpful. The single user, gender neutral restroom was clean and functional. Prices were good. We would definitely visit again. read more

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Lunch Small menu but excellent. Food delicious Delightful restaurant in the middle of downtown

Lovely, quiet spot. We could easily converse. Very nice ambiance. I had bronzino- excellent!! Husband had pork tenderloin-excellent. Price point good. I'd expect to pay more for the quality. Delicious Sancerre white wine. Good service. Definitely will return. read more

I wasn't overly impressed by any of the dishes, but on the bright side, there wasn't anything that was notably bad or unpleasant. Out of all the dishes we tried, I enjoyed the crab cake the most. read more

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Veal schnitzel was delicious, with brie, lemon, and prosciutto adding zest and flavor. Sumptuous. Beet salad with goat cheese was very refreshing read more

A true dinning experience, a delightful small resturant in Santa Barbara, with great food and service. It was quiet so that we could converse and enjoy a conversation. The food was amazing, the branzino perfect. I can't wait to go back. Marlene read more

local Santa Barbara resident. Im I was the first customer on a Saturday night on the way to an event next door. Out of politeness, I spoke to the chef in French (I'm from a local French family). He walked away from me because he's an American from New York and doesn't speak French (I did not know). I ordered the steak au poivre in red wine sauce (not cream) medium well and requested it "light pink." I received black, burnt steak on top of ice cold potato salad (it doesn't even make sense--why picnic potato salad on Saturday night. It was obviously leftovers, previously made and slapped on the plate instead of fresh cooked potatoes.. It was deliberate slight by the American chef, whom I always assumed was French, because I greeted him and spoke to him in French. He decided to give me the worst meal not fit for tourists. Disgusted and furious to be treated so shabbily. My dinner was burnt and horrible and my night was ruined. Unlike previous reviewers, my service was good, but she was helpless in the face of such tyranny and contempt for customers. Absolutely furious! I will never return or recommend. read more

Truly amazing. We ate here on a Wednesday evening. It was quiet and we were initially the only patrons there. We ordered the roasted beets starter and the veal milanese dish. Both were absolutely delicious -- so so tasty and made to perfection. The waitress was also very attentive and kind. We are outside and enjoyed the beautiful courtyard scene. What a gem-- I already can't wait to come back. Absolute excellence. read more