Restaurants in Santa Maria
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Best Restaurants
“The most idyllic wine tasting spot! We drove past so many wineries and this one was out of this world - the service and just everything. Super happy about this extraordinary experience! The wines were super tasty as well - highly recommend going there!”
Restaurants by Cuisine
“The food was very good. However, the waitress brought me shrimp soup instead of Siete Mares Caldo. She gladly changed it for Siete Mares and when we were done eating the bill was like $69.00 I ask the waitress why and that it was wrong. She gladly corrected it and it came down to 61 and change. I wasn’t happy because I had added the food that we consumed and it was less than $60. I believe the owner saw me adding and noticed I wasn’t happy so he called the waitress and gave me the new bill for $56.00 I am telling the truth and that is why I gave this restaurant a 5 star because the owner did the right thing, after all said and done. Honesty does pay with good rewards. Thank you owner/manager, we appreciate your honesty and truthfulness. I will recommend everyone to eat here, for all the right reasons. Thank you”
Restaurants with Delivery
“They recommend me to eat the chicken from this restaurant and I loved how crunchy and delicious it is. As it was my first time visiting the place Maye helped me choose my order and I give her 10/10 her attention and service was incredible and the atmosphere super pleasant”
“The best cookies you will ever eat. Super soft and delicious
Vegetarian options: They will make a preference for you on the cookies
Dietary restrictions: They have a lot of calories but you can cute them into small pieces
Parking: It’s a big parking lot, has a lot of space to park and every spot is spaced out”
“I had a lovely time being greeted by an open door by an employee named Zach, with an excellent cashier who had helped me decide to eat the ahi tuna bowl! It was a delicious bowl and the corner piece of bread was absolutely the best. The restaurant itself had an amazing atmosphere with such a warm welcome and wonderful staff! I cannot wait to return!”
“We had a party of six in our group and we are glad we chose this restaurant. They had a variety of Mexican food. Our food was great and our server Nena was very attentive and accommodating. We will definitely return again when we are in the area ..”
“Papa Murphy's is awesome take and bake pizza. The staff are very helpful and cool to meet. Their food is excellent and that is coming from an Italian from a long line of central coast Italian restaurant owners. Thank you guys for offering some great traditional food from southern Italy with your own Papa Murphy's twist. I am also very happy that they accept EBT which is great for the community. Thanks again!”
“Another favorite for over 20 yrs. Food is excellent. Awsome order the lunch specials. Sushi 🍣 not great.
Owner is the same lady for 20 yrs. Always perfect! Hot, good quality.”
Outdoor Dining
“Pappy's Restaurant is like stepping back in time. From the staff to the atmosphere and decor. This is a family place and a truckers home along the road. They play old country music that takes you back to childhood and there are a million photos of cowboys and Rodeos from days gone by. The tables and booths are all comfortable seating and the staff are helpful, polite, friendly and fast.
The food is ALL fresh. The chopp all fresh veggies for sides, salads, and recipes themselves. Dressings are home made. Gravey + mashed potatoes, all homemade. And folks the gravey is to die for no matter what kind you get. The chicken fried steak is HOMEMADE like my mother used to make. They serve all the best breakfast, lunch, and dinners from home. Meatloaf, lasagna, roast beef, fish, tir-tip everything, steaks, and the list goes on and on. It's the best fresh, authentic, in your mother's and grandma's kitchen cookin'. Pappy's is like being wrapped up in sunshine on the best day of childhood 🌻. There's no place better in my book.”
“This place just ripped me off but I went through it. Should’ve been $13.49 they told me $32.49 I paid it plus give him a tip. I am old hard of hearing but they took a vantage of me. Tried to call the phone direct no answer. This place is very dishonest I don’t usually do this but this is bad May 7. Both of you know who you are do you know how you took a vantage of me. You got me. Never be back and I will tell everybody I know”
“Love this place! The ostiones preparados are on point! They have good miches as well. Variety of food definitely recommend! The guy that is always here remembers our orders all the time.”
“The staff is super friendly. Whenever we go, we usually get three or four rolls, plus an appetizer and drinks, and it's always under $45. I'd definitely recommend the gyoza and the baked lobster roll!”
“Excellent food and service! First time there, very pleased! Sushi was fresh! And their dressing for salad in the bento box is Amazing! I then talked to a friend who happens to be a plumber. He said they are the cleanest restaurant he has seen! It's scary trying new sushi places, but Ichiban is a definite gem! I will definitely go again and again!”
