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Best Californian Restaurants in Carpinteria

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5 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Blackbird restaurant
3.8
Excellent(176)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Barbara
Booked 3 times today
Nestled in Santa Barbara's vibrant Funk Zone, Blackbird excels in Lounge cuisine with a distinctive flair. Praised for a "memorable meal" experience, it combines inventive cocktails by the renowned Devon Espinosa with dishes that honor Central Coast's bounty. The restaurant’s ambiance, marked by striking brass fixtures, offers a captivating nod to Alfred Hitchcock’s timeless thrillers. Guests rave about the "beautifully presented" dishes and "friendly service," making it a standout choice for both casual outings and special occasions. Whether you're savoring the exquisite risotto or indulging in the famed mezcal cocktail "1925," Blackbird provides a culinary adventure not to be missed.
A photo of Lilac Montecito restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(167)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Montecito
Booked 11 times today
Lilac Montecito excels in Contemporary American cuisine by blending European and Californian influences with locally-sourced ingredients, crafting dishes that are both innovative and comforting. Diners rave about the "unmatched quality" of its offerings, highlighting the fresh, not overly processed food that is a hallmark of authentic Contemporary American dining. The Branzino, praised as "the best in town," and the standout cauliflower dish exemplify their commitment to flavor and quality. The entirely gluten-free menu is a testament to their inclusivity and creativity, ensuring all guests enjoy a "delicious and healthy" meal. With an inviting ambiance and attentive service, Lilac Montecito promises a memorable dining experience.
A photo of Toma Restaurant & Bar restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(5540)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Barbara
Booked 30 times today
Toma Restaurant & Bar, nestled along Santa Barbara's stunning waterfront, is a beacon of exceptional Mediterranean cuisine. This charming bistro is celebrated for its "outstanding" dishes that blend Italian and Mediterranean influences with fresh, local ingredients. Diners rave about the "fantastic" swordfish and "to die for" lasagna, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity. The ambiance is described as "romantic" and "warm," with window-side tables offering enchanting views of the harbor. With a curated selection of local and Italian wines, Toma ensures a complete Mediterranean experience that is "better than any Italian meal" some have had in Italy itself.
A photo of LOCAL Montecito restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(288)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Montecito
Booked 19 times today
LOCAL Montecito shines as a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine, celebrated for its “superb” dishes that seamlessly blend local ingredients with innovation. Nestled in the heart of Montecito, the restaurant offers “delicious flavors” that repeatedly exceed expectations. Diners rave about the “fantastic cocktails” and standouts like the Yellowtail Crudo and Miso Salmon, which reflect both creativity and authenticity in their preparation. The inviting indoor-outdoor ambiance, enhanced by heated patios and a cozy firepit, provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable dining experience. With attentive service and a menu that is “always pretty much perfect,” LOCAL Montecito is a must-visit culinary gem.
A photo of Arnoldi's Cafe restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(773)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Barbara
Booked 22 times today
Arnoldi's Cafe in Santa Barbara masterfully blends authentic Italian flavors with the vibrant essence of Californian cuisine. Known for its "amazing food, service, and ambiance," this beloved local spot is a true testament to the culinary diversity that defines Californian dining. The menu is thoughtfully curated to highlight fresh, local ingredients, perfectly complementing its extensive selection of Italian and local wines. Diners rave about the "delicious meal" experiences, with standout dishes like the salmon and beef ravioli. Offering a warm, family-friendly atmosphere, Arnoldi's Cafe is not only a dining destination but a cherished community gem, making every visit memorable and delightful.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Jane
    California Central Coast •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    One of the best restaurants in Santa Barbara. We have been a few times for special occasions and it has always been fabulous. Great food and service and cosy atmosphere.
    More info
    Opal Restaurant & BarPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Barbara
    4.8
  • MargoVIP
    Greater Boston •21 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Our Soppressata pizza was so disappointing. What has happened to it over the past year? Not only not the same as it used to be, this time it was burned to a crisp and yet the chef and kitchen staff still sent it out to us. The filet mignon au poivre was excellent. Both LT and Kenny were amazing wait staff. We were lucky to have them.
    More info
    Intermezzo By Wine CaskPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Barbara
    4.5
  • Claire
    Los Angeles •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    I’m not usually one to write reviews, but Bouchon definitely earned its stars last night! My fiancé and I came for Valentine’s Day dinner and were expecting the typical “lower quality service and rushed atmosphere” but were extremely impressed with all bouchon had to offer! From start to finish, the service was impeccable. I cannot stress enough- if it weren’t for the adorable heart-shaped balloons and rose-petal covered tables, we wouldn’t have even been able to tell it was Valentine’s Day (in the best way possible). On top of the incredible, friendly, and warm service, the food was also top-notch. Starting with the fresh sourdough bread, rounding out with the delectable French-onion soup, to the perfectly cooked surf and turf, this truly was one of the better meals we’ve had. My fiance even said the Warm Lemon-Berry cake was probably in his top 5 desserts ever! So thank you, bouchon, for your incredible staff, delicious food, and giving my fiance and I a new favorite restaurant in Santa Barbara!
    More info
    Bouchon - Santa BarbaraPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Barbara
    4.8
  • John
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    4.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    The wagu steak had an odd taste. The cherry martini was the best I ever had.
    More info
    BlackbirdPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Barbara
    3.8
  • Sarah
    Los Angeles •23 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    The team at Barbareño was so lovely! Thank you for making my husband feel special on his birthday. We enjoyed their signature Santa Maria BBQ platter the most of anything we ordered and their homemade sourdough is out of this world delicious.
    More info
    BarbareñoPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Barbara
    4.8
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