35 Best Italian Restaurants near Montecito

“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!“

“Go for the food! It’s over the top.“

“I was thoroughly impressed with the restaurant; the food was both exceptional and authentic. The ambience evoked a classic old-Hollywood-Italian atmosphere. Our waiter was young man and amiable, but it appeared that his attention was primarily directed towards larger tables that were consuming alcoholic beverages. As we were a party of two and did not order any alcohol, we encountered some difficulty in garnering his attention during our dining experience. Nonetheless, we found the overall experience at the restaurant to be very enjoyable, and we intend to return in the future. We hope to provide the waiter with another opportunity to enhance his service before we reach a final assessment.“

“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👍🙂😁😉“

“Excellent restaurant, cozy atmosphere, quality ingredients“

“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.“

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

“It's always good as spected.. very good overall if I'am not wrong I saw the owner talking very disrespectful towards 2 of his employees Wich is not the right way to discuss if something was wrong.. isn't easy to work as a cook. Favorite plate chicken piccata.“

“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!“

“As far as neopoliton pizza spots go in Santa Barbara this is definitely up there. They have a tight menu and the pies all look great. Pricing is definitely on the higher side but it is artisan pizza as other reviews have stated. I knocked a star off because I felt like one of my two pizzas was undercooked and the garlic knots were also undercooked.“

“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!“

“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.😘“

“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.“

“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!!“

“I came from LA we don’t have good pizza at least what I know I visited Santa Barbara and find this place by good reviews they have and they are great 😊
Thank you for good quality pizza and garlic bread
Small thing I hope they clean they seating outside area
Thank you“

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

“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.“

“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!“

“Best pizza in Santa Barbara by far 🙌👍“

“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.“

“Great food, drinks, and desserts.“