Where to eat: the 28 best restaurants in Los Olivos

Stopped by for a Monday lunch and had a great experience. We ordered the Roasted Turkey and Italian sandwiches—both were incredibly fresh, flavorful, and made with high-quality ingredients. The restaurant was reasonably busy but not overcrowded, and our food came out quickly. A perfect spot for a delicious and efficient lunch. Highly recommend!

Rude service and the food was not at all what we expected. My curry chicken sandwich should have been called a curry apple sandwich. There were very few pieces of chicken and mostly apples and raisins. My husband had the Tuna salad and it was very dry and difficult to eat. The shop itself is cute with outdoor seating. It would have been nice to know that the outdoor tables associated Paninos had white umbrellas and other tables belonged with the business next door. We waited close to 20 minutes for our order, I finally went up to the cashier and retrieved it. The chunks in the photo aren’t pieces of chicken, they are hunks of apple. Just call it an apple curry sandwich.

A must needed pit stop in between wine tastings! Will be back to try their other sandwiches. The #4 Roast Beef & Horseradish Cheddar on focaccia bread was phenomenal and the ingredients were so fresh and flavorful. There is plenty of seating as well as an abundance of parking spaces nearby. This place is hate to miss, as it's in the center of downtown Los Olivos. Definitely so stop by to either dine in or pick up as a snack/meal after a wine tasting!

Quaint walk in style salad and sandwich shop. Great food and drinks. Out side tables.

The sandwiches we ordered were amazingly good. If only pictures could convey flavor! Highly recommend. It is a bummer that there are no public restrooms in this town.

Delicious sandwiches. My favorite is the chicken with pesto and sun-dried tomatoes on focaccia. I get it every time I’m in Los Olivos! The Harvest salad is another favorite.

We decided to stop here on our way from solvang to Santa Barbara. Very quaint little town. It was good sandwich but nothing remarkable about it. I had the roast beef and horseradish cheddar. Good flavor. The honey mustard was good and you could really taste the horseradish. My wife had the curry chicken salad which she enjoyed as well. I would go again for sure.

I've lost count as to how many times I've been to Bar Le Côte. It is "my place." If anyone who knows me wants to take me to someplace I will love, or if I take anyone to a place that I want them to experience something special...it is this special place. The attention and respect for the meal and the guest is unsurpassed. The entire staff is incredible, however we do always request Kate. We've come for lunch and dinner. Each is it's own unique experience. We just don't want it to end!

Delicious restaurant with farm to table ingredients and seafood focus. Came here with my parents and boyfriend for a nice dinner and we highly enjoyed ourselves. We ordered the Pacific Gold reserve oysters,boat scallop crudo, patatas bravas, BL Caesar, pan con tomate, Santa Barbara halibut, arroz verde, duck a la plancha, and the BLC snack pack (we were going all out). They portioned out the plates and there was a good rhythm. My favorites were the patatas bravas, the pan con tomate, and the BL Caesar. Everything was fresh and flavorful. The duck in particular was robust and had a nice crisp. Parking was easy and free on the street. The booth we were sitting in was on the smaller side, so we had a cozy time. Our waitress was friendly and personable.

Was recommended to check out this place for lunch and get a reservation—we did both—and wow! Terrific food on the wine tasting trail in Los Olivos. Cool vibey place with outstanding service and well executed food. We got sandwiches which were fab, and the vermouth cocktail. Can’t wait to come back!

This is a wonderful place to have lunch. The service is impeccable (they add a gratuity to the bill, but it’s well deserved) the food is wonderful. We both loved our sandwiches with the crispy chicken on the brioche bun being our favorite but we loved the crispy skin fish sandwich. We also ordered the signature fries, however, we would probably skip those next time. They were a bit salty for our taste and overhyped. Other than that we had a wonderful experience and will be back

Great spot. Fried chicken sandwich for lunch is their go-to. The hamachi and Caesar salad were also good, and the strawberry tart dessert was great. I’d definitely go back and recommend if you’re in town.

We stopped by for happy hours after our lunch up the 101 at Bell's. Greg from Bell's strongly recommended the chicken sandwich. Picture this, we just finished lunch 2 hours ago. By the time we rolled into Bar Le Cote, we were still fairly full. We ordered the sando thinking that we'd bring it for the drive back to LA. Well, we each got a nibble and next thing we knew we couldn't stop eating until it was gone. Yup, Greg was 100% right about the chicken sandwich. It was that addictively good and definitely a candidate for my food hall of hame. We'll have to come back to ascertain if it belongs in the HoF. (Sorry no picture on that sando. Feeding frenzy kicked in before we realized it... ) Oh yeah, the peel and eat shrimps were pretty good too. But it's hard to stand next to the sun and shine. You know what I'm saying...

Overall an enjoyable meal. Caesar salad with the anchovies was especially good. The uni was bland, the halibut was overcooked, and the sashimi carpaccio was overpowered by the odd sauce. The oysters were great, especially after they brought out the mignonette. Emily was especially gracious for accommodating us. Please consider my constructive feedback to make this great restaurant closer to perfect.

Such a cute, beautiful place! We had a chance to sit outside as it was such a pretty day. Plenty of choices on the food menu and vino! I ordered the Cafe turkey sandwich and it was so fresh🤤 also tried the Lavender Bubbles - Very nice. I was not sure I was going to like it but it was a pleasant surprise! Now, Katherine our server was on point!!!! She was a doll.

We visited Los Olivos for 4 days and found this gem on day 1. After a few popular restaurant visits we found ourselves dining here for the remainder of our stay. The food is incredibly and consistently delicious. The portions are perfect with larger portions at lunch which provided the energy needed for walks. The homemade focaccia is addicting. The street corn and wedge salad is a must try! The staff is amazing!

One of the better dining experiences I’ve had in 5 years in California. The food was so fresh and delicious. I loved that most everything I ate was made in house and sourced locally. Our waitress was so lovely. Will absolutely come back here.

This place is always a favorite! The veggies are super fresh and full of flavor, and we make sure to stop by whenever we’re in the area. They’ve got some great vegan options, and my wife loves their Bernat wine. Highly recommend. We’ve never had a bad experience.

Dinner and service were both incredible. I took my parents here and everyone loved the food, it was one of the best meals we have had in a while. Thank you to Marcus for his excellent service despite being a busy Saturday night.

Absolutely wonderful experience for our one year anniversary. Wonderful service and on-point recommendation for the wine pairing with our entrées. Couldn’t be better! Thank you for making our evening a very special one!

Met a high school friend here for lunch. The place wasn't crowded and the waitress said to take our time and just catch her eye when we were ready to order. We had a great lunch and an even better uninterrupted conversation. After lunch we walked around the town. Great way to spend an afternoon.

Reservations are a must and you can get there a bit early to grab a drink at the bar. Super friendly staff and the food was 10/10. You can split entrees for a $10 fee (the portions are huge so not a bad idea). The best part of the meal was the bread options - unreal how good their breads are!

The food and service was excellent. I highly recommend this restaurant for all steak lovers. The house special prime rib did not disappoint. The mix drinks and dessert was also excellent.

My deathrow meal is made here. 6oz Prime filet! But I also order in tacos on Thursdays:) .. I suggest you try the trout, pork chop, stuffed chicken, and the lamb. The desserts are superb and seasonal. This place has earned its stars and I hope its around for decades to come.

Last night, I had the pleasure of dining at Brothers Red Barn with my wife, and it was nothing short of fantastic. The ambience was super cute and intimate, with soft lighting that created a cozy atmosphere. We started with drinks—my double Pendleton and Coke was impressively strong, likely closer to a triple, while my wife’s double Gentleman and Coke was equally delightful. Both cocktails were perfectly mixed, setting a great tone for the evening. Now, onto the food, which truly stole the show. My wife ordered the 6-ounce filet mignon, cooked to perfection, beautifully complemented by potatoes au gratin with sautéed onions. I went for the 8-ounce New York steak, paired with garlic mashed potatoes and green beans. Each bite was better than the last, showcasing expert seasoning and cooking techniques. One of the best parts? Brothers Red Barn is just about 2 miles away from Chumash Casino, making it the perfect spot for a date night before or after some fun at the casino. Overall, Brothers Red Barn offers a memorable dining experience with its charming setting, excellent cocktails, and outstanding cuisine. I can’t wait to return!

Too expensive for what we recieved. Dated decoration, dark lighting, and a general feeling like the restaurant is stuck in the 80s. The food was fine, although my daughter didn't eat her burger because it was too greasy. Service was good. I don't think we'll be back anytime soon.

