Roy

Verrrrrry good I even pack them all home…read moreCan't wait to have it today Ribs are soooooo good Kids likes it soooo much

Definitely Biggie Approved!…read more Shalhoob has become a must-stop for us whenever we visit Santa Barbara from San Diego! We've been many times, and the food keeps us coming back. We've even ordered online their tri-tip seasoning when we've run out! The tri-tip sandwich is top-notch, the French dip is unbelievable, and the fish tacos are fantastic. They also have a great beer selection, including their own brews. My personal favorite is their 7.1% hazy IPA--perfect alongside a great meal! Their happy hour is another reason to visit, and we love that they're dog-friendly. We didn't bring our dog this time, but this place is definitely Biggie approved! Be sure to check out the meat shop, too. They have different cuts of meat, sausages, beef jerky, seasonings, and sauces, so you can take a little Shalhoob home with you. If you're visiting Santa Barbara, put Shalhoob on your list. It's a place we're always stoked to return to!

Family style

1/4lb Tri-Tip ($13)

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Mac & Cheese ($7.50)

The Lark

4.2(2.1k reviews)

0.8 mi

First off, a huge thank you to the hostess last night who got us in half an hour early. We happened…read moreto be in the area early, checked in and she was able to get us a table, despite how busy it was. I even saw her bussing and setting up tables for the incoming parties. Wish I got her name but she was the super sweet blonde with the two braids in her hair. This place seemed to be the hottest ticket in town. It stayed busy ALL night and for good reason-the friendly service and the delicious food. Started with 3 of their super fresh west coast oysters. Loved the pink peppercorn mignonette it came with. Loved the crunch and flavors and the sweet oysters. The wedge salad was probs the best I've had-pork belly lardons, smoked blue cheese, spicy pecans and an herby vinaigrette. 3 mini heads of lettuce was perfect. Cornbread is a must-try. Crisp exterior and hot, soft, corn mealy goodness inside, perfect touch of sweetness from the wildflower honey and a bit of heat. The Brussels sprouts had so much umami from the fish sauce and crunch from the crispy rice and sesame seeds. Another must-order. I know we're in Santa Barbara and should be eating seafood but their Jidori Fried Chicken with the house pickled veggies and the duck leg confit were outstanding. Seriously not one bad dish tonight. Def bookmark this spot and make resy's early (nothing between 5pm and 8:30pm on a busy Friday night), and a super central location with lots of wine bars and breweries nearby.

Came here for a wedding reception, and I have to say, I absolutely loved the ambiance! This venue…read moreknows how to set up a private dining room. The lighting was vibrant while still blending beautifully with the overall aesthetic. The staff was also super attentive, constantly clearing plates and refilling my water without me even having to ask. I really loved the atmosphere here and would definitely come back! Brussels Sprouts: This was SO good! I'm usually not a fan of Brussels sprouts, but I couldn't stop eating these. The smoky flavor and richness made this one of my favorite dishes of the night. Definitely a standout! Tomato Sourdough Mozzarella Appetizer: This was decent. The tomato, sourdough, and mozzarella complemented each other nicely. My only complaint is that I wish the sourdough had been served on the side rather than mixed in with everything else. Buttermilk Jidori Chicken: Unfortunately, this was a miss for me. The chicken itself didn't have much flavor, and the breading kept falling off instead of sticking to the chicken properly. Definitely not my favorite dish of the night. Steak: Pretty decent! Nothing extraordinary, but it hit the spot. I believe it was a filet mignon served with a mustard sauce, though I could be mistaken. Creamy Pasta: This was my co-star of the night alongside the Brussels sprouts! The creamy sauce had so much flavor, and everything worked together beautifully. I just wish I had gotten the name of the dish because I would love to order it again. It was made with long pasta noodles, and I honestly could have eaten more! Overall, I loved the ambiance, attentive service, and a few standout dishes. The Brussels sprouts and creamy pasta alone made a great impression on me. I'd definitely come back to explore more of the menu!

Dining room

Handmade Rigatoni Pasta

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Tea Time (NA)

The Black Sheep Restaurant + Bar

4.4(1.3k reviews)

0.4 mi

My partner and I came to celebrate our one year anniversary and we had an amazing time!! We chose…read moreto do the 4 course tasting menu which was out of this world and incredibly worth the price. Each dish was so flavorful and made with so much care. My favorite dish was the pumpkin style gnocchi we had and the branzino fish, he loved the bone marrow. The soup I forgot to take a picture of was potato and leek with truffle was amazing as well. The restaurant is also very cozy with great ambience and we had fantastic service.

