35 Best Italian Restaurants near Montecito

“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.“

“Go for the food! It’s over the top.“

“We love this restaurant. it has been awhile since we were here however it meet all my expectations. The food was great our server was helpful and attentive. Great Italian food! Good wine selection. Dessert was awesome, Tiramsu.“

“Took our youngest for her 16th and the staff was exceptional, the atmosphere was wonderful, and the food was delicious! Thank you!“

“California Pasta is our regular go to for office lunches during the week simply because there's not one thing on the menu that isn't absolutely delicious! The portions are also super generous, so everyone has leftovers for dinner which is a nice bonus too! We love the food, and the service is always prompt and friendly! If you're downtown, it is the best place for tasty pastas and sandwiches! Highly recommend!!“

“delicious food great service. Victoria was so welcoming and made my family feel welcomed. servers were on top of things👍🙂😁😉“

“Almost Instant pasta with your choice of sauces. Fast and good! I had Angel hair pasta with Tomato-meat sauce and mushrooms. You also get toast with the meal. My wife had chicken piccata and parmesano Garlic knot rolls. All was delicious.“

“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.“

“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.“

“Excellent restaurant, cozy atmosphere, quality ingredients“

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

“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!!!“

“Great service, great food. And it’s in Santa Barbara!“

“The pasta was amazing and so fresh! The tuna wrapped in prosciutto appetizer was so delicious 😋! You must try it.“

“Great location, good food, but do NOT order limoncello. It is their own production they say. But tastes like bad wodka. For the rest we will be back. Piet & Annette“

“It was incredible! Wait staff is great and it had an incredible ambience! The food was delicious!!!“

“Was so good. We loved having dinner under the olive trees. Can’t wait to go back.“

“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!“

“Stopped in on a whim after seeing the glowing reviews and we were not disappointed! The pizza slices are rather large and a whole pizza is fairly typically priced for Santa Barbara. There is ample comfortable seating to choose from once you place your order at the counter.

The crust on their regular pizzas is thin, chewy and delicious. The toppings were excellent as well with a variety of meat and or vegetarian options as well as one vegan option. We ordered the garlic knots,(delicious and very pillowy), Lemon Mushroom pizza (creamy and light with just the right amount of zing from the lemon) and the Sausage #1 (very well balanced). We split the cookie for dessert and it was rich and delicious. We will definitely be back again to try other pizzas! Would recommend popping in!“

“Great place great vibe! We stopped for a quick drink coming back again next in Santa Barbara“

“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.😘“

“The perfect mix of old-school Italian w modern seafood restaurant. We had NYE reservations, which we, unfortunately, had to cancel and instead stopped in for an afternoon linner the next day. We ordered a selection of apps — grilled artichoke, roasted clams, and meatballs. While the artichoke initially came out cool and had to be sent back, the flavor of everything was outstanding — so much so that my husband who rarely eats clams outside a chowder was fighting me for equal shares. Incredible local wine selections alongside a solid cocktail and beer menu. Can’t wait to visit again.“

“Rude employees. Asked for a table outside because we had our baby asleep on the stroller and wanted to have space for him, they wanted to put us inside and told us take that or nothing. Couldn’t believe it, but plenty of other places out there with nice and well trained staff!“

“Excellent food and friendly people. Please support this amazing man’s business“

“I absolutely love coming here with loved ones for their pizzas, they are so delicious! I also love how sweet the workers always are. They always check in and make sure we don’t need anything else. As well as always being ready to answer questions! I have developed a dairy allergy and yesterday was my first time back since, Frankie was super helpful and accommodating! Really appreciate his help!“

“Good Evening, Uncle Rocco's pizza is an Excellent and Amazing Establishment. And there open Late nights for those Knightowls. The bread is Crisp and the ingredients are fresh and tasty. The atmosphere is relaxing, there's plenty of seats and wheelchair access and tables are present. The lighting is low and there's also a Bar and multiple T.V.'S with an array of shows. I would highly recomend this place as top shelf, and the Employees deserve a raise and a promotion. Thank You, and Respects.“

“The pizzas are so delicious!!“

“Lucky Penny in Santa Barbara is absolutely worth a visit! The food is delicious, fresh and prepared with a lot of love. The relaxed atmosphere in the garden is particularly beautiful – ideal for sitting outside and enjoying the Californian flair. Friendly Service and a great overall package!“

“The pasta was amazing and so fresh! The tuna wrapped in prosciutto appetizer was so delicious 😋! You must try it.“

“Yummy!! A must place to visit in Ventura!!“

“We ordered the cheese pizza with extra cheese and garlic for my son's birthday and it was a big hit!“

“I love the Crocodile Restaurant!! I found this place last year when I was asked to perform for a birthday there. I knew it would be the right atmosphere for my vocal entertainment. I'm there every THURSDAY & FRIDAY night! (5:30-7:30) I sing mostly romantic songs but change it up for the kids to enjoy the fun of live music. I love taking requests to make the evening what the guests want it to be. The extensive food menu as well as the variety on the song menu make this restaurant a really cool place.“

“Best pizza in Santa Barbara by far 🙌👍“

“Great food, drinks, and desserts.“

“Craving some pizza but hubby wanted Mexican. The public market was the best choice. The pizza was delish. I got the four seasons. The dough was very good. Not dry. Not too thick or thin. Just right. We are the whole thing even though we asked for a to go box.“