We are longtime fans of Bettina, but it takes some real planning to get a meal there, even when we're just doing takeout. Tina's Pizzeria offers the same delicious pizza with a lot less hassle from a corner in Linden Square, a brand new development in downtown Carpinteria.
We went last weekend, apparently days after the complex opened, on our way into Santa Barbara with two small, hungry kids. The space was great, cheerful and inviting, with a sort of food hall attached to a courtyard with open seating. Tina's felt kind of like an Eataly stall, a nice place with its own kitchen, limited counter seating, and across-the-register service.
There was a short line when we arrived, around 12:30 on a Saturday, and it immediately lengthened behind us. We had a few minutes to study the menu and visit the refrigerator of beer and soft drinks (a Kolsch for my husband, fancy apple juice for the kids). Service was fast and friendly, both at the register and after we sat down. I suspect the woman taking our order was the owner--there was a kid back there with her, and the older lady who brought our food felt like a grandma helping out. The courtyard was busy, but turnover seemed reasonably steady. It took us a minute, but we got a table with time to spare before our food arrived.
Tina's menu is shorter than Bettina's, but the pizzas are well represented, and they cost about a $1 less than they do in Montecito. We got the meatballs "alla vodka" and two pizzas, and this fed our family with minimal leftovers. The meatballs were delicious, soft and fragrant, with provolone piccante, basil, and a side of focaccia. My toddler gobbled up more than half of the order. Bettina's pizzas are unfailingly delicious, and the same quality came out of this sister kitchen. We shared a pepperoni and a margherita without basil (this is the cheese pizza option, which the kids accepted). Beautiful chewy/crispy charred crust, fresh out of the oven, tangy tomato sauce, and bubbly, gooey mozzarella. The pepperonis were fantastic, meaty little cups piled into every bite, supercharged with a hit of chili oil and Dylan's Wylde honey.
I drank a glass of the house chilled red and enjoyed a lovely, satisfying lunch. I'm glad we now have two ways to get Bettina. We'll be back to Tina's Pizzeria very soon. read more