Best American Restaurants in Carpinteria

12 restaurants available nearby

1. Lucky's

4.8

Exceptional(2881)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Montecito

Booked 18 times today

Lucky's, located in the heart of Montecito, Santa Barbara, has firmly established itself as a premier Steakhouse destination. Renowned for its USDA Prime steaks, this restaurant offers an unparalleled dining experience, with guests frequently praising the "best steaks and sides in the 805." Diners consistently celebrate not only the quality of the meat, which is always cooked to perfection, but also the cozy ambiance and the exceptional service that makes every visit memorable. One review glowingly states, "The best steakhouse on the west coast," highlighting both Lucky's culinary prowess and its vibrant atmosphere. Whether it's for a casual dinner or a special occasion, Lucky's promises an exceptional Steakhouse experience with every visit.

A photo of Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch restaurant

2. Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch

4.8

Exceptional(2625)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Santa Barbara

Booked 17 times today

Nestled in the scenic Santa Barbara, Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch offers a steak dining experience that is as exquisite as its surroundings. Renowned for its "outstanding" Steak Diane, the Stonehouse provides a culinary journey that guests describe as "magical" and "perfect." The steak's presentation is "fantastic and fun to watch," ensuring that each meal is not only delicious but also visually appealing. Coupled with the restaurant's Grand Award-winning wine program, every steak dish is perfectly complemented, enhancing the flavors and overall dining experience. Diners consistently praise the ambiance, service, and food, making Stonehouse a must-visit for steak lovers seeking a memorable meal in an enchanting setting.

3. Stella Mare's

4.8

Exceptional(2313)

Price: Expensive

• American • Santa Barbara

Booked 10 times today

Stella Mare's, nestled between Montecito and Santa Barbara, stands out as a beacon of American cuisine excellence. Housed in a historic Victorian overlooking the Bird Refuge, it offers a unique blend of comfort and sophistication. Diners consistently rave about the authentic American flavors, with one guest mentioning, "the food was great, probably the best onion soup I have ever had" and another lauding the "wonderful service and great food." The ambiance is frequently described as "charming" and "quaint," perfect for any dining experience. Stella Mare's commitment to quality and authenticity in their American offerings makes it a must-visit destination in Santa Barbara.

4. Lilac Montecito

4.7

Exceptional(144)

Price: Expensive

• American • Montecito

Booked 15 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 Clark's Oyster Bar - Montecito restaurant

5. Clark's Oyster Bar - Montecito

new

4.5

Awesome(20)

Price: Expensive

• American • Montecito

Booked 28 times today

Clark’s Montecito is a stylish all-day restaurant celebrating coastal American classics spanning from New England to California. In addition to its flagship menu of oysters and raw bar, a signature burger, daily catch specials, lobster rolls, chowder and refreshing crudo, this California location features seasonal bounty from the Pacific Ocean. The wine list highlights California classics alongside French whites and reds primarily from Burgundy and the Loire. Clark’s signature martinis and cocktails are always available. A collaboration between Lambert McGuire Design and Santa Barbara-based architect Jeff Shelton, the space offers a seamless indoor-outdoor dining experience that marries Clark’s classic coastal design features with the more whimsical ceramic tile traditions of Portugal and Mexico and a Mediterranean-inspired design that pays homage to its coastal setting and historic Spanish Colonial Revival architecture.

6. LOCAL Montecito

4.7

Exceptional(271)

Price: Expensive

• American • Montecito

Booked 20 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 RH Firehouse Grill restaurant

7. RH Firehouse Grill

new

4.4

Awesome(16)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Montecito

Booked 50 times today

The RH Firehouse Grill is an indoor-outdoor restaurant located at RH Montecito, The Gallery at the Old Firehouse. Enjoy a menu of signature salads and classics from our hearth in our courtyard restaurant, which seamlessly extends into a beautifully landscaped garden. Dine beneath the warm glow of handwoven pendants amid heritage olive trees, birds of paradise, a grand fireplace and cascading limestone fountains.

