Having been advised by a local museum docent that "everybody eats at SY Kitchen", I jumped online to make a quick reservation for two of us. We walked in early, asked to sit at the bar, and our reservation was honored. The restaurant was bustling but service did not feel rushed or hurried. We were lucky to dine at the bar; Mr. Maciel took truly excellent care of us the whole evening, remembering every request and taking care of every detail for our dining experience. His wine recommendations were also spot on. We decided to focus on three different pastas and were not disappointed. Highly recommended. My absolute favorite was the Wild Mushroom Pappardelle but honestly, every pasta was delicious. Portions were generous and leftovers were promptly boxed up to take home. Folks clearly schedule special dinners here, warranting dressing up, but casual diners such as ourselves also felt comfortable. I'd recommend dining at the bar for exceptional service and a front-line seat to all the action. read more

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Perfect spot for a Memorial Day trip. Great energy and amazing food to pair with wine. Mushroom Pasta: Mind-blowingly good. A total standout. Prosciutto Platter: The ultimate wine companion. Flawless. Roasted Olives: Surprisingly delicious and a must-order. Pizza: Solid and well above average. A must-visit if you're in Los Olivos. Every single dish hits the spot. 10/10. read more

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I'm laughing because I normally take pictures of my food and I wish I did! Everything was seasoned perfectly, Very tasty! We ordered the Ceasar salad with polenta Croutons, we had the burrata prosciutto board and the mushroom pasta and we sub gluten free pasta. Love that they have gluten free options and a wide selection of options on the menu along with many specials. Can't wait to go back. The service was good The ambiance was nice from the cushions on the bench and concrete table. The olive trees added privacy Highly recommend read more

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Absolutely amazing! This was probably hands down the best food and service we had our entire trip in California. It is a hidden gem, not what I was expecting. It was such a cute place with indoor and outdoor seating. From the moment we arrived, the service was just absolute flawless. My sister and I decided to order a little of everything and split it all and honestly, no regrets! They even gave us a free dessert which was so kind, the pistachio crème brûlée was perfect. And it was not something I would have chosen for myself. Only thing missing in my opinion- a scarpetta for the pasta. Having been to Italy, give me that scarpetta!! Honestly though I can't say enough good things about this place! read more

S Y Kitchen - Minestrone - Italian Near Me - Santa Ynez, California

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Delicious food, great upscale casual atmosphere and the service was A+. We went for our anniversary and did not disappoint! read more

S Y Kitchen - Zucchini basil soup - Italian Near Me - Santa Ynez, California

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Soray at SY Kitchen made our last visit memorable and so enjoyable. Her demeanor and accommodating manner provided an exceptional dining experience. The best! read more

Came here for dinner and booked reservation at 6 on Friday night. There's plenty of dirt parking near the restaurant. The restaurant was super cute and packed! So definitely recommend booking reservations. The waitress was super knowledgeable and friendly. Gave us a rundown on their specials for the night and checked up on us multiple times throughout dinner. We shared a Caesar salad to start the dinner. It had buttery croutons sprinkled in the salad. I ordered the gigli al ropeton. The pasta was cooked perfectly with some sausage meat sauce. It was a simple dish but tasted so good. Not too heavy and a perfect tomato based sauce. My friend got the butternut squash ravioli. It was super creamy with a pistachio crunch on top. I loved it too. Overall the ambience and food were great! Super cute place for a catchup with my friend read more

S Y Kitchen - Italian Near Me - Santa Ynez, California

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Such a charming spot! We sat inside since it was a fairly cool evening. We had the perfect table in the corner, so we each had part of the booth, which was so comfortable. Our server Jennifer couldn't have been nicer, and she had the menu down pat! We started with cocktails. I had the smoked old fashioned, which came in a carafe with smoke, and a stopper. Jennifer pulled the top and poured the drink and it smelled heavenly! Tasted good too. We started with the artichoke, which was unbelievable. Never have had artichoke served like this, with baked savory Parmesan melted onto the leaves. Absolutely delicious and memorable. My husband had the steak with Parmesan and an arugula salad. The meat was incredibly tender and perfectly cooked. The addition of a slice of Parmesan between each piece was very cool. I had the Gigli Al Roston, a delicious ruffled pasta with a homemade sausage sauce. I loved it. The pasta had the perfect toothiness and the sauce was so good! I ate as much as I could and was sad that we were staying in a hotel with no way to have leftovers! We ended by sharing an affogato. Delicious vanilla gelato with amaro & decaf espresso(our request) over it. Served with some fresh berries and cookie crumbles. We have decided to try to recreate this for an upcoming dinner party. Such the perfect ending to a wonderful meal. read more

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We had a wonderful night here for my birthday. Great food and service. We loved the octopus and each of us got a different pasta that we all shared and was fabulous. read more

S Y Kitchen - The cocktails were delicious and unique!! - Italian Near Me - Santa Ynez, California

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First I will say "Dante". Our excellent very experienced waiter made this birthday meal very memorable. We had decided prior to coming what we were going to order. Once he elegantly described the specials our minds instantly changed. The rigatoni.... the sliders...and our pasta dish was outstanding. I requested a cocktail (Mescal) and wasn't disappointed. We brought a cake for dessert but opted for a suggestion from Dante. The cake came home with us to enjoy at a later date. A very fun evening. read more

We have had this place on our list to try for a while now, and on this visit to the area we finally made it and now I'm upset we didn't go sooner! The restaurant vibe is cute, home style, and yet with a modern twist. The staff were so nice and welcoming. The food and drinks, unique and mouthwatering! We walked away saying this place lived up to all we had heard about it and will have to visit on our next trip! read more

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My boyfriend and I came here for the first time on Valentine's Day and our expectations were exceeded. The atmosphere was very cozy and romantic with the dim lighting and the service was very attentive to our needs. The food was so delicious as well!! He got the T-bone truffle sliders which were juicy and I got the wild mushroom pappardelle which was perfectly al dente. I would like to come back here with my family again soon!! read more

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Visit here for my friend birthday dinner. We were very happy about choosing this restaurant. Highly recommended. Ordered a lot of food for 2person but always we ordered a lot. Must try if they have truffle pizza. We were lucky they have that for day special. Amazing pizza never has been anywhere else. Octopus was a bit salty but soft octopus not a very chewy. Stake was delicious and cooked very well, so soft. Pasta was great also I want to try some wine next time. We were happy for eating so delicious food and great menu choices. Our waiter was super friendly and he was funny. Food came out so quickly Pretty and clean. A lot of seating but maybe need reservations. Definitely visit again if I will travel to this area again. read more

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We were staying in Solvang and wanted to have dinner here, so we made a reservation. We had the phenyl pizza, some pork leg, an artichoke and many other things on the menu. Everything was so flavorful and delicious. This restaurant has a great intimate dining atmosphere so that was a plus. It was a little pricey but totally worth it based on quality of food. Service was friendly. The food came out of the kitchen in no time at all. For an outstanding dinner experience, I would recommend this restaurant. read more

I think this place is gonna be one of my new all-time favorites. If you want absolutely fabulous service., delicious food, to die for desserts and this is your place to go. Located in the heart of Santa walking distance from a great downtown. The atmosphere here is delightful. read more

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This was just lovely! Seems like a popular spot in town and I could see why. The outdoor patio where we sat was so cute and vibey and I was incredibly warm despite the chill outside. Our server was friendly and helpful, even bringing me an entire kettle of warm water when I asked for a cup. Finally, the branzino was probably the best branzino I've ever had in my life oh my god. We got the sausage pizza which was good but THE BRANZINO. read more

S Y Kitchen - Branzino - Italian Near Me - Santa Ynez, California

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Enjoyed a very nice dinner at S Y Kitchen. Our waiter was very helpful in selecting dishes for our party. I had a pasta dish with clams that was very tasty. Reservations are a good idea as they can be busy, especially on weekends. read more

