Location: Montecito
Top Restaurants in Montecito
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Top 7 Contemporary food in Montecito, California, United States
Find out what Contemporary restaurants to try in Montecito. Home to some of Santa Barbara County’s most famous residents, Montecito has always had an irresistible allure, first attracting vacationing movers and shakers in the 1880s. Today, locals, visitors and celebrities meander along Montecito’s stunning beaches, including famous Butterfly Beach, charming Coast Village Road and Upper Village. Drive or bike along the tree-shaded lanes, and do what the locals do: hang out on a sunny patio, read the paper and don't make a fuss if you see a famous face.
Things to do in Montecito
7. Mesa Verde Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 293 reviews
MesaVerde is a vegetarian/vegan restaurant that focuses not just on plants, but also the endless alchemy of fruits, vegetables, seeds, grains, nuts, herbs, spices and sauces that make food stand out in the cuisines of Spain, Sicily, North Africa and the M
Reviewed By 899traveler
Mesa Verde is my favorite restaurant. Being vegan, I don't go out much; it's hard to find clean, organic vegan/gluten free food unless I cook it myself - at other restaurants I'm usually stuck with salad or a combination of sides of veggies. At Mesa Verde I can get food that is so well made and so elaborate compared to my usual home cooking. It's a real treat! Their gluten free vegan lasagna is the best ever, anywhere!
6. The Patio
Reviewed By silverlakerunner
So relaxing and beautiful. Delicious food and drinks. Great service. We could spend all day there just eating, drinking, and swimming.
5. Finch & Fork
Overall Ratings
4 based on 510 reviews
Dine in relaxing style at Finch & Fork, a favorite of Santa Barbara restaurants. We serve up American classics created from fresh, local ingredients.
Reviewed By ronj476
Stopped at the Finch&Fork for a night cap. The bar is spacious but they offered us a table in the adjacent restaurant to allow us comfortable seating and an opportunity to talk.The bartender was great, he had suggestions, took our order, and delivered perfect drinks. There was no rush or push to make us leave even as it got a bit late. They even offered to deliver the drinks to the roof top terrace for the perfect Santa Barbara experience.I cannot tell you about the food but Iâm sure itâs as flawless as the rest of the experience.Thank you for giving us the opportunity to take care of you. If you didn't get a chance to enjoy that rooftop, it is a must for your next visit. There is nothing better than great drinks, great company and a beautiful view. We look forward to taking care of you in the future.
4. Montecito Wine Bistro
Overall Ratings
4 based on 75 reviews
We are a casual bistro with a California farm-to-table influence in a casual, family friendly environment
Reviewed By Mozo4ever
Nice little wine bistro with outside seating - perfect for nice warm sunny afternoon. And, as a bonus - wonderful live music adding to the atmosphere.
Where to eat Pizza food in Montecito: The Best Restaurants and Bars
3. Barbareno
Overall Ratings
4 based on 237 reviews
Conveniently located in downtown Santa Barbara, Barbareño seeks to embody California's Central Coast. Serving regionally inspired cuisine, fine California wines, and locally crafted beers in a rustic yet modern environment, we seek to celebrate our home t
Reviewed By MesaSB
My wife and I finally tried Barbareno and we both wondered why we hadn't eaten there years ago. Great staff and great food with an intentional Central California cuisine focus. From fresh fish to the fabulous Tri-tip, this restaurant is now one of our favorites. Comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. My wife and I ate at the bar (because we like doing that) and we had the chance to chat with alot of the staff. Very friendly and very knowledgeable about the food and wine. My wife had the tri-tip and I had the cheeseburger. Both were delicious.
2. Toma Restaurant and Bar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1867 reviews
Reviewed By ElvisinLA
Found this place because of all the great reviews, and a friendly bartender down the street highly recommended it so we made an early reservation and went. Service was incredible (thanks Juan!) as was the food and wine selection. This is definitely one of those places you would love to keep secret just because it is so good. But, if you are in SB and looking for a wonderful dining experience make a reservation and enjoy! They've got an awesome little bar towards the back to grab a drink at, or eat if it's too busy.
Most Popular Italian food in Montecito, California, United States
1. Stonehouse Restaurant at San Ysidro Ranch
Overall Ratings
4 based on 329 reviews
Located in a 19th-century citrus packing house, The Stonehouse features a relaxing lounge with full bar service and a separate dining room with crackling fireplace and creek side views. Guests can dine under the romantic gaze of Southern California's star
Reviewed By MrGaucho1987
We visited the Stonehouse for our 30th Wedding Anniversary. We left with a special memory. Here's why. The SYR property, Stonehouse waiting area and dining room itself are straight out of a design magazine. Every manicured, spare-no-expense, square inch of this property is designed to welcome guests in luxury. The restaurant waiting area and dining patio seem endlessly poised, just waiting for the architectural digest photographer to show up. The service, from the kid at the front gate to the valets to the hostess to Robert our waiter all appeared well-schooled in the art of solid, unpretentious service. The food and drinks are not cheap. But given the premium setting, I did not expect bargain prices. The food was all good. My steak Diane was well prepared and flavorful, as was my wife's lamb, and we both enjoyed the bananas foster. The only downgrades (and they were few), was the 30-minute wait after our reservation due to a lingering table, and my forgotten after-dinner coffee. Both are certainly pardonable sins, but a perhaps a touch less so at $150 per person for dinner. All-in, this is a special occasion restaurant that deserves its outstanding reputation. Birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, proposals or just a special night out, do not forget the Stonehouse.
