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Best restaurants near me in Santa Ynez Valley, CA

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18 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Brothers Restaurant at Red Barn restaurant
1. Brothers Restaurant at Red Barn
4.9
Exceptional(1353)
Price: Expensive
• American • Santa Ynez Valley
Booked 18 times today
The Nichols brothers, Matt & Jeff, grew up in Ames, Iowa where their love of cooking, good food and a sense of family and community was nurtured.The 2013 opening of their second Santa Barbara Wine Country restaurant, Brothers Restaurant at the Red Barn in Santa Ynez, allows them to offer visitors and locals alike great food, wine and hospitality. The brothers strive to have legendary service, innovative cuisine, and a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere that causes you to return time and again.As chefs, the brothers continue to experiment with new dishes and cuisine, but always with that “from scratch”, homemade element. Fresh ingredients from local producers, a wine list that showcases the region’s award-winning wines and a comfortable and historically interesting atmosphere that takes you back to the romance of the old west. They want you to feel at home, and experience all the best of Santa Barbara’s Wine Country.
A photo of SY Kitchen restaurant
2. SY Kitchen
4.9
Exceptional(3810)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Santa Ynez Valley
Booked 29 times today
RESERVATIONS Reservations for parties of 5 or more please call restaurant directly. S. Y. Kitchen requests a credit card to hold a reservation of 6 or more. You may cancel by calling the restaurant by 5 PM two days prior to the reservation. After that cancellation is subject to our policy and fees may be incurred. All credit card information will be processed securely.
A photo of Ellie's Tap & Vine restaurant
3. Ellie's Tap & Vine
4.9
Exceptional(657)
Price: Expensive
• Farm-to-table • Santa Ynez Valley
Booked 2 times today
Welcome to Ellie's Tap & Vine... Join us for seasonal cuisine, elegant ranch ambiance and great wine! We are Valley to Table dining, working with many local farms and purveyors; We look forward to seeing you soon! Our menu changes regularly, so please feel free to visit our website: www.elliestapandvine.com or follow us on IG and/or FB.Our restaurant is located in the heart of Santa Ynez. We boast amazing outdoor seating with great views and because it is often a little chilly in the evening, we have heaters. We are also dog and cat friendly.We know re-adjusting to dining out is a strange experience for everyone and we are all slowly returning. For now, we will be suspending lunch service.
A photo of Nella Kitchen and Bar restaurant
4. Nella Kitchen and Bar
4.7
Exceptional(1064)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Ynez Valley
Booked 20 times today
Opened in August 2020, Nella Kitchen & Bar offers fresh, modern California cuisine and focuses on 'Roman Pinsas'.Meals are served on the front porch overlooking Grand Ave where guests are warmly welcomed, or in the cozy Dining Room which also has a private Wine Room that can host family seating and private parties.Cocktails are focused on classics and served in the Lounge with a lot of bar seating.As much as we love pets, we only allow service animals at Nella, thank you for understanding.
A photo of The Gathering Table restaurant
5. The Gathering Table
4.8
Exceptional(96)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Asian • Solvang
Booked 18 times today
Welcome to The Gathering Table, Solvang’s newest culinary gem. Led by acclaimed Chef Budi Kazali, renowned for his innovative Asian cuisine with French influences, our restaurant promises an unforgettable dining experience.Chef Budi Kazali brings his mastery to every dish, infusing flavors from his Indonesian heritage with local ingredients sourced from nearby farms. Whether indulging in his signature dishes or exploring new creations, every bite at The Gathering Table is a celebration of culinary artistry.Situated amidst Solvang’s picturesque streets, our restaurant offers a serene outdoor dining area, perfect for enjoying Chef Kazali’s creations al fresco. Inside, savor handcrafted cocktails at our full bar or host an intimate gathering in our Private Dining Room, where every detail is tailored to exceed your expectations.Discover a place where exquisite cuisine meets warm and approachable hospitality at The Gathering Table!
A photo of Mattei's Tavern restaurant
6. Mattei's Tavern
4.7
Exceptional(375)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Los Olivos
Booked 16 times today
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.
A photo of Maverick Saloon restaurant
7. Maverick Saloon
4.6
Exceptional(25)
Price: Moderate
• American • Santa Ynez
Booked 2 times today
Taverns have flourished along Santa Ynez’s Sagunto Street since 1906. Sixty years ago, four busy bars entertained the locals and visitors alike. These establishments were named Last Chance, the Bum Steer, Parker’s and the Maverick Saloon. While three of the four original taverns have since disappeared into history, the legendary Maverick Saloon is still going strong and continues to be a staple in the Santa Ynez valley.In 1963, Jerry and Diane Thompson bought nine bare lots from publisher tycoon Hastings Harcourt. Plans were drawn up for a museum, restaurant, two-story hotel and the Maverick Saloon, which is named after a TV series starring James Garner. A few years later (approx. 1968) the barn was built next to the saloon. To achieve an antique look, the Thompsons used materials salvaged from demolished Victorian houses. The barn’s history began as the “Lulubelle’s Restaurant” and a tool rental facility. The barn and dancehall became a permanent part of the Maverick Salo
A photo of Leonardo Ristorante & Pizzeria restaurant
8. Leonardo Ristorante & Pizzeria
4.9
Exceptional(1362)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Solvang
Booked 14 times today
Highly anticipated opening by Chef Leonardi Curti.
A photo of First & Oak at the Mirabelle Inn restaurant
9. First & Oak at the Mirabelle Inn
4.7
Exceptional(1203)
Price: Very Expensive
• Californian • Solvang
Booked 4 times today
We are excited to welcome you to First & Oak! We offer outdoor seating on our heated patio & inside our intimate dining rooms. Seating is limited, a credit card is required & will only be charged for cancellations. Please allow us a minimum of 24 hours prior to avoid any cancelation fees.We offer two dining experiences: Traditional Three Course or a Chef's Five Course Tasting Menu. Parties of 6 or more please call. When reserving standard (indoor) or outdoor seating (Please be mindful regarding the weather, it tends to get chilly as the night goes on), please choose which experience you would prefer & let us know of any dietary restrictions, Vegan request needs a days advance notice. First and Oak is located inside the Mirabelle Inn, & was awarded a Michelin Plate designation in 2022. We offer a seasonally-inspired menu that highlights local & organic ingredients prepared in a thoughtful manner. Our dining room operates with the mindset of warm compassionate attentive service.
A photo of Whiskey 'N Rye restaurant
10. Whiskey 'N Rye
4.7
Exceptional(210)
Price: Expensive
• Barbecue • Solvang
Booked 17 times today
An American Smokehouse and Tavern, Whiskey 'N Rye features a varied menu of barbeque classics along with an eclectic mix of modern wine-country cuisine. Our dining experience focuses heavily on grill and smoke cooking techniques, with several unique signature features including our Hickory Smoked Brisket and Baby Back Ribs, Grilled Romaine Caesar, Smoked Spaghetti Squash, BBQ Chicken, Grilled Flatiron Steak with Chimichurri, and our Whiskey 'N Rye Brisket/Short-rib Burger, just to name a few. Enjoy your meal with our full bar featuring Signature Craft Cocktails, Zero-Proof Elixirs, and more than 60 specialty whiskeys from both local as well as national and international distilleries. With both covered patio and cozy indoor dining areas, Whiskey 'N Rye is the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxed afternoon or evening dining experience. Also visit us for the Best Happy Hour in town hosted Mon. to Thu. from 4:00pm to 5:30pm. Featuring $10 Craft Cocktails and 1/2 priced Appetizers!

