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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Santa Ynez

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5 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Whiskey 'N Rye restaurant
1. Whiskey 'N Rye
4.7
Exceptional(225)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Solvang
Booked 17 times today
Whiskey 'N Rye in Solvang is a haven for barbecue enthusiasts, offering a delightful blend of traditional American smokehouse flavors with a modern twist. Patrons rave about the "amazing" Hickory Smoked Brisket and the tender Baby Back Ribs, which are just a few highlights from their diverse menu. Reviewers consistently praise the restaurant's vibrant atmosphere and exceptional service, with comments like "the BBQ sampler was very delicious" and the brisket being "the best we have ever had." The full bar, featuring over 60 specialty whiskeys, complements the rich, smoky barbecue flavors, making Whiskey 'N Rye the perfect spot for a truly authentic and satisfying dining experience in Solvang.
A photo of Willows at Chumash Casino restaurant
2. Willows at Chumash Casino
4.8
Exceptional(1514)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • Santa Ynez Valley
Booked 19 times today
Nestled in the heart of Santa Ynez Valley, Willows at Chumash Casino is a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine, boasting a 14-time AAA Four Diamond Award-winning dining experience. Patrons rave about its "mouthwatering prime steaks and beautifully cooked seafood," paired with an "extensive selection of local and imported wines" from its Wine Spectator Award-winning list. The ambiance is described as "exquisite," perfect for savoring dishes that are "delicious and beautifully arranged." Notable for its robust flavors and impeccable service, it's no wonder guests recommend Willows for a memorable dining experience, emphasizing that it's "definitely worth every dollar." Whether it's for a special occasion or a delightful meal, Willows stands out as a premier choice in Contemporary American dining.
A photo of Pony Cocktails + Kitchen restaurant
3. Pony Cocktails + Kitchen
5.0
Exceptional(8)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Santa Ynez
Booked 4 times today
Restauranteur & Mixologist Battaglini Alberto redesigned the Cafe' style dining into something unique, elevated yet comfortable.Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner this hybrid Cafe/Cocktail Bar Restaurant integrate the Santa Ynez Valley style with modern comfort style food and unrealistic Cocktails.Situated in the heart of Santa Ynez Valley and, with Chef Jonny McDermott on the helm of the kitchen, Pony COCKTAILS + KITCHEN has a comfortable yet upscale feeling with a super friendly approach to food reflecting globally inspired dishes and fresh farm produces.
A photo of Ellie's Tap & Vine restaurant
4. Ellie's Tap & Vine
4.9
Exceptional(665)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Santa Ynez Valley
Booked 17 times today
Ellie's Tap & Vine in Santa Ynez Valley is a culinary beacon for grill enthusiasts seeking authentic and high-quality cuisine. Patrons rave about the "best steak and crab cakes I’ve ever had," highlighting the restaurant's commitment to excellence in grill cuisine. The menu, which changes monthly, features locally sourced ingredients, ensuring freshness and supporting local producers. Guests particularly applaud the perfectly cooked filet mignon and the succulent roast chicken, describing them as "melt in your mouth" delights. The ambiance, described as "rustic romantic," complements the meal, making Ellie's Tap & Vine a must-visit for a memorable dining experience in Santa Ynez.
A photo of Mattei's Tavern restaurant
5. Mattei's Tavern
4.6
Exceptional(384)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • Los Olivos
Booked 15 times today
Experience the pinnacle of American cuisine at Mattei's Tavern in the heart of Los Olivos. This beloved social hub marries traditional American flavors with innovative culinary techniques, creating dishes that are both familiar and intriguing. With ingredients sourced from its own garden and local farms, Mattei's Tavern offers an authentic taste of American gastronomy. The atmosphere, described by guests as "hands down one of my all-time favorite luxury hotel experiences," complements the delectable menu, featuring everything from grilled specialties to seasonal delights. Reviews consistently praise the "friendly and attentive" service and the "exquisite" food, noting that the "portions were on point." Whether it's the "divine souffle" or the "perfectly cooked" pork chops, every dish is a testament to Mattei's commitment to quality. Join the legacy of exceptional dining and make your reservation today at Mattei's Tavern, where every meal is a celebration of American culinary excellence.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • LauraVIP
    California Central Coast •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Food was amazing - will totally go back for that for sure and drinks were spot on - servers need to be a little more knowledgeable regarding alcohol - honestly all and all it was amazing and owner is super nice and very friendly so that’s super important - great meal and plan to go back
    More info
    Pony Cocktails + KitchenPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Santa Ynez
    •
    5
  • AnnieVIP
    Los Angeles •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Three of us ordered the Filet Mignon! We all commented on how delicious they were; cooked to perfection, juicy, tender and seasoned just right! Perfect meal and enjoyed the ambiance for a perfect dining experience.
    More info
    Ellie's Tap & VinePrice: Expensive• Farm-to-table• Santa Ynez Valley
    •
    4.9
  • Garth
    California Central Coast •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    We dined at Matties last nite for their "Feast of the Seven Fishes". EXCELLENT! The chef delivers each course, talks with you, and is very interested your comments. The waiter was great, very friendly, and attentive. It was a wonderful holiday evening. We suggest you try it! And its very well-priced!
    More info
    Mattei's TavernPrice: Very Expensive• American• Los Olivos
    •
    4.6
  • James
    Los Angeles •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Food was outstanding! Cooked to perfection, and the service was above and beyond. Very impressed by such a great experience.
    More info
    Willows at Chumash CasinoPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Santa Ynez Valley
    •
    4.8
  • Alenna
    San Diego •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Friendly staff, seated in a timely manner. Ordered 16oz Ribeye Steak with sides of fries and side harvest salad, BBQ Burger with Mac n cheese and more fries and BBQ Sampler Trio with beans and crispy smashed potatoes. Brisket and Ribs were delicious. The kids said their strawberry lemonade was really good. Had an Atterdag and husband had an old fashioned and both were great. We enjoyed everything we got and had a nice dinner. Thank you!
    More info
    Whiskey 'N RyePrice: Expensive• Barbecue• Solvang
    •
    4.7

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