recently had the pleasure of dining at The Copper in downtown Santa Barbara, and it quickly became one of my favorite spots in town. This Neapolitan-style Italian restaurant, which opened in early 2026 in a historic building with roots dating back to the original Copper Coffee Pot, perfectly blends authentic Italian flavors with warm, welcoming vibes. read more

Copper was amazing for Pizzas. I came with my friends to celebrate my birthday , and we had a great time. Everything was delicious, and I esp loved the Hugo spritz. Highly recommen. read more

Literally everything was SOOO good. But the star of the show was 100% the brussel sprouts - they were gone within minutes!! So crispy and flavorful and yummy i need the recipe immediately. Also the beet salad we demolished. It was sosososo flavorful and bright and we loved the balsamic dressing and flavor of the beets. Would get both of those again 100%! The fries were also a good starter - crispy and soft on the inside but we didnt get much truffle flavor. Wouldn't get again though. The pizzas were also phenomenal. LOVEE the crust on them, super thin and held its shape. I think we all preferred the margherita over the truffle one because it had a little more flavor overall. Though we did really enjoy the truffle flavor and mushrooms as well. Service was amazing and location is in downtown santa barbara on their promenade. Loved both of those and had so much fun strolling around afterwards. Would go back! read more

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Claimed to be Italian, but no bread is offered with the meal. When it comes to their pizza, fresh, quality indigents can be tested, however, the pizza is undercooked and soggy, making it impossible to eat. Their pizza needs major improvement to earned the Napolitana style title. Bathrooms were filthy, no toilet paper, paper towels or soap were available. If you are eating at the patio, be ready to share your plate with the flys. No meatballs were available, being this the only meat dish offered on the menu. Thank you for the great service and good ambiance. read more

I have been to this location under every different name. My wife and I had our first date here back when it was Aldo's. It's hard not to compare to the previous business, L'Antica, but I'm happy to say The location's new owner has taken the best of the prior establishment and ironed out the shortcomings to create a great dining experience. The location itself has been around forever it seems. Conveniently located near the corner of State and Figueroa, it has a charming little courtyard that faces directly on to State, allowing one to people watch but with some privacy. The indoor space is also intimate, and they have warmed it up with earthy colors and decor vs. the prior, more loud and sterile space. The menu is simple but covers all the bases, a few appetizers and salads such as calamari, meatballs, a beat salad, etc. Mains include several nice pastas and some Italian chicken dishes. The pizzas IMO are the star, traditional Neapolitan style including a Margherita, diavola (spicy salami), prosciutto and arugula, mushroom and others. The drink menu too, is simple but effective; several fun spritzes and good local and Italian wines by the bottle and the glass. My wife and I were immediately seated outside on a Friday night around 5:45pm, and it was not very crowed. We started with a couple of refreshing Copper spritzes that were delicious, substituting sweet vermouth and OJ for Aperol and creating a very similar taste to the more popular version. We split a beet salad and a pizza diavola and had a couple of glasses of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo. The salad was superb, perfectly dressed and balanced with a tangly vinaigrette, some salty feta and earthy and tender beets and greens. Then the pizza arrived...yowza! The pizza is a bit smaller in diameter than the previous L'Antica in diameter, but slightly thicker and was perfect for the two of us. The crust was oh so crisp and bubbly with bits of char and smoke that I absolutely love and you only get from a wood wired oven. Where L'Antica's crust was on the verge of thin and soggy, The Copper managed to keep it thin in the center but maintain it's integrity, with the outer crust wonderfully chewy and elastic. As Neapolitan pizzas should, the sauce is very simple, fresh and light tomato with enough quality cheese and delicious hot salami to get a nice hit of flavors without being heavy at all. They don't lie when they advertise "authentic." Wine was also excellent and the pours surprisingly generous! We finished with a slice of tiramisu that was to die for. Throughout, the service was wonderfully warm and attentive, with Frankie and team taking care of us throughout. Here too, much improved over the prior establishment. If you are looking for great, Italian bistro style food and service in a casual but intimate setting, The Copper is the place to go in SB. read more

Cute place on state st. with indoor and outdoor seating. Good pizza and pasta and salad. We enjoyed the bolognese pasta and the arugula/prosciutto pizza. They were able to do a half size pasta portion so we could get variety in our meal for two. read more

The Copper - Bolognese pasta - delish - Italian Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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I was craving wood-fire pizza and this place looked legit. I love that they use a 250 year-old dough recipe. I do have to say the margarita pizza was perfect and the dough was delicious. One pizza can definitely feed two people. The winter citrus salad was OK. Needed a little more flavor and more fennel. It had tons of a regular and the server suggested putting it on the pizza and yes, that was definitely yum. Great service, nice ambience. The wine list needs a little boost of excitement and the salad again just needs more flavor. read more