What a wonderful place to relax and celebrate and eat amazing dishes. I think their rib eye is the best I've had in years. The creme brule was sensational. I highly recommend this spot. Even being an out of towner, I felt like a local.

Ordered filet of Halibut on a bed of brown rice and corn chowder. The bread, rosemary rolls, . Absolutely delicious

Came in for an early start to our day. This is the place everyone suggested to come to but appears it was just one of the few places opened. Walked into the cutest place restaurant ever. Everyone was so welcoming and in great moods. So this made our experience even better! The 2 employees in the front, Ella and Danica, Y'all were awesome!!! We ordered the Triberry Scone, warmed, and the bagels and lox. Also, ordered 2 coffees, freshly brewed and medium strength! Our food was brought to our table and tasted delicious! We sat outside since it's always beautiful here. Thank you for a wonderful start to our day! It's a must come if in Los Olivos!

Great stop in Los Olivos. Cute rustic building with lots of shade and parking. Tables outside and on the patio as well as inside. Breakfast and lunch menus. Great prices. The best was the service! The cutest young lady with long straight brown hair is a keeper! She was so cheerful and helpful taking our order as was a young dark hair man. Hubby has breakfast burrito, I the veggie sandwich in focaccia. Fresh squeezed orange juice was awesome! Loved our experience!!!

A delightful stop on my way from LA to Oceano... Chef Zach makes a great breakfast burrito that double as a lunch. The quiche is great. Friendly folks and a quiet respite...

Great Latte at Corner House Cafe! Childrens books by Henry Schulte a bonus!

Breakfast Review: limited selection and out of all pastry items by 9:45. Good choice if you want something simple or quick but not if you are looking for a hearty breakfast. Coffee is good and the place is very quaint and has a pleasant porch to sit on and people watch. A little over priced for what it is though. Perhaps lunch would be a better choice- lots of flavors of ice cream there as well.

Cute setting on a corner, in Los Olivos. Inside and outside dining, sunshine or shade. Food was delicious, drinks were yummy, too. We got the turkey wraps and iced chia tea lattes.

i payed 10 dollars for a sandwich, that is the size of a car key. let me repeat that, a car key. absolute Robery. glad to see I'm not the only one complaining about prices. For this amount of money I'd expect something the size of a bagel at least. They don't require masks yet again close the restroom in the name of Covid, which is why they told my poor mother to walk all the way to the nearby church to use the restroom also eggs were over cooked. do not come here.

Bartender was an excellent waitress and so friendly to our little group that had to be crowded in at the bar over the holiday week. Exceptional really since we weren't ordering alcohol and they had to fit us there due to the many customers. The seared tuna tacos were amazing and the popcorn ice cream a surprisingly good flavor!

If you find yourself in Los Olivos, lose your senses at Sides! The Scallops & Leeks are luscious and perfectly seasoned, smooth and silky. The Pear upside down cake is literally to DIE for! We went back two nights in a row to taste other items on the menu, but came back to the pear upside down dessert to complete our evening. Sides will NOT disappoint, if there was a higher rating, I would give it!

Awesome atmosphere, food and staff (our server Ashley was awesome!). We had a mushroom burger with a huge slab of "bacon steak" and the pork belly tacos. Outstanding! Also, you must try the spicy margarita, and although not on the drink menu, the Bartender made us a perfect Old Fashioned with Bullet Rye...love it!

Not as good as it used to be. Bacon steak tastes more like pork ribs than Bacon. The tomato in the BLT special was way too juicy and made the sandwich so soggy.

This was recommended while visiting local winery and did not disappoint, always nice to try where locals go for a quick and relaxing bite to eat. Will definitely come back next time and try something different lots to choose from.

Just walked into the bar for a quick bite and a cocktail. The Manhattan was crafted well and the calamari appetizer was actually very good. Aside from the squid, there were fried jalapenos as well.

Wow the lunch I just had here was so amazing! Everything was cooked to perfection and they were so prompt at serving us I had no problem getting in and out of there in under an hour. Such an adorable restaurant that was very clean and relaxing with friendly staff!

I had a high expectation coming with locals that, like us, our adept foodies with Italian and European culinary experience. We wanted to like the place but we were, sadly, not that impressed. Especially given the sometimes pricey menu items. Decor is simple, clean, and nicely spaced so that you don't feel crowded. Noise level is optimal, you can have a conversation. Service was pleasant, very professional, but unnecessarily slow on a night when only half the restaurant was filled. The drink selection was very good. I must say that while the cocktails were creatively designed, and overpriced as many are, they didn't always come out so tasty. A matter of creative ingredients sounding good but not necessarily working well together. In other words, paying for the novelty more than the flavor. The food was the most limiting factor. Despite a nicely balanced menu and a good wine list, the preparations were often OK but certainly not great or memorable. The gnocchi may have been the exception: fluffy light pillows of flavor in a delicate and well balanced cream sauce. The lamb filled pasta was dry inside and the sauce inadequate to make up for the insipid flavor. The waiter enthusiastically sold an overpriced cut of beef that was good but not exceptional in any way. The pizza was good even if some of the large-edged crust was beyond crispy.

A woman in a Croatian village once told my wife and me a secret: the best restaurants keep their menus small. Focused. No fluff. That wisdom hits home at SY Kitchen in California’s Santa Ynez Valley, where the menu is a tight, perfect poem of dishes done right. The Margherita pizza? Crisp, blistered, with tomatoes that taste like summer. The meatballs, juicy and tender, nestled on focaccia bread, soaking up sauce that feels like a hug. The mushroom tagliatelle pasta is earthy, soulful. And the artichoke—dear God, the artichoke—grilled to smoky perfection, each leaf a masterclass in care. It’s not just technique, though SY’s got that nailed. It’s the sourcing. Surrounded by regenerative, organic farms, the ingredients—carrots, herbs, everything—taste like they were just pulled from the earth. No James Beard or Michelin star needed to know this place is world-class. You feel it in every bite. The staff seals the deal: James keeps the table humming, Jennifer knows the menu like a poet knows words, and John, the maître d’, runs the show with warm precision. SY Kitchen isn’t chasing fame; it’s too busy being great. Eat here. Eat here often. Because when the awards catch up, you’ll be fighting for a seat. Cheers SY, J+R @bigryanpark

GO HERE. Food is amazing. Service is just as good. Rachel was great. Friendly, upbeat, and good conversation. We had the burrata board app and the sausage and burrata pizza. More than enough for two to split and every bite was spectacular. We didn’t order pasta but the neighboring tables did. They raved about it but it did look on the smaller side. We will be back!! Reservations highly suggested

Love this spot! This was my fourth time here and of course everything was great! The octopus salad is so delicious, the mushroom pasta the noodles are 10/10! Their panna cotta is the best desert! I’ve had the pistachio crème brûlée before and that was so good too honestly everything I’ve tried has been good! I also love how cozy the vibes are. I also never write reviews but I had to shout this place out because it’s my favorite every-time I come to the area!

The ambience of the place is wonderful; definitely gives a nice homey, country vibe! The establishment was also very clean and the staff were very kind and professional! I gave the food 4/5 only because the prices are very high and I feel that the food isn’t something out of this world or unique. Thanks for the experience!

Wow!! What an incredible experience last weekend! The service was fantastic, the food was absolutely incredible, we both loved the artichoke appetizer, my pasta and my husband’s Halibut was out of this world. Can’t wait to visit again soon!!

I always say YES to SY Kitchen. You can, too. The food is yummy every time and they take care of you like a loving family. I recommend requesting an outside table when you arrive.

My girlfriend brought this home from a bridal shower (gift) she attended. I can say without any hesitation it was without question the worst bottle of wine either of us ever tasted. Mind you you my Italian import dad made his own horrible wine in the 70s and it tasted like gasoline. 2 sips and down the drain. Can't speak to the restaurant but this was truly aweful.

Cute tasting room in the bustling town of Los Olivos. Order a tasting flight for a full spectrum of the vineyards productions, or order single glasses. Lisa, our server, was extremely friendly and proudly flaunted her knowledgeable about the wines.

We weren't able to get a patio reservation but got one for the fresh garage and had a lovely time. Service was terrific and friendly, and Savannah even poured us a few tastings from the "regular" menu as we were looking to get a few cases for my friends upcoming wedding....we ended up buying 5 cases! All of the wine at Stolpman is delightful but faves are the estate rose and sauv blanc, estate syrah's, uni and ggt.

Love Stolpman wines! Cutest little tasting room with a nice patio and twinkle light vibes. Shout out to Will for the recs 🍷 cheers

Label this as a must stop! Not only are the wines delicious, the staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable of their product. We will 100% be back here in the future. Don’t hesitate, go grab a glass or few bottles. And their pup is awesome too!

