My wife and I made reservations several weeks earlier and dressed up and went to Willows last night for our anniversary dinner. The restaurant is located upstairs and away from the casino. When you arrive you are greeted in a beautiful entry displaying numerous 4 star dining awards along with many Wine Spectator awards for their world class wine list. The hostess was delightful, wished us happy anniversary and gave us our choice of inside or a lovely outdoor dining terrace complete with white tablecloths, fireplace and plenty of heating lamps. It was a bit breezy so we chose to sit inside. Dining room was beautiful with tables spaced nicely apart. We were quickly greeted by our wonderful server, "Tish". As we had not been there before, she took our drink order and walked us through the menu. We were warned portions are very large and suggested maybe one entrée and appetizer to share between us. We ordered the Blackened Ahi appetizer ( large portion of ahi over a bed of pea shoots ) and the Steak Frites ( 14 oz. flat iron steak, fries and blackened broccolini ). Drinks arrived promptly and a basket with four kinds of amazing house cooked breads. After time to enjoy our drinks, dinner arrived. WOW - flat iron steak was cooked perfectly and was hands down the best steak I have EVER had ( sorry Jockos, Hitching Post, Morton's, Ruth Chris, etc. ). The ahi was so fresh and having just returned from Hawaii we were surprised it was better than any ahi we enjoyed in Hawaii. We left food on the table as portions were indeed large. We were given a tasty chocolate dessert to celebrate our anniversary. Total bill with one drink and before tip - $110. Service from Tish, the food, the ambiance all 5 star !! Well done - we will return. read more

Took my husband here for his birthday. Stayed at the casino for the night. We made reservations for 6 on a Saturday. Excellent service, food prep beautiful and steaks cooked to perfection! Heather took great care of us with refills on drinks and anything else we needed including a treat for the birthday boy. Ambiance was great, lighting, sounds afforded indoor and outdoor seating. This restaurant is pricey, but very much worth the total experience! We will be back next year! read more

The Willows - Birthday treat for my husband - Seafood Near Me - Santa Ynez, California

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Did a same day turn around to Solvang and we wanted a late steak dinner. The Willows was a great location within the Casino, so two goals at one spot. Hostess was super friendly. Jane our server another super friendly person. The old fashioned from the bar was superb!!!! The bone marrow was a 5 of 5. Mac N Cheese creamy cheese goodness. The bread basket had tomato and herb crisp bread we couldn't get enough of. So what about the steaks? Both were requested cooked to medium rare. The porterhouse was cooked just right, with definitely a pink center. The Rib Eye went just a bit over. More medium than rare. Don't get me wrong. Very good cuts, but just enough to knock my review down by a star. read more

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Ritchie was amazing as usual! It made for a much finer dining experience on the patio. We love his artistry presentations. I do recommend the patio if you want a cozy and intimate setting for good conversation. I ordered my favorite filet mignon with diver scallops served on a bed of mashed potatoes. I paired it with a glass of Syrah. read more

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The portions of food are very generous. We were able to split a Caesar salad and calamari appetizer to start. I ordered the domestic wagyu and it was delicious. My boyfriend ordered the seafood dish with halibut, scallop, salmon and shrimp and he said everything was a bit overcooked for him. We wanted dessert but the service was a little slow and we had somewhere to be. The server was very nice. Ambiance is romantic. read more

We highly recommend The Willow! It doesn't matter if you sit inside, outside or at the bar, the customer service is great! The food is absolutely amazing, but the drinks are even better. We always enjoy going! read more

The Willows - Grilled Oyster and Pork Belly - Seafood Near Me - Santa Ynez, California

This is some seriously good food. I have never had a crab cake as good as this. The chopped salad is extremely good and the dressing is delicious once I add some sweetener to it. I love the way they prepare the grilled asparagus; delish. The only thing I have to say bad about this restaurant is they don't have scrumptious cakes like they do at Grains and Grounds coffee shop in the casino. They try to trick you by giving you a muffin and some strange ice cream with it. Better off to go to Grains and Grounds on the 3rd floor where you can pick a delicious dessert and have some gelato with it . What could be better? read more