The Copper - Italian Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Ordered delivery pretty close to closing time and they were still super nice and accommodating, which I really appreciated. Since I got delivery, I can't really comment on the ambiance, but the food itself was tasty and the salad was honestly really good. The presentation was a little sloppy, but considering how close it was to closing (and the fact that it was delivered), I can't fully blame them for that. Overall, I'd definitely give this place another try and would probably like to visit in person next time. Edit: Went again in person and it was even better. Definitely an amazing spot to get lunch or dinner, the staff is also amazing. I got to talk to the owner and he was extremely nice and friendly. Great cocktails here too, perfect strength and great prices for the size! Their salads are a must try. Amazingly fresh pasta too read more

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Loved the food, we had the best pizzas, perfect crust and toppings, add the chilly oil and you'll wanna go back for more Hand made fresh pasta was delicious Ambiance is great, on State street, for this looking for the quieter side of downtown, close to the Arlington and the Film Center. Service is excellent, attentive, accommodating. Patio is dog friendly Overall a very good experience read more

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I just took their pizza class and had a blast! It comes with a glass of wine too. The nebbiolo was outstanding! We were able to take home the pizza we made! They're planning to offer the class once a month! Staff was amazing. Cant wait to come back and try something else. read more

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We were so happy with The Copper that we went back again the next day. The Caesar Salad is perfect with little gem lettuces and fried capers: The dressing was a true Caesar. The Cacio y Pepe pasta was so good and we watched the chef make the pesto ala minute! The affogato is the best we've had! read more

The Copper offers authentic Italian recipes that are over 250 years old. The Diavola pizza was cooked to perfection! I love wood fire cooked pizza so much the sauce, cheese and meat were delicious. And the size of the pizza definitely feeds at least 2-3 people. The service was great very personable and friendly. The restaurant had an intimate setting which i enjoyed for dinner time. read more

The Copper - Diavola Pizza - Italian Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Super sweet spot for a cute gals brunch. I split the margarita pizza with a friend and got the gluten free crust which was amazing!! Also the service was so great! They gave us a nice shady spot on request and were very attentive. read more

The Copper - Italian Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Such a lovely place with nice decor. Food was great too and pretty reasonably priced for these days. The pizza was perfect and we got crispy Brussels sprouts to which my mom said was the best she ever had. The service was awesome shout out to our server who my mom ended up talking to a good amount. She is social I like that for her. Also shout out to the host employee who has nicer hair than I'll ever achieve. he has inspired me to actually brush my hair properly and maybe one day I'll be as beautiful as him (I probably won't). we came here to celebrate me taking a horrible 7 hour test and then my mom having general vacation. It was a great time at this restaurant especially because we got lost trying to find our parked car in the neighborhood. Then se were super tired and proceeded to drive to this restaurant. So in general for free parking there is parking in the residential area and it's possible to walk but if you neglect to save your car location you may get lost (like us) you can also park close to this restaurant in a street nearby which is free after 6pm or so (don't quote me I don't remember perfectly) read more

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Food was great! Our server was nice, food came out very quickly. Loved the ambiance, we came to check it out on a Monday and it was so quiet loved the vibe! Had a nice dog friendly patio read more

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Absolutely loved this place! Beautiful view, great atmosphere, and delicious pizza Definitely coming back! read more

The Copper - Italian Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I'm not being overdramatic... their fettuccini Alfredo might have been theeee best I've ever had. We started off with their caesar salad, then truffle pizza and then the pasta. EVERYTHING was flavorful and delicious. Perfection!!! read more

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After decades, this establishment returns to its original name. I used to have breakfast upstairs at the Copper Coffee Pot cafeteria (pushing my tray along the stainless steel line, choosing dishes) almost every morning, back in the 70s. In the 60s, when I first asked my Dad to serve me a cup of coffee, he said "Son, let me take you to the Copper Coffee Pot so you'll have a standard of what a good cup of coffee tastes like." They even had a big old antique copper coffee maker on display. Well, my beloved Copper closed long ago, and became a series of restaurants (Aldo's, and most recently da'Michele). Now it's re-opened as The Copper once again. I've always loved the architecture. It was built in 1925, designed by the master Joseph Plunkett, who also designed the Arlington. It's a cozy two-story Spanish revival, replete with a patio and fountain, right on State Street (the only other building like this is, of course, the Arlington). Alas, the brilliant interior flow has been chopped-up, and you can no longer go upstairs (I used to fantasize about having my office up there, and I used to watch the Fiesta Parade from the balcony). And alas, they no longer serve breakfast and one of the best cups of coffee ever. But: it's still a charming spot to dine, and it does have a wood-fired oven. And it's a bit of genuine old-time Santa Barbara, still alive after almost 100 years. I just talked to the new owner today (December 2025): He grew up in the restaurant business, took da Michele over and operated it for a few months, and is planning on adding breakfast, and (yay) maybe opening the upstairs again. read more

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The service was SLOW!! My wedge salad was not washed- dirt between the leaves. My wine had debris floating in it. I normally DO NOT do reviews, but this place frustrated me immensely. Save your money and time. There is so much potential. read more