Online Reservation Available
“I went to Olive Garden in SM tonight and we were greeted by a friendly host. We were taken back to our booth quickly and was asked how we were doing. I can’t remember his name but he was very sweet! We were greeted by our server Josh and he was fantastic. He delivered quick service and didn’t fail to ask us for refills on our drinks, soup, salad, and breadsticks. He conversated with us which was nice. The manager Leandro (sorry if that’s spelled wrong) came by our table and asked if everything was good (and it was.) Overall it was a great experience and the staff were amazing and friendly. The 6oz Sirloin done medium well was cooked perfect so shout out to the chefs as well as the great staff at this location!!”
“Each time I visit the Santa Maria area for work. I make it a point to eat here. I asked for a recommendation for a great Mexican restaurant while visiting the local Lowe’s. Everyone said to come here. I’ve never been disappointed. Great food and service. I was last there in August 2025. They were preparing over 600 tacos for a party. Never missed a beat for the customers dining in. Definitely recommend going there”
“I went to Olive Garden in SM tonight and we were greeted by a friendly host. We were taken back to our booth quickly and was asked how we were doing. I can’t remember his name but he was very sweet! We were greeted by our server Josh and he was fantastic. He delivered quick service and didn’t fail to ask us for refills on our drinks, soup, salad, and breadsticks. He conversated with us which was nice. The manager Leandro (sorry if that’s spelled wrong) came by our table and asked if everything was good (and it was.) Overall it was a great experience and the staff were amazing and friendly. The 6oz Sirloin done medium well was cooked perfect so shout out to the chefs as well as the great staff at this location!!”
“This place is great, flavors are authentic and the food is made to order. They don't have pupusases ready made and sitting in a freezer or refrigerator so they taste freash and homemade. The cabbage is perfect also. Tried the yucca and it was the best I've had from any restaurant ever. I will definitely be returning often.”
24 Hour Restaurants
“My dad is a service related disabled Vietnam veteran. Today I took him to get his special free veteran’s day meal. Thank you Denny’s for allowing him to take it to go. He has trouble walking and sitting for too long lately and has been reluctant to go out much, especially to crowded restaurants, due to COVID 19. The meal was amazing! He had enough pancakes to share with his grandkids.😉 Even as busy as you were, the service was amazing and quick. I think he waited a total of 10 mins. Maybe consider handing out a free meal card for next year to still help avoid the large crowd that was still present and did not allow for social distancing. You did way better than IHOP who stipulated he had to eat it there and not get it to go and they were packed as well. We left and went straight to you. Thank you for recognizing and supporting all service members, past and present.”
“Visiting from LA for work. Ate here after some pool with friends late night. Seriously next level! Got the tacos, al pastor, lengua and asada. Great quality, portion size and flavorful. Highly recommended!”
Takeout Restaurants
“The food is very good. I like my Thai food hot and spicy. And after eating there a few times . They got I like to sweat. The food is now great. I always get enough for a couple of days. I get lunch but from the dinner menu and get 4 to 5 dishes to take home. Great food very very nice people.”
“They made an amazing gluten free chocolate chip cake that was moist with a cream cheese frosting! My family bought it for an event where multiple guests had gluten sensitivities, and everyone ended up enjoying it; of the entire dessert table, that cake disappeared quite quickly!”
“So... I'm a local. Through the years, some of my friends have never wanted to accompany me here. "You won't like it. It's too expensive." Yesterday was my first time here, and I now realize I've been surrounding myself with bums and broke-asses. But evolution is always good. I'm just sad that it took me this long! LOL!”
Drive-Thru Restaurants
“They have a beautiful and welcoming atmosphere from the moment I walked in, excellent customer service, and delicious products. I had their Reese’s Peanut Butter protein smoothie and my fiancé had their Gummy Bear energy drink. Both so full of flavor, and no sugar!! Can’t wait to try their protein waffles! Eat good. Think good. Feel good.💛”
“We arrived in Santa Maria in the evening. We chose California Birrias Y tacos because it was next to our hotel and the rating was above 4.5.It's one of the best Mexican we've had. The portions are huge for us but it's so good that we ate almost everything.Delicious. You can go there with your eyes closed.”
