Nella Kitchen and Bar

4.8

1133 Reviews

$31 to $50

Californian

Make a booking

2 people

10 Mar 2025

22:30

Booked 19 times today

Good for special occasions
Neighbourhood gem
Great for creative cocktails

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.

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Californian, Italian
Hours of Operation
Daily 11:30 am–9:00 pm Bar Daily 11:30 am–9:00 pm
Phone number
(805) 686-1359
Website
http://www.nellakitchen.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive Chef
Luca Crestanelli
Private party facilities
Please email us at events@nellakitchen.com for details.

Location
2860 Grand Ave., Los Olivos, CA 93441
Area
Santa Ynez Valley
Cross Street
Alamo Pintado
Parking details
There is street parking available on Grand Ave.
Additional
Indoor Fireplace, Patio/Outdoor Dining

Popular dishes

Burrata**US$20.00
Italian burrata, black kale, red cabbage, avocado, pine nuts, parsley, almond dressing
Romini Lettuce**US$17.00
Babe farm romini lettuce, hazelnuts, chives, bleu d'auvergne, lemon-caesar dressing
Carrot Salad**US$18.00
Finley Farm carrots, frisée, mint, pistachio, Greek feta, champagne vinegar
Tuna Tartare*US$32.00
Ahi, avocado, bell peppers, radish, cilantro tomatillo salsa, tlayuda chips
Hokkaido Scallops Crudo*US$24.00
Citrus, jalapeno, scallion, garlic, soy, lemon, cilantro oil
Steamed Clams*US$28.00
Littleneck clams, white wine, saffron, tarragon butter, shallot, toasted bread
Nonna Nella Meatballs*US$19.00
Fresh tomato sauce, pecorino, parsley
Mishima Wagyu Beef**US$24.00
Slowly cooked eye of round, salsa verde, pistachio, marinated white mushrooms, Babe Farm frisée, ricotta salata

Pinsas

Margherita*US$22.00
Tomato sauce, fior di latte, basil, sea salt
Bianca*US$23.00
Fior di latte, parmigiano, challerhocker, caramelized blonde onions
Carciofi*US$26.00
Baby artichokes, fior di latte, pancetta lardons, carbonara sauce, pecorino fiore sardo
Scarpetta*US$24.00
Fior di latte, 5-hour bolognese, parmigiano
Sausage & Potato*US$26.00
Smoked mozzarella, burrata, potatoes, shallots, Alle Pia sausage, rosemary

Mains

Basil Spinach Tonnarelli* **US$26.00
Basil pesto, hazelnuts, tomato sauce, ricotta salata
Cioppino*US$39.00
Mussels, scallops, halibut, lobster tail, calamari, blue prawns, tomato, toasted bread
BranzinoUS$42.00
Babe farm romanesco broccoli, tartar sauce
Muscovy Duck*US$42.00
Braised duck leg, master stock, spinach, hand-made couscous, mushrooms
Tagliatelle Bolognese*US$27.00
5-hour bolognese, parmigiano
Prime New York Steak
Green cabbage, roasted potatoes, chimichurri
Filet MignonUS$38.00
Prime cut, yu choy, green peppercorn sauce
Lamb Chops ScottaditoUS$42.00
Porcini mushrooms, roasted bell peppers, potatoes, fresh thyme

Desserts

Profiteroles*US$12.00
Cream puff, chantilly, dark chocolate
Alessio's Belgian Cookie Gelato* **US$10.00
Chocolate glaze, fresh berries
Pineapple CarpaccioUS$9.00
strawberry marinade, ginger, mint

Drinks

Specialty Cocktails

Parker SpritzUS$16.00
Aperol, prosecco, pamplemousse liqueur, hibiscus, thyme
Pom MartiniUS$16.00
Vodka, St. Germain, pomegranate, lime, basil
Barrel-Aged NegroniUS$18.00
Barrhill gin, carpano bianco, campari, cynar
Day Trippin'US$17.00
House-Made Sloe gin, cucumber, mint, ginger, soda
Barrel-Aged BoulevardierUS$18.00
Bourbon, aperol, thai chocolate cordial, cynar
Roquette FuelUS$16.00
Del maguey mezcal, ancho poblano, lime, arugula, elderflower foam
DesperadosUS$17.00
Tequila, cucumber, lime, agave, ancho reyes, black sea salt
Gold RushUS$16.00
Bourbon, amaro, honey, lemon, meyer bitters
Island FeverUS$16.00
Blue Algae Tequila, Pineapple Rum, Hazelnut, Lime, Pineapple, Jalapeno