An amazing evening. Was very excited to find that they have vegan options, well actually, they have a vegan menu!! Wow! The choices were great and ultimately, it was the Pepper Crusted Impossible Steak that brought us in. Then another surprise, a vegan dessert! Chocolate mouse with a blackberry compote and blueberries on top. The food was an absolute treat. The entire staff was very polite and conversational. Our server Hannah was attentive to our needs and made the experience that much more enjoyable. The fact that we can go have fun gaming and grab a top notch vegan meal all in our backyard is rad! 10/10 we will be back. read more

The Willows - Impossible steak, broccoli florets, fingerling potatoes - Seafood Near Me - Santa Ynez, California

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This espresso martini was delicious. Our waitress Alexa was very friendly and polite. The only negative was that we were not able to seat at the bar because they had two seats reserved. I know reserved seating at the bar. Unheard. It's nice place to have dinner or drinks! read more

The Willows - Seafood Near Me - Santa Ynez, California

Horrible service. Went into the bar gal walked away twice when she came back she assisted two other people who showed up after me. Was very cold. Disappointed was looking forward to a cocktail after a day gambling. read more

I heard about this restaurant but was amazed how delicious the food is. You think in Chumash Casino can't be all that but it is fine dining. The ambience is beautiful. The server was attentive and personable. They bring out a bread basket with amazing homemade cheesecrisp. The scallops and filet were delicious. We also tried their mac n cheese. So good. We will definitely go back read more

I've been to three Willows many times. Most of the time I've been there, I'd give them a solid 5-star review. This particular visit is give them about a 4.7 only because the food took an unimaginable amount of time to arrive. It was understandable given how busy it was, and the kitchen was backed up. Our server was good at communicating with us on the status, so that helped with the slight frustration. Thankfully, the food still arrived hot, delicious, and beautiful as it always does. Our server was gracious, polite, and attentive. We sat in the bar instead of the main dining room. The bar is cozy, classy, and comfortable. The main dining room is very posh and traditional of a modern steakhouse. My favorite appetizers that I order on every visit include the calamari, bone marrow, and the pork belly with bacon wrapped shrimp. For the entrees this visit, we tried the tomahawk, the filet mignon medallions with scallops, and the rack of lamb. All three were cooked to perfection, exactly how we requested them, and were extremely delicious. All the sides were also very well made, tasty, and satisfying. While The Willows is on the higher end of pricing, and I find their food is worth every penny. This is a great restaurant for a date night, a celebration, or anytime you're in the mood for a high-quality steakhouse style meal. I'd highly recommend The Willows and will continue to eat there regularly! read more

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The husband and I got a room at Chumash for the night to gamble a bit and get away from the responsibilities at home. I saw on their website about their "Four Diamond rated restaurant", Willows. They have their menu displayed outside of the restaurant but when you sit inside and get a paper menu they don't have half of the options they advertised. We asked about the swordfish we saw listed and the waitress said "we don't have it tonight" oh well. Not pictured was our appetizer, French onion soup. The soup base was a bit too watery than what I like, but that's a personal preference. The bread ontop was so soggy it melted into the soup when you put your spoon in it. Again, personally I like the bread ontop to be hard and toasty. The flavor was okay. I'd give it 4/10 and would not order again. Husband got the domesticated Wagyu. I was a little disappointed with the texture of it. It was tough and had no flavor. My husband and I don't have much knowledge with Wagyu beef but this was just so bland and tough. It was Cooked correctly but just didn't do it for me. And for $52 (doesn't include a side) I just expect more wow. Personally I wouldn't order again. I give it 4/10 hubby said 6/10. I got a wedge salad. It looks big but the wedges were no bigger than the size of my palm. It was a wedge salad idk what else to say about it. 6/10. All side are a la carte. Mac n cheese was not worth $11 neither were the mushrooms. Our server was great and attentive. Despite the fact it took us almost 10 minutes to get greeted. After that it was fine. read more