“The food was very good. However, the waitress brought me shrimp soup instead of Siete Mares Caldo. She gladly changed it for Siete Mares and when we were done eating the bill was like $69.00 I ask the waitress why and that it was wrong. She gladly corrected it and it came down to 61 and change. I wasn’t happy because I had added the food that we consumed and it was less than $60. I believe the owner saw me adding and noticed I wasn’t happy so he called the waitress and gave me the new bill for $56.00 I am telling the truth and that is why I gave this restaurant a 5 star because the owner did the right thing, after all said and done. Honesty does pay with good rewards. Thank you owner/manager, we appreciate your honesty and truthfulness. I will recommend everyone to eat here, for all the right reasons. Thank you”
“EVERY SINGLE TIME i come through with my mobile order drive thru...SOMETHING IS MISSING from my order. do you not check orders before handing out to make sure everything is there (accuracy)???? i always ask if everything is there, im always told yes. this is getting ridiculous...i eat CFA at least 2-3x a week for the 6 of us.....missing items add up ... ive had my coolwrap meal missing, all our french fries, hash browns for breakfast, nuggets missing... i dont notice until ive got home and dont have time to go all the way back....i shouldnt have to stop and check accuracy before heading home”
“Dora was really helpful? I had first gone to Vallarta and they didn’t want to service me for my check but I came here and Dora was really helpful and kind! I explained to her that my bank will not let me cash my money out on Saturday and Sundays and that I had to pay my bills today and she helped me set up an account with them! Gracias Dora!???”
“I am a wine club member here. This place remains true to the term " boutique winery" the surrounding area of Santa Ynez is growing in tourist visits to all the wineries and vineyards. But Tres Hermanas Winery sits nestled adjacent Santa Ynez in Santa Maria. It is absolutely a peaceful, Serene, beautiful. I highly recommend the Pinot Noir ,Sangiovése and the Sadie Cuveé which are my favorites. The picnic area is ample, lush and with beautiful views of the Syrah Vineyards and surrounding mountains. It is for me one of the premier places for a tasting and picnic with out huge crowds which have been growing fast within this last year. Whoever is reading this, please check this place out.”
Cheap Eats
“I'm always happy to come back to this spot, everyone is very kind and hospitable. Smoothies are always fresh and delicious juices as well. My only thing is the food is kinda on the so so side the Turkey sandwich I ordered was good, but needs a boost in flavor.
The pesto sandwich is good but a wee bit too leaky for my liking.
I haven't tried all the food items yet but those two items might need a slight amount of tweaking. 10/10 will always recommend for smoothies and juices and the bowls are incredible as well 😀”
“This place was excellent! We had lengua, carnitas, al pastor, pescada and cameron (sp?) tacos, and all were phenomenal! I am a bit of a spice weenie so it was a bit out of my comfort zone, but nothing "Mas crema, por favor" could not solve. :) My husband, who has a higher spice tolerance, absolutely loved it! I highly recommend this place. The jamaica is really good, too. It was definitely a highlight of our trip to Santa Maria.”
“(Translated by Google) The best place for carnitas. The warm tortillas and the red sauce is scrumptious!(Original)The best place for carnitas. Las tortillas calientitas y la salsa roja está pa chuparse los dedos!”
“It's cool as the word goes, there I was going to dance with the güera, if you see the comment I'll send you my regards, ps: you took me to get a tattoo once and then you went to fix your tattoo on your back :)”
“It certainly has come a long way of the days of having the creepy singing bears. Lots to entertain my two year old granddaughter. The “meal deals” really aren’t deals. You’re better off ordering everything separately. This pizza is surprisingly good. We will definitely take the two year old back there.”
Latest Reviews
“We've been looking for a buffet with healthy food ever since Hometown Buffet closed several of their locations on the central coast. We go as often as possible to V Star Buffet and thoroughly enjoy every visit. If you arrive before 2pm their lunch is only $15. I love the fact that most of their foods do NOT contain MSG and they will tell you which food contains the MSG if you ask. Although it might not be Chinese in origin, I love their coleslaw. The only improvement I'd like to see is a "heat" indicator so I know which dishes are spicy. They use a large amount of mushrooms, an item that's hard to find in most restaurants. I'm also gluten intolerant and I don't have any problem finding food that I can eat at the V Star Buffet. Their ice cream is the best we've ever tasted -- rich and full bodied. They don't have a designated employee standing at the counter to dish the ice cream for you, but the friendly staff are quick to notice that you're standing near the ice cream and they come immediately to dish it out for you. Their staff are very professional and tend to be on the quiet side, but if you indicate that you'd like more water it seems to appear as if by magic. It's true that they use disposable plates, but they've switched back to using metal utensils rather than the plastic ones they used during covid. And they provide an ample amount of napkins without us having to ask for more. If you want quality food, at a reasonable price, and aren't specifically looking for traditional Chinese food then we recommend you stop by for lunch. We might just be there too.”
