The Bistro

8301 Hollister Ave, Santa Barbara
(805) 571-4220

Recent Reviews

Liz Perry

Gorgeous!! This is a dream stay vacation!! The ocean view and evening fire pit to the piano bar in the steak house!!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Soup

Nicole

The food was excellent. The only negative part was the service by Rosemary. Perhaps since it was Christmas and their buffet at 7pm. She basically just came to take plates, checked on us twice but NEVER asked if we wanted more drinks or filled our Perrier. We also wanted more wine but she always came when only one of us was at the table and left quickly. It was disappointment since we love their wine selection. The service was by far the worst at a RC I’ve ever had. Definitely disappointing dinner experience. Food, Valet and the driver were excellent.My boyfriend felt bad for the server and said she’s older and probably tired. I disagreed since RC has high standards and they should be followed no matter age, They need to retrain her or move her so she is not to deal with people since she cannot provide the service quality all guest should expect.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 1

Recommended dishes: Smoked Salmon, Hawaian Ahi Poke Bowl, Caprese Pizza, Soup, Seafood Pasta

NickA

Service was amazing and the staff was very friendly. However, this restaurant is always a buffet. If you're looking for a nice meal, go to any of the other restaurants on the property. This is just the pool buffet where families can get some overpriced quick bites. The food was not very good either. I couldn't finish anything from the buffet.

Nick

The food was excellent. The only negative part was the service by Rosemary. Perhaps since it was Christmas and their buffet at 7pm. She basically just came to take plates, checked on us twice but NEVER asked if we wanted more drinks or filled our Perrier. We also wanted more wine but she always came when only one of us was at the table and left quickly. It was disappointment since we love their wine selection. The service was by far the worst at a RC I've ever had. Definitely disappointing dinner experience. Food, Valet and the driver were excellent. My boyfriend felt bad for the server and said she's older and probably tired. I disagreed since RC has high standards and they should be followed no matter age, They need to retrain her or move her so she is not to deal with people since she cannot provide the service quality all guest should expect.

SarahR

Amazing lunch on Christmas Day! We had the crab chowder, crab cakes, fish and chips and salad with poached egg and pancetta. Everything was delicious and the service provided by Kilen was fantastic!

We always enjoy going to the Bacara during the holidays. This year for Christmas, the Bacara didn't have the activities for the kids (face painting, corn hole, etc) and we missed the festivities they've had in the past. That said, the buffet was delicious. It has something for everyone from delicious seafood to Prime Rib to mac and cheese for kids. Nice pasta bar too. The staff was attentive as always and they took great care of our group!

steved

Outside seating at the Bistro is well heated and wonderful way to spend the evening with family and/or firedfns. Server was excellent (Belagica) and stopped by table numerous times to make sure everything was perfect. The buffet was reasonably priced and prime rib was tasty.

James B.

A beautiful venue at the Ritz. At the very end of the resort, we stopped for breakfast before heading back home. Tremendous view.We were there with our pet, Sian, (Shaun). The self assembled Lox Bagel was awesome. Likely the best Lox Bagel known to mankind. It was a plate of Salmon goodness. The spouse loved it. I didn't eat it but thought if I was ever going to have one, this is the one I would have! I had the Chilaquiles. The dish was ok. Not brilliant. It really needed some heat, as in spice. I used the little Tabasco sauces that were provided but really wished it had come to me with jalapenos and just more heat. Special shoutout to the Apple Juice. Unfiltered and danged tasty. Coffee was strong, very good and what was needed for the long drive home.Service was from German. Among others, as in Ritz tradition, he was great as were all of the representatives at this resort.

Great brunch spot and the buffet was delicious. Service from Dulce was outstanding but everyone from the valet to the rest of the resort staff were impeccable. Can't wait to visit again.

Robin

We had the brunch buffet here on the outside patio. It was a very pleasant place to sit and relax and enjoy some time with our daughter. The $50 buffet was pretty standard, nothing extraordinary about it. Beautiful view.

Mikal H.

Came here for a breakfast prior to checking in at the resort. The service was really friendly and attentive. The food was simple but executed well. The ambiance was nice and relaxing. I would definitely recommend this place if you want a breakfast that is done right!

S Aaron

Great lunch location. Great service and quick. The BLT is great. It’s so big it’s needing to be shared. If you opt in for the fries, you get a ton of them. The Bistro is also the breakfast location for the hotel, which we did not utilize. We opted to go to the cafe located right outside the main entrance to the left. They have great coffee, breakfast sandwiches and pastries. It’s basically the same as a Starbucks minus the name and a drink types. It’s a quicker and cheaper way to go if you’re not up to a large breakfast.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Peggy Gray

I don't know why, but the Bacara doesn't have the best dining for some reason. I've been to more than one place in here and reached the same conclusion. I grabbed lunch here with a friend and she shared the same experience. The atmosphere and outdoor dining is just great and the service is top notch. Not sure why they're food isn't a reflection of their brand. It's also hard, because if you're not going to eat at the resort, there really isn't much else around that's close.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: The blt Club Sandwich

Foodie25

The setting is beautiful but the food was mediocre. We were celebrating a birthday. While they tried the service missed the mark. We were leaving when they remembered the birthday and gave our granddaughter a mocktail which was nice but too late.

Abha S.

Great view of the ocean and plenty of outdoor seating. The service is very very slow. The food Presentation is well done but quality is average for a five-star, restaurant and hotel. It was a nice touch to have a vegan menu

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