Aperitivo in Santa Barbara offers a delightful fusion of Italian flavors and California freshness. With a cozy ambiance and attentive service, it's perfect for a relaxed evening. The menu features inventive cocktails and delicious small plates, making it a must-visit spot for foodies and cocktail enthusiasts alike.
Devin Wong
Hands down our favorite spot in town! Brian and Andrea have cultivated an incredible restaurant. The menu is revolving and we’ve never had anything less than a 10/10 meal. A must if you’re looking for elevated Italian cuisine, a unique wine menu, and a romantic setting. Can’t recommend it enough!Vegetarian options: A couple dishes without meatParking: Parking downtown can be challenging at timesKid-friendliness: Doable but it’s more of an adult spotWheelchair accessibility: No stairs so accessible for all
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bruschetta, Caesar Salad with Parmesan
Megan Boyd
Service is excellent. Atmosphere is similar to a small European restaurant. Food is great but very overpriced.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Jenna Fabino
More than a wine bar! The food is absolutely amazing, and changes weekly. One the best wine lists in town. People are great, some of the best service I've had in a long time. Great for a date night or a small group of friends, as it's a smaller place. My new favorite place - you need to go right now.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bruschetta, Torta Al Pistacchio E Ricotta, Affogato, Burrata Salad with Root Veg
Allan M.
Outstanding food. TORTELLI DI FARRO CON RADICI DI SEDANO, BALSAMICO E NOCI was exceptionally outstanding . The service was great and very helpful as this was our first. The environment was friendly and welcoming
K B.
Aperitivo is one of my very favorite restaurants in Santa Barbara. The food is AlWays spectacular and authentic!! The service is great, very friendly. Get the artichokes if they have them
Gina L.
Stopped by at 5pm on a Wednesday evening, and was seated outside.They have daily rotating menus, including 2 "garden" items, 1 crudo, 2 bruschettas, 2 house-made pastas, along w 2 snack and 2 dessert selections. The type of house-made pasta will differ between the two dishes, and there is typically a meat and no meat pasta dish. Check their website for daily offerings.I started off with an Aperitivo Negroni, sipping until the hamachi crudo came out shortly after. The crudo was magnificently presented, a piece of art in itself, with curled cucumber slices, bisected berries and golden tomatoes, sprigs of green/purple basil, all in a delightful pear sauce. Light, refreshing, and a feast for the eyes.The gnocchi and sausage dish came out 40 minutes later, which took a bit longer than I expected. The sauce was minimal but rich, scattered with a layer of crispy ground sausage. The gnocchi definitely had a bite to it, perhaps a teeny bit undercooked to my liking.This is a great place to unwind with friends, as well as split plates to maximize trying those rotating dishes. The owner is very gregarious, helpful w the menu, and seems passionate about his brainchild. I applaud the daily rotating menus, which is no small feat!
Klaus M
Europeans living in Santa Barbara since 30 years and having been to Italy many dozens of times since childhood: This is the only „Italian“ place in Santa Barbara that gives you the real „Italy“ feeling - all the others are „pseudo Italian“. Recently we had the „Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe“ one night, then „Campanelle Pomodoro Salsiccia“ the other night, always followed by a wonderful affogato - ristretto of course and not soaked. Truly authentic. The menu is limited, the ambiance minimalistic as you might find it in a hole in the wall in Milan, Rome, Siena, or Orvieto. So if you’re looking for an American-Italian dinner: wrong place. If you’re looking for something authentic with very personal sercice: right place!
Pete A.
Completely blown away. Total must-go. We had the following, all excellent:-burrata w/ figs;-panzanella;-tuna crudo;-cacio e pepe; -spinach creste w/ chickpeasAte a ton but didn't feel grossly full because the pasta was handmade, which makes a huge difference in quality. The spinach creste was especially unique, and the cacio e pepe was perfect.
