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  3. California Central Coast
  4. Santa Ynez Valley
  5. Los Olivos
Mattei's Tavern, Los Olivos, CA

Mattei's Tavern

4.6
4.6
392 Reviews
$50 and over
American

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 26 times today
Experiences are available.
  • Charming
  • Good for special occasions
  • Neighborhood gem
Recently opened on November 16, 2022, The Tavern continues her legacy as Santa Ynez Valley's beloved social hub. This California ranch-inspired restaurant highlights flavorful dishes and honest ingredients, many of which are harvested from Mattei’s on-site garden and surrounding local farms. Paying homage to its century old roots, the menu is elevated yet unfussy, offering grilled dishes and vegetables alongside seasonal specialties. The exceptional wine program is a singular and definitive draw of The Tavern. The comprehensive list features a California focused glass list which is complimented by an extensive cellar of Old World favorites.


For informal fare join us at The Bar, Mattei’s Tavern’s most authentic hangout. With a roaring fireplace and fixtures dating back to its 1886 origins, the historic bar and lounge space offers local craft beer and wine, amber hued cocktails and a snacks menu that ranges from bite sized to burger dinners.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    American, Contemporary American
  • Hours of operation
    Breakfast Daily 7:00 am–11:00 am Bar Mon–Thu, Sun 11:00 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–11:00 pm Lunch Daily 11:30 am–2:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:30 pm
  • Phone number
    (888) 218-4941
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Resort Casual
  • Executive chef
    Joseph Humphrey
  • Private party facilities
    Please email Events@MatteisTavern.com for details.
  • Neighborhood
    Los Olivos
  • Cross street
    Nojoqui Avenue
  • Parking details
    Private Lot
  • Additional
    Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • Feast of the Seven Fishes

    $102.36 per person

    Dec 16, 2024 - Dec 30, 2024
    As a special Mattei’s Holiday Tradition, join us in the Tavern as we celebrate with a of Feast of the Seven Fishes. Executive Chef Joseph Humphrey will prepare a unique dining experience highlighting the local seafood from the central coast.
  • New Years Eve Dinner

    $188.56 per person

    Dec 31, 2024 only
    Indulge in the ultimate New Years Eve dinner experience with a 5 course dinner menu crafted by Executive Chef Joe. Celebrate the ringing of the new year with a welcome glass of champagne.

What 392 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • California Central Coast

    American

  • Santa Ynez Valley

    Best Service

  • Santa Ynez Valley

    Best Ambiance

  • Santa Ynez Valley

    Good for groups

  • Santa Ynez Valley

    Healthy

  • Santa Ynez Valley

    Neighborhood gem

  • Santa Ynez Valley

    Great for fine wines

  • Santa Ynez Valley

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Santa Ynez Valley

    Romantic

  • Santa Ynez Valley

    Good for special occasions

  • Santa Ynez Valley

    Lively

  • Santa Ynez Valley

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Mattei's Tavern offers an enchanting dining experience with a "gorgeous setting" and "delicious food." Guests rave about the "exceptional service" and inventive menu, featuring both local and international flavors. While some found certain dishes inconsistent, many praised the "amazing ambience" and "friendly, attentive staff." It's a must-visit for its charm and culinary delight.

587 Reviews
  1. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined today

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing! Lovely dinner and amazing service that truly created the perfect vibe

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  2. Julia

    Central Coast

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined today

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent experience yet again. Amazing service, great craft cocktails, perfect setting in such a great area—perfect dinner after wine tasting.

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  3. John

    Central Coast

    8 reviews

    3.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 2
    We live in the local area but this was our first time and it was for our anniversary. The noise level was very high to the extent we could not hear our server and had to ask him to repeat several times. I should point out that we were seated near a servers station which meant there was a lot traffic. The food was okay but nothing special. The menu very limited. I would rate the service with 5 stars were it not for our server constantly approaching us from behind rather than coming to the table directly. We asked him about this and his response was he didn't want to bother the people next to us. Well, gee, thanks very much. That table had 6 people and there were only 2 of us. So, I guess 6 is more important than 2 -- perhaps from a tip standpoint that is true. The restaurant is rather pricey and from our experience, not justified. We will not be returning.

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  4. Stephane

    VIP

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A Memorable Experience at The Tavern: Exceptional Cuisine and Warm Hospitality Nestled in the heart of wine country, The Tavern offers a dining experience that is nothing short of spectacular. From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, made even more special by the hospitality of the attentive and knowledgeable staff. The service is impeccable, with each team member eager to ensure that your visit is nothing less than exceptional. The culinary highlight of The Tavern is undoubtedly the seasonal menu curated by Michelin-rated Chef Joseph Humphrey. His thoughtful, creative approach to ingredients results in dishes that are both innovative and deeply satisfying. The menu showcases the best of local, seasonal produce, expertly combined in ways that highlight the natural flavors of the region. Every course feels like a celebration of the bounty of wine country, with ingredients that are as fresh as they are flavorful. Pairing perfectly with the cuisine is The Tavern’s carefully curated wine list, which offers a selection of local wines that beautifully complement each dish. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or a casual enthusiast, the sommelier is more than happy to guide you through the perfect pairing. The ambiance at The Tavern is equally as impressive, with its cozy yet refined interior, featuring rustic touches that evoke the charm of the surrounding wine country. It’s the perfect setting for an intimate dinner or a celebratory evening with friends and family. In all, The Tavern offers an unforgettable dining experience marked by top-notch service, extraordinary cuisine, and a beautiful ambiance. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, it’s a destination that truly captures the essence of wine country living. Highly recommended.

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  5. Ronald

    Phoenix

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Although pricey, Christmas day buffet at Mattei's Tavern was excellent. The "ranch" setting was so quaint. Service was superb. I do not hesitate to recommend and will definitely be back.

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  6. William

    VIP

    Central Coast

    4 reviews

    2.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 5
    Mattei's Tavern is a beautiful, rustic restaurant with kind staff and fresh farm-to-table food. Beautiful property as well - recommend taking a walk around it beforehand if you are not staying there. Perhaps it was a one-off (Christmas Day lunch; extremely busy), but the service was unacceptable. We had to flag down a server after waiting at least 20 minutes to place our order. The food did not come out for over an hour after that. The sourdough bread was great. And the salad was very fresh. But the unfortunate service took away from the other great things about the restaurant. Hopefully no one else will have the same experience when they go.

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  7. Angie

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    A beautiful place situated in the gorgeous SYV. Mattei’s has always been a classic. Lunch menu is affordable for such a classy place for sandwiches and appetizers but the dinner menu is phenomenally good!

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  8. LynnMarie

    Palm Springs

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Lovely tavern and ambiance. The food was absolutely awesome. The salmon was perfect and the salad was so fresh and dressed perfectly. Wine of course was smooth and local. Don’t miss this special historic place.

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  9. Garth

    Central Coast

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on December 18, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    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!

    1 person found this helpful

  10. Robert

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 14, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food. Great service. Knowledgeable and attentive staff

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FAQs

Mattei's Tavern is rated 4.6 stars by 392 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 26 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Mattei's Tavern

2350 Railway Avenue, Los Olivos, CA 93441

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Nojoqui Avenue
  • Neighborhood
    Los Olivos
  • Hours of operation
    Breakfast Daily 7:00 am–11:00 am Bar Mon–Thu, Sun 11:00 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–11:00 pm Lunch Daily 11:30 am–2:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:30 pm
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    American, Contemporary American
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Resort Casual
  • Parking details
    Private Lot
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Joseph Humphrey
  • Additional
    Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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