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Santa Ynez Valley Restaurants

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Award winning restaurants in California Central Coast

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Check out diners' favorite restaurants in Santa Ynez Valley

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Diners’ Choice Awards are based on where your fellow diners book, dine, and review. Only verified diners get to review restaurants on OpenTable, so our data doesn’t lie.

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Brothers Restaurant at Red Barn
Diners’ top pick
•
Price: Expensive
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American
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4.9
(1,362)
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 Petros Restaurant at Petros Winery restaurant
Petros Restaurant at Petros Winery
Price: Moderate
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Mediterranean
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4.9
(960)
Our menu is a combination of the best ingredients that Greece and California cuisine have to offer. We import olive oil, feta, honey and oregano from Greece, the freshest organic vegetables from our farms in Los Olivos and wineries of our great state. Come enjoy lunch, dinner and wine indoors or on our beautiful patio. We can also host your next event!
A photo of SY Kitchen restaurant
SY Kitchen
Price: Expensive
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Italian
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4.9
(3,832)
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.
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Leonardo Ristorante & Pizzeria
Top-rated food
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Price: Expensive
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Italian
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4.8
(1,369)
Highly anticipated opening by Chef Leonardi Curti.
A photo of Ellie's Tap & Vine restaurant
Ellie's Tap & Vine
Price: Expensive
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Farm-to-table
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4.9
(665)
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 The Gathering Table restaurant
The Gathering Table
Price: Expensive
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Contemporary Asian
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4.7
(108)
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!
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First & Oak at the Mirabelle Inn
Top-rated hospitality
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Price: Very Expensive
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Californian
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4.7
(1,212)
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 Hitching Post II restaurant
Hitching Post II
Price: Expensive
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Steakhouse
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4.7
(5,118)
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 Willows at Chumash Casino restaurant
Willows at Chumash Casino
Price: Very Expensive
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Contemporary American
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4.8
(1,514)

The Willows specializes in mouthwatering prime steaks and seafood. This 14 time AAA Four Diamond Award-winning restaurant also features a Wine Spectator Award winning wine list with an extensive selection of local and imported wines, all served in an exquisitely appointed setting.
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Mattei's Tavern
Great vibe
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Price: Very Expensive
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American
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4.6
(384)
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 Nella Kitchen and Bar restaurant
Nella Kitchen and Bar
Price: Expensive
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Californian
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4.7
(1,076)
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.
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Whiskey 'N Rye
Great budget-friendly spot
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Price: Expensive
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Barbecue
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4.7
(225)
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!

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Discover Santa Ynez Valley

The Santa Ynez Valley is tucked in a lush paradise known for California wines. The Valley is also home to a number of exceptional dining choices that make the most of the rich agricultural region and local produce. Visit a classic street food-style pizzeria with a menu packed with local products. Taste a beef tongue pastrami sandwich or Margherita pizza with fresh mozzarella. If you're looking for healthy, an array of gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options are available. There is no shortage of cafes and bistros with seasonal menus featuring octopus salad, mushroom pasta, and lamb shanks for a Greek-American fusion. Start your day with Danish pancakes and various fresh-fruit toppings.

Dining around Santa Ynez Valley Hot Spots

Frequently asked questions

Dog friendly restaurants in Santa Ynez Valley include The Gathering Table, Whiskey 'N Rye and Norman at the Skyview Los Alamos

Child friendly restaurants in Santa Ynez Valley include Hitching Post II, Whiskey 'N Rye and Nella Kitchen and Bar

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