This was a last-minute booking, and I was glad to see plenty of seats available. The food was…read moredelicious and full of flavor. Yummy! The portions were quite small (that sucks!), but the quality and taste definitely made up for it. The restaurant itself is beautiful. I really loved the décor and the overall atmosphere, especially the upstairs section. I was seated in a corner on the ground level, though, and it was extreeeemely hot. The front door was open, but I didn't notice any fans, and I don't believe there is air conditioning. My date was sweating, and I was feeling quite warm as well. We also didn't have any ice in our water, which would have been especially nice given the temperature. Our waiter was pleasant and friendly, although the service didn't feel particularly memorable or exceptional. I was also a little surprised that bread and butter cost extra if you'd like them before your main course. Overall, I want to thank the chef for preparing such delicious food. I would definitely return if I needed a last-minute booking.

Great for private events & gatherings.

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Finney's Crafthouse

4.2(1.7k reviews)

0.9 mi

Liz was our server and she was the best server we ever had here. she was so sweet and attentive and…read moremade sure we had everything we needed. will definitely be requesting her when we come back here!

Food was absolutely amazing, great staff who were 10/10 on attentiveness. Great way to hang out…read morewith friends and I highly recommend the patio. I ordered lobster rolls and I made a mistake by not seeing capers are all throughout the roll vs just a topping. But if you love capers please indulge. Great spot when visiting Santa Barbara

Happy Hour Time

Bacon & Blue Burger

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Stearns Wharf

The Palace Grill

4.3(1.8k reviews)

0.4 mi

Where do I even start with some many positives. For starters the service was amazing. Our waiter…read morechecked on us multiple times ontop of being friendly and in a good mood. It seemed like they really enjoy what they do. We never needed to ask for water because they made sure our cups were always full. The place would make people think it's touristy because of the decor but it's just decorated very mardi gras themed. I liked it though, it was endearing. PLUS they did a sing along with all the customers. It seems like one of those last remaining places that a kid would go to and then remember it fondly in the future. And the food was really good! Except I ordered some kind of chicken dish with a garlic and wine "sauce" that I do not recommend. I forgot the name of it, but later when i asked what was in it the server said it was a "holindase Cajun sauce". Which would explain why I didn't like it.i hate holindase sauce lol but maybe other people will enjoy it. All in all 5 out of 5!

This place was spectacular! I came here for my birthday and am so glad I did because this is a…read moreplace I'd come back time and time again. The ambience was lively, the service staff were warm, and the food was amazing. One of my favorite things they offered as starters were their assortment of mini muffins (banana nut, rosemary, cheese etc). They were so good! The staff was nice enough to give me some to take home at the end of our meal. As we were enjoying the muffins, there was point in the evening where the staff all came together and sang "Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong. It felt special and was nice hearing everyone sing along. We eventually ordered a jambalaya pasta dish and fish with vegetables dish. Needless to say, the pasta was out of this world. It was creamy, savory, and perfectly balanced in flavor. I'd come back just for that pasta dish alone, and that says a lot as I am not a huge pasta lover. Since it was my birthday, they surprised me with an ice cream dessert with chocolate writing on the plate. I was most impressed with the quality of chocolate they used for the writing. It was not Hershey's syrup one would assume, they went an extra step and used high quality thick chocolate that they melted to write my birthday greeting in cursive. Thankfully my name is long so I could eat more chocolate lol. By the end of the meal, I left the Palace with a feeling of nostalgia and mild sadness because I had to leave. That's when I knew I experienced something special. I can't wait to go back!

Jambalaya Sauce Piquante

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Louisiana Bread Pudding Soufflé & Dark Chocolate SoufflE

Finch & Fork

4.2(1.7k reviews)

0.1 mi

My date and I really enjoyed the Tomahawk dinner special. The chef did a fine job combining all the…read moreingredients to create such a tasty steak, and I especially appreciated that it was already sliced for us. My date, a steak professional and strict carnivore, rated it "good." I, on the other hand, thought it was super delicious! The booth seating was comfortable, too. Service was great overall--except that we were given someone else's tab. Fortunately, the total was about the same as what our steak dinner would have cost, so I didn't realize there was a mistake until I got home. That's when things got a little frustrating. I tried calling the restaurant several times to correct the error, but no one ever picked up. By late morning the next day, I finally got through, and a woman told me the manager would call me at noon to help sort things out. Unfortunately, noon came and went, and I never heard from him. I'm curious whether my message actually got through and whether the manager will eventually call me. Fortunately, I'm local, so I'll stop by the restaurant on my evening walk and take care of it in person. Overall, I enjoyed the dinner and would happily go back--but if you need to reach them, don't rely on the phone!

