8 Best Italian Restaurants near Solvang

“Was in the area and was really craving Italian food. After some searching, it looks like Leonardo's was high up there and we decided to give it a try. At first we tried making reservations through open table but they only had a few late spots left. Not liking the options we called the restaurant directly and was able to get seated two hours before the time initially displayed on open table. That was nice given that we were so hungry. We liked that this place was a little further down from the epicenter of the Solvang village so there were ample parking. The restaurant was also very easy to locate. Upon walking in you can tell the ambiance was a little more fancier with their white table cloths but still has a mom and pop feel to it. We got seated near the back of the restaurant where they had an enclosed patio with ceiling heaters. Our server was Arturo and he was very knowledgeable about the menu and even given us a few recommendations. We ordered a carpaccio, the pepperoni pizza, cioppino (recommended), Leonardo's penne, the bolognese, branzino (recommended) and chicken Marsala along with a few glasses of wine. Everything was delicious. The carpaccio was good, pepperoni pizza was amazing, the cioppino was light but filling as it was all seafood. The penne and bolognese pastas were cooked and flavored to perfection. The branzino and chicken Marsala were moist and flavorful, they also came with really good potatoes. Really nice family dinner here. The server always made sure we had everything to our liking and was personable. If I visit Leonardo's again I'm definitely coming back for the pizzas and pasta!“

“I came here in December 2023 but just found the receipt and had to leave a review. This is an unassuming authentic Italian restaurant in the back of a plaza in Solvang. It is just around the corner from the Mermaid statute and probably a better time! We arrived after having a long wait and a disappointing dinner at a Danish restaurant nearby. It was late, but we walked by and thought, a slice of pizza would be nice and they seated us right away. We sat at the bar, the kitchen is open, bustling, the owner is sipping on wine and working with his staff. Its a fun and lively environment. We ordered the Quattro Stagioni, Polpette Al Sugo, and their Tiramisu - so basically pizza, meatballs, and tiramisu. The pizza was so crispy and flavorful, the meatballs were so so delicious and cheesy, the tiramisu was perfect and not too sweet. The owner was lovely and chatted with us about how he ended up here in Solvang and opened this shop. Everything, including dessert, is made in house and he just has a electric oven that he makes pasta, pizzas, meatballs, and sometimes other dinners for parties. Overall our dinner here made our stay in Solvang much nicer and a fun memory. I would return here in a heartbeat if I return to Solvang!“

“This 5 star rating is purely nostalgia for me. Growing up in the valley and then working here when I was 17/ 18. After camping at Lake Cachuma with my kids my brother, nephew and niece, we decided to go get some food in solvang and I could not imagine going anywhere else to bring back old memories.“

“We have been there in multiple occasions, and every single time the food is very fresh and very good. The simplicity of the menu reflects good quality of the food. The server Lynette is very attentive in time and very good. I can’t wait to go back ne time that I be in Solvang.“

“Delicious appetizers, cold beers, and amazing people. This is by far one of my favorite Solvang spots. I love the delicately pan seared salmon. The inviting and relaxed ambiance complimented by the friendly and courteous staff completes the experiences. Also Six stars, five on yelp, and one in my heart.“

“Yummiest beet salad ever. Unfortunately we had a late lunch so we were not super hungry. Parking was plentiful. A converted home. Well done. Open kitchen. Great service and atmosphere. Overall wonderful experience. Need to return when we are starving. The next table had amazing looking pasta. We enjoyed wagyu meatballs but that beet salad was divine. Look forward to returning. Definitely make reservations. At 6pm on a Sun it was pretty fullParking: Limited gravel parking in front. Plentiful parking across the street.“

“Solid lil' pizza shop. Cash & credit cards accepted. Indoor & outdoor seating.If the name didn't make it clear, pizzas are king here. And they're good pizzas with a surprisingly crisp crust even though they aren't thin-crust pizzas. Their special is piled with toppings - definitely not skimpy.In addition to pizzas they offer a variety of pasta dishes, salads and sandwiches. Honestly, the spaghetti didn't look very appetizing to me but my compatriots seemed to enjoy it. Garlic bread was light and not overly greasy while still packing plenty of garlicky/buttery flavor. Their house salad was disappointing - just iceburg lettuce (primarily) with a healthy topping of mozzarella cheese and some tomato slices. Nothing very inspiring but it wasn't bad. Accompanied with a tasty vinegar or ranch salad dressing and enough to serve 6--7 people.Staff was all very friendly and service was prompt. A variety of soft drinks as well as water and beer & wine.One of the least expected and most enjoyable aspects of the atmosphere was their small collection of classic arcade games in their original cabinets, along with one newer pinball machine. Great for the kids I'm sure but more fun for the adults frankly, if you remember playing Ms. Pacman or Area 51 back in the day.Vegetarian options: You can order a veggie pizza or perhaps enjoy a pasta dish without meat.Dietary restrictions: Inquire carefully.Parking: Parking is basically all on-street. Didn't have trouble at 5:30pm on a weeknight but things might get a little crowded later in the evening or on weekends.Kid-friendliness: Kid & family-friendly.Wheelchair accessibility: Yes.“

“Had dinner here last night with my girlfriend and parents. The food and wine were all amazing. We had pizza's, a couple different pastas, Scottish salmon and desserts. The owner, Danielli sat and talked with us. He is an amazing guy who moved here from Italy in the 90's and grew a family with his wife who he met locally. It seems that he knows everyone in the entire Santa Ynez valley and everybody loves him because literally every single person/group that left the restaurant came and talked with him and he introduced us to everybody. All around amazing experience and I highly recommend going here!“