Best Lunch Restaurants in Santa Ynez

12 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Gathering Table restaurant

1. The Gathering Table

4.7

Exceptional(96)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary Asian • Solvang

Booked 13 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!

2. Whiskey 'N Rye

4.6

Exceptional(212)

Price: Expensive

• Barbecue • Solvang

Booked 28 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!

3. SY Kitchen

4.9

Exceptional(3813)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Santa Ynez Valley

Booked 38 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 Nella Kitchen and Bar restaurant

4. Nella Kitchen and Bar

4.7

Exceptional(1064)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Santa Ynez Valley

Booked 28 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.

5. Hitching Post II

4.7

Exceptional(5107)

Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Buellton

Booked 22 times today

Here, on the Central Coast of California, BBQ has always meant grilling over an open fire of red oak, a style of cooking that is native to our area and goes back to the days of the Spanish Rancheros. By combining the old and the new, we have created an exciting cuisine with outstanding steaks, ribs and chicken, along with fresh fish and seafood and vegetarian options. We also create our own (world class) wines for sale in the restaurant and to the public. Hartley Ostini Hitching Post Wines have garnered an excellent reputation. Try them here or purchase on our website for your enjoyment at home.

A photo of Leonardo Ristorante & Pizzeria restaurant

6. Leonardo Ristorante & Pizzeria

4.9

Exceptional(1362)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Solvang

Booked 21 times today

Highly anticipated opening by Chef Leonardi Curti.

A photo of Ellie's Tap & Vine restaurant

7. Ellie's Tap & Vine

4.9

Exceptional(657)

Price: Expensive

• Farm-to-table • Santa Ynez Valley

Booked 9 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 Pony Cocktails + Kitchen restaurant

8. Pony Cocktails + Kitchen

new

5.0

Exceptional(4)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Santa Ynez

Booked 3 times today

Restauranteur & Mixologist Battaglini Alberto redesigned the Cafe' style dining into something unique, elevated yet comfortable.Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner this hybrid Cafe/Cocktail Bar Restaurant integrate the Santa Ynez Valley style with modern comfort style food and unrealistic Cocktails.Situated in the heart of Santa Ynez Valley and, with Chef Jonny McDermott on the helm of the kitchen, Pony COCKTAILS + KITCHEN has a comfortable yet upscale feeling with a super friendly approach to food reflecting globally inspired dishes and fresh farm produces.

A photo of California Tacos Cantina & Distillery - Buellton restaurant

9. California Tacos Cantina & Distillery - Buellton

4.6

Exceptional(28)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Buellton

Booked 1 time today

Welcome to California Tacos Cantina and Distillery, a premier Mexican dining destination located in the heart of Buellton, CA. Our restaurant offers a wide variety of authentic Mexican food options, including our signature tacos, burritos, and various seafood options, made with the freshest seafood from the Pacific coast.Some highlights of our restaurant include our agave distillery, and an extensive selection of 100% Agave tequila and mezcal, making us the ultimate destination for tequila and mezcal lovers in Santa Barbara County. Our homemade tortillas are made daily, adding that extra touch of authenticity to our dishes. At California Tacos Cantina and Distillery, we pride ourselves on providing our guests with a true taste of Mexico in the heart of Santa Ynez Valley. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor to Solvang, our restaurant is the perfect destination for a memorable Mexican food experience. Book your reservations now and join us for a culinary adventure.

10. 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

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

S
Sophia
Orange County •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Our meal and service were impeccable! From the very moment we walked in with our two little kids, the maitre’d made us feel so welcome. He also made sure the kitchen accommodated my little one with a severe food allergy. The food came out quickly and every bite was exceptional. The service was so friendly from our waiter to our busser and everyone in between. I was very impressed and am excited to return again and again. Thank you!
More info
SY KitchenPrice: Expensive• Italian• Santa Ynez Valley
•
4.9
M
Melissa
Portland / Oregon •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
2nd visit here and it was fantastic! Great food & service!! We’ll be back!
More info
Whiskey 'N RyePrice: Expensive• Barbecue• Solvang
•
4.6
A
Anthonyvip
California Central Coast •32 reviews
4.0
Dined 3 days 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
M
Michaelvip
California Central Coast •23 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 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
•
4.7
E
Erica
California Central Coast •1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Per usual the food and service was incredible! Our reservation was at 5:30 but the hostess Selena was kind enough to get us sat a bit earlier. Our steaks and burgers (we ate on a Wed night when they have burger night) were cooked to the perfect temperature.
More info
Hitching Post IIPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Buellton
•
4.7

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Santa Ynez

Best Lunch Restaurants in Santa Ynez

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12 restaurants available nearby

1. The Gathering Table

2. Whiskey 'N Rye

3. SY Kitchen

4. Nella Kitchen and Bar

5. Hitching Post II

6. Leonardo Ristorante & Pizzeria

7. Ellie's Tap & Vine

8. Pony Cocktails + Kitchen

9. California Tacos Cantina & Distillery - Buellton

10. Maverick Saloon

See what locals rave about

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