Exceptional experience in every way! The ambience is gorgeous and the staff professional from the moment you enter. The room is so well appointed and in December the heaters surround you with the sound of the surf outside. The table placement is perfect so they are close enough to make the atmosphere lively while the experience is very private. Our waiter Mauricio was so attentive but never over bearing. And the food.. well every course is beyond perfection. I love abalone which is almost never on the menu and it was a great treat to start. Next up was the carbonera which we wonderful and we were just warming up for the spectacular santa barbara spiny lobster another home run. We upgraded for the cheese cart at the end which was another fabulous experience and fun to have with the port. We were never rushed which is unusual these days and when we were leaving I noticed a young man ironing the table cloths with such precision and care it just reconfirmed for me that every detail no matter how small is attended too with passion and focus. Definitely one of the best restaurants in California and can't wait to return.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nathan Ray
Truly an exceptional culinary experience from start to finish. This Michelin-starred restaurant makes it immediately clear why it holds such distinction. From the moment we were seated, the service was nothing short of remarkable—attentive, professional, and genuinely delightful. Our servers guided us through the menu with enthusiasm and insight, turning the evening into an unforgettable gastronomic journey. The chef’s complimentary amuse-bouches were a beautiful opening touch.
Each course was presented with meticulous attention to detail. The plating was stunning—vibrant, artful, and thoughtfully composed—perfectly showcasing the chef’s creativity and vision. The staff demonstrated flawless technique when presenting the dishes, enhancing the overall elegance of the experience. The added stories and background shared about the ingredients and preparation further enriched the meal, highlighting the care, intention, and passion behind every plate.
Portions were balanced perfectly. Each dish offered enough to savor deeply while ensuring we never felt overwhelmed, allowing us to fully appreciate the progression of flavors throughout the tasting menu. Every bite was a standout—beautifully seasoned, expertly cooked, and bursting with carefully layered flavors that showcased top-tier culinary mastery.
The setting only heightened the evening. Ocean views framed the meal with serene beauty, and the live piano music added a romantic, immersive ambiance that elevated the entire experience.
A particularly meaningful highlight was their exceptional accommodation of my wife’s celiac disease. The staff showed impeccable care and knowledge, offering gluten-free alternatives—including surprisingly wonderful gluten-free bread—and guiding her through each course with genuine consideration. She felt both safe and celebrated, never once feeling as though her dietary needs compromised the quality of the experience.
Overall, the evening was flawless. Caruso’s delivered a crescendo of culinary artistry that was the perfect finale to our vacation. We highly recommend it and will absolutely be returning.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Maria Olsen
Elegant ambiance, beautiful views and impeccable service. Food was very rich so I couldn’t finish it! But it was excellent. Thank you.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Christian Franco
Went here for an anniversary 2 years ago and also my girlfriends birthday, incredible service, food and ambiance, highly recommend
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Liz
We have been here 4 times in the past two years. It’s definitely a splurge but worth it. The best restaurant in the Santa Barbara area and we are lucky to have this place. Last week, we celebrated a milestone birthday there. The piano was softly playing. We prefer weeknights for the most attentive experience. Its less busy so you can literally hear the waves crashing. But any night is wonderful. Recommend reservations at least 3 weeks in advance during warm months. Restaurant is perfect for romantic date nights and special occasions. Service is wonderful-what you’d expect at a Michelin star. Seasonal rotating menu keeps things exciting. Highly recommend table for 2 along glass barricade for unobstructed view of the ocean. Table for 4 or more -closest to beach.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Erin Dorman
Exceptional all around. You will have a difficult time finding a more satisfying, impressive dining experience in Southern California! Food is out of this world, service is perfect and the ambiance is so serene! They have a wonderful selection of local wines too.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
William Van Heusen
This was my wife and my first time dining at a Michelin rated restaurant. It lived up to the hype and even exceeded it. From the moment we arrived we were greeted so warmly, and the service was truly the best I've ever received at any restaurant. Every single staff member was so kind and knowledgeable.
Every course of dinner was phenomenal. The options offered on the fall menu were almost impossible to choose between, and everything was delicious.
Very hopeful we are able to return soon, as this instantly became my favorite restaurant after our experience last night!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Karen Martin
Thank you for one of the most wonderful memorable evenings we have had in a long time! From the moment we walked into the hostess stand we were made to feel welcome. Your entire waitstaff, expertly helmed by Dan & Carlos, made our anniversary and my husband's birthday so special. We ate a ridiculous amount of delicious food. Each dish was more special than the last. Each morsel a special handcrafted gem. We cannot wait to return and try Massimo's newest creations.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
patrick hagan
Exquisite fine dining from beginning to end, truly a beautiful experience. Beautiful and creative dishes with bright vibrant flavors and gorgeous plating. The service was flawless, from small things like the timing of each plate to them pulling your chair out and finding a new napkin folded on your plate when returning from the restroom. Just lovely, and it was extra nice Massimo came out to our table and interacted with some of the guests.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Coco
Spent the weekend in the area and went to lark, honor bar, Stonehouse and San Ysidro Ranch, and here. If you’re debating between here and Stonehouse, go to Stonehouse. Hands down.