This is the on site restaurant at the Kimpton canary downtown Santa Barbara. It's adjacent to lobby…read morebar and lounge. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. We stayed here for a weekend so we had breakfast / brunch here in the mornings. This restaurant is very cozy and comfy. Except a bit of toddler crying here and now since this is a family restaurant especially in the mornings. For breakfast we have tried local fruit plate, breakfast plate and California style shakshuka. Also sides of fruits and smoked salmon. The food was delicious in healthy portions. The service was fantastic and very welcoming! We were very impressed with this hotel restaurant and will come back whenever we are in town!

Inside 10/15/25

Bailey's Brioche French ToastFrench

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Craft Cocktails from Happy Hour

Barbareño

4.4(652 reviews)

0.2 mi

Soo good! Saw this as a top recommended spot and I was really impressed by everything. We were able…read moreto call in a last minute reservation for five people. Service was great and our server was really attentive. We weren't super hungry so just ordered a few bites to share. What we got: -Ranchero Scotch Eggs -Beet Salad -Ricotta Dumplings -Santa Maria BBQ I would everything again except for maybe the dumplings as it was more of a donut than dumpling. But the flavor combinations and plating of everything was honestly so good. You must get scotch eggs! I was very impressed with this dish. It was such a fun dinner and must go to when in Santa Barbara!

Barbareño completely delivered for our date night! We started on their patio, which has the perfect…read morecasual yet elevated atmosphere, and were taken care of by a warm, friendly staff. We kicked things off with the crudo and the summer vegetables, followed by the fried chicken and ranch and the sea bass for our main courses. Every single dish was packed with noteworthy flavor. For dessert, the vegan, gluten-free avocado mousse was absolutely divine! I also highly recommend their N/A basil shrub if you're looking for a delicious sober-curious option. The menu is on the smaller side, but it clearly changes seasonally to focus on peak local ingredients. That farm-to-table energy was exactly what we were looking for. Highly recommend--we loved every minute and will definitely be back!

Animal potatoes

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Beers

Nook

4.1(296 reviews)

0.9 mi

The Nook has some of the best fries in town…read more The Nook has a very decadent burger called the Blue Cheese Tortilla Wrap. It's exactly how it sounds wrapped in a crispy tortilla. Plan a nap if you eat this in one setting. My typical goto's are the Nook Burger, Loaded Tots and Quesadilla.

Delicious fried cauliflower!! Oh man incredible. Lightly fried, creamy topping sauce. Hard to find…read morethe ordering area, it is stressful and unorganized. But the good made up for it.

Turkey Burger and Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich

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Opal

4.3(1.2k reviews)

0.4 mi

I've eaten there multiple times with friends and by myself. Always get great service no matter…read morehow many is in the party. The food is amazingly good. My mouth is watering just thinking about the food. The sound level is great for dining. You can speak normally or quietly to the person sitting next to you or across the table and be heard. Strongly recommend to everyone!

This is my second review of Opal Restaurant, and once again, the food and service were excellent!…read more Our waiter was very attentive, respectful, and helpful, which I really appreciated. He brought our food and drinks promptly, and everyone in our group enjoyed their meal! My paella was sooooo delicious, with a great variety of seafood, perfectly cooked, moist rice, and just the right amount of broth--not too much unnecessary liquid (thank you very much!) It was exactly what I was hoping for! Our waiter also helped me choose my wine and was very knowledgeable about the different varieties and their flavors. I really appreciated his recommendations and help. Another great experience at Opal. I'll definitely be back!

Interior

Halibut daily special

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Jaffurs

Reunion Kitchen + Drink

This was our first time here while visiting town for a weekend getaway, and it ended up being one…read moreof the highlights of our trip. The location is absolutely beautiful and it's right on the boardwalk overlooking the beach. If the weather is nice, I highly recommend sitting outside and enjoying the view. We ordered the BBQ Chicken Cobb Salad and the Crunchy Chicken Sandwich. The salad was incredibly flavorful and fresh, but the real star of the meal was the sandwich. Our waiter, Justus, recommended getting it on brioche bread with grilled chicken instead of fried, and it was hands down one of the best chicken sandwiches I've ever had. I honestly can't stop thinking about it and will probably come back next time I'm in town just for that sandwich alone. A huge shoutout to Justus for making our experience exceptional. He was attentive, friendly, genuine, and incredibly knowledgeable about the menu. He took the time to walk us through his favorites and the crowd-pleasers, even though the restaurant was busy. He checked on us throughout the meal, our food came out quickly, and he even gave us recommendations for places to visit around town. The manager also stopped by our table to make sure we had everything we needed, which was such a nice touch. Everyone here was welcoming and genuinely seemed to care about providing a great experience. The food was fantastic, the service was outstanding, the prices were very reasonable for the location, and the oceanfront atmosphere can't be beat. After lunch, we took a relaxing stroll along the beach, which made for the perfect end to our meal. Highly recommend this place, and if you see Justus, you're in great hands!

