Location: Montecito
Top Restaurants in Montecito
Most Popular Italian food in Montecito, California, United States
Discover Restaurants offering the best Italian food in Montecito, California, United States. Home to some of Santa Barbara County’s most famous residents, Montecito has always had an irresistible allure, first attracting vacationing movers and shakers in the 1880s. Today, locals, visitors and celebrities meander along Montecito’s stunning beaches, including famous Butterfly Beach, charming Coast Village Road and Upper Village. Drive or bike along the tree-shaded lanes, and do what the locals do: hang out on a sunny patio, read the paper and don't make a fuss if you see a famous face.
Things to do in Montecito
10. Bettina Pizzeria
Overall Ratings
4 based on 19 reviews
The menu features Brendan Smith's naturally leavened breads along with Neapolitan-style pizzas, which are slow-fermented over 48 hours and blasted in a wood-fired oven to produce a characteristically blistered, puffy crust with a gentle chewy interior. Pi
Reviewed By Michael M
We live in Italy part of the year, and this is how pizza is supposed to taste! And the most important accompaniment is quite frankly the friendly smile that comes with the sunny environment--you'll find it here, too.Outstanding experience!
9. Caruso's
Overall Ratings
5 based on 16 reviews
Carusoâs oceanfront restaurant features al fresco seating over the sand alongside a stylish and sparkling interior with unmatched views of the Pacific Ocean. At Carusoâs, Chef Massimo introduces a taste of Southern Italy to coastal Montecito through signa
Reviewed By rewjr80
This is a special occasion venue. It was a to be long remembered anniversary celebration. We were treated so well and the food was amazing. If you go be sure and have Joshua select the appropriate wines.....as the hotels sommelier he is one of the most knowledgeable we have seen. Hello Rewjr80, We completely agree that we have a one of a kind oceanfront restaurant. Thank you so much for the great review! Please join us again soon!Cheers,Aaron
8. Pane e Vino
Overall Ratings
4 based on 69 reviews
Reviewed By 1995Kryptonite
We rented a nice apartment nearby, a VRBO, to celebrate my birthday weekend. The on-site owner recommended Pane e Vino, touting it as "the BEST" Italian food in the area. I don't know whether the homeowner has not had much experience with truly great Italian restaurants or is just easy to please. Simply stated: it was horrible. The fettuccine alfredo was dry and the mushroom risotto had no flavor. What a disappointment.
7. OPPI'Z Bistro and Natural Pizza
OPPI'Z is a modern, nonconventional Italian bistro and pizzeria concept, still rooted into the tradition of the Italian cuisine and to the "Slow-food" manifesto, but absolutely far away from any stereotyped model offered by most of the Italian-sounding re
Reviewed By Yelbid
Four of us went for Sunday pizza at approx 7 pm. Not busy, so we were seated immediately at the edge of the restaurant watching over the pedestrians on State St. There was a lower patio level that was also available for patrons and some inside seating. The wine list was quite pricey but there were a few modest choices and the Primitivo we chose at $42 was very good value. I did say it was not busy; sad, therefore, that when our friends were served their black pastry pizza, the waiter looked surprised when he asked âis there anything else I can get you?â and I suggested he bring our dish out. âOh, yes, of course..it will be out in a minuteâ. It was out in 20 minutes and our friends had finished their dish. I requested water three times per refill. Itâs a new establishment and wait staff are hard to find but management needs to pay attention to service. The test - will I go there again? Only if youâre paying.
6. Vai Vai Trattoria
Overall Ratings
4 based on 105 reviews
Reviewed By Alison L S
My husband's brother brought us here for dinner - one of their local favorite places, We ate outdoors on a pleasant open air but heated patio. We had a range of seafood dishes and without exception everything was fresh, perfectly prepared and absolutely delicious.
5. Trattoria Mollie
Overall Ratings
4 based on 150 reviews
Reviewed By expectquality1942
In warm weather the patio on the Coast Village Road is far enough above the street that it feels good and private. In cold weather the main dining room is very attractive and warm and welcoming. The menu is extensive and they always have specials. You can go the pasta route that has flair above the ordinary, or many good fish dishes is you like. Extensive wine list.
4. Convivo Restaurant and Bar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 178 reviews
Convivo is a Santa Barbara restaurant with an Italian soul. Chef-Owner Peter McNee's food is best described as âNomad Italianâ. It strays from the standard or traditional Italian, sourcing inspiration from many other culturesâ cooking but its soul is thor
Reviewed By 6sandy6
Dine outside for lovely garden setting and delicious uniquely prepared food. They have a different take on many of the normal selections so unusual but still good. My pasta dish with seafood and butter sauce was special but my spouse's salad was not. Pricey and small portions. In the Santa Barbara INN
3. Toma Restaurant and Bar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1867 reviews
Reviewed By ElvisinLA
Found this place because of all the great reviews, and a friendly bartender down the street highly recommended it so we made an early reservation and went. Service was incredible (thanks Juan!) as was the food and wine selection. This is definitely one of those places you would love to keep secret just because it is so good. But, if you are in SB and looking for a wonderful dining experience make a reservation and enjoy! They've got an awesome little bar towards the back to grab a drink at, or eat if it's too busy.
2. Tre Lune
Overall Ratings
4 based on 239 reviews
Reviewed By Pippiduck
Stepping into Tre Lune is like going to Italy at its best -- a small, intimate restaurant -- it has just the right smell and feel, plus the food to match. It's also very upscale and chic. One feels as if eating among stars, and at times, you probably are. The waiters are attentive and professional. The meal starts with a bread basket filled with goodies -- bread sticks, focaccia, and other Italian breads. The starters and salads are interesting. The minestrone soup was excellent. While all of the main dishes looked appealing, we felt like carbs and ordered pizza and calzone. The spinach/ricotta calzone was exceptional, and most unusual as it was not deep fried but baked. It's worth a visit just for that! This is a very enjoyable place, and a pleasure to dine at. .
1. OPPI'Z Bistro and Natural Pizza
OPPI'Z is a modern, nonconventional Italian bistro and pizzeria concept, still rooted into the tradition of the Italian cuisine and to the "Slow-food" manifesto, but absolutely far away from any stereotyped model offered by most of the Italian-sounding re
Reviewed By Yelbid
Four of us went for Sunday pizza at approx 7 pm. Not busy, so we were seated immediately at the edge of the restaurant watching over the pedestrians on State St. There was a lower patio level that was also available for patrons and some inside seating. The wine list was quite pricey but there were a few modest choices and the Primitivo we chose at $42 was very good value. I did say it was not busy; sad, therefore, that when our friends were served their black pastry pizza, the waiter looked surprised when he asked âis there anything else I can get you?â and I suggested he bring our dish out. âOh, yes, of course..it will be out in a minuteâ. It was out in 20 minutes and our friends had finished their dish. I requested water three times per refill. Itâs a new establishment and wait staff are hard to find but management needs to pay attention to service. The test - will I go there again? Only if youâre paying.
