Best Casual Restaurants in Solvang

Passing nearby, we decided to try a restaurant we had not been before. A great surprise. We were warmly welcomed and seated a nice table. The restaurant is beautifully decorated. The service was outstanding. And the food was expertly prepared and delicious. We had a half chicken dinner and a chicken pot pie. Both dinners were large portions and very tasty. We had warm apple tort for desert that was really good. We will certainly be back. A great find.

The 5 course wine pairing was very good. I wish I had taken a picture of the Wines offered as they were all excellent and full pours. The food offerings were all very good, with the exception of the oysters. The cauliflower was our favorite and the sea bass was perfect. We were a little worried that the oysters were not quite right as they tasted mostly of sea water. We have had lots of oysters over the years and these were honestly just not good. But we didn’t get sick! LOL. We will for sure recommend this place for the dining experience and will return the next time we are in Solvang.

Everything was delicious at willows. I had the double pork chop, which was big and cooked perfectly. It came with broccolini and mashed potatoes. My wife had a grilled artichoke (best she’s ever had) and crab cakes. Chris was an excellent server.

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.

We make it a point to visit SY Kitchen every time we’re in Santa Ynez. While most of our experiences have been enjoyable, our most recent visit on November 19th—coincidentally our 42nd anniversary—was truly exceptional. I savored one of the best vodka martinis I’ve had in years at the bar. The service was outstanding, with our server demonstrating professionalism, attentiveness, and a friendly demeanor. Each course was timed perfectly, enhancing the overall dining experience. The food was exemplary, and the manager went above and beyond by checking on us three times to ensure everything met our expectations. It does leave us wondering, though—why is Nella Kitchen, under the same ownership, such a stark contrast in quality and service?