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I have been to this place before and have always had a great experience. They have changed the menu and I have noticed the staff is very unfriendly now. We checked in with no reservation and the waitress told us it would be about an hour and she would text me when a table was ready. We checked into the hotel and never received a text after an hour and a half. We walked back into SY Kitchen and the place was empty and the hostess told me I was a no show. What?! Told her we never received a text. Hostess says she made a reservation for an hour out. We were finally sat at a table and then the waiter was rude and hurried. The menu options were horrible. My husband and I each ordered a type of pasta. The food came and it was dry and flavorless. Yuck. Paid $65 for nothing. Horrible service, horrible food. I do not recommend. The Red Barn has awesome food. Go there instead. read more

This place was AHMazing!!!! Our waitress Rachel was lovely and my boyfriend and I ordered something that was on the chef special: Pork Chops & Bass. The service was extraordinary, the ambiance warm and fitting. I also had the restaurants famous Artichoke and it was my favorite part of the meal. Topped it off with Tiramisu my ultimate favorite and I couldn't resist. I highly recommend for date night. If you are visiting the area make sure to make a reservation! read more

I came to S Y kitchen to celebrate my birthday and I'm really glad that I chose this spot for my special dinner. We booked through OpenTable and we were seated on their outdoor patio, which was cozy and inviting. The night that we dined in was a bit chilly, but they had a bunch of outdoor heaters. The booths had soft cushions which gave it a homey, relaxed vibe. Our waitress was wonderful and was so attentive and knowledgeable about the menu which made the whole experience even better. We started off with Bob's well bread as our appetizer. It wasn't really my favorite since I personally prefer doughy bread and this leaned on the firmer side. It was still flavorful especially paired with the butter and Calabrian chili on the side! For drinks, I ordered the cilantro Margarita and my fiancé had the el Viejo. The margarita was absolutely delicious. My fiancé loved the el viejo too but just note, it's served in a small glass, so sip slowly!! For my entrée, I had the wild mushroom pappardelle and OMG this was hands down the best mushroom pasta that I've ever had. My fiance doesn't even like mushrooms and he was so impressed by this dish. My fiance ordered the burrata & sausage which was also a great choice. We ended the meal by sharing their tiramisu, which was the perfect sweet note to end on. They even brought it out with a candle for my birthday. One funny note is that on OpenTable, it says that activewear and sandals aren't allowed, but we definitely saw folks wearing both so take that with a grain of salt lol I would highly recommend this spot! read more

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Nice ambiance, good service, and hearty Italian food. We started with "Bob's bread" which comes with fresh, fruity olive oil and some Calabrian chili (a nice touch), the fresh pea salad (with arugula and ricotta salata), and followed it up with a lamb ragu pasta and a cacio e pepe gnocchi. Everything was good, nothing was mind-blowing or noteworthy. The best thing was probably the panna cotta we had for dessert. We also had a bottle of rose and the entire lunch came to about $160 before tax. A pleasant and satisfying--if expensive--lunch. read more

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We live in San Dimas, very few restaurants are worth the drive in a day. Round trip was 7 hours. We normally go to Pasadena however the food scene is not inspiring and over priced. We came back to SY kitchen and just like in October last year for my birthday. We we not disappointed. First our server was so attentive to our needs. The manager also came to our table multiple times. The restaurant has a beautiful outside terrace area for dining. We started with homemade bread just incredible The star was the Halibut special server on pea puree with fennel and spring onions. Amazing flavors and of course the pistachio creme brulee for dessert We also had side of potato and greens Can't for my next trip to dinner read more

S Y Kitchen - Halibut with potatoes - Italian Near Me - Santa Ynez, California

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I still to this day dream about this place. Originally my husband and I weren't gonna go but ended up getting a last minute reservation, and holy moly so glad we went! The olives, the pizza, but most of all, the pistachio crème brûlée *drool* !!! The cocktails were also phenomenal, you really can't go wrong here!! read more