Dining near Santa Ynez Valley, CA at a glance

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Anthonyvip
    California Central Coast •32 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    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 👎
    More info
    Nella Kitchen and BarPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Ynez Valley
    •
    4.7
  • Glennvip
    Los Angeles •72 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Passing nearby, we decided to try a restaurant we had not been before. A great surprise. We were warmly welcomed and seated a nice table. The restaurant is beautifully decorated. The service was outstanding. And the food was expertly prepared and delicious. We had a half chicken dinner and a chicken pot pie. Both dinners were large portions and very tasty. We had warm apple tort for desert that was really good. We will certainly be back. A great find.
    More info
    Ellie's Tap & VinePrice: Expensive• Farm-to-table• Santa Ynez Valley
    •
    4.9
  • Michaelvip
    California Central Coast •23 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    The menu is exquisite, great influence of asian cuisine. Great selection of specials also. Third time being here, and definitely not the last.
    More info
    The Gathering TablePrice: Expensive• Contemporary Asian• Solvang
    •
    4.8
  • Fredvip
    Los Angeles •18 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    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?
    More info
    SY KitchenPrice: Expensive• Italian• Santa Ynez Valley
    •
    4.9
  • Susan
    California Central Coast •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 14, 2024
    Their food is always excellent. And their servers & wait staff are the best!
    More info
    Brothers Restaurant at Red BarnPrice: Expensive• American• Santa Ynez Valley
    •
    4.9

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Here are the most popular cuisines: Italian, Seafood, Californian, American, Steakhouse and many more.

There are 238 restaurants on OpenTable in California Central Coast.

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