Best Italian Restaurants in Montecito

11 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Ca Dario Montecito restaurant

1. Ca Dario Montecito

4.8

Exceptional(885)

Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Montecito

Booked 21 times today

Ca' 'Dario's newest restaurant on Coast Village Road promises the same authentic and fresh Italian cuisine as our other locations, now easily accessible for residents of Montecito! Enjoy outdoor dining on our covered patio, or indoor in our elegant dining room.We feature an adjustable roof that keeps out the rain and allows in the sun.Dogs are welcome (we ask that you limit the number to one per guest)

2. Tre Lune

4.8

Exceptional(1993)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Montecito

Booked 27 times today

"Upbeat and comfortable, serving real-deal pastas and pizzas that make you feel like you're in Italy again." - ZAGAT 2010 Fresh fish, veal scaloppini, osso buco, prime steaks, Kobe-beef burgers, organic salads, and house-made desserts. Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner-Cocktails. Award Winner of Italian wines list.Please call to make reservations.

3. Convivo

4.7

Exceptional(2132)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Santa Barbara

Booked 42 times today

Convivo in Santa Barbara is a true gem for those seeking a unique twist on Italian cuisine. Dubbed ‘Nomad Italian’ by Chef-Owner Peter McNee, Convivo offers a menu that, while infused with global influences, remains deeply rooted in Italian traditions. The restaurant is celebrated for its small plates, housemade pastas, and wood-fired pizzas, all of which showcase the freshest local produce and seafood. Patrons rave about the "amazing service and even better pizza" and the "delicious and creative" food, with one noting it as the "best Margarita Pizza I have ever tasted." Set in the picturesque Santa Barbara Inn with stunning ocean views, Convivo is not just a meal; it’s a spectacular dining experience where every dish tells a story of culinary excellence and innovation.

A photo of Toma Restaurant & Bar restaurant

4. Toma Restaurant & Bar

4.8

Exceptional(5495)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Santa Barbara

Booked 24 times today

Toma Restaurant & Bar in Santa Barbara is a treasure trove of Mediterranean flavors, delighting diners with its authentic Italian and Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Located along the scenic Cabrillo Blvd, this waterfront bistro offers a romantic ambiance and a menu that celebrates Santa Barbara's seasonal bounty. Reviewers rave about the "best seafood pasta" and praise the freshness of ingredients, highlighting the "tuna cones appetizer" and "rigatoni with spicy sausage" as must-tries. The glowing testimonies underscore not only the quality but also the authenticity, with one guest noting it’s the "best Italian we've had outside of Italy." Whether it's the handcrafted cocktails or the attentive service, Toma consistently provides a culinary experience that is both delightful and distinctly Mediterranean.

A photo of Olio e Limone Ristorante restaurant

5. Olio e Limone Ristorante

4.7

Exceptional(2544)

Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Santa Barbara

Booked 39 times today

Olio e Limone Ristorante, nestled in the heart of Santa Barbara's vibrant ARTS District, is a gem for those seeking authentic and artisanal Italian cuisine. Co-owned by Alberto and Elaine Morello, this restaurant epitomizes the essence of Italian cooking with its philosophy of using simple, high-quality ingredients. The menu features exquisite dishes like house-made duck ravioli and Sicilian spaghetti with bottarga, praised for their sophisticated simplicity. Patrons rave about their experiences, highlighting the "simply sophisticated" Italian fare and exceptional service. One diner celebrated, "This is without a doubt, the best Italian restaurant in the Santa Barbara area." From the inviting atmosphere to the European hospitality, Olio e Limone ensures a memorable dining experience, reflecting the true spirit of Italian cuisine.

6. Arnoldi's Cafe

4.7

Exceptional(763)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Santa Barbara

Booked 10 times today

At Arnoldi's Cafe, the oldest Italian restaurant in Santa Barbara, the essence of authentic Italian cuisine is celebrated with every dish served. Nestled conveniently in the heart of Santa Barbara, this gem offers a culinary journey with its "delicious and well-crafted" dishes that resonate with the heritage of Italian cooking. Diners rave about the "perfect" Chicken Parmesan and the "rich and hearty" lasagna, highlighting the quality and comfort of their meals. The restaurant is not only lauded for its food but also for its vibrant ambiance, featuring two bocce courts and a picturesque patio for an immersive dining experience. Arnoldi's is a cherished venue where every meal is a festivity and "every visit is a blast," making it a must-visit for anyone craving genuine Italian fare in a delightful setting.

A photo of Ca' Dario Ristorante restaurant

7. Ca' Dario Ristorante

4.7

Exceptional(1805)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Santa Barbara

Booked 24 times today

"Anything grilled is divine, and the rest of the menu is delectable at this charming Italian restaurant in Santa Barbara known for its excellent execution of simple pasta, meats and other classics. A fantastic wine list with many available by the glass; its a local favorite, so reservations are a must."

