Restaurants near Cuyama Valley

We sat for 2.5 hrs, dinner, dessert and coffee. The mgr kept staring at us which was disrespectful as we overstayed our welcome. The hostess did ask us to leave as someone was waiting for the table. I’ve never been asked to ever leave a restaurant in my life, this was irritating 👎

Upon our arrival, we were pleasantly surprised to discover that valet parking was complimentary, requiring only a tip. We were greeted warmly and seated without delay. As we perused the menu, we noted that the prices were quite high; however, since we were celebrating our 20th anniversary, budget was not a concern for us that evening—we intended to indulge fully. Our servers were exceptionally attentive and caring, contributing to an overall perfect dining experience that we will cherish forever. We eagerly anticipate returning with our family in the future. However, I did notice some guests who appeared somewhat pretentious. At one point, a woman loudly discussed her and her husband’s intimate life, which felt entirely inappropriate. Unfortunately, my phone accidentally played a Kenny G song, and I quickly turned it off. The same woman remarked sarcastically to her group, “Like really, we want to hear your music.” I felt compelled to respond, noting that Kenny G is far more pleasant than her inappropriate conversation. It would have been more suitable for her to exhibit a sense of decorum, especially in such a refined setting. Despite these minor disturbances, our overall visit was truly remarkable.

We make it a point to visit SY Kitchen every time we’re in Santa Ynez. While most of our experiences have been enjoyable, our most recent visit on November 19th—coincidentally our 42nd anniversary—was truly exceptional. I savored one of the best vodka martinis I’ve had in years at the bar. The service was outstanding, with our server demonstrating professionalism, attentiveness, and a friendly demeanor. Each course was timed perfectly, enhancing the overall dining experience. The food was exemplary, and the manager went above and beyond by checking on us three times to ensure everything met our expectations. It does leave us wondering, though—why is Nella Kitchen, under the same ownership, such a stark contrast in quality and service?

Always a pleasure to dine with friends at Lucky’s Great service, great food/drinks and happy professional staff.

We love this restaurant, always great service and delicious food. A high energy, sophisticated, casual dining experience.