We enjoyed the wine, and we had a great hostess, Whitney. She was very knowledgeable and friendly. Thank you!

My friends and I went wine tasting for our Bachelorette weekend. Matty was amazing and knowledgeable about the wine. He was super nice and provided us with amazing recommendations. The wine menu was presented to us on arrival. The wine tasting had 6 different wines from rose to white and red. The wine was delicious and the atmosphere was very relaxing! I would highly recommend Stolpman Vineyards and ask for Matty because he is amazing!

Amazing. Yes we did the cupcake and wine paring and Sarloos and sons. 10 years ago we did this and I tell people about that experience all the time. I tell them that this cupcake changed my life. How you say? Well I wasn't really a cake or a cupcake person, but this changed that. I think about that cupcake. We stopped by on our way home and got more. Delicious. I always look for the perfect flavor, in my opinion (Pineapple Peach Jalapeno Chardonnay).

Cupcakes that are made for wine pairings, genius!! All the flavors were really good AND worked well with the wine. I'm not a big wine drinker to begin with so the cupcakes really helped! 6 mini cupcakes for $10...you can choose whatever flavors you like if you don't want one of each for the wine pairings! We bought extra after to take home. :) Flavors of the Week - Cranberry Chardonnay: my favorite!!! - Rizogalo (Greek cinnamon rice pudding): good! - Chocolate Pumpkin Cheesecake: good! - Salted Blondie: good! tasted like salted caramel - Chocolate Blackberry Syrah: least favorite... too rich in chocolate for my taste - Dipped Oreo: good, the first time around... not so much when I had it again. This was an extra flavor that was not paired with wine.

We bought an assortment of cupcakes for a 91st b-day and they were amazing. Moist cake, super flavorful frosting - a winner for sure.

Amber and Enjoy Cupcakes were an absolute pleasure to work with. From the convenient way of booking them for our big day, to tasting the cupcakes at their Public Market location, to the ultimate delivery and set-up of the cupcakes on the day of, Amber and her team handled everything professionally and with enthusiasm. When I was deciding the flavors for my cupcakes, I had several questions about colors and flavors and even some ideas that I wanted to float by her, she not only called me or emailed me back promptly but always offered advice and made me feel like in that moment I was her number one. The only issue that came up was regarding cupcake stand rentals. When we signed the contract she had them as an option to rent and when it came time for the wedding she no longer offered that as a service. However, she gave us as much notice as possible and even suggested vendors/suppliers to help us out. Regardless, her cupcakes were so beautiful they spoke for themselves on our display table that the stands were a silly thing in the end. The cupcakes were amazing, flavorful and bright. I enjoyed them the night of my wedding, but I can honestly say that waking up and eating them in bed the morning after was way more fun :)

Cupcakes in a winery? Genius. Amazing flavors include Peanut Butter & Honey, Mexican Cocoa, Blackberry Syrah, Blood Orange, Ginger Lime Chardonnay and Salted Toffee. All were delicious but our favorites (the best of the best!) were the Peanut Butter & Honey, followed by the Blackberry Syrah. This place definitely merits repeated return visits!

Enjoy Cupcakes is located inside of Saarloos & Sons. A flight of 6 mini cupcakes is $10, and yes, they are delicious and moist and not overly sweet. Each cupcake had a little bit of cream filling and light cream on top. The owner was very nice when describing each cupcake to us. The best part for me was that we could take our cupcake flight to the wine tasting counter of Saarloos & Sons for a wine pairing (which I believe was $10 as well). It was a really fun experience and I would highly recommend it for anyone going to that area. Come early before they run out of cupcakes! If you get them to go, they pack them in egg carton boxes... AHHH cute

I was super impressed that I called and ordered them at night and they were ready the next day. I ordered 4 dozen for the post office and a dozen for my home, and you can tell from the first bite they are quality! Will be ordering again for sure! I can't wait to try more flavors! Thank you, EC!

This is sweet little spot for quality eats. Very pleasant waitstaff. We got a charcuterie plate for 2. It was a little box of delightful goodies. Truly enjoyed the selections. A must stop if you are in the Valley. Lots of jams and honey & nuts. I even got some tasty cheese to go.

Ben wanting to visit Lucky Hen for a few years. Finally got the chance today. Ordered the chicken sandwich and could not be happier. In fact, I only ate half of it, and took the rest home to have later. 100% worth stopping to try.

This is a little sandwich heaven nestled in Santa ynez. Escape the touristy Solvang for an incredible sandwich or even some out of the ordinary snacks. I popped in today for a little thank you gift for our hosts and not only did I find some fun treats but they put them into a beautiful basket for me above and beyond. We love this gem and will be back!

Outdoor walk-up counter with outside seating. Highly recommended to pre order your food. Service was a little slow being the only person there. I ordered a sandwich and it took 30 minutes. Maybe a fluke. The patio has great views and a good menu.

Alicia at Lucky Hen went above and beyond for our catering order. The platters were stunning and all my guests raved about the food. Thank you so much!

Awesome little place to get a cheese board for wine tasting at nearby wineries! Got a 3 meat & 3 cheese combo for $33, which came with chef selected cheese and meat along with pickled veggies, nuts, jam, dried fruits, and bread. They also sell sandwiches and have several tables outside to sit at.

Foodie’s dream heaven. Amazing tri tip with avocado vinaigrette and garlic aioli. They had my favorite truffle chips and a fresh raspberry lemonade. Add in the lovely patio and the panoramic hills, mountains, and trees, and you have the perfect setting for lunch!

Came across this restaurant when we visit Los Olivos. The manager was super nice as well as our server Juan. I must say I’m really into truffle. Especially black not white truffles and their black truffle pizza was incredible. I usually don’t eat much pizza but with this pizza I almost finished the whole thing lol. It was a beautiful Monday night. Weather wasn’t too hot for summer days. I highly recommend this restaurant if you ever visited.

I’ve finally had the pleasure of visiting Nella Kitchen & Bar, the latest and luckiest establishment to have chosen Francois Renaud, a consummate professional in the world of wine and fine dining general management, directorship, and overall restaurant leadership. I first had the pleasure of meeting Francois and his team at the former, Wine House Kitchen in West Los Angeles, a place that will forever hold a cherished place of fond memories despite its absence in the Los Angeles dining scene. In learning of Francois’ decision to join the Nella team, I knew that it would be a worthy destination trip for us to dine for the evening. We were pleasantly rewarded with an establishment luxuriously appointed, with a warm inviting team, delicious food, and amazing wine, exactly what I’d hoped and expected. I highly recommend a visit and look forward to my next visit to Francois and his new home at Nella Kitchen & Bar in Los Olivos. Thank you Francois!

Just ate here. 6:30pm. April 18 2025. We eat out, a lot, all over the World. This may be one of the best restaurants we have ever eaten at, anywhere. No kidding. Reasonable pricing for fine dining. Perfectly proportioned plates. Pleasing mix of sea, meat, and vegi based meals. The bar staff knows how make almost any drink, perfectly. Wine list was local, international, and well selected. Our server was Victoria, and she made our table of 8 feel completely cared for despite the chaos of three generations of our family trying to make decisions and order. I can't say enough good things about the food, and staff. We will likely travel here from Arizona again sooner than planned to visit our family and just to dine here again. ♥️

The Green Mile Mocktail was refreshing and delicious. The lunch duck salad is a must if you like duck. The leaf was my insert. 🙌 We only stay at Fess Parker’s and have learned to only eat here. Lunch and dinner

Incredible Food! If you don't have a reservation they put you in a small back room by the kitchen. Fun to watch the kitchen but the atmosphere really lacked not being in the front room or on the patio. Definitely do a reservation otherwise I don't recommend coming here.