The Anaheim location is one of my go-to spots so I made a reservation for the SB location for a…read moreweekend trip. The location and ambiance are beautiful; however, we were disappointed from the beginning with a few things. First, we were sat at a dirty table, the host sat us down and then wiped the table after we were seated. We then waited for over 15 minutes before we were even greeted by a server. At this point, we were already disappointed with the service. The rest of the night was okay, the service was not awful but not spectacular either. While we were eating, another server came by and switched out our salt and pepper shakers which weren't even halfway empty. This was an unnecessary interruption to our dinner. The only highlight was definitely the food, especially the wings, which never disappoint. The cioppino, garlic noodles, and tater tots were all delicious as well. I've tried the clam chowder at the Anaheim location multiple times and this time it was a bit runnier than usual. The flavor was okay but the consistency was a little off. Other than that, our food was great. Drinks were also good!

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Dad's Mai Tai

BLT with Avocado and Fried Egg

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22 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

A R.

116

13 years ago

This is the first time that Yelp has ever let me down. As for all the positive reviews, are they friends of the owners? The negative reviews are the ones I should've heeded, but I didn't. There are so many good restaurants in SB that it makes wasting your money, time and calories here all the more a vexing futility. We all know Roy's, the great fusion restaurant with locations in exotic places like Hawaii, San Francisco, Newport Beach. This is not affiliated with them in any way. Not by a long shot. My first tip is that the place was empty. No good restaurant in Santa Barbara is ever empty. Even the mediocre ones are crowded. I went in on a weekend, it was the fourth restaurant I tried. First we tried Santa Barbara Shellfish Company first, the wait was 1 and 1/2 hours. Los Agaves: 30 minutes. Carlitos: 1 hour. Restaurant Roy was #4 on the list, and good things on Yelp gave us positive expectations. So down to the dinner: our party of three was seated in the empty restaurant, and we ordered "Filet Mignon Meatballs with Pasta", "Lobster and Salmon Terrine Crepes", and "Poached Sea Bass". The descriptions sounded great. The prices were high, average around $20 which usually indicates quality. Not in this case! The waitress informed us they were out of Sea Bass, and would substitute salmon. The service was poor, our water glasses went empty and stayed empty for the entire hour we were there. First big strike. Second strike: it took a LONG time for our meals to come out. Only three people in the restaurant and we had to wait an inordinately long time? guess what, there is no culinary team in the kitchen, there's just one old lonely guy who looks bored out of his mind. So down to the meal: Tiny, tiny portions. My Filet Mignon Meatballs were not ground Filet Mignon. They were just ground beef. In fact, they tasted worse than any ground beef meatballs I've had lately. Not only were they burned to a black, dry crisp but they had no seasoning. They were hard and nasty. The pasta? NO HERBS, SPICE or FLAVOR! I commented to my wife it was as bad as Chef Boyardee. My wife's Salmon? she's not picky, but it tasted fishy, not up to snuff. My son's Lobster and Salmon crepes were so tiny, pathetic and bland that after the meal ($75 for three of us) he asked to go to another restaurant to get some more food as he was still hungry. This is the kind of place that needs to go out of business. They rely on fleecing first timers, and you can get away with that in Santa Barbara because there's always a "fresh supply of suckers", but it is a terrible ethic, a terrible practice, and terrible karma. Avoid this place. Perhaps the biggest tragedy is that there are so many truly great restaurants in Santa Barbara to enjoy. read more

Evelyn Z.

16 years ago

I had to check this place out, simply because it seems so whimsical/unusual. There are ecclectic dinner specials for $10, all seemingly tasty--I opted for the pesto three-cheese raviolis with marinara sauce, which was good (not excellent). Though the portion size was nice, and the dense-but-soft honey bread very good. Free refils on softdrinks given by a totally nice/personable waiter. The interior feels very David Lynch-y, or perhaps out of a Vincent Gallo film, with dark navy blue walls and burgundy barstools and tables, 50's roadside inspired signage, abstract expressionist paintings by I'm assuming local artists, beautiful wrought iron chandeliers, and a homey/bluesy soundtrack. Neat candles aglow in square red holders adorn the tables, along with small cups containing a single rose. This is a very cool hangout spot with an interesting clientele--the rest of the food offerings are probably not first rate, but I would return for the atmosphere and uniqueness of menu alone. read more

Lewis M.