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We were a large group of 12 people seated outdoors. Our reservation was for 8pm and we literally closed the place as we lingered over dessert. It was a wonderful evening after our wine tasting earlier in the area. The hubby and I shared a salad special of Asian Pear and Arugula. He chose the pasta with Osso Bucco that was on menu while I opted for a daily special of Roasted Bone Marrow accompanied by Soinach Spaetzle and Mushrooms. All were excellent. So happy that our hosts introduced us to their favorite restaurant in Los Olivos! We'll definitely return when in the area. read more

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Wow wow wow. Literally so good! Ambiance, food, everything exceeded our expectations. Our waitress was so friendly and had really good recommendations. Food and drinks came out quickly which I can really appreciate. I would totally recommend if you're in Santa Ynez! read more

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The problem with Italian food is that five or 6 days later you are hungry again - George Miller A long overdue review. One of my favorite dinner experiences after a cheese/wine tasting charity event in Solvang. The restaurant is situated in an old farmhouse and serves lovely comfort food Italian cuisine sourced locally. Sat outside on a cold December night but the heaters kept us cozy. The pasta, pizzas, veggies are all wonderful. The flavors do remind you of being back in Italy, but with a California twist. Meatballs, octopus, cauliflower and the pizza are standouts. Wine selection is outstanding, a mix of local wineries plus Italian. I opened up two of my favorite Spanish and Italian wines this night. Corkage was reasonable at $30 a bottle. We were with special friends and had brought special bottles. Service was friendly and hipsterish ;-) Highly recommended when in the Solvang/Santa Barbara Wine country area! read more

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Review of SY Kitchen - Santa Ynez SY Kitchen is one of those rare places that feels like it wears two hats at once--special occasion restaurant and local hangout. Tucked into the heart of Santa Ynez, it's where date nights, birthdays, and "just because" dinners all converge. And no matter the reason you walk through the door, you'll leave talking about the food. The menu is a steady stream of highlights. The burrata with prosciutto sets the tone--silky cheese paired with paper-thin prosciutto that even a non-meat eater might nibble on, and pickled onions that unfold layer by layer like a Russian doll. Every bite feels playful, intentional, and memorable. Carrots arrive tender but never limp, while tomatoes pop with flavor. The kind of details that tell you the kitchen pays attention. The house-made pasta deserves its own standing ovation. Wide ribbons with mushrooms and Parmesan show how much thought goes into the cut, the width, and the balance. Not chewy, not oily, just perfectly aligned. Then there's the pizza from the brick oven--the truffle version stole the show. Thin, fluffy, never doughy, with shaved white truffle that turned the table quiet for a few seconds. Sometimes the simplest dishes--pizza and pasta--are what keep you coming back. Desserts here hold their own. The panna cotta was gently sweet, topped with berries that clearly came from growers who specialize in flavor, not volume. The standout? A pistachio crème brûlée--nutty, hearty, and unlike any version I'd ever tried. Instead of just caramelized sugar over cream, it carried its savoriness all the way through. A memorable finish. And while the food is exquisite, the service keeps pace. On our visit, big parties filled the dining room, and yet service never slipped. Staff seamlessly helped one another, stepping in without hesitation. At one point, even Daniel, the general manager, picked up a tray and served like it was second nature. He joked with us, offered suggestions with grace, and carried himself with timing so precise it felt choreographed. If that's how the GM leads by example, it's no wonder the whole team moves with rhythm--quick but unhurried, attentive but never hovering. SY Kitchen is more than a restaurant; it's an experience with flow. The flavors, the service, the space--it all meshes together into something memorable. Whether you're there to celebrate or simply indulge, SY Kitchen makes the night feel special. read more