Proof that God blesses palates bold enough to wander beyond brisket. So there I was, a Texas BBQ believer, wandering the rolling hills of Los Olivos with my sharp-witted bride and a mighty appetite, when we asked a local where to eat. Now, I’m a man of faith in smoke rings and char lines, but when that local uttered “Nella Kitchen & Bar,” I felt something shift in my brisket-loving soul. We strolled up to this classy little gem tucked inside the Fess Parker Wine Country Inn just before lunchtime: no reservation, no plan, just a prayer and a pocketful of optimism. And wouldn’t you know it? We were seated immediately outside on their picture-perfect patio. Texans, you’ll understand the gravity of this: it was June, and we were happily sitting outside. In Texas, you’d be halfway to heat stroke by then. Our server? A hospitality ninja. Friendly, fast, and more graceful than a longhorn ballerina. Wine country rules say you start with a glass, and who was I to challenge the law? I went with a red that tasted like it had been aged in oak barrels and angel wings. My wife, ever the class act, chose a crisp white that practically danced out of the glass. Now, buckle up: the special of the day was fried artichoke hearts, and I mean fried to a golden crisp like they’d just come outta heaven’s air fryer. Creamy, crunchy, drizzled with something magical and shredded with enough cheese to make a cow blush. Hands down, our new favorite appetizer of all time. I didn’t even think I liked artichokes and now I would fight someone for the last bite of these. And then came the bread and butter. Let me say this as clearly as I can: if you go to Nella and don’t order the bread, you need to rethink your life choices. The bread was warm, fluffy, and had a crust so perfectly chewy it made me emotional. That butter? So rich and golden I almost asked it to dance. Now for the mains: my wife, adventurous as ever, ordered the Pulled Muscovy Duck Salad and folks, it looked like the cover of Fancy Lettuce Monthly. Frisée, apple, grapes, mushrooms, chile, walnuts, and a soy-lemon vinaigrette that made the whole thing sing like an Italian opera. She said it was amazing. As for me? You already know. If there’s lamb on the menu, I’m ordering it before the waiter finishes saying it. The Lamb Chops Scottadito came perched over roasted potatoes, bell peppers, and earthy porcini mushrooms, all kissed with a bright, herby chimichurri. The chops were juicy, tender, and cooked so perfectly I might’ve teared up a little. We didn’t make it to dessert. Not because we didn’t want to — but because we’d hit flavor capacity and needed a nap, a sunset, and a moment of quiet reflection. TL;DR: If you find yourself in Los Olivos with the sun shining and your stomach rumbling, Nella Kitchen & Bar isn’t just a suggestion, it’s a calling. From the first bite of artichoke to the last sip of wine, it’s where upscale Italian meets patio-perfected relaxation. We’ll be back. Heck, I’d book a flight just for those artichokes.

Wonderful restaurant in downtown Los Olivos. Great service, and a wonderful atmosphere. It was the perfect place for a romantic dinner with my partner. The food is amazing! It was the first place we've eaten at that had such a wide selection of specials. The baby artichokes was one of them, and did not disappoint. My partner thoroughly enjoyed the wine she had there. If we're ever in the area again, we will go back because it's worth it!

I had a great tasting experience at Story of Soil. Excellent outdoor space, great hosts and amazing wines! Definitely come to this tasting room the next time you are in Los Olivos! You will not be disappointed excellent Pinot, Grenache and Syrah!

Best wine in Los Olivos! Jessica and her crew care so much and welcome guests with open arms.

The wine was of really high quality, staff was very knowledgeable and friendly. Would definitely go back!

I wanted to like this place as it was recommended to us. Unfortunately, none of the wines we tasted stood out. It is a cute tasting room, though, with plenty of seats outside to enjoy the warm weather.

Amazing find in Los Olivos. Had received many industry suggestions to visit - and the wines exceeded all expectations. Brady did a great job explaining the work behind some incredibly crafted wines. Will definitely be back!

I love many wineries in Los Olivos and surrounding areas. So many. This is my absolute favorite! I love all of the wines, especially the Gamay. Brandon provides a lovely tasting experience, he is knowledgeable and we have learned so much from him you should give this place a try, it is awesome.

Beautiful place with a boutique, yet homey feel! If you want to relax in nature and enjoy the sunshine, there's a lush area you can sit out back (view photo below).

I've been to Bob's more times than I’d like to admit and have tried nearly everything on the menu. The food is hit or miss—sometimes great, other times a letdown. The avocado toast is often served on rock-hard bread, and the egg sandwich comes on an exceptionally thick, dense English muffin. Worst of all, the sausage on the breakfast sandy is so ridiculously salty, and apparently, that’s how they intend it to be. I’ve had it three times, and it’s always the same. As for the specials, I've tried about five different sandwiches, and the Italian was by far the best. Regarding the staff, I’ve read some mixed reviews, but I’ve only been helped by Bob once in my 20 visits, and it was an entirely fine experience. However, the wait times for food are absurd, and it’s not just on busy days. I have to assume they’re making the bread from scratch for every order, it takes that long. The coffee is decent, and I actually enjoy it.

Bob’s We’ll Bread Bakery is a cozy corner cafe and bakery offering a delightful and fresh english muffins, breads, croissant etc. They’re located at the corner of Baseline ave and Cottonwood st deep in residential area of Ballard CA. I came on a cool, overcast Saturday morning. It was just a two minute walk from the house I stayed. It’s a popular local bakery and hence a line already formed outside. They only a few customers at a time given its a small bakery store. So be prepared to wait but it moves pretty fast. After perusing their menu, I ordered a few breakfast items: Avocado toasts x pack egg, cafe latte, and an english muffin. Coffee was nice. Food was good especially the EM. It’s so bloody fresh ‘n warm and huge. Staff was cordial and professional. Prices were highly expensive. For instance, an extra poached egg cost $3 quid. Atmosphere was relaxing with abundant of natural light. Parking lot available. Loo was artsy, neat and odorless. Merch available for purchase. Overall, I had a fine breakfast. I recommend you visit if your on the area.

On a road trip we were figuring out whether this place was a good stopover for breakfast. It was indeed. A small bakery that offers a lot more in dining options. The bakery and cafe has a small inner dinning area as well as an outdoor yard. The menu is casual but it offers enough options for breakfast and brunches. Bread is made to the standards found in larger cities. Definitely a worthwhile visit.

My friend and I came to Solvang on a weekend trip. We found recommended places online. Bob's was one of them. We went in there as first timers. The register woman seemed annoyed at us before we got to the counter, because of that impression I apologized and said we'd never been there and didnt know the routine. I ordered the caprese sandwich. First she stared blankly at me, then she repeated my order pronouncing it differently (correctly, i'm assuming?) Then she told me they didn't have it. Soon long story short, we got a turkey sandwich to split. It was on the hardest and toughest bread is out of lowly towners have ever had. We ate some of the turkey and left. The register woman was pretentious, and unfriendly to us. If we go back to Solvang we'll definitely skip it here. We're also going to find the recommendation post and down vote it. If you decide to go please dont forget to put on airs. The register woman might be nicer to you. Also, I guess its ca-pray-say. Please dont get it wrong like me. Its not ca-pree-sea. Very uncouth of me.

The Ballard store location is about 8 minutes from downtown Solvang CA. We had a delicious lunch here. We ordered the meatloaf and the Croque-Monseur sandwiches, both were delicious, and fancier than your average deli sandwich shop. If you are looking for something less commercial you will enjoy this gem.

Visited twice, 5 stars for our first visit, loved their baguette, blueberry scone (instead of fresh they used dried blueberry, which surprisingly tasted even better, was sweet, tart and juicy!) and our coffee! But can only give 3 stars for our second, think they have some consistency issue. The cappuccino from our second visit tasted like it’s made by a machine on auto mode. The cherry chocolate scone was not comparable to the blueberry one in terms of flavor (tho it’s likely just a personal preference), and the oatmeal raisin cookie’s a bit stale.

Love Bobs Well when I’m visiting in the area. Lovely spot, terrific bread and pastries. My only feedback the “pot of tea” is actually 1 tea bag with a pot of hot water. it’s weak. Loose leaf tea in a pot done properly would be a big improvement Bob! :)

After the closure of my longtime favorite cafe I thought I’d never stop off again in Los Olivos. I was quite devastated. Luckily I stopped a local on a walk and asked her if there was anywhere in the town just to get coffee she told me about Lefty’s. Made my day!! They’ve been open about 3years... It’s a place with old fashioned character - not a spot of sterile atmosphere. I’ll be happy to drive off 101 up the winding road to my new favourite place in Los Olivos….. plus the owners have a corgi - although I understand Lefty isn’t there very often as he barks a lot. Well, he has a lot to talk about 🥰

Expansive indoor and outdoor seating to enjoy some workspace and delicious coffee. Close walk to town center (1 block). New! Give it a try!! Bike repair tools available at a cute bike-repair stand/shed thoughtfully facing street side entrance. Great ADA access, parking, ramps, bathroom. Modern electrical outlets everywhere for usb charging and laptops. Books to share/take, a puzzle table with in progress jigsaw puzzle… someone is being very very thoughtful creating this space, bravo!

Very cute cafe. Good latte. Gluten-free chocolate chip muffin sadly had no flavor. And the customer service left something to be desired. We had to go inside 4 times just to get what we needed for our order. Our pastries were heated and then left sitting out on the counter to cool until we discovered them. We were provided with no utensils, given no directions as to where to find such items and received no welcome or goodbye. Very sweet place, but customer care did not match the cute ambiance.

