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Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Montecito

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9 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Tre Lune restaurant
1. Tre Lune
4.8
Exceptional(2034)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Montecito
Booked 51 times today
"Upbeat and comfortable, serving real-deal pastas and pizzas that make you feel like you're in Italy again." - ZAGAT 2010 Fresh fish, veal scaloppini, osso buco, prime steaks, Kobe-beef burgers, organic salads, and house-made desserts. Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner-Cocktails. Award Winner of Italian wines list.Please call to make reservations.
A photo of Finch & Fork restaurant
2. Finch & Fork
4.4
Awesome(1782)
Price: Expensive
• American • Santa Barbara
Booked 14 times today
Here at Finch & Fork, we are inspired by the bounty of Santa Barbara's lush farms and rugged coastline. Our attitude is relentlessly local, influenced by the diverse culinary techniques of our neighbors, the subdued, natural colors of our fog-swept cliffs, and the glow of afternoon sunlight on our grapevines. Begin your day with a nourishing brunch or savor an evening of eclectic wines, ingredient-driven cooking, and good company. Finch & Fork is conveniently located on the corner of Carrillo and Chapala streets in the heart of Santa Barbara’s vibrant downtown. Complimentary valet parking for diners upon availability.
A photo of Bouchon - Santa Barbara restaurant
3. Bouchon - Santa Barbara
4.8
Exceptional(5479)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Barbara
Booked 21 times today
We are delighted to have added additional outdoor seating but Santa Barbara nights are chilly so bring a sweater or light jacket!Fresh, local ingredients, prepared with care. Excellent wines that reflect the quality and character of our region and work in concert with the cuisine. Warm, inviting ambiance, service at a relaxed, leisurely pace. Santa Barbara ‘Wine Country Cuisine’ means we source our ingredients using an ‘as-fresh-and-as-local-as-possible’ approach, with fish from the Santa Barbara Channel and produce from the surrounding countryside. We then take into account how these flavors can be presented in concert with our local wines. We believe you’ll taste the difference. Bon Appètit!
A photo of Ca' Dario Ristorante restaurant
4. Ca' Dario Ristorante
4.7
Exceptional(1820)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Santa Barbara
Booked 23 times today
"Anything grilled is divine, and the rest of the menu is delectable at this charming Italian restaurant in Santa Barbara known for its excellent execution of simple pasta, meats and other classics. A fantastic wine list with many available by the glass; its a local favorite, so reservations are a must."
A photo of The Black Sheep SB Brasserie restaurant
5. The Black Sheep SB Brasserie
4.7
Exceptional(740)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary French / American • Santa Barbara
Booked 20 times today
Locally owned California-French brasserie in Old Town Santa Barbara, blending classic technique with bold, eclectic flavors. Housed in a historic space, we offer an elevated dining experience with a renowned family-style tasting menu, curated wines & craft beer. Open Wed-Sun from 5 PM—check daily for our specials!
A photo of Blackbird restaurant
6. Blackbird
3.8
Excellent(176)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Barbara
Booked 3 times today
Blackbird offers an inventive take on dishes, highlighting hyper-local and hyper-seasonal offerings. Leaning into the locality and freshness of the fare continues to be a focus of the restaurant’s story. In 2025, we will focus on redefining and developing the personality of Blackbird, including highlighting the talent to create the semblance of a relationship for locals looking for somewhere to go. A revamped cocktail menu will aim to drive additional local interest and traffic into the spaces. We continue to strive to position Blackbird as a favorite in town, and to that end are finding new ways to activate the venues each night and draw both locals and hotel guests in. Complimentary hotel valet parking with validation.
A photo of Moby Dick Restaurant restaurant
7. Moby Dick Restaurant
4.4
Awesome(281)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Santa Barbara
Booked 8 times today
At Moby Dick Restaurant, in Santa Barbara, you'll get not only fresh seafood and excellent service, but an amazing view along with your meal. Situated on the pier itself in Santa Barbara, Moby Dick Restaurant is a fantastic place with a fantastic atmosphere to get something to eat.Whether you're after breakfast, lunch or dinner there�s sure to be something on the menu to please. Fried favorites at Moby Dick Restaurant include clam strips and chips, chicken wings and chips and many others. You can also order burgers, sandwiches and vegetarian fare. Fresh seafood specialties include grilled Cajun swordfish, bacon wrapped shrimp and grilled fresh salmon.
A photo of Sandbar Mexican Restaurant restaurant
8. Sandbar Mexican Restaurant
4.5
Awesome(181)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Santa Barbara
Booked 7 times today
We are a traditional Sonora style Mexican Restaurant and Tequila Bar. Guests will experience the authentic tastes and warm outdoor dining of Mexico. We use homemade sweet and sour with organic agave nectar in our world class margaritas. We also feature handmade tortilla chips and salsas, fresh Ceviche, homemade guacamole and the best fajitas around.We feature a vibrant bar scene and a social atmosphere. We also serve our full menu nightly until 11pm. Stick around after dinner as we transform into one of Santa Barbara's best late night hot spots.
A photo of Chase Restaurant restaurant
9. Chase Restaurant
4.1
Excellent(792)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Santa Barbara
Chase Restaurant is a Santa Barbara gem, offering a classic Italian dining experience since 1979. Customers rave about the superb food, with dishes like Chicken Piccata and Eggplant Parmigiana earning high praise. The atmosphere is described as warm and romantic, with an elegant decor. Reviews consistently highlight the excellent service and the excellent value for money. The restaurant is also commended for its global wine list and custom cocktails. It's definitely worth the drive!

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Roberto
    California Central Coast •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    From start to finish; AMAZING. Took my daughters and mom for Valentines. The hostess arranged for us to get the best table in the house. The food was excellent, not the normal, but an original interpretation of what food should taste like. Our waitress was very kind and attentive. Dessert was also very thought out. The house manager was also very involved in our experience. My family and I felt very much appreciated and most of all cared after. One of our best if not the best Valentines we have lived.
    More info
    SY KitchenPrice: Expensive• Italian• Santa Ynez Valley
    •
    4.9
  • Odessa
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 25, 2024
    Service and ambiance was wonderful! Food was good as well. Would dine there again sometime.
    More info
    Timber's RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Goleta
    •
    4.6
  • Lisa
    California Central Coast •52 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Oct 13, 2024
    The Caesar Salad was fresh and the dressing was a tasty surprise. The Veal Milanese breading was crispy and paired nicely with the buttery, cheesy fettuccine. My friends both enjoyed their Spinach Ravioli and Pappardelle Vodka. Topped it off with us all sharing the Warm Lava Cake...delish!
    More info
    Chase RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Italian• Santa Barbara
    •
    4.1

Discover best worth the drive restaurants in Montecito

Discover a culinary treasure trove along California's Central Coast with a selection of restaurants in Montecito, Santa Barbara that are truly "worth the drive." Renowned for offering unique dining experiences that blend local flavors with exquisite culinary craftsmanship, these establishments stand out for their commitment to quality and innovation. The dining scene in this picturesque locale is characterized by its upscale ambiance and a focus on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts. Each restaurant curated under this keyword promises an unforgettable meal, whether you're seeking a romantic dinner spot or a place to celebrate a special occasion. Visitors can expect top-tier service, a warm atmosphere, and dishes that are both inventive and delightfully satisfying. This selection not only highlights the best of Montecito's dining offerings but also ensures that every recommendation will enhance your culinary journey in this charming part of the Central Coast.

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