Best Fun Restaurants in Santa Ynez

970 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Gathering Table restaurant

1. The Gathering Table

4.7

Exceptional(95)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary Asian • Solvang

Booked 24 times today

Welcome to The Gathering Table, Solvang’s newest culinary gem. Led by acclaimed Chef Budi Kazali, renowned for his innovative Asian cuisine with French influences, our restaurant promises an unforgettable dining experience.Chef Budi Kazali brings his mastery to every dish, infusing flavors from his Indonesian heritage with local ingredients sourced from nearby farms. Whether indulging in his signature dishes or exploring new creations, every bite at The Gathering Table is a celebration of culinary artistry.Situated amidst Solvang’s picturesque streets, our restaurant offers a serene outdoor dining area, perfect for enjoying Chef Kazali’s creations al fresco. Inside, savor handcrafted cocktails at our full bar or host an intimate gathering in our Private Dining Room, where every detail is tailored to exceed your expectations.Discover a place where exquisite cuisine meets warm and approachable hospitality at The Gathering Table!

A photo of First & Oak at the Mirabelle Inn restaurant

2. First & Oak at the Mirabelle Inn

4.7

Exceptional(1200)

Price: Very Expensive

• Californian • Solvang

Booked 8 times today

First & Oak at the Mirabelle Inn is an absolute delight. With its seasonally-inspired menu and thoughtful preparation, it's no wonder it's earned a Michelin Plate. Reviews rave about the 'creative & completely enjoyed by all' menu offerings, 'friendly service', and 'nice atmosphere'. The ambiance, with its calming and relaxing environment, is frequently praised, making it a perfect spot for a romantic dinner. Plus, the outdoor seating on the heated patio offers a unique dining experience.

3. Whiskey 'N Rye

4.7

Exceptional(210)

Price: Expensive

• Barbecue • Solvang

Booked 30 times today

Whiskey 'N Rye is a fun spot with its unique barbecue and wine-country cuisine. The atmosphere is praised in reviews as 'modern and warm', and the 'great cocktails' are a hit. The outdoor dining area in a beautiful courtyard is another plus. It's also described as a 'great casual BBQ place' with 'good cocktails' and 'fresh' food. The 'exceptional staff' and 'welcoming experience' add to the fun factor.

A photo of McClain Cellars - Solvang restaurant

4. McClain Cellars - Solvang

4.5

Awesome(26)

Price: Expensive

• Wine Bar • Solvang

Booked 2 times today

Enjoy a luxury wine tasting experience in Solvang in front of our 36-foot long fire pit and fall in love with our relaxing couches and a beautiful wine bar. We offer unique blends, crisp whites, and amazing award-winning wines from the Santa Ynez Valley. Enjoy our artisan popcorn. A “hip” modern industrial luxury vibe that is a cross between a New York “Soho” music venue and a beautiful “Napa Valley” tasting lounge. Hang outside and soak in the warm sun and relax in the cool breezes or step up to the bar for a glass of the good stuff. We offer live Jazz and Blues music on most weekends and an inviting lounge-like atmosphere with a patio. If you love art, wine, and great service... then stop by to be amazed."

5. SY Kitchen

4.9

Exceptional(3808)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Santa Ynez Valley

Booked 41 times today

RESERVATIONS Reservations for parties of 5 or more please call restaurant directly. S. Y. Kitchen requests a credit card to hold a reservation of 6 or more. You may cancel by calling the restaurant by 5 PM two days prior to the reservation. After that cancellation is subject to our policy and fees may be incurred. All credit card information will be processed securely.

A photo of Leonardo Ristorante & Pizzeria restaurant

6. Leonardo Ristorante & Pizzeria

4.9

Exceptional(1361)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Solvang

Booked 24 times today

Highly anticipated opening by Chef Leonardi Curti.

7. Hitching Post II

4.7

Exceptional(5105)

Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Buellton

Booked 47 times today

Here, on the Central Coast of California, BBQ has always meant grilling over an open fire of red oak, a style of cooking that is native to our area and goes back to the days of the Spanish Rancheros. By combining the old and the new, we have created an exciting cuisine with outstanding steaks, ribs and chicken, along with fresh fish and seafood and vegetarian options. We also create our own (world class) wines for sale in the restaurant and to the public. Hartley Ostini Hitching Post Wines have garnered an excellent reputation. Try them here or purchase on our website for your enjoyment at home.