Stopped in this morning with my husband on our bike ride through Los olivos. This was a hidden gem for us not being locals. We rode through last time we were visiting and somehow missed this spot. Super cool atmosphere, friendly staff and delicious coffee. I got the dirty horchata it was perfect. Anytime we are back visiting from San Diego this will be our little go to spot. Thanks again ! Also loved all the touches with the corgi print. I'm a dog lover so that sold me first haha 😄

Best coffee even beyond this cute town! We had two stopovers there. One on our way to San Luis Obispo and then again two days later going back to LA! Both times we needed a “pickmeup” caffein booster and so glad this place exists besides the cute wine tasting places. On a side note if you love corgis as much as I do they sell the cutest coffee cups!

I was so pleasantly surprised when I stumbled onto this coffee shop…I can barely even call it that it feels like home!! Lefties is actually located In a neighborhood, and probably was somebody’s home at one time…it truly doesn’t get cozier. Everything about it is the highest quality including the service the food and the adorable way it is out together and decorated. You truly have to visit this one if you’re in Los Olivos. I stop in every time I’m there now.

Great coffee and service. On the smaller side for a coffee shop, but still a great experience. Limited parking.

Nice selection of area beers. Lovely venue and great play list. A wonderful beer stop in a town full of wineries.

Fantastic tiny tap room with an nicely curated list from local to not so local. Totally worth the stop on a warm day through sideways country. Make sure to check out the fridge stocked up with rare and special cans. A beer lovers dream in the central coast wineland.

Sina is the best she made the best experience seriously thank you so much for giving us the good recommendations!

Great beer — not supportive of unions. So buyer beware if you are WGA SAG UPS or any other union in danger right now Hopefully this review will help them understand why it’s not ok for the industry unions to “be on strike for a year because their cue is so filled” — given their bartender thinks it’s ok to say this in the bar.

Perfect place to have a date or chill with some great people.

I got a Pac-Man high score!

Amazing spot, definitely worth visiting. They do a great job choosing an interesting and delicious wine and beer selection. 10/10

I love the atmosphere on their outside deck on a warm day, but the food is increasingly hit and miss. Fajitas are usually a safe bet but I thought I'd try the veggie tostadas for a change. They served an impressive looking mound of veggie-like color and I quickly learned that about half of that was peppers and onions. A little too much for my taste. The other identifiable vegetables were primarily summer squash, zucchini, and lettuce. Unfortunately, the squash was mostly raw. Some of the peppers, onions and corn had charred edges, but all of the squash was cold and raw. I think it would have been much better with properly cooked veggies, including the bell peppers and onions. But the service was great and the margaritas are always good here, and it took a couple to help me forget my rather disappointing $60 lunch for one.

When walked in the smell of great food was so good! Very welcoming place. Comfortable, many options to choose from.

One of the places I still return to in the valley. The quality of their food is consistent and always great. You get so much food and usually walk away with leftovers. If you go for dinner, before 5 there will usually be no wait; after 5, especially on the weekend, you can expect to wait for a table.

AMAZING SERVICES and FOOD!!! This place deserves 5 stars!!! The food was great and the service crew are fast, polite and friendly.. we will go back here again..

A perfect ending to a perfect day in Santa Ynez valley. Great company, great conversation, stiff drinks (Substituted Mezcal for Tequila in our Margaritas) and stellar service. My brother and sister-in-law are strict vegetarians. When we realized their vegetarian tostada's came with Mexican rice cooked in chicken stock, our hostess Kaitlyn was personification of equanimity and professionalism. Without skipping a beat and with grace took away their plates and remade their orders . Remained attentive to our needs , no awkwardness. It is said that salsas make or break a Mexican restaurant. The salsas for me were too mild but Kaitlyn and the rest of the staff had stellar service, were very welcoming, and their spirit and warmth more than made up for the lack of fire in the salsas... Though my brother found the salsa fiery too. And the drive back as the sun set and drenched the Santa Rita hills in amber glow was a cherry on top of the already great mood thanks to. Kaitlyn and the staff at Dos Carlitos (and the stiff drinks). Thank you.

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Dos Carlito's Restaurant & Tequila Bar, and let me just say, it was an absolute delight from start to finish! First and foremost, the food was simply incredible. The enchiladas were a true standout, bursting with flavor and perfectly cooked. And don't even get me started on the chicken tacos - they were like a fiesta in my mouth! Each bite was a delicious explosion of taste that left me craving more. But it wasn't just the food that impressed me; the service was exceptional as well. Our waiter, Eri, was incredibly attentive and really went above and beyond to ensure that we had everything we needed. His friendly demeanor and professionalism truly enhanced our dining experience. Now, onto the ambiance. The restaurant's interior exuded an authentic charm that instantly transported me to the heart of Mexico. However, what really stole the show for me was dining outdoors on the patio. The ambiance was simply unbeatable, especially on a beautiful day. It was the perfect setting to enjoy a meal with friends and soak up the sunshine. If I had to nitpick one thing, it would be the sautéed veggie tostada. While the flavors were delicious, I couldn't help but notice that the veggies were a bit on the raw side. However, this small hiccup did little to detract from an otherwise stellar dining experience. Overall, Dos Carlitos Restaurant & Tequila Bar exceeded all of my expectations. From the mouthwatering food to the impeccable service, it's clear that this is a gem of a restaurant that shouldn't be missed. I can't wait to return and indulge in more of their delectable dishes!

I visited here on my way to a camping trip on Figueroa Mountain, and it was so good I returned with my fiancée so she could try it too. This is a higher end Mexican place with fancy cloth napkins, so don't expect a dollar menu. Service was excellent on both trips. As soon as you sit down they deliver chips with salsa and a southwest bean dip. The salsa was pretty mild, but they have a spicy version that is just plain awesome with smoky serrano chili. I could eat that on everything. On my first trip I had a steak tostada. There was plenty of tasty steak, and it was topped with grilled green onions. Worth the price. On trip two I tried the mole poblano tacos and they were pretty good. I think I'll stick with their steak options in the future, though. My fiancée had a steak enchilada and loved it. She wasn't as impressed with the chicken taco, though. It was good, just not her favorite. They have an impressive drink menu, and she raved about her blood orange margarita. Alas, I was on the motorcycle and had to skip them all. Next time.

Dining at Leonardo’s Ristorante & Pizzeria in Solvang is more than just a meal — it’s an experience rooted in authenticity, warmth, and attention to detail. We were so impressed that we ended up dining there twice during our week-long stay, and both visits were nothing short of exceptional. Leonardo’s delivers Italian food that’s, in my opinion, as close to the real thing as you’ll find outside of Italy. From the moment you take your first bite, you can tell that every dish is made with heart and heritage. While the food was stellar, the service highly contributed to this review five stars. My wife is gluten-free, dairy-free, and very sensitive to spicy foods — and yet the staff, specifically our waiter Shawn, worked with us effortlessly to customize dish that was flavorful, beautifully presented, and didn’t make her feel like she was “missing out.” For dessert considering my wife’s dietary restrictions Shawn recommended their delicious lemon sorbet that is creatively stuffed inside of a frozen lemon and the plate garnished with sweet strawberries and chocolate syrup. Even more impressively, on our second visit, a different waiter — who had never served us before — remembered not only my wife’s dietary restrictions but her exact order from our first visit. From memory alone. If that’s not the definition of excellent customer service, I don’t know what is. The staff across the board were warm, professional, and genuinely accommodating. It felt like being taken care of by a family that actually cares about what you eat and how you feel. Between the impeccable service and the unforgettable food, Leonardo’s quickly became the culinary highlight of our trip to Solvang. It’s rare to find a restaurant that treats dietary restrictions not as a burden, but as an opportunity to shine — and even rarer to find one that makes you feel like family after just one visit. If you’re in Solvang, do yourself a favor: make a reservation, come hungry, and prepare to be taken care of. We’ll definitely be back!

If you have the chance to visit this wonderful ristorante in the beautiful village of Solvang, you should. The food was delicious and fresh. The atmosphere was elevated in the evening and comfortable during lunch time. The service is always excellent. The servers all have great suggestions and recommendations. Overall very nice experiences both times I went. We will definitely be back anytime we're in the area.

Wife and I loved the eggplant parm. Others in group of ten also liked their meals and desserts. The lemon sorbet needed to be defrosted before serving. Recommended.

Definitely a great Italian restaurant! Fresh authentic Italian cuisines. Sean was a professional who knew their dishes and was great server.