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We didn't have reservations, so we we're seated outside in the heated patio. It was a cute outdoor seating area with two sectionals with fire pit tables. We had views of open fields and the roadway. Our server Marcos was very knowledgeable and friendly. Free bread and some of the best butter for the table. I took the two we had left home with me. Starters: Fried Cauliflower, so yummy and the spicy sauce was so good, Crab Cake, 3 itty-bitty crab cakes, we, were not impressed at all, we left 2 on the table when we left, My honey and I shared the porterhouse, and a huge yam. I forgot to take a picture before our waiter cut it up table side for us and before I dug in. It was really pretty plated, too. The porterhouse was cooked to perfection. It was melt in your mouth. We will definitely be back if we're ever in the area again. read more

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Alexia was the best!!! The steak and mashed potatoes with horseradish and garlic were bussin!!! Highly suggest stopping by and grabbing some great food. read more

The Willows - Usda Prime Day Wet Aged Beef Steak Usda Prime Day Wet Aged Beef Steak Whipped - Seafood Near Me - Santa Ynez, California

So good! We ordered lobster tails, halibut, filet mignon, and mac and cheese. Everything was a 10/10 haven't had a lobster tail that good in a while so i definitely recommend that as a must try. Service was exceptional and the ambiance was relaxing, there is a great view of a vineyard outside the windows and if you sit on the patio. It's also in a casino so coming down after a great dinner was a fun experience. read more

Excellent place very good food we enjoyed very much definitely we recommendBread Basket read more

The Willows - Seafood Near Me - Santa Ynez, California

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We made reservations 2 months in advance and STILL was asked to wait. It looked very full but a lot of walk ins. They need to get their reservation line in check, we were on time and shouldn't have to wait. Other than that experience, the whole restaurant and waiter Richie was great! He was knowledgeable and full of energy. Food was excellent! Petite filet is always a win and the mashed potatoes. The oysters were hands down the talk of the table. This is our second time here and won't be the last, I just hope they get their reservations in order Bc this is the SECOND time we had reservations that they made us wait. The only reason they didn't get a 5 is bc of the reservation process read more

This is our favorite restaurant when we come up to Solvang and Santa Ynez... We usually come here about 3-4 times a year and i usually get their prime rib since they always cook to perfection but this time around we came to see what their thanksgiving meal was all about... My parents and i all got the short rib with diver scallops which was one of the menu choices for Thanksgiving... It came with 2 hunks of short ribs, 2 diver scallops and mash potatoes. The short ribs was tender and juicy, the diver scallops was a bit disappointing because it tasted stale and old by the 2nd half of my first scallop and into my 2nd scallop. Then for dessert we had this pumpkin pie mousse with some mochi dough balls and vanilla chantilly which was ok read more

The Willows - Pumpkin pie mousse - Seafood Near Me - Santa Ynez, California

Dining environment on the patio was elegant yet peaceful. The service was excellent and food was AhhhMAyyyZING!! My husband and I first dined here in 2021 for our wedding anniversary and had a truly unforgettable experience. I have dreamt of the mini-French butter by La Conviette they serve with a basket of bread varieties for 24 months. I had the silky and sexy lobster bisque wirh sweet and oh so tender nuggets of lobster for a starter and my husband had the delicious shrimp ceviche. As our meal we each chose a scrumptious sesame crusted Ahi with a wasabi aoli. Oh My Goodness! So FANTASTIC! At the end of our meal, the young waitress brought out a lovely raspberry sorbet with fresh berries topped with a sweet Happy Anniversary medallion made of chocolate. read more

Excellent! Celebrated an anniversary there and the food, service and environment was great. There was someone with us in a wheelchair and it was easily accessible by elevator and the seating was perfect for someone in a wheelchair too. Our server was Adrianna. She was really awesome. read more

I only went for drinks so I will not talk about food. The drinks were good, the place is decent, and over all a good ambiance to go have drinks at a bar inside the Chumash. read more

The Willows - Seafood Near Me - Santa Ynez, California

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On your website, you should really specify that everyone in the party needs ID. We drive 2 hours to come eat. One person in our party forgot their ID and they refused us service. As we were leaving the security was picking and choosing whose ID they asked for. A lot of people were just walking past him but he gave us a hard time and we were denied service. read more

