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Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Santa Ynez Valley

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5 restaurants available nearby

A photo of SY Kitchen restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(3920)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Santa Ynez Valley
Booked 41 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
4.7
Exceptional(700)
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.
A photo of The Gathering Table restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(162)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Asian • Solvang
Booked 21 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
4.8
Exceptional(1412)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Solvang
Booked 20 times today
Highly anticipated opening by Chef Leonardi Curti.
A photo of Hitching Post II restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(5171)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Buellton
Booked 43 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 and using only the finest sources, we have created an exciting cuisine with outstanding steaks, ribs and chicken, along with fresh fish and seafood and vegetarian options. The restaurant has repeatedly earned the Wine Spectator Award for our wine list. We also create our own (world class) wines for sale in the restaurant and to the public. For 40 years Hitching Post Wines has produced some of the best wines of Santa Barbara County garnering an excellent reputation, particularly for our Pinot Noirs. Visit the restaurant Wednesday through Monday 4:30-8:30 PM. For groups over 6, please contact us directly at 805-688-0676. Closed Tuesdays.

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From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • MargyVIP
    California Central Coast •20 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    As always, excellent experience…outstanding food and service. Thank you!
    More info
    SY KitchenPrice: Expensive• Italian• Santa Ynez Valley
    4.9
  • JeffVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Great meal. It’s a very casual place with friendly and efficient staff. There’s more to the menu than steaks but I didn’t make it past the 20oz filet which was perfect medium rare with slight char from the red oak. I did manage to finish the steak and baked potato but couldn’t make it as far as the included garlic bread (more like Texas toast), beans or ice cream so I can’t comment on them. It was hopping at 7p on a Monday night when we arrived but by 8p had largely cleared out. It’s a tremendous value given the size and quality of the proteins.
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    Jocko's SteakhousePrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Nipomo
    4.7
  • Phillip
    California Central Coast •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 15 Feb 2025
    Good place, service good. We arrived 30 min early, and we were seated.
    More info
    Timber's RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Goleta
    4.7
  • Lisa
    California Central Coast •52 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 13 Oct 2024
    The Caesar Salad was fresh and the dressing was a tasty surprise. The Veal Milanese breading was crispy and paired nicely with the buttery, cheesy fettuccine. My friends both enjoyed their Spinach Ravioli and Pappardelle Vodka. Topped it off with us all sharing the Warm Lava Cake...delish!
    More info
    Chase RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Italian• Santa Barbara
    4.1

Discover best worth the drive restaurants in Santa Ynez Valley

Discover the culinary delights of the Santa Ynez Valley, a hidden gem on California's Central Coast known for its exceptional dining scene that is undeniably "worth the drive." This region hosts a variety of restaurants that cater to those seeking not just a meal, but a memorable dining experience. From innovative California cuisine to intimate bistros offering local and seasonal dishes, each establishment reflects the area's commitment to culinary excellence and sustainability. The restaurants in this region are celebrated for their unique atmospheres, ranging from rustic charm to modern elegance, ensuring an ambiance that complements every dining style. These dining spots are not only a feast for the taste buds but also for the eyes, with many offering scenic views of the valley’s picturesque landscapes. Patrons often travel from afar, drawn by rave reviews and the promise of a meal that transcends the ordinary. Each visit promises an adventure in flavor and a journey through the local culture and cuisine, making any drive to the Santa Ynez Valley well worth the effort.

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