Fantastic pizza! It has a thin crust with a nice puffy, chewy edge that's perfect for dipping in their olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The prices are very good considering the quality of the food. Our server was very friendly, too. It's easy to see why their reviews are so positive.

What a great little find! Leonardo’s was the perfect ending to a great day of wine tastings. We each tried something different to be sure to have a variety and were not at all disappointed. The Bronzino and Steak were cooked to perfection, however the Chicken Parmesan was one of the best we’ve ever tasted. Ended the evening with the espresso martinis.. absolutely perfect!

Leonardo’s Ristorante Pizzeria delivered an exceptional dining experience from start to finish. The food and service were excellent, with our waiter, Shannon, providing impeccable service—he truly has the perfect character for this role, making our meal even more enjoyable. The lasagna and lobster ravioli were superbly prepared, rich in flavor, and cooked to perfection. The calamari was excellent—crispy and tender—while the bread was fresh, airy, and a perfect complement to the meal. The highlight of the evening was the Limoncello dessert, which was the best I’ve had—including during my international travels to Italy. One minor suggestion: I’d recommend omitting the chocolate drizzle on the plate, as it detracts from the pure, refreshing Limoncello flavor. Overall, an outstanding experience, and I highly recommend Leonardo’s to anyone looking for authentic, high-quality Italian cuisine!

PANINO is the day trip dream spot. Their sandwiches are absolutely next-level—fresh, flavorful, and stacked with love. We split a couple on the patio, and honestly, it was the perfect fuel for a slow, sunny afternoon in wine country. I went with the #3 Genoa Salami, and WOW—every bite was stacked with flavor. The salami paired with honey mustard, crisp veggies, and soft bread hit that perfect savory-satisfying balance. It’s everything you want from a deli-style sandwich, but next level. Ideal for sharing if you’re on a little day trip through wine country (or just grab one for yourself and don’t look back). Cute outdoor seating, great vibes, and super fresh ingredients. You can taste the care in everything they serve. A total gem—don’t skip it!

Panino's is absolutely a MUST STOP in Santa ynez. I visited as a pitstop on a road trip and got so much more than I was expecting. The food was out of this world amazing. I got the turkey and brie on baguette (10/10), my husband got the ham and Swiss on focaccia (10/10), and my MIL got the tuna sandwich on whole wheat sourdough (10/10). She did the half and half and was completely filled! My sandwich was a GREAT portion size, so much meat and cheese and definitely worth the price! The atmosphere is amazing, with plentiful outdoor seating that is comfortable. If I am ever back through this area, panino's will be a must-stop.

Great lil sandwich spot in SY! Ive tried many of their sandwiches and all are great! Pictured are the Minestrone Soup and the Chicken Salad Sandwich. Both were great!

Panino's is such a great staple and wonderful gathering place for a great lunch. I recently enjoyed a lunch with my sister and I really enjoyed the space, food, and the people. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for great food in an enjoyable atmosphere.

Awesome place first time here omg the Sammie’s are bomb the honey mustard wow so good to die for and the 2 ladies that work there are very sweet very awesome customer service we ate on patio loved it 👍 she was very busy and smile on her face the whole time in this hot weather I give this place a 10 bar far great atmosphere we will be back ,I would love to be able to purchase that honey mustard 😁

This sandwich shop was a fun experience. Sandwiches I had not heard of and the servers were kind in explaining items. The food was good portions and the prices were affordable. My salad was a caramelized apple salad with lots of good stuff. It was delicious.

Ordered takeout, and this place did not disappoint. The sandwiches are packed with vegetables and meat, the best quality of both. Truly great, complimented by the perfect tasting bread. Yum!

Small friendly market and deli with easily accessible restroom. Great place to stop next to the Tesla Supercharger. Tasty tri tip sandwiches on the weekends. Outdoor picnic area available.

Really nice staff and owner who helped me find my favorite local winery Pinot and Sauvignon Blanc from star winemaker Ernst Storm!

Stopped in to charge and grabbed sandwiches. Friendly staff and great food!! There’s a bathroom for use too.

Best Tesla Charger stop in Santa Ynez! Great food and cute grocery

If you want to miss the crowded downtown area, stop here for a freshly made sandwich or burger. They have a nice outdoor spot to eat. They had some beautiful bakery items for sale, but I resisted. Next time! My reuben sandwich was spot on and so fresh! Hubs got a chicken Chipotle sandwich that was equally good. The parking lot had lots of construction and working trucks, so you know it's good!

Love the sandwiches But this was our first Stop in for a scone.because they looked fresh. Nope. Vert hard and dry. Need to be on top of that$3.50

Nice stop for snacks and drinks when on long road trips from SoCal to points north and visa versa. They also make great sandwiches to order in the back.

Alot to say about this restaurant. We were offered, and were served, wine by the owner (Joy) before our waiter came to the table. After what seemed to be 15 mins I flagged him down and we got our orders in. Side note-No kids menu or kid friendly dishes so beware. Other side note-the restaurant was kind of smokey. The smoke from the cooking was not sucked up well by their range/hood/vent and the dining room smelled a little burned and some haze seemed to exist. My wife ordered the filet and I the “tomahawk” which was really short rib. My wife said she loved her steak, but I was confused with my dish. It was short rib tied around a bone. See pics for detail. As far as steak goes, nothing could be more different than a tomahawk and short rib. To be fair, the menu does say short rib but then why call it a “Tomahawk”? Was it delicious? Absolutely. Was it the tomahawk I was hoping for? No. Overall the food is good and the service is a little out of order and wonky. They seemed understaffed, but overall it was good.

Wow! Great dinner. Best place we ate at while visiting Solvang/ santa Ynez. Atmosphere was a rustic romantic ambience. Food was all amazing. Chris, our waitress was phenomenal. Very attentive and charismatic. We will definitely come back. 5 stars for sure. Oh... and the chicken liver with dijon was sooooo good!

Dinner at Ellie’s tonight was so good! I had the grilled salmon. It was perfectly done, perfectly seasoned, fresh and delicious. The chopped salad is elegant and could easily be a meal on its own. The bread pudding was different from what I’ve had at other restaurants but was very good. I highly recommend Ellie’s for ambiance, service and wonderful food.

What a sweet find! Everything from decor, delicious food and options, wine list, ambience, and views. This is a must to check out! The owner and chef made a special point to chat and serve our dinner. A homey, comfortable, and yummie dinner out! We highly recommend it. We had the halibut cooked to perfection and the roasted chicken, moist and flavorful. A delightful night out in every way possible way!

This place is so cozy and romantic! Love the vibe! I came here for the first time with my husband on our weekend get away at solvang and this place is exactly what we want. Service : Friendly and awesome! All of them even they are not my server and I just walked by,They are so polite. Food : We got an Artichoke Dip with bread and it’s my first time for Artichoke and I’m impress! It’s soooo yummy. My husband got a Pork Chop and It was really really really good! So flavorful with seasoning and the sauce.By the way,The mash that come with it was one of the most well seasoning mash potato We have ever had. I got a mussels in Asian style coconut milk broth.It was good! But I am Asian,So for my Asian test I think it could be a little less lime juice and add a little touch of salt or fish sauce or soy sauce to it,It would be perfect but that’s just my personal preference.Would I order it again? I sure would! It’s still a good dish. Last but not least was the Chocolate Mousse.The whipped cream was great! And the mousse itself sure did not disappointed! It’s not a soft creamy mousse if that’s what you expect but the texture it’s like an ice cream and that’s what I like! Next time coming to Solvang,Are we coming back here?! That would be our first choice for our dinner! We love this place!

This is a regular spot for us! We love it here! We throughly enjoyed all our dishes by the talented chef Joy! We enjoyed spicy sautéed calamari, seared Alaskan halibut, slow cooked Tomahawk short rib, crab cake over creamy spicy sweet potato-bacon & spinach hash and the best bread pudding you’ve ever had! Our taste buds are still dancing! Great wine list, wonderful setting and consistently good food!

Without a doubt this is the best restaurant in the central coast region. Everything about the place is top notch, service, atmosphere, and the food is world class. Watching the chef create their dishes was like watching an artist. Everything we had was perfect. We had the crab cake which was full of lump crab and the calamari as an app. Highly recommend this spot if you’re in the area.

Food food and great service. Maverick Red Ale hit the spot. Food came out super quick.

Loved the saloon! The service for a party of 12 was a bit of a disappointment. Made reservations several weeks in advance. Went to order and only had 2 tomahawk steaks left, one of the main reasons we chose the maverick and to only have 2 left?