18 years ago

The food at Roy is decent, the bar is friendly, the drinks are strong, price is moderate. The steak is pretty good and I love the local artist's that Roy showcases on the walls. The art constantly changes, giving you something new to look at, almost every time you go in there. I like the owner a lot. He is down to earth, and almost always there. Listen close to this next statement because it is the locals secret, and if you miss it, you will end up at Denny's killing someone's Santa Barbara experience. This is the only late night, local place to eat, downtown after 10, when Joe's cuts off their menu. After 10, Roy is the ONLY place I would ever take an out of town guest to grab something to eat. In my world, we don't leave the house sometimes, for dinner, until 10 or 11 at night. That's just the way we work around the clock and lack respect for time and space. So, there it is. read more

Kevin M.

12 years ago

WARNING! The positive reviews are from before "The Change". This place used to be okay, now it's just terrible. Just .....no. Food=bland, questionable, poorly prepared. Two stars off. It's the most I've paid for such lousy food in decades. My fish was fishy, dry, overcooked, and without discernible herbs or spices. There are reviews below of people finding insects in their food, and recently they keep this restaurant so dim (as witnessed in other reviews below as well) that you can barely see what you're eating. Well, that's one way to disguise the bugs and hygiene problems plaguing your restaurant. Service: as bad as it gets. The other reviews complaining about service are not exaggerating. Two stars off. Value: no value. There's a reason this place is never busy anymore. With so many great restaurants in the area, how long can they stay in business? read more

Joe S.

Elite 24

2 years ago

We just had dinner here and had a wonderful time! The place has a cool, relaxed vibe that's perfect for a nice evening out. I ordered the sea bass, and it was delicious! It was perfectly cooked and came with fresh local veggies and tasty potato cakes. The mix of flavors was just right. The service was top-notch. Our server, Rhonda, was friendly and attentive, making sure everything was perfect. The owner, Roy, was really friendly as well. He took the time to congratulate our group (we were celebrating a graduation) as we were leaving, which made the experience even more special. Overall, this place is fantastic. Great food, a chill ambiance, and amazing service. Highly recommend it! read more

Harmony W.

157

13 years ago

I really enjoy the food at Roys but the service makes it hard to really enjoy the whole experience alltogether. Ive eaten here quite a bit. What first seems a little off is when you walk in, your not really sure what to do because no one is there to greet you at the door. Wait staff is nice, but it doesn't seem they hire people with any experience. You walk in confused, get seated, usually wait too long to be greeted, wait a little too long (in my personal opinion) for food, and interaction with staff seems a little awkward. I do however really enjoy the bread they give after you order, the super fresh ingredients, and always, ALWAYS enjoy the menu! read more

Godfrey S.

458

16 years ago

I ate here for the first time last night. The place was empty (a Monday night). Martinis were delicious, as was the bread. My chicken Marsala was excellent and my partner's food (Italian) was also good. The best news is that the prices are moderate. Come on guys! Fill this place up. Strongly recommended. Follow up: Have eaten here 3 times since the first review. I keep coming back. The atmosphere is great, the martinis good, food remains excellent and the prices are not astronomical. Service is a little slow, but that's OK. read more

Steven B.

13 years ago

This is one of my favorite late night spots in Santa Barbara, especially considering its one of the only few late night spots to eat. The food is very nice and service always friendly. Roy the owner is usually around which makes for a nice experience and as a customer gives you confidence that quality is being considered. Last time I was there I got the pork entree and it was very good. If you're ever looking for a relaxed setting with good food and drinks, this is a great little spot around the corner from State Street. read more

Olivia B.

9 years ago

We have been going to Roy for many years - and have never had a bad meal. When friends are in town this is where we go. Farm fresh food, revolving art work on the walls and a cool ambience. Only place open late. How could you not love this place. read more

Yasmin G.

9 years ago

Grouchy G.

15 years ago

Did not eat but four stars for the drinks and the decor, which were both assertive. Met Roy, who couldn't have been nicer. I'll try the food next time! read more

Tessa M.

9 years ago

When friends are in town this is where we go. Farm fresh food, revolving art work on the walls and a cool ambience.

Jasmine G.

12 years ago

All plates are $15 for the month of August. Everything we ordered was delicious. No happy hour though.

Jacob C.

6 years ago

This place is awesome some of the best food I have ever had can't wait to go back thank you .

K A.

14 years ago

One of our favorite restaurants and cool backgammon tournaments too.

Michael L.

279

13 years ago

great food and live music. blazed up from a kush clean cleaned bong

T. G.

8 years ago

Food was wonderful and the service was just as good.

R E.

15 years ago

Super good food and incredibly reasonably priced!!

Candice C.