Barbie Dreamhouse Cocktail was gorgeous. Super pink from the Lychee. Sweet and tasty too. My boyfriend got the Strawberry Fields which was equally as tasty, not as sweet but just as tasty ! Our bartender was friendly, very knowledgeable and helpful with our drink order as well as attentive :) read more

The Willows - Barbie Dreamhouse Cocktail - Seafood Near Me - Santa Ynez, California

We dined here recently after hearing so many wonderful things about Willows. We were not disappointed. Our server, Hannah, did a fantastic job managing a LOUD party of six, she did so gracefully. We started with the appetizers of ceviche, delicious and the cheese board (charcuterie). Large portions, so plenty to go around our table. Other items ordered from our group: lobster bisque (yum!), steaks, cooked to order and all very delicious, and lobster, very delicious. We had three different types of wine, all sourced locally in SLO and SB county. Overall, very impressed. The next time you are up in Santa Ynez and Chumash Casino, book a dinner date here. Bon Appetit! read more

Such a nice dining experience here. Great cocktails! Comfortable seating. Yummy bread and butter. The halibut was the star. Cooked perfectly. The ribeye was decent, the horseradish mashed potatoes and mushroom sides were really good. Great place to go for a nice dinner and drinks and then you can go downstairs and gamble and drink so more! Hahaha read more

Came here for our anniversary and it didn't disappoint. We got the pork belly, which was honestly so delicious, juicy and tender, the cabbage they pair it with was amazing. This dish was 11/10! We also got two drink which were really good also! I got the filet mignon, honestly this was a disappointment it was so dry. I asked for medium rare but they definitely had over cooked it. My fiancé got the steak and it was so juicy and tender. We also got the cauliflower and mashed potatoes both good sides. Richie was our server and was so nice, attentive, and great customer service. Would definitely come back read more

The Willows - Pork belly - Seafood Near Me - Santa Ynez, California

No expectation for this place. Just needed to eat. Got the halibut and surf and turf. Everything was cooked perfectly. Definitely will return. Paired with a glass of Pinot Grigio. Believe today was the hottest day in California. Service was spot on! Bread and butter, yes! read more

So we splurged a little but we didn't mind because the food was amazing! The calamari appetizer was delicious and had a mix of veggies in there, with that being said, however, it did feel as if there wasn't much calamari in there. For my main dish, man oh man, that lobster tail was delicious!! Wish I could have more now. So tender and the spinach complimented well. We also had some side dishes, the Mac and cheese and string beans. Side orders were good, perfect for sharing. Cocktails; the widow margarita is a creeper. It doesn't taste so strong which makes it enjoyable but do not be fooled because it will kick in. The labirita (purple colored drink) was tasty but I felt had the alcohol taste more present, it'll do the trick too. Overall a great experience and can't wait to do it again! Covid: all staff is wearing masks, they have dine in and the patio seating open at the moment. read more

The Willows - Lobster tail - Seafood Near Me - Santa Ynez, California

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So we stayed at Chumash for a short getaway. We made reservations to eat at the Willows which is part of the Casino. I was a little hesitant since many of the other dining areas were closed due to "staffing" issues. We went at 7 pm and it seemed nice enough. The waiter was overly nice and helpful. I had the Caesar salad and my wife had the pear salad. Both were excellent. We had the Omaha filet. I had horseradish potatoes and the wife had a baked potato. Everything was really really good! Then dessert, the bourbon cake was crazy good! The drinks were right on target. Everything got better as the night went on. I highly recommend. The party next to us had the Tomahawk steak and it looked amazing. I'm getting that next time. This was surprisingly one of the best meals I've had. read more

The Willows - Dessert! Chocolate mousse pie and bourbon cake. - Seafood Near Me - Santa Ynez, California

Marginal at best. Definitely not 5 star. I was expecting this to be the best restaurant in the area it is not. Food was meh service was good. read more