The service was unsatisfactory. Requests for things like ketchup, straws, and refills were always forgotten. Our party had to re-ask multiple times. We were helped by both a female waitress and then by a male waiter. Both were not very friendly. I rarely ever write reviews, but our dining experience was so frustrating that I feel like something needs to said.

Though we did not stay for the live music, Mavericks hosted our celebration of life for our mother/grandmother/great grandmother for 70 plus family members. Adults and children of all ages. The food was fabulous. Salmon, chicken and short ribs, over the top mashed potatoes, salad. The kids all got to dance and have a wonderful time. Thank you Maverick’s for a memorable time. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

This was my first time visiting Mavericks and I am a fan for life! You have to try the Tacos. Amazing 🌮

It’s got that dive bar atmosphere with that 5 star restaurant! The customer service was great, the bartender was on top of things! The food was AMAZING!!! those wings were super saucy and delicious! Tasted like secret recipe kinda sauce. The home grown, pickled vegetable medley was a great surprise! The breading was fluffy and crisp at the same time! The catfish was melt in your mouth delish. My smothered chicken was a little dry but the gravy was worth it. We came for a local treat and were pleasantly surprised by the whole experience!! Will definitely we eating there again next time we hit the casino.

Went to this place this past weekend with a bachelorette party of 8. I told Sam at the front bar that the bride-to-be is on my open tab. Sam’s dry response was, “As long as she knows your name.” Sorry, but that’s not how it should be. Just because someone knows my name, they are not authorized to drink on my tab. Sam didn’t really seem like he wanted to serve our group anyway, just based on his body language and lack of attention. This was around 9, and the front bar wasn’t even busy. I closed my tab with him after that. Anyway, our group enjoyed ourselves on the dance floor, and I opened a tab at the back bar, where the male bartender was attentive.

This place is exceptional. The portions are perfect. One of the best shawarma I’ve ever had. The falafel is great too. The tri tip is also worth trying too. Order at the bar and then find a seat inside or on their spacious back patio. Good beer selection too. An amazing spot to check out if you’re in the area. A lovely mom-and-pop family owned business worth checking out. What a gem.

Get the lamb burger, freshly made patties, all the fixins and goat cheese😍. Great atmosphere, great service, beer on tap, and a huge convieince store like drink selection, very unique, go get you some

Casual laid back place with delicious food and cool bartenders. Definitely would come back again and again. Stopped in twice in the week I was here visiting!

We had tri tip sandwiches For 3 people with drinks came to around 80 dollars its a total locals hang out people were nice food was just OK.

This is one of our favorite local haunts. The owners and staff are absolutely wonderful and the food is fantastic. I love their falafel, hummus, kebab, soup, etc. My absolute favorite is the Greek Salad with chicken. My teenagers love the hamburgers as well as the lamb kebab. Great selection of IPA. They have my favorite Topa Topa as well... Chief Peak! Highly recommended by our entire family.

Very delicious food. Service was awesome. 5 stars for everything

great local hangout. Low key. great authentic middle eastern + American food and beverages. Family owned & operated. Great beers & bar. Hospitality top notch!!! Pool tables.

I was tasting at Epiphany and they told me it was just $5 extra to get a tasting at Bubble Shack too and I'm very glad I did it. It's such a cute idea first of all. You get to try three kinds of bubbles. My favorite was the brut cuvee. Epiphany and Bubble Shack share a large patio outside. I wish they told me more about the tasting notes, but I know some people like to explore the tastes on their own

Website misrepresents the experience. $25 tasting is only 3 wines.

This place is so cute, the service was great and the staff was super friendly. I love sparking wines and all we tried were excellent! My BIGGEST complaint, and it’s a BIG one… they don’t have a customer bathroom. They told us we could use the out houses around the corner. I did, and they were so dirty and disgusting. You guys should really reevaluate your bathroom situation, it’s a real problem! —- Christina Sargent

We came here and had an excellent time. I can’t say enough good things about Emi. She was incredibly kind, provided excellent service and recommendations, and was such a joy to be around. I highly recommend spending time on their patio and certainly recommend Emi ! Thank you for the wonderful time !

We stopped on our way to San Luis Opispo ....excellent beverage to enjoy on the patio..

Best Experience ever. Hello Bubble Shack. Goodbye Leticia.

Best time ever!!!

This used to be our favorite place in town. I’m not digging the new vibe here now. It seems like the employees are intentionally tanking this business. I used to be able to sit down at the counter and be waited on by polite and friendly staff. I guess those days are over. I tried to dine in, but settled for takeout. I wanted a breakfast, but only got a coffee and I was tersely informed that there were no free refills. It’s too bad. This used to be a nice place.

The new atmosphere and ambiance at Pony Cocktail and Kitchen are incredible! Great service, food, and cocktails. Alberto and Chef Jonny have outdone themselves. So fortunate to have yet another upscale sophisticated restaurant right here in Santa Ynez.

I have to admit I mourned the loss of the “ coffee shop” atmosphere at first but the new expanded hours and menu ( breakfast, lunch AND Dinner!) have more than made up for it. Service is always friendly and attentive. Food is amazing and not the same fare you get at dozens of other places. Lots of creative cocktails to choose from! Kudos to Alberto and the chef! They welcome your canine companion in the outdoor patio-which has great heaters for the cool evenings. Highly recommend.

We stopped in for pre-dinner cocktails based on a recommendation from a local at one of the wineries we visited today. The cocktails were excellent—10/10—and the service was equally outstanding. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in town.

I just found this place on google because I looked up some good breakfast places in solvang. So we came here on a Sunday and I ordered Lemon ricotta Pancakes with Blueberries and also Steak with poached eggs. Everything was delicious. The Owner Alberto was greeting everyone at the door. Amazing Spot! Unfortunately it was too early for me to order a cocktail, but they looked delicious too:)

1st timer. Business trip. Was looking for a spot that had great food and DECAF espresso & quick! Se habla español. Did not disappoint! What a sweet spot on an ole Western street drinking coffee with the local ranchers, businessman, moms, and cowboys. Soak up the ambiance, smell the homemade freshly baked chocolate croissants, and take in the artwork.

This was not our first choice. But the Peasants Feast was closed for summer break? Who does this? And the Victor Restaurant doesn’t open until 4:30 - it was noon. So we walked up the street and found this little gem. The food was delicious and Jasmine our server, was delightful! We will be back again and again!

Take a break from wine tasting and have a big sandwich made at the deli counter.

The tri-tip special is served three times each week, and it is very delicious! We also really enjoy their other sandwiches. Staff could be a bit more friendly, so that is the only reason for 4-stars instead of 5. Good selection of local wines to choose from too. No public restroom.

Best Tri- Tip sandwiches ever. Full of delicious meat piled high on a soft par bake French roll, where some garlic butter added to a grill on BBQ . Served on Thursdays, Saturday and Sunday. Best on Thursdays as Karen, deli manger hooks you up.

This is a market. The sandwiches are good. And not too expensive for a tourist town. You go in and order, then wait for your sandwich. Nothing special. Consistently good food.

I got there around 1pm still lunch time very long line for sandwiches. I choose a premade sandwich and went to the cashier . . Yes he was on a personal call . . and I interrupted him long enough to run my card . . I initiated the thank you for a response of ". . of course, no problem". It is always nice to know that I wasn't a problem even though I interrupted him 😲😐

WONDERFUL tamales! I am a tamales snob and try to get them whenever we are in CA. This place was one of the friendliest markets we’ve been too and so clean! The choices for deli and foods was great for being a quick stop!

Great food, snacks. There's a patio to eat your lunch and drink your wine. Relaxed, casual. FYI: T•Mobile cellular connection is sketchy, but a Verizon customer said she had not issues.

We had an amazing stay at this hotel. The staff were incredibly welcoming and always ready to help with a smile. Our room was spotless, comfortable, and had everything we needed. The location was perfect, close to everything but still quiet and relaxing. Overall, the service and atmosphere made us feel truly cared for. I would definitely stay here again and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a wonderful experience :))

We booked Mattaei’s for our company retreat for our 8 person team. Everyone was extremely accommodating starting with the event staff (Elizabeth, Mary and others) who helped make recommendations on places to eat, excursions and regional gift idea for the staff gift baskets down to the front desk staff. The property is absolutely gorgeous and well situated close to Santa Ynez as well as Solvang which are both less than a 15 minute drive. Rooms were clean and comfortable. Another fun amenity were the luxury vehicles they offer free to use, when available, to hotel guests. All in all, our stay was wonderful and everyone on our team had an enjoyable experience.