125

148

14 years ago

Eh, I was pretty disappointed with my meal.

Chuck A.

14 years ago

I've been here a few times..... Skip.

Roy - newamerican - Updated October 2026

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Love the food. The drinks are delish! The outside seating is…read morepretty and inside is dark and cool. The specials are also fun!

I've dined at this restaurant many times and always enjoy its simple food and drinks. On this…read morevisit, I ordered the tri-tip tacos. They were good, but not great, as the meat wasn't as tender as I had hoped. This isn't a fancy restaurant, but the food is consistently decent, and the lively atmosphere makes it an enjoyable place to visit. The presentation is fairly basic, but the service is a highlight--the waitstaff were attentive and respectful throughout our meal. One thing I especially like is the variety of seating options. I've dined in all three areas over the years: the bar, the indoor dining room, and the patio, each offering a slightly different experience. The only downside was the payment policy. Our group wasn't allowed to split the check, so we had to settle the bill with cash. Since not everyone had cash on hand, it made paying much more inconvenient than it needed to be.

Skinny margarita and an old fashion! We were served with our drinks some little nibbles. Bread and a tasty dip.

Lobby

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Iced latte

Ca’Dario - Montecito

4.1

(113 reviews)

3.3 mi

I came in and sat at the bar and enjoyed a range of bites at the bar and a nice glass of domestic…read moreRiesling. The staff was very friendly and had a great attention to detail. I didn't see the back patio but it seemed like it was nice as thats where the majority of the tables were sitting. - while I was there the TV at the bar was broken also just as a quick note

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.

Rughetta Salad (Individual Size)

Inside

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The Spumoni tartufo

Jill's Place

My partner brought us to Jill's Place for dinner and it was my first time here - a lovely…read morehole-in-the-wall restaurant I had no idea existed! It's very down-to-earth with rustic vibes, where everyone sitting at the bar seemed to know everyone else! Very easy going and authentic atmosphere. They have lots of old equipment hung on the walls as decoration, along with several old-timey posters promoting Fiesta over the years. The waitresses and bartender were so nice! We got potato skins for an appetizer, a chicken sandwich with fries for him, and a French dip turkey sandwich with tater tots for me. The potato skins were perfectly crispy on the outside and soft in the middle, with the most amazing bacon bits on top! My sandwich was perfectly cooked and absolutely delicious. It also came with a side salad that was simple but very fresh and yummy. The tots were hot and crispy. Everything was wonderful! And the cherry on top for me were the lovely little centerpiece flowers - the most beautifully-colored roses! A wonderful experience all around!

Would I go here again? That is the question…read more Very clearly, a very popular place. Server was very friendly, did try to make a couple problems better by changing plates from soggy food. The sautéed spinach should've been in its own bowl. It was so full of liquid. Plus so suggested the patio when we said it was very loud. They have good staff, but I'm used to restaurants that want to make sure that patrons have the best possible experience. The halibut was really dry. I couldn't even eat half of it. My friend's sandwich ironically was served very soggy as well.

Fresh flowers on the table.

Bruschetta Lunch

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Happy Hour martini

Benchmark Eatery

Amazing smashburger, great beers on tap. Big windows at the bar top for some nice open air which…read morewas awesome. Had some nice conversations with Mike and Hudson working behind the bar, great dudes. Definitely coming back to try the reasonably priced steak.

I always enjoy coming here for a quick solo lunch whenever I have the time. It's always pretty…read morechill and the servers are nice. Today I was disappointed to find out that they removed the vegan patty option for their burgers, I always enjoyed eating their burgers here with it since I'm a vegetarian and options for a good vegetarian/vegan burger here are minimal. I guess the demand for the vegan patty wasn't there and it wasn't ordered enough to be kept on the menu, but it was still nice having the option. That being said, it gave me an opportunity to try out the Ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwich, it was very good but not as filling as a burger. I'll still come by for lunches by myself and with friends!

Beautiful afternoon on the outside patio at Benchmark Eatery

The Arlington Burger

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View of the outdoor patio seating and menu board at Benchmark Eatery