8. Olio Pizzeria

4.5

Awesome(1486)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Santa Barbara

Booked 21 times today

Nestled in the heart of Santa Barbara, Olio Pizzeria stands out as a beacon of Italian culinary excellence, offering an authentic taste of Italy right in your neighborhood. Patrons frequently rave about their experiences, noting the "perfectly cooked" crust and "burst of flavor" in every bite of their renowned pizzas. The restaurant's vibrant atmosphere is complemented by an inspired menu that showcases regional Italian specialties, from the sumptuous Sicilian touches to delightful Campanian flavors. A standout review captures it all: "If you are looking for authentic Italian food, this is definitely the spot. 1000/10! Such a great place we fell in love with everything!" Olio Pizzeria not only promises a delicious meal but an unforgettable dining experience in the charming ambiance of downtown Santa Barbara.

A photo of Crocodile Restaurant and Bar - Lemon Tree Inn restaurant

9. Crocodile Restaurant and Bar - Lemon Tree Inn

4.5

Awesome(9)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Santa Barbara

Booked 1 time today

Nestled in the heart of Santa Barbara, Crocodile Restaurant and Bar at the Lemon Tree Inn is a true hidden gem celebrated for its exceptional American cuisine. The restaurant's atmosphere is complemented by a blend of Modern Italian and Californian decor, creating a uniquely inviting ambiance. Patrons rave about the quality of the food and the impeccable service, with reviews highlighting dishes like the "delicious and filling meatball sliders" and the "perfectly cooked salmon." The outdoor seating adds to its charm, offering a serene dining experience by the pool. Whether it's for a leisurely breakfast or a special Thanksgiving dinner, Crocodile consistently delivers "fantastic food and service," making it a must-visit for both locals and visitors in Santa Barbara.

10. Chase Restaurant

3.4

Very Good(792)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Santa Barbara

Chase Restaurant, nestled in the heart of Santa Barbara's Theater District, has been a beacon of authentic Italian cuisine since 1979. With a menu that beautifully marries classic Italian dishes with the freshest local ingredients, Chase offers a culinary journey that's both traditional and innovative. Guests rave about signature dishes like the "unbelievably delicious" Chicken Piccata and the "must-try" Strawberry Tiramisu. The ambiance, described as warm and romantic, is complemented by an extensive global wine list, featuring many Santa Barbara wines perfectly curated to enhance the flavors of the dishes. As one satisfied diner put it, the experience at Chase is "10/10," thanks to the exceptional food and service that make every visit memorable. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Chase Restaurant promises an Italian dining experience you'll want to revisit again and again.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

P
PedroVIP
New York City •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Ca’ Dario in Montecito is the best italian dining experience on this side of the world. Wonderful food, top notch service and great vibe. Well done to the Ca’Dario Team lead by Mr. Fernando Gomes, who welcomes everyone always with a friendly smile. Highly recommend.
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Ca Dario MontecitoPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Montecito
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4.8
K
Kim
West Palm Beach •38 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Excellent service from the hostess to the bus person. Very low key, quiet, with delicious food and wine. My sister and I stayed at the Beachside Inn next door so this was a lovely way to end a day I’d sightseeing. We recommend the swordfish (special), seafood pasta, all of the salads, and the chocolate torte for dessert. Fantastic wine list.
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Toma Restaurant & BarPrice: Expensive• Italian• Santa Barbara
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4.8
C
Constance
New York City •13 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Excellent service and excellent food. Quiet, able to have wonderful conversation Will definitely recommend and dine again soon!
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Olio e Limone RistorantePrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Santa Barbara
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4.7
P
PeterVIP
Los Angeles •305 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
One of the best Italian restaurants in the central coast vicinity. Highly recommended and reservations a must. The best eggplant parmesan and one of made like cannoli instead of slices. Not on the menu, but made to order is the best carbonara Italiano around.
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Tre LunePrice: Expensive• Italian• Montecito
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4.8
C
ClaireVIP
Los Angeles •17 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
It was my second time dining at Convivo . We sat outside on the patio, which I highly recommend. You can see the ocean across the street with the Christmas lights it was very festive It was a continuous celebration for our anniversary. Our waiter was fabulous. He was extremely attentive and very friendly and professional. The food was absolutely delicious. I had their flatbread pizza which was super yummy and my husband had the steak which was delicious. I will say that the inside of the restaurant has a little bit to be desired in atmosphere, but if you’re looking for extremely good food and wonderful service, we had that !!!! Sit on the patio ;-)
More info
ConvivoPrice: Expensive• Italian• Santa Barbara
•
4.7

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Montecito

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Best Italian Restaurants in Montecito

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11 restaurants available nearby

1. Ca Dario Montecito

2. Tre Lune

3. Convivo

4. Toma Restaurant & Bar

5. Olio e Limone Ristorante

6. Arnoldi's Cafe

7. Ca' Dario Ristorante

8. Olio Pizzeria

9. Crocodile Restaurant and Bar - Lemon Tree Inn

10. Chase Restaurant

See what locals rave about

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