Delicious! We almost walked by this spot! We also tried the mushroom bolognese pasta!!! That was soooo good! You can tell the food is made from scratch! read more

The Copper - Margherita Pizza - Italian Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Absolutely the best pizza in the world. I had the Casetra pizza and man oh man, the quality was incrediblly rich, flavorful, and perfectly made. I also loved their gelato. The service was outstanding, and I even got to watch the entire pizza-making process, which was so soothing to see. That wood-fired oven is amazing. Highly recommend this place! read more

Food was excellent.Initial service with waitress was not polite...owner came over to see how things were going Owner is a kind knowledgeable man. read more

I ate there tonight with a buddy and we both ordered marinara pizza. The service was great, hence the two stars. The pizza was not good at all. The crust was really thin and dried out and as we each ate our own pizza, the crust got drier and drier. We were both hungry, so we finished both pizza but neither of plan on going back. Very disappointing sums it up. read more

The chicken scallopini is really good with the broccolini! I also went back and tried the caesar with chicken. So good! The service is good. My only feedback would be to lower the light in the dining room at night for a more romantic ambiance. Also, please replace the little cabinets in the bathroom. They look really beat up. read more

The Copper makes great salads and pizzas. They need to streamline their wine and beer list; there were two lists and no overlap but some of the wines and beers listed were unavailable. We were a party of three. We sat in their lovely courtyard next to a small fountain. We each ordered glasses of wine and beer and shared a delicious yellow and red beet salad and two pizzas- a pepperoni pizza and a white pizza with mushrooms and truffle oil. We ate everything! YUM. They have an exquisite pizza oven and the pizzas were some of the best I have ever eaten. Top quality thin crust, high quality cheese, pepperoni and mushrooms. I can't wait to go back. Our waitress took good care of us and did not pressure us to leave. I am hoping they will streamline their wine and beer menu. Also, next time we will try something from their extensive pasta offerings. Please give this place a try. It's a beautiful, historical location with great food and service. read more

This was our favorite meal in Santa Barbara :) the server was very kind and the food was delicious! Authentic Italian. I love the vibe of the restaurant. We were also given a complimentary dessert :) gluten free pizza was also very tasty. read more

The Copper - Italian Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Amazing food . Service was really good. Pesto pizza , roasted corn , watermelon salad was amazing. Great atmosphere with light music. Definitely come back read more

Review: A Santa Barbara Favorite for Pizza, Beer & Good Times If you're looking for a spot in Santa Barbara that combines great pizza, tasty beer, and an atmosphere that feels both welcoming and special, look no further than The Copper - Cafe & Restaurant. Located right on State Street in downtown Santa Barbara, this cozy Italian-inspired restaurant delivers on all fronts and has become one of my top places to recommend in town. Pizza Worth Celebrating From the moment you take your first bite of their Neapolitan-style pizza, it's clear this isn't your run-of-the-mill pie. The crust is wonderfully balanced -- airy yet crispy -- and the toppings (like the classic Margherita or the flavorful Diavola) are thoughtfully assembled for maximum taste. Many guests rave that the pizzas are some of the best they've had in Santa Barbara with authentic Italian flair. Great Beer & Beverages Pair your pizza with a well-selected beer or a glass of wine and you've got the makings of a relaxed, flavorful meal. The laid-back vibe makes it easy to linger over drinks with friends or a date. Warm, Friendly Atmosphere The vibe at The Copper strikes a wonderful balance between casual and inviting. Whether you choose to sit inside or grab a seat on the terrace, the energy is friendly and lively without feeling loud or overwhelming -- ideal for everything from a relaxed dinner to a more festive gathering. Many diners mention how welcoming the staff is and how the overall experience feels warm and personal. A Spot for Special Occasions I can honestly say I'd love to host a wedding reception here someday. The combination of delicious food, great drinks, and a charming atmosphere makes The Copper feel like a place where memories can really be made. The staff are accommodating, the food has a celebratory feel, and there's a sense of joy in the dining experience that would translate beautifully to a reception. Final Thoughts If you're craving authentic pizza that reminds you of Italy, a fun spot for beer and conversation, or a venue idea for that next big event, The Copper is a standout choice in Santa Barbara. Highly recommended for locals and visitors alike! read more

Stellar hospitality, fresh ingredients, delicious choices and comfortable setting make this The Copper and great addition to SB. My wife loved her pasta and I enjoyed the margarita pizza - the benchmark of any pizza menu. The owner, Rish, is very welcoming and accommodating. We look forward to returning. read more

outstanding delicious food. Great atmosphere and ambience. Excellent service. Everyone in our party thought the food was excellent.

A really special find while visiting Santa Barbara, the food was delicious and fresh. We learned from Rish, the owner, that they use 250 year old authentic Italian recipes. The service was outstanding, on top of complimentary desserts. We will definitely be returning to this place! read more