Eric Long
An absolutely delightful gem of a restaurant. The cuisine and beverages are simply exceptional, all expertly crafted by a dedicated and efficient small team. They offer exquisite vermouth-based cocktails that perfectly complement their delectable Italian dishes. The food here is truly outstanding! Aperitivo has become our new go-to spot for fantastic food and drinks! We've been loyal patrons for some time, and every visit has consistently exceeded our expectations. While their menu may be small since the don't have the largest of kitchens, rest assured it's full of delightful surprises that will leave you thoroughly satisfied.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Truffle Pasta, Caesar Salad with Parmesan
Incredible new restaurant in Santa Barbara. The owner and staff were so friendly. We had the eggplant and Burrata appetizer which were both delicious. The bread was toasted to perfection and the Burrata was paired with fig and honey which flavors came through nicely. We also ordered the black pasta which I forgot to take a photo of. It had sausage and clams I believe which was to die for. I would definitely recommend checking out this place and trying a variety of their appetizers and pastas. By the way, they don't take reservations but were still able to seat us quickly.
Ilya Krauchunas
This place is the best choice in Santa Barbara it If you are looking for the top-notch tastes. We’ve been here many times and every dish is the best. Menu updated every week and every dish we ordered was top-notch. I attached couple photos and most of them miss couple bites, because we forgot to do the photo before we taste it :) Among all the places we’ve been in Santa Barbara it’s the best one!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Stephen King
A really fantastic little restaurant. Incredible food and drinks with just a small staff working hard. Beautiful vermouth-based drinks alongside delicious Italian food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Hannah K.
We were wanting some delicious pasta and weren't too hungry so spotted this really cute and lovely pasta wine spot! Food:-HAMACHI, POMPELMO E CAMOMILLA: very delicious! The fish was fresh and the taste of everything together was really refreshing! I also do love celery on its own but on this it felt a bit overpowering buuuut it did add to the freshness so it was just more of an observation and not something that'd deter me from getting it again-RIGATONI AL TELEFONO AFFUMICATO: yuuuumm!! My partner kept commenting how the pasta themselves were just so delicious and cooked to perfect chewiness! And i usually don't go out of my way to get red sauce pastas (im a pasta novice) cause it seems more basic to me (plz forgive me) BIUUT this was freaken delicious and each bite was just. I'd order this again :) Service:Very comfortable, friendly, prompt and checked in! Ambiance:W sat outdoors and they wall it with this beige/yellow thingy that makes it feel cozier and lovely even though it's on a busy street with people and cars bustling on the other side. Loved it! Would recommend outdoor sitting! Overall:Yes! Come here to eattt and to drink and to enjoy the vibes and the calm :)
Aperitivo in Santa Barbara offers a delightful fusion of Italian flavors and California freshness. With a cozy ambiance and attentive service, it's perfect for a relaxed evening. The menu features inventive cocktails and delicious small plates, making it a must-visit spot for foodies and cocktail enthusiasts alike.
Hands down our favorite spot in town! Brian and Andrea have cultivated an incredible restaurant. The menu is revolving and we’ve never had anything less than a 10/10 meal. A must if you’re looking for elevated Italian cuisine, a unique wine menu, and a romantic setting. Can’t recommend it enough!Vegetarian options: A couple dishes without meatParking: Parking downtown can be challenging at timesKid-friendliness: Doable but it’s more of an adult spotWheelchair accessibility: No stairs so accessible for all
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bruschetta, Caesar Salad with Parmesan
Service is excellent. Atmosphere is similar to a small European restaurant. Food is great but very overpriced.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
More than a wine bar! The food is absolutely amazing, and changes weekly. One the best wine lists in town. People are great, some of the best service I've had in a long time. Great for a date night or a small group of friends, as it's a smaller place. My new favorite place - you need to go right now.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bruschetta, Torta Al Pistacchio E Ricotta, Affogato, Burrata Salad with Root Veg
Outstanding food. TORTELLI DI FARRO CON RADICI DI SEDANO, BALSAMICO E NOCI was exceptionally outstanding . The service was great and very helpful as this was our first. The environment was friendly and welcoming
Aperitivo is one of my very favorite restaurants in Santa Barbara. The food is AlWays spectacular and authentic!! The service is great, very friendly. Get the artichokes if they have them
Stopped by at 5pm on a Wednesday evening, and was seated outside.They have daily rotating menus, including 2 "garden" items, 1 crudo, 2 bruschettas, 2 house-made pastas, along w 2 snack and 2 dessert selections. The type of house-made pasta will differ between the two dishes, and there is typically a meat and no meat pasta dish. Check their website for daily offerings.I started off with an Aperitivo Negroni, sipping until the hamachi crudo came out shortly after. The crudo was magnificently presented, a piece of art in itself, with curled cucumber slices, bisected berries and golden tomatoes, sprigs of green/purple basil, all in a delightful pear sauce. Light, refreshing, and a feast for the eyes.The gnocchi and sausage dish came out 40 minutes later, which took a bit longer than I expected. The sauce was minimal but rich, scattered with a layer of crispy ground sausage. The gnocchi definitely had a bite to it, perhaps a teeny bit undercooked to my liking.This is a great place to unwind with friends, as well as split plates to maximize trying those rotating dishes. The owner is very gregarious, helpful w the menu, and seems passionate about his brainchild. I applaud the daily rotating menus, which is no small feat!
