We expected the 4.8 rating everyone gives it but we did not have the experience at all The Pasta special with baby shrimp was so salty - and eggplant appy was also ok.. Pork tenderloin was decent nothing to write home about Service was lacking We were lucky we got drinks once we asked him to take our drink orders- Place was mobbed and loud but nothing great
BRUCES
Service slow and inattentive. Short ribs tough, though gravy excellent. Seemed understaffed. Negroni so-so. Swordfish very good. Disappointing for price and expectation overall, as billed as one of SB's best.
ralphthedawg
All dishes we ordered were very good (salad, white bean soup special, duck ravioli, veal scallopini, and pasta carbonara). Panna cotta dessert was outstanding. A few minor improvement suggestions - 1) the carbonara and scallopini were not served fully warm enough 2) Carbonara was a bit too salty.
There were two large barking aggressive dogs that the manager did nothing about that were at two tables near by. It was a miserable night . We could not relax and enjoy our meal. Our waiter was uninterested in conveying our disappointment to the manager.
Gourmands
Server Esteban was professional and personable. Food was not quite up to our expectations from many years of coming here, but that still puts Olio y Limonein the top tier of local restaturants.
sbsammie
The food was fabulous and the ambience was quiet and romantic. White linen table cloths and very quaint atmosphere. We shared the eggplant souffle for the appetizer and it was so good. Very different and it kind of melted in your mouth. We both ordered the specials. My partner chose the boneless shortribs with risotto. The shortribs were so tender and spiced just right. I chose the veal stuffed ravioli and it was delicious, and not too heavy. Good wine selection as well. I highly recommend this place. It does fill up, even on a Tuesday night, so you most likely need to make a reservation in advance. We will definitely come here again!
Susan
Olio e Limone was absolutely outstanding. Service was excellent which matched the food and wine. Best Italian restaurant in Santa Barbara. We cannot wait to return. Made our trip exceptional. Mark and Susan Enlow
sbnurse
Fabulous restaurant. Never disappoints. The Zucchini Blossoms appetizer was wonderful. Tasty, not greasy, just enough to share. And our entrees were delicious. My husband had the Loup de Mer special - sea bass on a bed of spinach with cherry tomatoes, asparagus, arugula and a "yummy" sauce and I had my favorite Tagliata de Bue, medallions of steak on thin potato tart (never quite enough of that!!) with truffle flavor (very delicate) and arugula. Soooo good. Great wine list. Always worth it.
Wonderful birthday celebration for 3 70th birthdays. Food was delicious,as always. Service was very good. The restaurant kindly treated us to 2 birthday desserts which was very nice.
Gunner
Every dish is wonderful. The flavors are spot on. I've never had a dish there without it being perfectly made and presented. Our #1 go to place in Santa Barbara to take our out of town friends.
The food is delicious and the presentation is lovely. The service was fantastic and I absolutely love dining at Olio e Limone! I can't get enough of the string bean salad and the pumpkin raviolis! I love the pear dessert also. Pino is an excellent waiter and Juan is terrific, helping him clear the tables, and bring fresh, warm bread! by far the best Italian restaurant !
RebeccaS
We come here every year for our Holiday celebration luncheon. This year was exceptionally good, food and service. I highly recommend this spot for a special meal, or every day if you want top quality.
Always great food. The service was slow but still good. Didn't mind waiting as everything was delicious and hot . Treated to desert for my patience. Love this restaurant. Always on repeat.
Fabiana C.
Everything here is beyond perfect!! Eva was so amazing, she was moving through 9 tables and still made the experience feel so personable! The food and drinks were yummy and the little shop was so adorable! Will definitely come back here every time i'm in the area!
Kellee F.
Amazing sandwiches, fresh ingredients and huge selection. The bread is fresh and dry. Service was friendly, welcoming and refreshing. The place is cute and comforting.
We expected the 4.8 rating everyone gives it but we did not have the experience at all The Pasta special with baby shrimp was so salty - and eggplant appy was also ok.. Pork tenderloin was decent nothing to write home about Service was lacking We were lucky we got drinks once we asked him to take our drink orders- Place was mobbed and loud but nothing great
Service slow and inattentive. Short ribs tough, though gravy excellent. Seemed understaffed. Negroni so-so. Swordfish very good. Disappointing for price and expectation overall, as billed as one of SB's best.
All dishes we ordered were very good (salad, white bean soup special, duck ravioli, veal scallopini, and pasta carbonara). Panna cotta dessert was outstanding. A few minor improvement suggestions - 1) the carbonara and scallopini were not served fully warm enough 2) Carbonara was a bit too salty.
There were two large barking aggressive dogs that the manager did nothing about that were at two tables near by. It was a miserable night . We could not relax and enjoy our meal. Our waiter was uninterested in conveying our disappointment to the manager.
Server Esteban was professional and personable. Food was not quite up to our expectations from many years of coming here, but that still puts Olio y Limonein the top tier of local restaturants.
The food was fabulous and the ambience was quiet and romantic. White linen table cloths and very quaint atmosphere. We shared the eggplant souffle for the appetizer and it was so good. Very different and it kind of melted in your mouth. We both ordered the specials. My partner chose the boneless shortribs with risotto. The shortribs were so tender and spiced just right. I chose the veal stuffed ravioli and it was delicious, and not too heavy. Good wine selection as well. I highly recommend this place. It does fill up, even on a Tuesday night, so you most likely need to make a reservation in advance. We will definitely come here again!
Olio e Limone was absolutely outstanding. Service was excellent which matched the food and wine. Best Italian restaurant in Santa Barbara. We cannot wait to return. Made our trip exceptional. Mark and Susan Enlow
Fabulous restaurant. Never disappoints. The Zucchini Blossoms appetizer was wonderful. Tasty, not greasy, just enough to share. And our entrees were delicious. My husband had the Loup de Mer special - sea bass on a bed of spinach with cherry tomatoes, asparagus, arugula and a "yummy" sauce and I had my favorite Tagliata de Bue, medallions of steak on thin potato tart (never quite enough of that!!) with truffle flavor (very delicate) and arugula. Soooo good. Great wine list. Always worth it.
Wonderful birthday celebration for 3 70th birthdays. Food was delicious,as always. Service was very good. The restaurant kindly treated us to 2 birthday desserts which was very nice.
Every dish is wonderful. The flavors are spot on. I've never had a dish there without it being perfectly made and presented. Our #1 go to place in Santa Barbara to take our out of town friends.
Restaurantji Recommends
The food is delicious and the presentation is lovely. The service was fantastic and I absolutely love dining at Olio e Limone! I can't get enough of the string bean salad and the pumpkin raviolis! I love the pear dessert also. Pino is an excellent waiter and Juan is terrific, helping him clear the tables, and bring fresh, warm bread! by far the best Italian restaurant !
We come here every year for our Holiday celebration luncheon. This year was exceptionally good, food and service. I highly recommend this spot for a special meal, or every day if you want top quality.
Always great food. The service was slow but still good. Didn't mind waiting as everything was delicious and hot . Treated to desert for my patience. Love this restaurant. Always on repeat.
Everything here is beyond perfect!! Eva was so amazing, she was moving through 9 tables and still made the experience feel so personable! The food and drinks were yummy and the little shop was so adorable! Will definitely come back here every time i'm in the area!
Amazing sandwiches, fresh ingredients and huge selection. The bread is fresh and dry. Service was friendly, welcoming and refreshing. The place is cute and comforting.