The steak selection was overly priced so we settled for the salmon and the halibut. The halibut was good but the salmon was underseasoned. I enjoyed the lobster bisque and the buratta salad. The service was good which is why I am giving 3 but I was disappointed overall. I expected more. read more

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Waiting for over an hour to be seated as we watch non Reservation people walk in and help themselves at the bar area which we were asked to wait to be seated even at the bar. There is no real " system" to be seated. I get making reservations is smarter but this was un welcoming to say the least! Would have celebrated my birthday elsewhere but we are staying in the hotel tonight. ‍ Hope our dinner is decent. read more

Our filets were overcooked. For fine dining, I would have appreciated a linen table cloth. The steak knives were missing matched. The coconut prawns were dry. With the exception of the negatives, we were very happy read more

Best steak I've ever had on the central coast. Anytime I go to Chumash I'm there. The oysters are delicious so is the bread and the cheese it crackers lol don't know what they're called but they taste like cheese it'z read more

I love staying at Chumash where this restaurant is located. Every time I go there the food and drinks are delicious and service is great. Definitely recommend it! read more

The food was so fantastic, that I would drive over Solvang area just for dinner! The casino has free valet or self parking. Our waitress Hanna was very prompt and professional. The shrimp cocktail was enormous and delicious! My steak medallion and scallops were succulent! My wife loved her rack of lambs! My Tito martini was only ten bucks! Definitely a destination if you are in town! read more

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We tried The Willows for the first time and we were very impressed. The food was delicious and the drinks were great. We had the seafood platter and it was worth every penny. The. Seafood was very fresh and the portions were generous. I had the Pasta Bucatini and it was very good. It had lots of big shrimp in the pasta. We also tried they ribeye steak and it was cooked to perfection. We highly recommend this place. read more

Located at the highest and furthest corner of the Chumash Casino, past beyond the populous buffet, lies an unassuming entrance to one of the finest restaurants in the Santa Ynez Valley. The name? The Willows. Fine steaks, seafood, pastas, and best of all the wines. An array of wines to choose from, so extensive the wine booklet is brought to you in tablet form. My favorite dish to order are any of the steaks. Order one and you get the option of selecting your own fine knife. A small detail but one to make the visit all the more fun. It can get pretty busy so make sure to make a reservation, especially when enjoying the night with a group. A great place to celebrate in or to splurge on a fine dinner. The desserts are worth making the room for. If no room is left, highly suggest ordering one and taking to go. Trust me, you'll thank me later. read more

VEGAN EATERS HERE.....Recently had the good fortune to discover that The Willows at the Chumash Hotel/Casino in Santa Ynez offers a large range of plant-based entrees and options as do the other food venues at the large, bustling hotel. It was quite a surprise, a very pleasant one. The room is stunning, cooly elegant, welcoming and does not disappoint. The staff is quite remarkable, carefully attentive without hovering, a clear reflection of good management. While The Willows is clearly a high end steak restaurant, obvious care has been given to alternative eaters with a complete, separate menu for Gluten Free/Vegan diners, making for a stress-free experience, particularly when dining with a group so one doesn't need to explain all the questions. We tried almost everything, including both entrees; a quinoa delectation with fresh vegetables, topped with crispy kale that we fought over (ingredients accompany photos) and the pepper crusted "Impossible Ground Steak" that was as satisfying as a filet mignon might have been when I used to eat them, it actually resembled one, again with a cushion of fresh local vegetables and a mint chimichurri. We also ordered both salads, the house Willow Salad with local lettuces, Marcona almonds, golden raisins and a Syrah vinaigrette and, an Apple Salad with Mountain Rose apples, baby kale, frisee, pomegranate seeds, candied pecans and a caraway dressing. The sides, all three on offer (and a hint that there were more "off-menu") were simply perfect, the Brussels sprouts, charred broccolini and "house cut French Fries" which were actually so good we would go back just for them, perhaps with a bottle of champagne from the stellar wine list!!!! There was also a list of sexy sounding desserts that I won't go into here, my fingers are already tired and you've (hopefully) already decided to give The Willows a try!! Happy New Year!!! read more

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