Pros -stunning atmosphere on the ocean -primi course of veloutata was good -service is great - in my opinion not quite at the Michelin caliber, but still very good. For example, one of the servers put her fingers on the part of my water glass that my lips touched. Another example, when pouring my appetizer course, the soup splattered a bit on the side of the plate and also ended up on my skirt. However, everyone was very kind and polite. -they did not charge me for the things I did not eat as I found the main course and dessert really unpalatable. -yummy cocktails
Cons -DONT order the carbonara expecting anything to look or taste like carbonara. It doesn’t. -portions are very small - pasta course is 4-5 small raviolis … pretty typical for this kind of restaurant but still have to flag -Steak is chewy and I was cutting through sinew and gristle. This opinion was shared by all 3 guests. -bread service was just ok. Comparatively to other Michelin restaurants, I would say it definitely was underwhelming. -pianist was ok but not great
Hands down, the best meal I’ve ever had! Beautiful setting, incredible and knowledgeable staff, impeccable attention to every single detail. We were delighted to meet the incredible and talented Chef Massimo Falsini and learn of his passion and inspiration for the beautiful and delicious plates he prepared. We can not wait to return!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
B E
The Hype is 100% real! IMO, Caruso’s should have at least 2 Michelin Stars! The only reason they don’t have a five star Google rating is probably because they just don’t care about marketing and don’t need it - word-of-mouth and organic repeat business matters most and the food and service is on a different level. I didn’t have one thing that I didn’t think was outstanding, the timing was incredible, the service was incredible, and the presentation was incredible! We really enjoyed our evening and cannot wait to come back! Highly recommended! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Heather Wray
We celebrated our wedding night here and the service, food and ambiance was over the top AMAZING!!! We couldn’t have asked for anything better. The chef came to table to personally deliver the entrée which was such a wonderful bonus.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Arthur Shapiro
A Michelin-starred restaurant. Overlooking the beach and ocean. Great innovative food, excellent service, and a fabulous dining experience. Expensive but well worth it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Diane Holowesko
The setting is classic and stunning, and the cuisine incredible—but what truly elevates the experience is the warmth and gracious hospitality of the entire staff.
Exceptional experience in every way! The ambience is gorgeous and the staff professional from the moment you enter. The room is so well appointed and in December the heaters surround you with the sound of the surf outside. The table placement is perfect so they are close enough to make the atmosphere lively while the experience is very private. Our waiter Mauricio was so attentive but never over bearing. And the food.. well every course is beyond perfection. I love abalone which is almost never on the menu and it was a great treat to start. Next up was the carbonera which we wonderful and we were just warming up for the spectacular santa barbara spiny lobster another home run. We upgraded for the cheese cart at the end which was another fabulous experience and fun to have with the port. We were never rushed which is unusual these days and when we were leaving I noticed a young man ironing the table cloths with such precision and care it just reconfirmed for me that every detail no matter how small is attended too with passion and focus. Definitely one of the best restaurants in California and can't wait to return.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Truly an exceptional culinary experience from start to finish. This Michelin-starred restaurant makes it immediately clear why it holds such distinction. From the moment we were seated, the service was nothing short of remarkable—attentive, professional, and genuinely delightful. Our servers guided us through the menu with enthusiasm and insight, turning the evening into an unforgettable gastronomic journey. The chef’s complimentary amuse-bouches were a beautiful opening touch.
Each course was presented with meticulous attention to detail. The plating was stunning—vibrant, artful, and thoughtfully composed—perfectly showcasing the chef’s creativity and vision. The staff demonstrated flawless technique when presenting the dishes, enhancing the overall elegance of the experience. The added stories and background shared about the ingredients and preparation further enriched the meal, highlighting the care, intention, and passion behind every plate.
Portions were balanced perfectly. Each dish offered enough to savor deeply while ensuring we never felt overwhelmed, allowing us to fully appreciate the progression of flavors throughout the tasting menu. Every bite was a standout—beautifully seasoned, expertly cooked, and bursting with carefully layered flavors that showcased top-tier culinary mastery.
The setting only heightened the evening. Ocean views framed the meal with serene beauty, and the live piano music added a romantic, immersive ambiance that elevated the entire experience.
A particularly meaningful highlight was their exceptional accommodation of my wife’s celiac disease. The staff showed impeccable care and knowledge, offering gluten-free alternatives—including surprisingly wonderful gluten-free bread—and guiding her through each course with genuine consideration. She felt both safe and celebrated, never once feeling as though her dietary needs compromised the quality of the experience.