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SY is one of my most favorite restaurants in all of the land. I was able to snag a reservation on a Saturday evening, so decided to take a road trip from SF to Santa Ynez! A mere four hours each way for a meal I have been dreaming about... NBD. This was a long overdue visit, and it did not disappoint. Mind you, I have been dreaming of the Truffle Pizza since my last visit several years ago, so here we are. We hit the road relatively early, but not early enough. We hit some traffic on the way, so after calling in to alert the hostess of our tardiness, they thankfully accommodated us. Praise that. I think I would have cried if we missed out. Upon our arrival, we were seated at a high top table, luckily in Matthew's section. He was personable and very knowledgeable; recounting the specials with ease, and with impressive memory. Last on his list of items, there she was... THE TRUFFLE PIZZA. My insides performed backflips in anticipation. We were ready for a spread, and famished after our drive. So we ordered as such with Matthew: * Grilled Artichoke * Meatballs * Burrata * Mushroom Papadelle * Guinea Hen * Truffle Pizza * Panna Cotta * Tiramisu Each course was outstanding. The flavors were excellent, and the dishes were inviting to the eyes. SY definitely delivered on our hopes and dreams, with the help of spectacular service provided by Matthew. The team behind SY has a couple new establishments in the works, and I cannot wait to see them grow. I also cannot wait to experience their level of culinary magic again. And I will make the drive... read more

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I had been to SY Kitchen twice before for dinner, and always had an incredible experience- but ordered the same thing both times, because it was so good! This time, I hosted a private event in the Wine Room upstairs (which was so cool and special). I worked with Heather, who is just incredibly attentive, detailed, and truly a pleasure to plan an event with. Our server was great (I didn't catch her name), and everyone there was so helpful. The food was incredible- we had a set menu that included a prosciutto appetizer, filet mignon, and my personal favorite- a pistachio crème brûlée (I would come back just for that!). The group raved about the experience, and everyone walked away truly satisfied! read more

S Y Kitchen - pistachio crème brûlée - Italian Near Me - Santa Ynez, California

Highly recommend!! One of my favorite restaurants in Santa Ynez. Fresh ingredients and reasonable pricing for the quality of dishes. Love the mushroom pasta, truffle sliders, and grilled artichoke. Service was kind and timely. Ambiance is lovely, outdoor and indoor seating. Great for a date or family and friends. read more

S Y Kitchen - Excellent Smoked old fashioned and grilled artichoke - Italian Near Me - Santa Ynez, California

Cozy dinner spot in Santa ynez! I swear the food is better than the place looks. I will not name everything but we were not disappointed by any of the food we ordered, even the radicchio salad with PERSIMMON. My weakness. Another weakness: mushroom pappardelle pasta. SO GOOD. The prosciutto and Brie board was so good too. The tomatoes and olives were an amazing touch. Oh you MUST try the pistachio brûlée. Absolute MUST. I think everyone liked their drinks, except my friend didn't like the cilantro margarita but I traded my pineapple one for hers since I like my margs more herbal. Our waiter was so sweet and helpful. She gladly complied with our secret ask to add a birthday dessert (not complimentary). I would totally recommend this to my friends if they want a cozy dinner spot! read more

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This place was an excellent dinner spot we checked out on our recent trip to Santa Inez! I love the cozy vibes of it being somewhat of a house-turned-restaurant. We got to enjoy a few things this meal, including a pizza with butternut squash and artichoke to share amongst our group of 6. Both dishes were super yummy. My husband and I split the chicken and the clam pasta. I loved both! The flavor of the clam pasta was great and the clams were juicy. The chicken was cooked perfectly and the dish was balanced with potatoes and seasonal veggies. We had to get dessert at the end of our meal, of course. We shared the tiramisu and the pistachio creme brûlée. The tiramisu was incredibly creamy (just the way I like it!) and creme brûlée is my favorite dessert, so hard to mess up. But theirs was especially good, and I loved the nuttiness addition from the pistachio. Service was very friendly but just a smidge on the slow side. Would definitely return if we were ever back in the area! read more

