Best Lunch Restaurants in Santa Ynez Valley

12 restaurants available nearby

1. SY Kitchen

4.9

Exceptional(3858)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Santa Ynez Valley

Booked 52 times today

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.

A photo of Nella Kitchen and Bar restaurant

2. Nella Kitchen and Bar

4.7

Exceptional(1095)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Santa Ynez Valley

Booked 32 times today

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.

A photo of Ellie's Tap & Vine restaurant

3. Ellie's Tap & Vine

4.8

Exceptional(670)

Price: Expensive

• Farm-to-table • Santa Ynez Valley

Booked 9 times today

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.

4. Mattei's Tavern

4.6

Exceptional(396)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Los Olivos

Booked 29 times today

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 Pony Cocktails + Kitchen restaurant

5. Pony Cocktails + Kitchen

4.9

Exceptional(9)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Santa Ynez

Booked 3 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.

A photo of The Gathering Table restaurant

6. The Gathering Table

4.7

Exceptional(120)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary Asian • Solvang

Booked 20 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

7. Leonardo Ristorante & Pizzeria

4.8

Exceptional(1384)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Solvang

Booked 25 times today

Highly anticipated opening by Chef Leonardi Curti.

8. Whiskey 'N Rye

4.7

Exceptional(230)

Price: Expensive

• Barbecue • Solvang

Booked 8 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!

9. Maverick Saloon

4.6

Exceptional(25)

Price: Moderate

• American • Santa Ynez

Booked 1 time 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 Petros Restaurant at Petros Winery restaurant

10. Petros Restaurant at Petros Winery

4.9

Exceptional(967)

Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • Los Olivos

Booked 10 times today

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!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

K
Kathleen
New York City •11 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We’ve been to SY Kitchen many times, when we visit the Santa Ynez area. The food and service is outstanding. Their wood fired pizza is simply the best pizza I have ever had—including Rome. Pastas are well cooked and use the freshest ingredients. Prices are fair, commensurate with the quality. Their outside seating is my choice, as it’s quiet and mellow. The inside is more lively. Lots of locals eat here, which is a good sign.
More info
SY KitchenPrice: Expensive• Italian• Santa Ynez Valley
•
4.9
J
James
California Central Coast •36 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Second time dinning at this restaurant and plan to return. We are in the area twice a year and will always include.
More info
Mattei's TavernPrice: Very Expensive• American• Los Olivos
•
4.6
R
RobertVIP
Orange County •10 reviews
4.0
Dined 3 days ago
The ambiance was excellent for lunch with outdoor seating and calming background music. Service was very slow but only one waiter for all the outside tables so it wasn't his fault. Once we ordered the kitchen turnaround was quick. The date salad was excellent.
More info
Nella Kitchen and BarPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Ynez Valley
•
4.7
M
Micheline
California Central Coast •24 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Really cozy ambiance, great food. A nice, friendly, local vibe.
More info
Ellie's Tap & VinePrice: Expensive• Farm-to-table• Santa Ynez Valley
•
4.8
L
LauraVIP
California Central Coast •7 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 21, 2024
Food was amazing - will totally go back for that for sure and drinks were spot on - servers need to be a little more knowledgeable regarding alcohol - honestly all and all it was amazing and owner is super nice and very friendly so that’s super important - great meal and plan to go back
More info
Pony Cocktails + KitchenPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Santa Ynez
•
4.9

Best Lunch Restaurants in Santa Ynez Valley

Price

Cuisine

Regions

Neighborhoods

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Accessibility

12 restaurants available nearby

1. SY Kitchen

2. Nella Kitchen and Bar

3. Ellie's Tap & Vine

4. Mattei's Tavern

5. Pony Cocktails + Kitchen

6. The Gathering Table

7. Leonardo Ristorante & Pizzeria

8. Whiskey 'N Rye

9. Maverick Saloon

10. Petros Restaurant at Petros Winery

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable