8 Best Italian Restaurants near Santa Ynez

“Service was excellent, dinner suggestions were great and we loved our whole experience. Highly recommend“

“First time for us at this restaurant. We ordered bruschetta pizza, it was quite a large size and very delicious. I ordered pasta with shrimp and mushrooms in a light tomato sauce which was very tasty and very good. My husband had A pasta dish with a variety of seafood. It was Valentine’s so the service was quite slow. For dessert I ordered a warm Apple strudel with vanilla ice cream., delicious! We are vacationing in this area and when we return we will definitely dine at this restaurant.“

“Leonardo's never disapoints. The food is fantastic and the staff is great.“

“It was nice and the atmosphere was great“

“Chef David Cecchini truly outdid himself with the recent Cecco Supper Club event. From start to finish, this dining experience was nothing short of extraordinary. Every detail, from the carefully curated menu to the perfectly paired wines by Amber Rose Wines, reflected an incredible level of thought and skill. The evening began with a canapé reception and a crisp, elegant Rosé, setting the tone for the culinary journey ahead. The first course, Coquilles Saint Jacques, was an absolute delight—baked scallops in a creamy white wine sauce, beautifully gratinéed and paired perfectly with a bright Sauvignon Blanc. The flavors were rich, yet balanced, showcasing the chef’s expertise in French cuisine. The Warm Salad Niçoise that followed was a masterpiece. The seared tuna was cooked to perfection, complementing the tender fingerling potatoes, crisp haricots verts, and briny olives. It was a symphony of textures and flavors, enhanced by the accompanying Pinot Noir. The main course, Beef Bourguignon, featured tender short ribs in a deeply flavorful red wine reduction. Paired with a Grenache/Syrah blend, it was hearty, comforting, and elevated—a true celebration of rustic French cooking. To close the evening, the Cherry Clafoutis was pure perfection. The balance of tart Amarena cherries and the delicate custard-like cake was divine, especially when paired with Spanish coffee. It was the perfect sweet ending to an unforgettable meal. Chef Cecchini’s attention to detail and passion for his craft were evident in every dish. This was not just a meal; it was a culinary experience that transported us to the heart of Provence. Highly recommend attending one of these events—you won’t regret it!“

“Wonderful yummy restaurant! Great ambiance. Service was really good. Very attentive! Food was delicious! Started with the burrata salad and the beef carpacio. Both delicious. I had the Risotto Primavera which had lots of veggies. It was large enough to feed two people but I ended up having some left over to take back to hotel (yay!). Husband had the lasagna which was a good healthy serving size. We would recommend this place for sure!“

“Delicious food and service.“

“I loved the pizza! So good! Arcade machines are also fine.

Funny story, we were ordering, and a worker dropped a few boxes next to me. I helped out only for my drink I bought elsewhere to fall out of my pocket, and somehow busted, and spilled on the floor. I felt very bad, but the lady was willing to give me a replacement for my drink, but there was enough to drink, and said I was good. Still a good place to dine if you are in the area.“