Costa Kitchen & Bar

"Outstanding Stay at Mar Monte Hotel - Heartfelt Thanks to Your Team!"…read more Dear Mar Monte Hotel Team, We recently stayed at your wonderful property and wanted to express just how much we enjoyed our time with you. From the atmosphere and accommodations to the amenities, our experience was absolutely top-notch. What truly made our stay unforgettable was your exceptional staff. Every person we encountered went above and beyond: - Costa Kitchen & Bar: - Evening drinks with Matt at the bar were fantastic--he is an absolute gem. A special thank you to Patricia, the Food & Beverage Manager, who greeted us in the evening and was wonderful. - In the mornings, it was a highlight to chat with George (Jorge), the F&B Director, as he made his rounds to greet guests at every table. We looked forward to speaking with him every day! - Morning Dining Team: Eric and Pedro provided stellar service at breakfast, and Emma at the host stand greeted us with warmth and kindness every single morning. - Valet Team: Derek and Jack were incredible--always friendly, quick to assist with our car, and super helpful when setting us up with the complimentary bikes. - Front Desk & Housekeeping: Jesus at the front desk was genuinely friendly, considerate, and the perfect welcoming face upon arrival. We also loved how warm and welcoming all the housekeeping staff were whenever we passed them in the halls. We enjoyed walking across the street to visit East beach, and also enjoyed your onsite pool, Jacuzzi, and the lovely outdoor sitting areas. The building we stayed in was fantastic, Santa Maria, and the food at Costa was excellent throughout our visit. If we could offer two small pieces of constructive feedback to make a great place even better: 1. Morning Coffee: Having complimentary coffee available starting at 6:00 AM, instead of 7:00 AM, would be a huge plus! I noticed every morning (along with myself) that many guests are up and ready for an earlier cup of coffee. 2. Hallway Flooring: The carpet in the hallway between the front desk and the pool is looking pretty worn down. Transitioning that space to a stone tile floor would elevate the aesthetic and hold up much better against pool traffic. We also love that your hotel is listed with Costco Travel now and loved our Costco executive perks offered at your hotel! These perks were outstanding with the complimentary breakfast from your scrumptious Costa restaurant menu and 50% off the valet fee. Overall, Mar Monte Hotel is a superb establishment. Thank you all for making our trip to Santa Barbara so memorable. We cannot wait to return! Warmest regards, Zabrina Tipton

Mediocre food for astronomical prices I ordered the salmon entree and the mezze plate for takeout…read more The salmon ($40) was a 3-4 oz piece of grilled fish with a small side of rice and four snap peas, all with barely any seasoning except perhaps a dash of salt. The mezze plate ($26) consisted of mostly a heap of tabbouleh with two chunks of feta cheese, a couple of tablespoons each of hummus and tzatziki, and four small falafel. There was no bread of any kind to go with the dips. Ordering over the phone was easy and service at pickup was quick and pleasant.

Whole Grilled Branzino Mezze Platter

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Whole Grilled Branzino Torta Mexicana Sandwhich

The Knock

Service here is great, they did not have the bone marrow and steak tartare. I think it's because…read morethey had too many people over the weekend. The Independent magazine article on this restaurant so I think it drew a crowd. When they asked us if we wanted indoor or outdoor, the indoor was too toasty for us so we opted for the outdoor seating. I came here because I wanted their Tomahawk Tuesday. I guess you can say it's a fancier version of Taco Tuesday or better spin-off...just costlier than tacos. The Pull-A-Part rolls are not that bad. It reminded me of a Hawaiian bun with the everything bagel seasoning on top and they provided some butter that had a little bit of a herbal taste. The short rib croquettes were very tiny and the short rib was dry. But I like how the corn was fresh and had a nice snap and the sauce had a nice Chipotle flavor. The tuna tostadas were very tiny for the amount that they cost. The tuna was flavored but still had a slight fishiness. I would not order it again because it's so tiny for the price. I did like the Fresno chilies on them tho. The smoke mac and cheese was pretty good. I did like the chewy texture, but it was not super smokey. The smoked gouda and parmesan was a good flavor combo. The green beans were crunchy and the toasted almonds gave it a little bit of nuttiness. The wife felt like it should have had some garlic flavor. And for the star of the show, the tomahawk was cooked a little unevenly. But I do appreciate them cooking the meat near the bone and accommodating us for wanting less salt on the steak. This is the only places we've been to that has actually cooked the meat on the tomahawk so you can actually eat the meat off of the bone. They do offer some chimichurri and some other creamy sauce. But I really like the chimichurri. The knife they provide to cut the meat is actually fun to cut with. I used the big knife over the steak knife (on the cutting board). In terms of flavor, I still prefer the Willows tomahawk, but this place is closer and the tomahawk is cheaper. I did appreciate them adding the cooked cherry tomatoes and green onions. It added a nice color to the steak and also good flavor. Our waitress Jennifer was nice and personable and also gave us some caramel popcorn on the house, which she informed us they make in house. The caramel popcorn reminded me of cracker jacks with no nuts. I would come back, but mainly for their tomahawk Tuesdays.

