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Best Californian Restaurants in Carpinteria

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5 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Blackbird restaurant
1. Blackbird
4.2
Awesome(165)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Barbara
Booked 9 times today
Nestled in the vibrant Funk Zone of Santa Barbara, Blackbird is a beacon of lounge cuisine, renowned for its exquisite and beverage-forward atmosphere. This establishment stands out with "inventive cocktails" crafted by the legendary mixologist Devon Espinosa and a menu that beautifully complements the local, sustainable ingredients of the Central Coast. Patrons rave about the "delicious and beautifully presented" dishes, from the Halibut to the Risotto, and the "friendly service" that makes every visit memorable. Blackbird transforms the conventional dining experience with its unique ambiance, highlighted by sleek brass fixtures and a nod to Alfred Hitchcock’s classics, making it a must-visit for an exceptional lounge dining adventure.
A photo of Toma Restaurant & Bar restaurant
2. Toma Restaurant & Bar
4.8
Exceptional(5474)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Barbara
Booked 32 times today
Toma Restaurant & Bar in Santa Barbara is a treasure trove of Mediterranean flavors, delighting diners with its authentic Italian and Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Located along the scenic Cabrillo Blvd, this waterfront bistro offers a romantic ambiance and a menu that celebrates Santa Barbara's seasonal bounty. Reviewers rave about the "best seafood pasta" and praise the freshness of ingredients, highlighting the "tuna cones appetizer" and "rigatoni with spicy sausage" as must-tries. The glowing testimonies underscore not only the quality but also the authenticity, with one guest noting it’s the "best Italian we've had outside of Italy." Whether it's the handcrafted cocktails or the attentive service, Toma consistently provides a culinary experience that is both delightful and distinctly Mediterranean.
A photo of Lilac Montecito restaurant
3. Lilac Montecito
4.7
Exceptional(139)
Price: Very Expensive
• Californian • Montecito
Booked 13 times today
Lilac Montecito, nestled in the charming neighborhood of Montecito in Santa Barbara, epitomizes the essence of Californian cuisine with its innovative and health-conscious menu. Praised for its "exceptional food that just happens to be gluten-free," this restaurant offers a delightful fine dining experience that caters to all, regardless of dietary constraints. Guests rave about the freshness of dishes like the "perfectly cooked Branzino" and the creative "Yellowtail Crudo starter." The ambiance is described as "first class," with an atmosphere that complements its high-quality meals. Lilac Montecito stands out not just for its dedication to gluten-free options but for its commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients, making it a culinary gem in California's dining scene.
A photo of LOCAL Montecito restaurant
4. LOCAL Montecito
4.7
Exceptional(261)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Montecito
Booked 12 times today
LOCAL Montecito is a gem in the heart of Montecito, celebrated for its mastery of Contemporary American cuisine. The restaurant's commitment to local ingredients shines through in dishes that are both innovative and bursting with flavor. Guests rave about the "insanely good" Ahi Crudo and the perfectly cooked Branzino and Lamb Bolognese, highlighting the restaurant's ability to elevate classic American dishes with a modern twist. The ambiance, featuring enchanting outdoor seating with heated patios and a firepit, complements the culinary experience, making LOCAL a must-visit for those seeking exceptional food in a vibrant, welcoming setting. According to one glowing review, it's the "BEST RESTAURANT IN SANTA BARBARA," where the inventive seasonings and fresh, high-quality ingredients leave a memorable impression, ensuring every meal is a celebration of contemporary American excellence.
A photo of Arnoldi's Cafe restaurant
5. Arnoldi's Cafe
4.6
Exceptional(756)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Barbara
Booked 14 times today
At Arnoldi's Cafe, the oldest Italian restaurant in Santa Barbara, the essence of authentic Italian cuisine is celebrated with every dish served. Nestled conveniently in the heart of Santa Barbara, this gem offers a culinary journey with its "delicious and well-crafted" dishes that resonate with the heritage of Italian cooking. Diners rave about the "perfect" Chicken Parmesan and the "rich and hearty" lasagna, highlighting the quality and comfort of their meals. The restaurant is not only lauded for its food but also for its vibrant ambiance, featuring two bocce courts and a picturesque patio for an immersive dining experience. Arnoldi's is a cherished venue where every meal is a festivity and "every visit is a blast," making it a must-visit for anyone craving genuine Italian fare in a delightful setting.
‘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
  • Bob
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    I don’t remember our waitresses name, but she has been there 5 years and gave us wonderful service. Friendly, helpful and attentive.
    More info
    Opal Restaurant & BarPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Barbara
    •
    4.8
  • joseph
    California Central Coast •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We were sat right away at a nice table! Food and service were both impeccable! Place is abit smaller than I thought and seating is close to each other! Overall great!
    More info
    Toma Restaurant & BarPrice: Expensive• Italian• Santa Barbara
    •
    4.8
  • Alex
    California Central Coast •56 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Excellent service from Tom, one of the waiters. Nice selection from a slightly small menu which means the chef can do an outstanding job on all those preparations. We like that approach rather than 2-3 pages with unlimited choices. The kitchen can never do all those well. Great European ambiance.
    More info
    Bouchon - Santa BarbaraPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Barbara
    •
    4.8
  • Darcyvip
    Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities •22 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    One of my absolute favorite placed in Santa Barbara! If you care about what ingredients you put into your body this is the place for you! Homemade breads, dressings, sauces. Locally sourced. All the dishes are truly unique and special. They change the menu so currently my favorites are the Hamburger, lamb dish, persimmon salad. I do miss their smashed crispy potatoes so I DO HOPE they bring those back!!
    More info
    BarbareñoPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Barbara
    •
    4.8
  • Barbaravip
    California Central Coast •28 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 14, 2024
    Outstanding, as always. The food was wonderful - the oysters Rockefeller are just so delicious. I wish they would add another slice or two to the bread we ordered. Two pieces for two people - one piece per person - is a little skimpy. The wine list is wonderful and the cocktails, perfect! And the service couldn't have been more spot on. Than you Mia - you are delightful. We will be back soon.
    More info
    Intermezzo By Wine CaskPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Barbara
    •
    4.8

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