Best Casual Restaurants in Santa Ynez Valley

9 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Gathering Table restaurant

1. 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 Leonardo Ristorante & Pizzeria restaurant

2. Leonardo Ristorante & Pizzeria

4.9

Exceptional(1362)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Solvang

Booked 11 times today

Highly anticipated opening by Chef Leonardi Curti.

3. Whiskey 'N Rye

4.7

Exceptional(210)

Price: Expensive

• Barbecue • Solvang

Booked 15 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!

4. 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 Pony Cocktails + Kitchen restaurant

5. Pony Cocktails + Kitchen

new

5.0

Exceptional(4)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Santa Ynez

Booked 4 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.

6. Hitching Post II

4.7

Exceptional(5106)

Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Buellton

Booked 36 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 California Tacos Cantina & Distillery - Buellton restaurant

7. California Tacos Cantina & Distillery - Buellton

4.6

Exceptional(28)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Buellton

Booked 2 times 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.

8. tierra y vino

4.6

Exceptional(8)

Price: Expensive

• Winery • Buellton

Winemaker Andres Ibarra and Caren Rideau showcase their Award Winning Wines. Wines on the Tasting ListWHITE WINES: Grenache Rosé, Albariño, Sauvignon Blanc, Dry Reisling and ChardonnayRED WINES: Grenache, Syrah, Tempranillo, Petite Sirah and Tres Uvas

9. Imagine Wine, LLC

5.0

Exceptional(7)

Price: Expensive

• Winery • Buellton

Imagine... Tasting our wonderful Whites and our Big Red Oaked Age Wines. All our Reds are aged 2-6 years in new oak. You will be served by either Ross Jay Rankin the winemaker/owner or LynDee Rankin owner. We have been in business making aged wines for over 20 years. Our winery experience is unique and intimate and unlike any other. Ross is famous for his award winning gold and double gold medal wines and for his ability to regal you with his stories of life and winemaking. Enjoy our new outdoor seating with sun cover, fire pits and heaters. Our current offering is: French Colombard, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Barbera, '09 Paradise Mountain Syrah, Vin Fortifie Syrah (port style).

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
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
D
Danavip
Los Angeles •74 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Always a winner! Short rib ravioli is a winner! Arugula salad is simple & perfect! Service was great too!
More info
Leonardo Ristorante & PizzeriaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Solvang
•
4.9
M
Mariavip
California Central Coast •1 review
5.0
Dined on Nov 16, 2024
Taylor is the absolute best! Treats us like family every time we go in.
More info
Whiskey 'N RyePrice: Expensive• Barbecue• Solvang
•
4.7
L
Lori
California Central Coast •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Aug 31, 2024
More expensive than expected, but food was yummy and service was great! Dancing to live music after dinner was absolutely fantastic. Love this place.
More info
Maverick SaloonPrice: Moderate• American• Santa Ynez
•
4.6
TF
TheFoodCritic
California Central Coast •27 reviews
5.0
Dined on Aug 20, 2022
We shared a caesar salad and requested a few anchovies as the dressing doesn't have anchovies in it. They served several white anchovies which I hadn't tasted before. The salad is a terrific choice and the white anchovies are very mild and not as salty as the usual anchovies I've had. We shared the flatbread which is the best I've ever had. I ordered the chicken cacciatore which we took home as I ate all of the flatbread. My wife had the carnitas tacos which were excellent as well. Not many people have caught on to the dinner offered Wednesday through Friday. It is really wonderful.
More info
Pony Cocktails + KitchenPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Santa Ynez
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5

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Santa Ynez Valley

Best Casual Restaurants in Santa Ynez Valley

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9 restaurants available nearby

1. The Gathering Table

2. Leonardo Ristorante & Pizzeria

3. Whiskey 'N Rye

4. Maverick Saloon

5. Pony Cocktails + Kitchen

6. Hitching Post II

7. California Tacos Cantina & Distillery - Buellton

8. tierra y vino

9. Imagine Wine, LLC

See what locals rave about

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