Overall, the evening was flawless. Caruso’s delivered a crescendo of culinary artistry that was the perfect finale to our vacation. We highly recommend it and will absolutely be returning.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Elegant ambiance, beautiful views and impeccable service. Food was very rich so I couldn’t finish it! But it was excellent. Thank you.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Went here for an anniversary 2 years ago and also my girlfriends birthday, incredible service, food and ambiance, highly recommend
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We have been here 4 times in the past two years. It’s definitely a splurge but worth it. The best restaurant in the Santa Barbara area and we are lucky to have this place. Last week, we celebrated a milestone birthday there. The piano was softly playing.
We prefer weeknights for the most attentive experience. Its less busy so you can literally hear the waves crashing. But any night is wonderful. Recommend reservations at least 3 weeks in advance during warm months. Restaurant is perfect for romantic date nights and special occasions. Service is wonderful-what you’d expect at a Michelin star. Seasonal rotating menu keeps things exciting. Highly recommend table for 2 along glass barricade for unobstructed view of the ocean. Table for 4 or more -closest to beach.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Exceptional all around. You will have a difficult time finding a more satisfying, impressive dining experience in Southern California! Food is out of this world, service is perfect and the ambiance is so serene! They have a wonderful selection of local wines too.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This was my wife and my first time dining at a Michelin rated restaurant. It lived up to the hype and even exceeded it. From the moment we arrived we were greeted so warmly, and the service was truly the best I've ever received at any restaurant. Every single staff member was so kind and knowledgeable.
Every course of dinner was phenomenal. The options offered on the fall menu were almost impossible to choose between, and everything was delicious.
Very hopeful we are able to return soon, as this instantly became my favorite restaurant after our experience last night!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Thank you for one of the most wonderful memorable evenings we have had in a long time! From the moment we walked into the hostess stand we were made to feel welcome. Your entire waitstaff, expertly helmed by Dan & Carlos, made our anniversary and my husband's birthday so special. We ate a ridiculous amount of delicious food. Each dish was more special than the last. Each morsel a special handcrafted gem. We cannot wait to return and try Massimo's newest creations.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Exquisite fine dining from beginning to end, truly a beautiful experience. Beautiful and creative dishes with bright vibrant flavors and gorgeous plating. The service was flawless, from small things like the timing of each plate to them pulling your chair out and finding a new napkin folded on your plate when returning from the restroom. Just lovely, and it was extra nice Massimo came out to our table and interacted with some of the guests.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Spent the weekend in the area and went to lark, honor bar, Stonehouse and San Ysidro Ranch, and here. If you’re debating between here and Stonehouse, go to Stonehouse. Hands down.
Pros
-stunning atmosphere on the ocean
-primi course of veloutata was good
-service is great - in my opinion not quite at the Michelin caliber, but still very good. For example, one of the servers put her fingers on the part of my water glass that my lips touched. Another example, when pouring my appetizer course, the soup splattered a bit on the side of the plate and also ended up on my skirt. However, everyone was very kind and polite.
-they did not charge me for the things I did not eat as I found the main course and dessert really unpalatable.
-yummy cocktails
Cons
-DONT order the carbonara expecting anything to look or taste like carbonara. It doesn’t.
-portions are very small - pasta course is 4-5 small raviolis … pretty typical for this kind of restaurant but still have to flag
-Steak is chewy and I was cutting through sinew and gristle. This opinion was shared by all 3 guests.
-bread service was just ok. Comparatively to other Michelin restaurants, I would say it definitely was underwhelming.
-pianist was ok but not great
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 4
Restaurantji Recommends
Hands down, the best meal I’ve ever had! Beautiful setting, incredible and knowledgeable staff, impeccable attention to every single detail. We were delighted to meet the incredible and talented Chef Massimo Falsini and learn of his passion and inspiration for the beautiful and delicious plates he prepared. We can not wait to return!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The Hype is 100% real! IMO, Caruso’s should have at least 2 Michelin Stars! The only reason they don’t have a five star Google rating is probably because they just don’t care about marketing and don’t need it - word-of-mouth and organic repeat business matters most and the food and service is on a different level. I didn’t have one thing that I didn’t think was outstanding, the timing was incredible, the service was incredible, and the presentation was incredible! We really enjoyed our evening and cannot wait to come back! Highly recommended! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We celebrated our wedding night here and the service, food and ambiance was over the top AMAZING!!! We couldn’t have asked for anything better. The chef came to table to personally deliver the entrée which was such a wonderful bonus.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A Michelin-starred restaurant. Overlooking the beach and ocean. Great innovative food, excellent service, and a fabulous dining experience. Expensive but well worth it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The setting is classic and stunning, and the cuisine incredible—but what truly elevates the experience is the warmth and gracious hospitality of the entire staff.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Loading...