Zero-Proof

Rose LemonadeUS$7.00
Hibiscus tea, lemonade
Green MileUS$8.00
Cucumber, lime, ginger beer
Purple SkyUS$8.00
Pomegranate, basil, lemon
Hand on Heart Rosé, SB County, 2020

Beers

On Draft

Menabrea Amber AleUS$7.00
Third Window Hazy IPAUS$7.00
Scrimshaw PilsnerUS$7.00

Bottle/can

Menabrea Bionda, Lager, ItalyUS$6.00
M. Special 'Dozer' Dark Ale
Fig Mountain, Hoppy Poppy, IPA, CAUS$7.00
Orval, Ale, BelgiumUS$10.00
Erdinger, Non-Alcoholic, GermanyUS$6.00

Wines by the Glass

Sparkling

Sorro, Brut Prosecco, Veneto, IT, NVUS$18.00

White

Paetra, Riesling, Willamette Valley, OR 2021US$16.00
Le Fraghe, Garganega, Veneto, IT 2021US$18.00
Guido Marsella, Fiano, Campania, IT 2018US$21.00
Bailly-Reverdy, Pouilly-Fumé, Loire Valley, FR 2021US$22.00
Fess Parker, Chardonnay, Sta. Rita Hills, CA 2021US$19.00
Casita de Bravo, Rosè of Sangiovese, Santa Barbara County, CA 2021US$18.00

Red

Soueil Vin de Bonté, Rouge, Languedoc-Roussillon, FR 2020US$16.00
Dreamcôte, Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills, CA 2021US$20.00
Boniperti, Colline Novaresi Nebbiolo, 'Carlin,' Piedmont, IT 2018US$22.00
Addendum, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA 2018US$28.00
Ch. Lasségue, Saint-Émillion Grand Cru, Bordeaux, FR 2018US$28.00

What 1,133 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.8Service
4.7Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Diners' Choice Awards

California Central Coast
Californian
Santa Ynez Valley
Best Overall
Santa Ynez Valley
Best Food
Santa Ynez Valley
Best Service
Santa Ynez Valley
Best Ambience
Santa Ynez Valley
Best Value
Santa Ynez Valley
Good for groups
Santa Ynez Valley
Healthy
Santa Ynez Valley
Neighbourhood gem
Santa Ynez Valley
Great for fine wines
Santa Ynez Valley
Great for outdoor dining
Santa Ynez Valley
Romantic
Santa Ynez Valley
Lively
Santa Ynez Valley
Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Nella Kitchen and Bar offers "amazing food" with standout dishes like duck and pinsa, complemented by a "terrific wine list." The service is "friendly and knowledgeable," and the cozy atmosphere adds to the charm. While some find it pricey, the overall experience remains "wonderful" and "highly recommended" for special occasions or casual dining.

1,133 Reviews

N
Naglerr
San Francisco11 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Always excellent. Sicilian pinza is the best. Remini salad over the top.
Is this helpful?
S
Susan VIP
Denver8 reviews
3.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 2
Our server was awesome but overall we did not really enjoy it. While the food was good, the noise level was so high it was impossible to enjoy it. Everyone around us was yelling to be heard. We tried to talk but gave up, ate quickly and left.
Is this helpful?
A
Amy VIP
Los Angeles12 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Nella is the best restaurant in SYV. The menu has something for everyone (vegetarian, gluten free, and people who eat everything). The atmosphere is elevated, but not stuffy, and the service is perfect. Friendly, approachable, timely and . The wine list is well curated with offerings from small producers in both SYV and Europe, with very reasonable pricing. INSERT CLAP EMOJI.
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BF
BigFoodie
New York City2 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our third time here within 2 weeks. Our three visits with three different out of state guests have raved about the food, service and the ambiance. It is very special.
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L
Lori
Los Angeles4 reviews
5.0
Dined on 2 March 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Everything was great !! Victoria was a great waitress!! Franko is an excellent host !!!
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BL
BarbaraL
Los Angeles49 reviews
4.0
Dined on 1 March 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Lovely restaurant and service. Nice lunch - date salad was light on dates and the steamed clams really need more than two small slices of baguette but very pleasant overall.
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JR
JulianneR VIP
Los Angeles36 reviews
5.0
Dined on 1 March 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Best dining experience in Santa Ynez. Must get the truffle pizza and the mortadella pizza.
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A
Alex
Central Coast3 reviews
5.0
Dined on 1 March 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
We were led to our table immediately upon arrival at the time of our reservation. We chose to sit inside rather than outside. The room was quite loud and because I wear hearing aids, it was a bit difficult for me to hear conversation at our table. Most importantly, the servers and the service were excellent, as was the food. We will definitely eat at Nella's again.
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V
Vada
San Diego3 reviews
4.0
Dined on 1 March 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
The food was great. The ambiance great too, however the noise level was really loud. We couldn’t hear each other talk and we had a very small table against the wall.
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J
Jeremiah
Los Angeles4 reviews
5.0
Dined on 28 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Nella is always a go to spot for us. Cocktails are delicious and we always get a Pinsa. Our server, Carlos was attentive and personable. The one thing I was disappointed with was that our pinsa was not very hot when it came out. There were a total of four tables in the entire restaurant and thought the food would have been super hot and fresh. Will still go again though cause they're sooo good.
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FAQs

