Best Fun Restaurants in Santa Ynez Valley

15 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Brothers Restaurant at Red Barn restaurant

1. Brothers Restaurant at Red Barn

4.9

Exceptional(1353)

Price: Expensive

• American • Santa Ynez Valley

Booked 11 times today

The Nichols brothers, Matt & Jeff, grew up in Ames, Iowa where their love of cooking, good food and a sense of family and community was nurtured.The 2013 opening of their second Santa Barbara Wine Country restaurant, Brothers Restaurant at the Red Barn in Santa Ynez, allows them to offer visitors and locals alike great food, wine and hospitality. The brothers strive to have legendary service, innovative cuisine, and a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere that causes you to return time and again.As chefs, the brothers continue to experiment with new dishes and cuisine, but always with that “from scratch”, homemade element. Fresh ingredients from local producers, a wine list that showcases the region’s award-winning wines and a comfortable and historically interesting atmosphere that takes you back to the romance of the old west. They want you to feel at home, and experience all the best of Santa Barbara’s Wine Country.

2. SY Kitchen

4.9

Exceptional(3808)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Santa Ynez Valley

Booked 40 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 Ellie's Tap & Vine restaurant

3. Ellie's Tap & Vine

4.9

Exceptional(655)

Price: Expensive

• Farm-to-table • Santa Ynez Valley

Booked 6 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

4.7

Exceptional(374)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Los Olivos

Booked 24 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.

5. 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 Nella Kitchen and Bar restaurant

6. Nella Kitchen and Bar

4.7

Exceptional(1063)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Santa Ynez Valley

Booked 20 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 First & Oak at the Mirabelle Inn restaurant

7. First & Oak at the Mirabelle Inn

4.7

Exceptional(1200)

Price: Very Expensive

• Californian • Solvang

Booked 7 times today

First & Oak at the Mirabelle Inn is an absolute delight. With its seasonally-inspired menu and thoughtful preparation, it's no wonder it's earned a Michelin Plate. Reviews rave about the 'creative & completely enjoyed by all' menu offerings, 'friendly service', and 'nice atmosphere'. The ambiance, with its calming and relaxing environment, is frequently praised, making it a perfect spot for a romantic dinner. Plus, the outdoor seating on the heated patio offers a unique dining experience.

A photo of Leonardo Ristorante & Pizzeria restaurant

8. Leonardo Ristorante & Pizzeria

4.9

Exceptional(1361)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Solvang

Booked 24 times today

Highly anticipated opening by Chef Leonardi Curti.

9. Whiskey 'N Rye

4.7

Exceptional(210)

Price: Expensive

• Barbecue • Solvang

Booked 27 times today

Whiskey 'N Rye is a fun spot with its unique barbecue and wine-country cuisine. The atmosphere is praised in reviews as 'modern and warm', and the 'great cocktails' are a hit. The outdoor dining area in a beautiful courtyard is another plus. It's also described as a 'great casual BBQ place' with 'good cocktails' and 'fresh' food. The 'exceptional staff' and 'welcoming experience' add to the fun factor.

A photo of The Gathering Table restaurant

10. The Gathering Table

4.7

Exceptional(95)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary Asian • Solvang

Booked 24 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!

‘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

J
Jamievip
Los Angeles •16 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Tara and Ezelle greeted us and Anthony and Luis gave amazing service as did David the sommelier. Can’t wait to go back.
More info
Mattei's TavernPrice: Very Expensive• American• Los Olivos
•
4.7
F
Fredvip
Los Angeles •18 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
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?
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SY KitchenPrice: Expensive• Italian• Santa Ynez Valley
•
4.9
S
sallyvip
Jackson Hole / Wyoming •2 reviews
4.0
Dined 4 days ago
The restaurant was full on a Tuesday evening. Service was good, although they looked a little overworked. The food is quite heavy and certainly I think I would've shared portions had I known we had the calamari, and there was a massive amount of garlic in it, which I enjoyed, and the flavor was great as well as the tenderness of the squid. Our main courses were very hearty and well cooked. Desert apple crisp was way too sweet with masses of caramel . Overall good but rich and heavy so go hungry and share .
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Ellie's Tap & VinePrice: Expensive• Farm-to-table• Santa Ynez Valley
•
4.9
S
Susan
California Central Coast •7 reviews
5.0
Dined on 14 Nov 2024
Their food is always excellent. And their servers & wait staff are the best!
More info
Brothers Restaurant at Red BarnPrice: Expensive• American• Santa Ynez Valley
•
4.9
L
Lori
California Central Coast •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 31 Aug 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.
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Maverick SaloonPrice: Moderate• American• Santa Ynez
•
4.6

Best Fun Restaurants in Santa Ynez Valley

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15 restaurants available nearby

1. Brothers Restaurant at Red Barn

2. SY Kitchen

3. Ellie's Tap & Vine

4. Mattei's Tavern

5. Maverick Saloon

6. Nella Kitchen and Bar

7. First & Oak at the Mirabelle Inn

8. Leonardo Ristorante & Pizzeria

9. Whiskey 'N Rye

10. The Gathering Table

See what locals rave about

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