Location: Santa Ynez
Top Restaurants in Santa Ynez
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California, United States Food Guide: 10 American food Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Santa Ynez
Reviews on American food in Santa Ynez, California, United States. Santa Ynez is a census-designated place (CDP) in the Santa Ynez Valley of Santa Barbara County, California.
Things to do in Santa Ynez
10. Ellie's Tap and Vine
Reviewed By Bikeit
My husband and I travelled to Santa Ynez with my brother-in-law and his wife last weekend and discovered a new restaurant, Ellie's Tap and Vine, right across the street from the Santa Ynez Inn. Ellie's was recommended to us by the hotel and we very much appreciated the tip. We have a lovely meal sitting outside on their dining deck, which looks out toward the east side of the valley. Ryan, our server, gave us terrific recommendations on food selection and had time to talk to us about his passion for and experience with beer, although we are all wine drinkers. At the end of our meal, Joy, the owner and chef, came out and talked to us about her inspiration for the restaurant---her mom, whose name was "Ellie", and her career leading up to opening her newest endeavor. She was terrific! And so was the food! I had her meatloaf, which was based on her mom's recipe. It was a delicious combination of several different ground meats, served with mashed potatoes that were superb. There was house-made ketchup on the plate, which added a sophisticated touch of home to the plate. My brother-in-law had pork shank (I think it was shank) bathed in a delicious tomato sauce. My husband had beef tartare, a very large portion. We just enjoyed the meal so much we decided to return the next night. Too bad! Ellie's was closed the next night. But now we know to be sure to get to Santa Ynez on a Thursday or Friday so we have more chances to bask in the friendliness and deliciousness of Joy's restaurant. It's a place not to miss and so convenient if you're staying at the Inn.
9. Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 748 reviews
Since 1995 the Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Cafe has been serving organic, sustainable cuisine along with over 500 wines (mostly local). In fact, much of their produce is grown from their CCOF certified organic farm less than a mile away. The Wine Merchant
Reviewed By WildWestCouple
My wife and I and my mother enjoyed dinner here. I had the short ribs and my wife and mother shared the ravioli and capellini. The short ribs were amazing, and my wife and mother enjoyed their pasta dishes. Dessert was also excellent. We highly recommend the Wine Merchant & Café for its excellent food and service as well as the great ambiance.
8. Creekside Buffet
Overall Ratings
3 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By pqjb2016
This buffet was better quality than we expected and offered a wide variety of dishes - something for everyone for sure! The food was hot which is not always the case at buffets. The waitstaff were friendly and helpful. The price is reasonable for what you get. My only regret is not saving more room for the awesome desserts!!!
7. Paula's Pancake House
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1209 reviews
Serving classic American breakfast and lunch in addition to our worldly famous Danish pancakes.
Reviewed By jag8386
Everything was fabulous! Our server Dominque was the best! Great sense of humor!! Her service was top notch. The food was fantastic. We all ordered the pancake combo. The pancakes are large thin, airy and delicious. Itâs served with butter and an amazing syrup. Eggs were cooked perfectly over medium and nice crisp bacon. Coffee was flavorful and plentiful. I didnât think I was going to eat it all but it was so good I ate every bite and loved every heavenly morsel. Highly recommended for an amazing breakfast.
6. Root 246
Overall Ratings
4 based on 507 reviews
Reviewed By HWH529
This Restaurant was recommended by a local. Was disappointed. Had reservations were seated promptly, then service turned slow...were there over two and half hours, without desert. One couple came in sat in booth waited to be served and left...maybe was off nite no help...does not account for food was served so overdone wonder if was left under heat lamps...wife had halibut was so dry could not hardly cut it, more like jerky. Brussels sprouts were burned some inedible. my scallops were dark brown over cooked....not waitstaff fault she was over worked. Best was wife gin mixed drink....was sad nite for what we had hoped would be upscale dining. No excuse would suffice, was simply bad nite to eat here.Dear HWH529,Please accept my apologies for what you had to endure during your visit with us. What you experienced, is certainly not what we would like anyone to have to sit through. I appreciate you taking the time to post your review on line. Your feedback is crucial to keep us focused on what it is we try to achieve here. If you have a moment please contact to me directly, so that I may get a clearer idea of when you dined with us, [email protected]. I understand that no apology can make up for a terrible evening. However, we will use your feedback to insure that the entire staff remains focused on what our goals are, quality food and uncompromising service. I am sorry that your visit was not up to our standards. I hope that in the future we have the privilege of serving you again. Kindest regards,J.Ledezma
5. The Burger Barn
Overall Ratings
4 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By Michael W
We ate lunch here several times while staying at the Santa Ynez Inn. Food was good with enough variety to meet our needs over several days. Prices were reasonable and the service was good.