Nella Kitchen and Bar offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (805) 686-1359.

Nella Kitchen and Bar is rated 4.8 stars by 1133 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

10 Mar 2025

22:30

Booked 19 times today

Order delivery or takeout

2860 Grand Ave., Los Olivos, CA 93441

Additional information

Cross Street
Alamo Pintado
Area
Santa Ynez Valley
Hours of Operation
Daily 11:30 am–9:00 pm Bar Daily 11:30 am–9:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Californian, Italian
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
There is street parking available on Grand Ave.
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Luca Crestanelli
Additional
Indoor Fireplace, Patio/Outdoor Dining

Website
http://www.nellakitchen.com/
Phone number
(805) 686-1359
Private party facilities
Please email us at events@nellakitchen.com for details.

Nella Kitchen and Bar

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Additional information

Margherita

Lamb Chops Scottadito

Sausage & Potato

Snacks

Bread & Butter*US$9.00

Castelvetrano OlivesUS$9.00

Marcona Almonds**US$9.00

Starters

Burrata**US$20.00

Romini Lettuce**US$17.00

Carrot Salad**US$18.00

Tuna Tartare*US$32.00

Hokkaido Scallops Crudo*US$24.00

Steamed Clams*US$28.00

Nonna Nella Meatballs*US$19.00

Mishima Wagyu Beef**US$24.00

Pinsas

Margherita*US$22.00

Bianca*US$23.00

Carciofi*US$26.00

Scarpetta*US$24.00

Sausage & Potato*US$26.00

Mains

Basil Spinach Tonnarelli* **US$26.00

Cioppino*US$39.00

BranzinoUS$42.00

Muscovy Duck*US$42.00

Tagliatelle Bolognese*US$27.00

Prime New York Steak

Filet MignonUS$38.00

Lamb Chops ScottaditoUS$42.00

Desserts

Profiteroles*US$12.00

Alessio's Belgian Cookie Gelato* **US$10.00

Pineapple CarpaccioUS$9.00

Drinks

Specialty Cocktails

Parker SpritzUS$16.00

Pom MartiniUS$16.00

Barrel-Aged NegroniUS$18.00

Day Trippin'US$17.00

Barrel-Aged BoulevardierUS$18.00

Roquette FuelUS$16.00

DesperadosUS$17.00

Gold RushUS$16.00

Island FeverUS$16.00

Zero-Proof

Rose LemonadeUS$7.00

Green MileUS$8.00

Purple SkyUS$8.00

Hand on Heart Rosé, SB County, 2020

Beers

On Draft

Menabrea Amber AleUS$7.00

Third Window Hazy IPAUS$7.00

Scrimshaw PilsnerUS$7.00

Bottle/can

Menabrea Bionda, Lager, ItalyUS$6.00

M. Special 'Dozer' Dark Ale

Fig Mountain, Hoppy Poppy, IPA, CAUS$7.00

Orval, Ale, BelgiumUS$10.00

Erdinger, Non-Alcoholic, GermanyUS$6.00

Wines by the Glass

Sparkling

Sorro, Brut Prosecco, Veneto, IT, NVUS$18.00

White

Paetra, Riesling, Willamette Valley, OR 2021US$16.00

Le Fraghe, Garganega, Veneto, IT 2021US$18.00

Guido Marsella, Fiano, Campania, IT 2018US$21.00

Bailly-Reverdy, Pouilly-Fumé, Loire Valley, FR 2021US$22.00

Fess Parker, Chardonnay, Sta. Rita Hills, CA 2021US$19.00

Casita de Bravo, Rosè of Sangiovese, Santa Barbara County, CA 2021US$18.00

Red

Soueil Vin de Bonté, Rouge, Languedoc-Roussillon, FR 2020US$16.00

Dreamcôte, Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills, CA 2021US$20.00