Rooms are great. Nice pool area. Enjoyed the restaurant. Overall we had a great experience. Unfortunately the customer service at the spa was underwhelming. After enjoying the sauna and ice bath earlier in the stay, I was told it wasn't available 2nd time I tried to use the facilities. They claimed it was full booked which was not the case as my wife had just finished a massage and said it was empty. Additionally I had used it the day before and literally saw zero other guests. Really blew it on the hospitality front and ended the stay on a bad note.

This hotel must have a great PR firm because the property is all jammed in and the rooms are fairly small vs. on-line images. We could literally hear every word the couple in the adjoining room said! While it has potential, they need to do a lot of work. Some things they can't change like the location on the road and the excessive street noise in the rooms, but some things they can change. First, the service on check-in was really sub-par. We were offered no overview of the property or information on the one yoga class they offer at 9AM in the morning (so we arrived at the spa as it ended) We also had to call to confirm that the free breakfasts our travel agent had arranged were included. This should have been reviewed on check-in. Next the menus are really limited. The bar menu and the pool menu are the same and weak. They have only four types of terrible wine at the pool and such a limited menu its not even worth ordering from. This hotel is in the middle of the SANTA YNEZ wine country where there is great wine and an amazing fresh food culture. No excuse for bad wine and food.

We’ve stayed here twice, once when they first opened and again this week. During our first visit, we were disappointed with the overall experience but assumed it was just some teething issues from being newly opened. But after returning this time and booking the Cedar Cottage, it’s clear that nothing has improved which is especially disappointing given that we paid nearly double what we did last time. The main issue is that this property markets itself as a luxury hotel, yet it simply doesn’t live up to the Auberge name. I’ve stayed at other Auberge resorts, and this one doesn’t come close to the level of service or attention to detail you’d expect at this price point. A small example: we were granted a late checkout, but after stepping out for coffee, we returned at 11:50 to find our room keys deactivated even though the standard checkout time is noon and we’d been approved for a 1pm checkout. So, I’m currently sitting outside my room, locked out. Which is almost funny because I recall the exact same thing that happened during our last stay. Service overall feels disorganized, and staff communication is poor. Room service was particularly disappointing, and the woman who answered the phone was weirdly rude? The food is OK, and the cocktails are solid but at this level, that isn’t really good enough. Los Olivos itself is wonderful, but this hotel is absolutely not worth the cost. If you’re visiting for a special occasion, I’d recommend staying elsewhere. I feel like the service will likely spoil the experience, it’s just not a luxury hotel plain and simple.

This review is based on price and expectation. Obviously it’s a nice property with comfy beds. Our experience though was poor. We were told by locals that standards at this hotel have slipped due to staff turnover. This appears true. We tried several times to contact the hotel in advance and received no promised callbacks. This led to no bikes being available to hire. The hotel found a second bike supplier BUT We were provided with e bikes that had less than 20 miles range for a 30 mile journey. We were wrongly informed about costs and charges for these. This led to ongoing back and forth after our stay about costs we had been assured were deposits actually being charges. No foul play but terrible communications. Staff entered our room in the night without knocking causing significant panic and anxiety. We were refunded for the cost of our room which was welcome and a fair reflection of what happened. Our room itself was loud and the adjoining room was fully audible, awake until 2am with hair dryers running etc. For this price you do expect some soundproofing. Music from the restaurant played outside all night too and was also audible. Is it a nice hotel, yes. Is it worth the money, no. Is the service as good as you’d expect. Absolutely not.

We love it here ! It’s one of our top 10 favorite places to visit or stay . The front desk team is outstanding and all their employees are top notch . We stayed 2 nights and Amanda really took care of us . Her hospitality made it an exceptional experience! Thanks Amanda so much for making us feel so special . We’ll see you next time ! Kristin and Patrick

We got (obviously from photos) breakfast and dinner here and we loved it so much. The space is so nice and modern, but approachable and cozy at the same time. The staff was great but the food was the star. So fresh, so delicious and so filling. Reasonably priced considering. Also- the cocktails were perfection. I wouldn’t miss out on those!

Food and service was outstanding. Definitely worth a visit. Try the chef recommended sizzling corn bread...killer. Deviled eggs were so good. My wife had the Turkey sandwich and loved it. Tried the soup and grilled cheese and was very tasty. We highly recommend this restaurant. You will not be disappointed.

lovely interior, sat in the chefs room which was lots of fun and chatted with the knowledgeable team there. Food was good, nothing overly special however wine and overall experience were wonderful. Fries were not very crispy although it didn’t stop me from eating them all.

This place is beyond amazing. If I could recommend any place in the Santa Ynez Valley it would be The Bear and Star in Los Olivos. Upon entering the restaurant you immediately feel a sense of luxury, and peacefulness. Everything came out like a dream come true, the presentation, the taste, it had us craving for more. The Chef (Chef Trenton Shank)was kind enough to meet us go into detail about their farm, and give us a complimentary meal. The fact that they are farm to table is impressive enough, but the way they care about their food and the presentation is second to none.

UPDATE MAY 22, 2019 After my "Mixed" review (below), I received the posted response from Greer Shull offering to make things right. My wife and I visited today and were treated like royalty. Mr. Shull arranged with Anne Hallock who took our reservation for, and "comped" us a wonderful lunch, adding champagne too! My wife's salad was enormous, beautiful, and all grown on their properties. My burger was also enormous and delicious with their own wagyu beef, their home grown bacon, and home made ketchup for the fries. Hard to beat that. We also had an appetizer of smoked almonds that was to die for; an enormous portion and delicious. Our waitress Suz (Suzanne) could not have done more for us. She is a STAR! Greg, the new General Manager even came by to make sure things were good. Suffice it to say, that we will return and feel Bear & Star more than made up for any shortcomings from before. Thank you Suz, Mr. Shull, and Ms. Hallock. ORIGINAL REVIEW: Mixed. I have visited many times and always enjoy the fire and beautiful ambiance. Beautiful furnishings too. The bus boy even lit the fire for us! Waitress was good, no complaints. But sadly when I asked her for a couple crackers or a bit of bread to go with my chili, I was told they had no crackers or bread but would sell me some corn bread. REALLY!! I paid $10 for what the waitress warned me would be "less than a cup full," $17 for my wife's burger with a burned bin and a few luke warm fries, and $14 for a glass of house Chardonnay, and they couldn't spring for pack of 2 saltines?!! I'm sorry, but I left with a bad taste in my mouth!

Great meal and excellent service. Salmon was cooked perfectly. Deviled eggs and Brussels sprouts are two good choices for appetizers. Two items you may not think to try is the meat loaf and chili. Meat loaf is ground in house with a little bacon added for a great flavor. Chocolate budino is my favorite dessert. We were given a different glass for each bottle of wine

I had an amazing dinner here. So many great cocktails and wines. The cornbread is a must! As well as the smoked salmon!

We did not have reservations (on a Wednesday evening) and there were no tables in the restaurant available. The hostess was very nice and invited us to sit in the bar where we were able to order from the restaurant menu. We had a crab Louie salad which was delicious, while enjoying the entertainment! It was lovely!

Since we are staying at the Inn at the Mattie’s Tarven. We had their breakfast and dinner which was really good. I must say some hotel restaurants they dont have good selections of food or even tasted good. But this Tarven their food very flavorful. And it’s dog friendly resort and restaurant. We been coming back here once a year. It’s a chill area.

I love coming here, always grab a drink before you head into dinner at the Tavern. I always get such amazing service and drinks are amazing. The ambiance is great especially if you can catch live music. It’s a little hard to get to, but worth the drive.

We had a fantastic dinner last night at the Tavern at Mattei’s. Our server, Scott, was great. My wife had the salmon and I had the lamb. Both were cooked perfectly. I really enjoyed my Cigar and Horses bourbon drink which had a cinnamon stick on fire for flavor which looked like a “cigar.” Would highly recommend it to anyone that likes bourbon. Also, for dessert we had the mud pie. I have never seen such an amazing presentation for a mud pie. We hope to be back soon.

We had a banger of a meal - everything was perfectly executed and delicious. The lamb was out of this world, as was the cauliflower. Great service as well. Highly recommend!

A gem in Los Olivos, great service, amazing food and drinks. Daniel & Scott made us feel so welcome and special as opposed to LA where it’s a “privilege” to visit a hot spot. Charred pork was great, champagne was divine, scallop habenero was bomb. Great night!

The food was great but service was under expectations. First we had to wait 10 minutes to finally talk to the waitress, although the restaurant was not full, we were directed to the self seated bar area. Food took a crazy amount of time to be served. By the time we were done, the restaurant was still mostly empty. I didn't feel we were welcome. Still a beautiful building though, like the rest of the city.