11 Best Italian Restaurants near Carpinteria

“Delicious brunch and cocktails with attentive service. We had the eggs fungi and polenta with shrimp, both of which I recommend. The eggs, kale, mushrooms, and pistachio pesto were perfectly melded in the eggs fungi. The polenta is a great option for big eaters; we could not finish it. Cocktails (Bitterino Highball and Bloody Maria) were balanced and paired nicely with our brunch plates. Service was solid.“

“The food was amazing as was the service. The patio seating was beautiful and dog friendly!! We will definitely be coming back on our next visit!“

“Overall, good place and good food; our server left for the day and it seemed that the other staff kinda dropped the ball, would have been 5 stars for service otherwise. Food is very traditional Italian and if I could do 4.5 stars I would. Atmosphere is decent, a subtle mix between mimicking an Italian street restaurant and a suburban shopping mall… plastic toss away cups should definitely be replaced with actual glassware. I’d eat there again if in the area.“

“After going to this incredible Italian restaurant, I will never go anywhere else for Italian food. It’s magical! We always try to get a table on the Patio, it makes you feel like you’re in an enchanted chateau. We’ve tried many of the entrees, and although some are more enticing to us than others, none have disappointed! All the food is amazing. To top it all off, the staff is friendly, extremely knowledgeable, and welcoming. If you’re looking for great food with a great staff, go to Gianfranco’s Trattoria!!!“

“The go to place in Carpinteria for Italian takeout. It's modern and centrally located with even a few tables inside and outside on the sidewalk if you want to eat it there. The food is not fast food, but restaurant quality Italian food in paper boxes with truly delicious tomato sauce on all the dishes.“

“good pizza, cooked freshly in front of you. lovely young man served us 10/10“

“We just came back from Europe last July. We dined in The Ledbury by Chef Brett Graham, and at The Dorchester by Alain Ducasse, also at four different Michelin Star restaurants in Montpellier, and finally at Bistrot64 by Chef Giacomo Zezza and La Pergola by Chef Heinz Beck in Rome. I am not listing all these restaurants to brag but just to make the readers aware that I am a food enhusiast (in my opinion). Dining at Caruso’s again, my impression? The over-all experience was SUPERB! It was really a THREE-Michelin Star experience! Whenever we dine in these kinds of restaurants, I am always searching for the surprise effect in my palate. One of my favorite movies is the cartoon about a Rat Chef, Ratatouille, when he was describing the mélange of food in his palate and fireworks appeared in his mind, and when the scary critic was brought back to his childhood after he had the first bite of this simple peasant dish ratatouille, those are some scenes that come to mind. The meals are like that in Caruso, they are exceptional! Of course, I have to mention the impeccable service of everybody particularly of our main waiter Alejandro and his assistant Ana, and the Sommelier of the night, forgot his name but he looks like Tom Cruise. And the ambiance? Oh, our view was the beautiful pink sunset across the Pacific and the gentle waves of the ocean. Caruso should have attained the Three Michelin Star status already!“

“Excellent restaurant, cozy atmosphere, quality ingredients“

“Go for the food! It’s over the top.“

“I wish I could give 10 stars! Starting with the Host - so good, so professional, perfectly dressed... made me feel like a celebrity. Wait staff provided the perfect amount of attention. They even made us a special dish not on the menu. Atmosphere- I felt like I was in my best friends kitchen but at the same time looking around the room feeling like I might not be cool enough to be here!“

“We went because we saw you on Diner Drive in and Dives. We've always we wanted to try a restaurant previewed on this show but they were all back east or mid west to far for dinner. So when we saw this In our own back yard we were in. Amazing food great atmosphere staff impressive and cocktails yummy too. Some many great options too. DEFINITELY coming back. thanks Bettina.😘“