4. Chumash Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 60 reviews
Reviewed By barbaralY2470PY
Had breakfast here and found the croissant sandwich to be great. My family all looked to be pleased with their choices too, from waffles to pancakes to good old bacon and eggs! So for sure would try again! Now the night before, a quick dinner was another story. My daughter didn't feel well after eating the fish & chips and my son in law had the corned beef & cabbage and said the corned beef was very tough and cabbage was not cooked well either. With all the restaurants near by I think next visit we will explore a little more!
3. The Gathering Table Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 207 reviews
Among the most exceptional and sophisticated Ballard, California restaurants is The Gathering Table. With its captivating and comfortable atmosphere, The Gathering Table is the perfect place for friends and family to come together for a warm, social dinin
Reviewed By MamaFleisch
What a disappointment! Although we had a reservation, we were seated uncomfortably at the end of a banquette, too close to another couple, when there were several other booths and tables available. Our server was at best inexperienced, at worst incompetent. We placed our order for wine, appetizers and mains all at once; some minutes later our server returned to tell us our wine selection was unavailable. We considered the wine list again, ordered a different wine, and changed our entree order (our first wine selection was a red, our second a white due to the lack of good red choices on the list). Our server returned with the wrong white wine, so had to go back to the cellar a third time. In the meantime, our (cold) appetizer was not delayed, so the food arrived well before the wine was even poured. The second course then arrived before we were finished with the first! The food itself was quite ordinary. The main course, coupe de la mer, one of the nightly specials, was disappointing (although the accompanying cauliflower was delicious). The bread and bean dip, touted by the server, were nothing special. The hamachi appetizer was the only bright spot. Toward the end of the meal, the chef came out of the kitchen and chatted with customers at every table and booth except ours and the one next to us! We won't be going back.
2. Willows
Overall Ratings
4 based on 82 reviews
Reviewed By haakonh319
As Chumash Casino's fine dining restaurant, Willows has a captive audience. Located upstairs and away from the noisy casino floor is this nicely decorated restaurant. I've eaten here 3 times on 2 different visits in the last 2 months. I've found most of the staff to be friendly and provide good service.When it comes to the food here, the 1980's called, they want their menu back! The Prawn cocktail was a standout and the bread basket was all sorts of win with its many options and 4 different dips. Sadly the $51 "Greater Omaha 28 day wet aged 8oz Prime Filet Mignon" was under cooked, had zero flavor and was served with 4 really sad sauces that were teleported from the 80's directly to your plate. The peppercorn sauce literally had no peppercorns in it, the "Bernaise" was hollandaise without any herbs, which isn't bernaise. The other 2 sauces were so boring they aren't even worth mentioning and totally felt like an afterthought. This restaurant was a mixed bag for me. Obviously it was good enough to keep me coming back, mostly for the Prawn cocktail and to get away from the noisy casino. This place could really be a stellar gem if the chef had a little more imagination, in my humble opinion.
1. Brothers Restaurant at the Red Barn
Overall Ratings
4 based on 263 reviews
With a fresh, de rigueur exterior of barn-red paint, the interior expresses the warmth of a local tavern, using clean lines and a rustic feel. Accented with oak, restored branded wood beams, a white paneled ceiling and wrought iron lighting, the L-shaped
Reviewed By jgotz
We had reservations and when we arrived, it didn't look like we needed them. 15 minutes after sitting, we were glad we had them. The place filled up. Service was what you would expect from a nice restaurant. On point, attentive but not smothering. They did not rush you through your courses and yet were there if you needed them.