8. Anchor Rose

3.7

Very Good(88)

Price: Expensive

• American • Santa Barbara

Booked 7 times today

Nestled on the picturesque Santa Barbara harbor, Anchor Rose is celebrated for its exceptional seafood offerings and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Diners rave about the freshness and authenticity of dishes like the Chile Rellenos con Camarones, with one patron exclaiming the shrimp were "firm and big," and the Sea Bass, described as "fantastic." Complementing its culinary delights, the restaurant's atmosphere is lauded for its laid-back, yet elegant vibe, making it a prime location for both locals and tourists. The seamless blend of superb service, top-notch seafood, and an inviting ambiance ensures Anchor Rose stands out as a premier dining destination in Santa Barbara.

9. San Ysidro Ranch

5.0

Exceptional(0)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Montecito

Booked 1 time today

For over a century, San Ysidro Ranch has been a haven for those seeking tranquility amidst the captivating landscapes of Santa Barbara. This historic hideaway effortlessly weaves together natural beauty, romantic heritage, and classic luxury, welcoming discerning travelers to experience a retreat like no other. In the heart of this timeless escape, experience indulgence through Afternoon Tea, where an enticing array of tea sandwiches, seasonal scones, and house-made pastries promise to elevate your senses. As the day transitions to night, immerse yourself in a clandestine world within our speakeasy, where crafted cocktails and an intimate ambiance transport you to a bygone era. San Ysidro Ranch invites you to become part of its storied history, where the past meets the present in an atmosphere of natural beauty, culinary delights, and timeless moments.

A photo of Moby Dick Restaurant restaurant

10. Moby Dick Restaurant

4.4

Awesome(269)

Price: Moderate

• American • Santa Barbara

Booked 23 times today

Nestled on the picturesque pier of Santa Barbara, Moby Dick Restaurant is a true gem for burger aficionados. While renowned for its fresh seafood, the burgers at Moby Dick stand out with their sizzling, juicy flavors, earning rave reviews from locals and visitors alike. Diners have praised the restaurant for its “excellent service” and the “great food," particularly highlighting the burger as a must-try item. With its stunning ocean views and a vibrant atmosphere, Moby Dick offers more than just a meal—it provides an exceptional dining experience where every burger bite is complemented by the breathtaking backdrop of Santa Barbara’s shoreline. Whether you’re craving a classic burger or something uniquely crafted, Moby Dick promises a memorable gastronomic journey.

‘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

C
CharlotParis
Orange County •1 review
5.0
Dined today
Very delicious food, great server named coke webt above and behind with his kindness and recommendations. Everything came out delicious. Will come back again
More info
BarbareñoPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Barbara
•
4.8
D
David
California Central Coast •1 review
5.0
Dined today
I had concerns due to reading a few reviews stating the food was overstated and some waiters could be rude, but that wasn’t our experience. The ambience, as most reviews share, was magical. I expected that, but wow, the food was incredible! The steak was literally the best I’ve ever had. They provided gluten free rolls that were also the best I’ve ever had. And the service was impeccable. One of my best dining experiences to date and thankfully so since it was our 20th wedding anniversary. 10/10!
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Stonehouse at San Ysidro RanchPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Santa Barbara
•
4.8
T
terreVIP
California Central Coast •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Absolutely one of our favorite places to dine in Santa Barbara. Their menu has something for everyone. Great prices and a nice selection of wines. Located in the heart of downtown.
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Opal Restaurant & BarPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Barbara
•
4.8
S
Sharon
San Francisco Bay Area •13 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
I love Stella Mare's...have been going there for more than 20 years...and I'm very sad that it is closing on January 1st. The old French country house ambiance is so enjoyable, and the food is wonderful. I truly hope they will find a suitable new location in Santa Barbara and reopen soon. It's especially troubling that the building will become a Mexican restaurant. I love Mexican food, but it's not as if we don't already have more Mexican restaurants than a town the size of Santa Barbara could possibly need! Farewell, Stella...hope to see you again soon.
More info
Stella Mare'sPrice: Expensive• French• Santa Barbara
•
4.8
L
LorenVIP
Los Angeles •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
The most phenomenal meal and filet we’ve ever had. 10/10 for special occasion dinner.
More info
Lucky'sPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Montecito
•
4.8

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Carpinteria

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Best American Restaurants in Carpinteria

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12 restaurants available nearby

1. Lucky's

2. Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch

3. Stella Mare's

4. Lilac Montecito

5. Clark's Oyster Bar - Montecito

6. LOCAL Montecito

7. RH Firehouse Grill

8. Anchor Rose

9. San Ysidro Ranch

10. Moby Dick Restaurant

See what locals rave about

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