A photo of Willows at Chumash Casino restaurant

8. Willows at Chumash Casino

4.7

Exceptional(1504)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary American • Santa Ynez Valley

Booked 15 times today

The Willows specializes in mouthwatering prime steaks and seafood. This 14 time AAA Four Diamond Award-winning restaurant also features a Wine Spectator Award winning wine list with an extensive selection of local and imported wines, all served in an exquisitely appointed setting.

A photo of Brothers Restaurant at Red Barn restaurant

9. Brothers Restaurant at Red Barn

4.9

Exceptional(1353)

Price: Expensive

• American • Santa Ynez Valley

Booked 11 times today

The Nichols brothers, Matt & Jeff, grew up in Ames, Iowa where their love of cooking, good food and a sense of family and community was nurtured.The 2013 opening of their second Santa Barbara Wine Country restaurant, Brothers Restaurant at the Red Barn in Santa Ynez, allows them to offer visitors and locals alike great food, wine and hospitality. The brothers strive to have legendary service, innovative cuisine, and a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere that causes you to return time and again.As chefs, the brothers continue to experiment with new dishes and cuisine, but always with that “from scratch”, homemade element. Fresh ingredients from local producers, a wine list that showcases the region’s award-winning wines and a comfortable and historically interesting atmosphere that takes you back to the romance of the old west. They want you to feel at home, and experience all the best of Santa Barbara’s Wine Country.

A photo of Nella Kitchen and Bar restaurant

10. Nella Kitchen and Bar

4.7

Exceptional(1063)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Santa Ynez Valley

Booked 21 times today

Opened in August 2020, Nella Kitchen & Bar offers fresh, modern California cuisine and focuses on 'Roman Pinsas'.Meals are served on the front porch overlooking Grand Ave where guests are warmly welcomed, or in the cozy Dining Room which also has a private Wine Room that can host family seating and private parties.Cocktails are focused on classics and served in the Lounge with a lot of bar seating.As much as we love pets, we only allow service animals at Nella, thank you for understanding.

‘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

M
Michaelvip
California Central Coast •23 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
The menu is exquisite, great influence of asian cuisine. Great selection of specials also. Third time being here, and definitely not the last.
More info
The Gathering TablePrice: Expensive• Contemporary Asian• Solvang
•
4.7
F
Fredvip
Los Angeles •18 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
We make it a point to visit SY Kitchen every time we’re in Santa Ynez. While most of our experiences have been enjoyable, our most recent visit on November 19th—coincidentally our 42nd anniversary—was truly exceptional. I savored one of the best vodka martinis I’ve had in years at the bar. The service was outstanding, with our server demonstrating professionalism, attentiveness, and a friendly demeanor. Each course was timed perfectly, enhancing the overall dining experience. The food was exemplary, and the manager went above and beyond by checking on us three times to ensure everything met our expectations. It does leave us wondering, though—why is Nella Kitchen, under the same ownership, such a stark contrast in quality and service?
More info
SY KitchenPrice: Expensive• Italian• Santa Ynez Valley
•
4.9
M
Mariavip
California Central Coast •1 review
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Taylor is the absolute best! Treats us like family every time we go in.
More info
Whiskey 'N RyePrice: Expensive• Barbecue• Solvang
•
4.7
K
Kimberly
California Central Coast •7 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 10, 2024
I was extremely impressed they were able to customize my menu to be vegan without sacrificing the flavor. Absolutely incredible experience and will be returning!
More info
First & Oak at the Mirabelle InnPrice: Very Expensive• Californian• Solvang
•
4.7
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles •4 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 17, 2023
Great place to relax and enjoy some great wines! Dog friendly too! You can buy some cheeses, meats and crackers and they’ll create a custom charcuterie board for you, big or small! We will definitely visit again!
More info
McClain Cellars - SolvangPrice: Expensive• Wine Bar• Solvang
•
4.5

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Santa Ynez

Best Fun Restaurants in Santa Ynez

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970 restaurants available nearby

1. The Gathering Table

2. First & Oak at the Mirabelle Inn

3. Whiskey 'N Rye

4. McClain Cellars - Solvang

5. SY Kitchen

6. Leonardo Ristorante & Pizzeria

7. Hitching Post II

8. Willows at Chumash Casino

9. Brothers Restaurant at Red Barn

10. Nella Kitchen and Bar

See what locals rave about

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