Europeans living in Santa Barbara since 30 years and having been to Italy many dozens of times since childhood: This is the only „Italian“ place in Santa Barbara that gives you the real „Italy“ feeling - all the others are „pseudo Italian“. Recently we had the „Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe“ one night, then „Campanelle Pomodoro Salsiccia“ the other night, always followed by a wonderful affogato - ristretto of course and not soaked. Truly authentic. The menu is limited, the ambiance minimalistic as you might find it in a hole in the wall in Milan, Rome, Siena, or Orvieto. So if you’re looking for an American-Italian dinner: wrong place. If you’re looking for something authentic with very personal sercice: right place!
Completely blown away. Total must-go. We had the following, all excellent:-burrata w/ figs;-panzanella;-tuna crudo;-cacio e pepe; -spinach creste w/ chickpeasAte a ton but didn't feel grossly full because the pasta was handmade, which makes a huge difference in quality. The spinach creste was especially unique, and the cacio e pepe was perfect.
An absolutely delightful gem of a restaurant. The cuisine and beverages are simply exceptional, all expertly crafted by a dedicated and efficient small team. They offer exquisite vermouth-based cocktails that perfectly complement their delectable Italian dishes. The food here is truly outstanding! Aperitivo has become our new go-to spot for fantastic food and drinks! We've been loyal patrons for some time, and every visit has consistently exceeded our expectations. While their menu may be small since the don't have the largest of kitchens, rest assured it's full of delightful surprises that will leave you thoroughly satisfied.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Truffle Pasta, Caesar Salad with Parmesan
Restaurantji Recommends
Incredible new restaurant in Santa Barbara. The owner and staff were so friendly. We had the eggplant and Burrata appetizer which were both delicious. The bread was toasted to perfection and the Burrata was paired with fig and honey which flavors came through nicely. We also ordered the black pasta which I forgot to take a photo of. It had sausage and clams I believe which was to die for. I would definitely recommend checking out this place and trying a variety of their appetizers and pastas. By the way, they don't take reservations but were still able to seat us quickly.
This place is the best choice in Santa Barbara it If you are looking for the top-notch tastes. We’ve been here many times and every dish is the best. Menu updated every week and every dish we ordered was top-notch. I attached couple photos and most of them miss couple bites, because we forgot to do the photo before we taste it :) Among all the places we’ve been in Santa Barbara it’s the best one!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A really fantastic little restaurant. Incredible food and drinks with just a small staff working hard. Beautiful vermouth-based drinks alongside delicious Italian food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We were wanting some delicious pasta and weren't too hungry so spotted this really cute and lovely pasta wine spot! Food:-HAMACHI, POMPELMO E CAMOMILLA: very delicious! The fish was fresh and the taste of everything together was really refreshing! I also do love celery on its own but on this it felt a bit overpowering buuuut it did add to the freshness so it was just more of an observation and not something that'd deter me from getting it again-RIGATONI AL TELEFONO AFFUMICATO: yuuuumm!! My partner kept commenting how the pasta themselves were just so delicious and cooked to perfect chewiness! And i usually don't go out of my way to get red sauce pastas (im a pasta novice) cause it seems more basic to me (plz forgive me) BIUUT this was freaken delicious and each bite was just. I'd order this again :) Service:Very comfortable, friendly, prompt and checked in! Ambiance:W sat outdoors and they wall it with this beige/yellow thingy that makes it feel cozier and lovely even though it's on a busy street with people and cars bustling on the other side. Loved it! Would recommend outdoor sitting! Overall:Yes! Come here to eattt and to drink and to enjoy the vibes and the calm :)
Excellent food! Excellent service!