This is a tale of two parts... Firstly, the food was wonderful! But pretty much everything else…read morewas a disaster! We arrived for a booking at 6:15. There were three people behind the bar, but none of them took any notice of us. We finally approached the bartender and told him we had a reservation, expecting him to take some action or find a member of staff to help us. All he did was slap two menus on the bar top and say, well, what do you want?! Not a good beginning! Finally, after asking a second and third time, one of the other people came out from the bar area and talked to us. It was horribly hot in the restaurant. Seems their air conditioning had been broken for over a week and no one was going to fix it for at least another week. Clearly, they have no concern for their customers. It was unfortunate that it was the hottest day in Santa Barbara for over 30 years! So we were left with no option other than to sit outside, right on State Street. We thought we were coming to a lovely restaurant dining experience, but instead we had a constant stream of traffic, hot-rods, motorcycles and traffic while we ate. Not the ambiance we wanted at all for a special birthday meal. All of that aside, the food was wonderful! So it is a sad story indeed that the management couldn't take care of their customers so we would want to return. I'm guessing this iteration of the restaurant for The Hotel California will go the same way as its predecessors... closed! But if you try it, the beet salad was lovely! The fish and chips were fresh and the fries were fantastic! Lovely and hot as they hit our table - very nice indeed. And we were served a surprise birthday dessert of 'Baked Alaska'. It was quite simple amazing! Highly recommend this!! If you do go to The Knock I hope they get their act together - it would be a shame to not give this place a chance... but they do have to get better for me to go back.

The Knock

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The Knock

Intermezzo By Wine Cask

I love everything about Intermezzo- the courtyard is beautiful and perfect for summer The warm and…read morewelcoming staff, the prawn papardelle pasta, cheese board, chocolate cake and espresso martini. The early to mid 80's music always puts me in a great mood - English Beat, The Alarm, Icicle Works, General Public, etc. A wonderful dining experience before Lobero as well.

Our experience at Intermezzo for our anniversary dinner was disappointing. Upon showing up for our…read morereservation, we were taken to a table out front where it was cold and lacked ambiance. When we asked to be moved to one of the many open tables inside, we were told that they were reserved. They sat empty for our whole meal. We felt so bad for our server. I'm not sure if they were short staffed that night, but he was literally running between indoor and outdoor tables. Because he was spread so thin, service severely suffered and we sat waiting at every point of our meal. It was strange to find that a restaurant with "wine cask" in the title didn't have a wine list. We went with a red when our server verbally noted the small list of options. The food was fine, but not specifically memorable. We had the Cask Burger and the Lemon Caper Chicken but everyone around us seemed to be going with the pizza, so perhaps that's the way to go. We didn't end up ordering dessert to celebrate the occasion because we didn't want to prolong the experience.

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The Nugget

I've been to The Nugget twice and each time so far has been very pleasant…read more The food has been reallyy delicious, offering some of the best fettuccine alfredo I've had at a locally owned restaurant compared to others throughout California. Our server Monserrat recommended some excellent choices to my friends on my second visit. With her easy going personality and humor she made the visit a lot more memorable! The place has a ton of western looking decorations that are quite interesting to look at with some pretty decent tunes to listen to while waiting for your food. I would forsure be coming here more often and bringing more people to enjoy the food with me!

Fries and chicken tenders were good and crispy. Tasted like quality chicken strips. Ranch dressing…read morewas good. Nice waitress. Cool vibe inside, dark, and bar is full of people for lunch time. Out friend got a double Jack and coke and felt like a triple so that was a bonus for him! They don't hold back on the value!

Ladies bathroom- all of the fixtures were copper!

Tri Tip Torta Special

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World Famous Margarita

Holdren's Steaks & Seafood

Everything was great! The Food was wonderful. The service…read morecouldn't be better, and it is downtown. Totally recommended

My experience at Holdren's was definitely interesting, and this wasn't my first time dining there…read more There were some real highlights, but also a few things that left me scratching my head. My filet mignon was delicious. I loved that it wasn't drowning in salt, which, unfortunately, seems to be the default for steaks at far too many restaurants. It was cooked perfectly--moist, tender, and exactly what I want from a good filet. The presentation was lovely, too. My date, however, had a very different experience. He's a steak professional and a serious carnivore, so when he says a ribeye is tough, I pay attention. He said it was exceptionally tough--more so than any ribeye he could remember eating. I encouraged him to send it back, which he reluctantly did, knowing he'd have to wait for another steak. The replacement arrived, but unfortunately, it was rare rather than the medium he had ordered. LOL. That said, I still think Holdren's has a lot of potential, and I'll return. My filet was genuinely good, and I like what the restaurant is trying to do. I just hope they can work out the consistency issues. When you're serving steak, the quality and execution really do have to be on point--especially when your guests know their way around a steak.