“This place just ripped me off but I went through it. Should’ve been $13.49 they told me $32.49 I paid it plus give him a tip. I am old hard of hearing but they took a vantage of me. Tried to call the phone direct no answer. This place is very dishonest I don’t usually do this but this is bad May 7. Both of you know who you are do you know how you took a vantage of me. You got me. Never be back and I will tell everybody I know”
“I am always on the lookout for the best places to enjoy lunch and dinner with customers, friends and family. I look for places that are not your cookie cutter run of the mill restaurants, Well that is this place, one of my new favorites, and truly one of the best places in town to enjoy. If you come here and can not enjoy/appreciate the taste of this amazing food well you better go to the Dr as your taste buds may need to be tested. If you come to this place and don’t feel totally relaxed, Maybe you should seek counseling as your too up tight, shoot get a beer and relax, as you need to open your mind to what a true authentic place to decompress and enjoy your inner foodie is. I highly recommend TSBK. Signed by a guy that loves good food and don’t pass out free undeserving reviews. This will be your new spot! Enjoy!”
Most Popular Restaurants
“The best cookies you will ever eat. Super soft and delicious
Vegetarian options: They will make a preference for you on the cookies
Dietary restrictions: They have a lot of calories but you can cute them into small pieces
Parking: It’s a big parking lot, has a lot of space to park and every spot is spaced out”
“They recommend me to eat the chicken from this restaurant and I loved how crunchy and delicious it is. As it was my first time visiting the place Maye helped me choose my order and I give her 10/10 her attention and service was incredible and the atmosphere super pleasant”
“Pappy's Restaurant is like stepping back in time. From the staff to the atmosphere and decor. This is a family place and a truckers home along the road. They play old country music that takes you back to childhood and there are a million photos of cowboys and Rodeos from days gone by. The tables and booths are all comfortable seating and the staff are helpful, polite, friendly and fast.
The food is ALL fresh. The chopp all fresh veggies for sides, salads, and recipes themselves. Dressings are home made. Gravey + mashed potatoes, all homemade. And folks the gravey is to die for no matter what kind you get. The chicken fried steak is HOMEMADE like my mother used to make. They serve all the best breakfast, lunch, and dinners from home. Meatloaf, lasagna, roast beef, fish, tir-tip everything, steaks, and the list goes on and on. It's the best fresh, authentic, in your mother's and grandma's kitchen cookin'. Pappy's is like being wrapped up in sunshine on the best day of childhood 🌻. There's no place better in my book.”
“EVERY SINGLE TIME i come through with my mobile order drive thru...SOMETHING IS MISSING from my order. do you not check orders before handing out to make sure everything is there (accuracy)???? i always ask if everything is there, im always told yes. this is getting ridiculous...i eat CFA at least 2-3x a week for the 6 of us.....missing items add up ... ive had my coolwrap meal missing, all our french fries, hash browns for breakfast, nuggets missing... i dont notice until ive got home and dont have time to go all the way back....i shouldnt have to stop and check accuracy before heading home”
“Went here on a stop 1/30 during my road trip from LA to San Francisco, I’ve been to a lot of Popeyes in my time but this one by far had the best service and food freshness of any Popeyes I’ve been to. I forgot the lady’s name behind the counter but she was great and could tell she keeps the other employees focused”
“I had a lovely time being greeted by an open door by an employee named Zach, with an excellent cashier who had helped me decide to eat the ahi tuna bowl! It was a delicious bowl and the corner piece of bread was absolutely the best. The restaurant itself had an amazing atmosphere with such a warm welcome and wonderful staff! I cannot wait to return!”
“It's Applebee's and I know what to expect as far as food. I stick to fresher items like salads and grilled chicken dishes. What makes this place stand out is the staff. Ezra Paco makes you feel like part of the family. I've been a frequent patron in the last 2 years. He know my drink preferences, food likes and dislikes. His engaging and accurate prompt service is should be applauded. Support staff and bartenders add to welcoming feeling of the Santa Maria A-b's
Also great for large parties. I brought a large party here after a celebration of life. Everyone enjoyed themselves. Thanks Ezra Paco.”
“Outstanding service and great food!”