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We enjoyed a pleasant lunch here this past Monday afternoon. We were seated in a comfy corner booth in the kind of open dining room. The restaurant has a very charming design that flows throughout. We started with the wonderful bread service. It was phenomenal! Then my wife enjoyed the beet salad and we shared the truffle T-Bone sliders with potatoes. Excellent all around. We look forward to a return visit when we are in the area again. Service was excellent, professional, friendly, and attentive. Excellent selection of wines by the glass. read more

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They only allow service dogs now after an incident but we still love this place even without our four legged family joining us. The cocktails are excellent. I especially enjoy the pistachio Mai tai. The watermelon salad special was a delicious balance of sweet, salt, and mint. The gigli was a bit salty but we added some arugula from my tagliata to balance it out. My New York Steak (tagliata) was perfectly cooked and delicious. I love the vibrant seating near the bar as well as the quieter outdoor options. read more

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Great service, not your run of the mill Italian menu, which is a good thing. We ordered the artichoke, which was very good, however it must have been sprinkled with caraway seeds which I hate, otherwise very good. The octopus salad was actually very fishy, so as someone who loves octopus I was pretty disappointed, but we sent it back and got the lacinato kale salad instead which was a nice alternative but was missing some kind of crunchy element. The wild mushroom pappardelle and the sausage pasta were both very nice and easy to finish, both vey authentic which we liked. The cocktails were solid, I ordered the back garden which was very well made, and my husband ordered the old fashioned (both smoked and not smoked, he preferred the not smoked version). The tiramisu was very good, not too sweet. But the highlight of the dinner was the pistachio creme brûlée which was out of this world; not too sweet, very creamy and light, just the perfect balance of flavor. read more

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Mainly our server wins the 2024 talent award. Funny. Patient. Rewarding. Matthew P. I don't want to leave ! Mom says "super shmooper" Tasty food for the folks. Truffle pizza was good. Butternut squash soup - good. Come early - less people... quieter ambiance. read more

S Y Kitchen - Tree - Italian Near Me - Santa Ynez, California

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Gonna get hate mail . SY, you're really good. GOOD. Hard stop. Your food isn't great . .. it's a fun place, sweet staff, beautiful atmosphere ., cool people place. The food is nice. You don't leave thinking we must come back and have _______ again. This place gets food out fast and competent . It's scene . Enjoy read more

Second time here and it never disappoints. The food service and atmosphere is just so comforting. Their pasta is house made, delicious. Wood fired pizza, amazing. Pistachio crème brûlée had hints of chocolate, fantastic. Cocktails and mixers, so fun and refreshing. Our server was so nice and knowledgeable. 10/10! read more

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S.Y. Kitchen is one of our favorite places in SYV to have dinner when we're in town. Not only is food exceptional but service is impeccable. This is primarily due to Matt, who has served us the last two times. His personal attention and overall welcoming attitude enhances dining experience. Setting is informal yet has a "specialness" to it. We've usually order the pasta specials and my friend STILL raves about the branzino and the beet salad she had back in MARCH! Highly recommend SY Kitchen look forward to returning soon. read more

My friends and I were in Santa Ynez for the weekend, and SY Kitchen came highly recommended...plus, who doesn't love a good Italian spot? The real standout of the night was Matthew, our server. He was quick, friendly, and had great suggestions that made the meal even better! We started with a few appetizers: the bread, the seasonal zucchini soup, and the artichoke. The mix worked well for the table, and the artichoke was especially good and charred just right. We also had the T-bone sliders which were so good! For mains, we shared the wild mushroom pasta, the Cacio e Pepe gnocchi, and the seasonal peach salad. If you're into mushrooms, that pasta is a definite yes! The gnocchi, on the other hand, didn't quite hit for me. The sauce was tasty, but the gnocchi pieces were too large, which threw off the texture and ratio. They were cooked through, but didn't have that soft, pillowy center you'd hope for, especially with such a delicate sauce. I'd probably skip that one next time. We also tried a few of their cocktails and they were good, but they do tend to have a bit of a spicy kick, so just a heads up if that's not your thing. Overall, it was a really solid dinner. I'd definitely come back. read more

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