Best Cozy Restaurants in Montecito

Good food, good value for money, fast service, and we’re accommodating to us bringing our dog. Would happily go back!

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.

Our first visit to Lilac as former California residents in Santa Barbara on vacation. Excellent service, clearly well trained and highly focused on delivering exceptional dining. Our wait staff team provided great suggestions and was attentive without being invasive. The food was excellent all around, high quality, classically prepared, and delivered on all fronts. Ambiance was perfect, understated, lively jazz, and dinner appropriate lighting. A perfect date night end to our quick vacation.

I love Stella Mare's...have been going there for more than 20 years...and I'm very sad that it is closing on January 1st. The old French country house ambiance is so enjoyable, and the food is wonderful. I truly hope they will find a suitable new location in Santa Barbara and reopen soon. It's especially troubling that the building will become a Mexican restaurant. I love Mexican food, but it's not as if we don't already have more Mexican restaurants than a town the size of Santa Barbara could possibly need! Farewell, Stella...hope to see you again soon.

The most phenomenal meal and filet we’ve ever had. 10/10 for special occasion dinner.