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Stella Mare's, Santa Barbara, CA

Stella Mare's

4.8
4.8
2290 Reviews
$31 to $50
French

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2 people
21:00
Booked 40 times today
  • Charming
  • Good for special occasions
  • Neighbourhood gem
French country bistro...Between Montecito and Santa Barbara, Stella Mare's Bistro is located in a historic Victorian home overlooking the Bird Refuge. French country cuisine rules the menu, with dishes like coq au vin, cassoulet, and moules frites. Sip seasonal cocktails amid cozy décor -- all the right ingredients for a great dining experience. Bon appétit!

When requesting the greenhouse please note that is considered indoor dining.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    French, American
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Tue–Fri 12:00 pm–2:00 pm Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (805) 969-6705
  • Website
    http://www.stellamares.com/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive Chef
    Roth Ironside
  • Catering
    Stella Mare’s Restaurant is host to rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions, anniversaries, birthdays, and holiday celebrations, as well as corporate luncheons and dinners. We accommodate private parties of 10 to 130 guests.
  • Private party facilities
    The Private Dining Room An intimate room filled with unique artwork and antiques with windows overlooking the historic bird refuge. Minimum for reservation: 8 Maximum capacity: 14 The Ocean Room and Terrace A beautiful, private room opening onto an outdoor terrace, perfect for socializing with friends during a cocktail hour. Minimum for exclusive reservation: 20 Maximum capacity: 30 The Greenhouse This spectacular glass enclosed room creates the perfect romantic ambiance for any event with its custom built bar, fireplace, cozy couches, and views of the bird refuge. Minimum for exclusive reservation: 30 Maximum capacity: 50
  • Location
    50 Los Patos Way, Santa Barbara, CA 93108
  • Area
    Santa Barbara
  • Cross Street
    Cabrillo
  • Parking details
    Our private parking lot is adjacent to the Greenhouse side of the restaurant and wraps around the building next door. We also have parking directly in front, as well as street parking in front and across the street from the restaurant.
  • Public transit
    Bus stop at the corner of Cabrillo blvd and Los Patos way (our street).
  • Entertainment
    Live Jazz on Wednesday nights, in the greenhouse by the fire.
  • Additional
    Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Patio/Outdoor Dining

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Menu

Petits Plats

  • Artichault GrilléUS$13.95

    Oak grilled artichoke, roasted garlic aioli

    • Escargots PersilladeUS$15.75

      Snails in the shell, garlic & parsley butter

      • Paté de CampagneUS$12.75

        Country bacon wrapped pork paté, pickled shallots, cornichons, whole grain mustard, crostini

        • 3 Fromages & Compagnie

          • MP

        • Confit de CanardUS$18.95

          Crispy duck leg confit, arugula, black cherry gastrique

          • Cuisses de Grenouille ProvencaleUS$15.95

            Herb crusted frog legs, diced tomatoes, garlic, shallots, lemon, capers, white wine, parsley

            • Oeufs Mimosa au HomardUS$13.75

              Deviled eggs, lobster tail slices, tobiko caviar, pickled shallots, dill, toasted French baguette, arugula, olive oil

              Burgers

              • Stella BurgerUS$17.95

                Beef, blue cheese, bacon, caramelized onion, Dijonnaise sauce, brioche bun, French fries

                • Los Patos BurgerUS$19.75

                  Ground duck, arugula, goat cheese, black cherry gastrique, Dijonnaise sauce, brioche bun, French fries

                  Soupes

                  • Soupe a L'OignonUS$12.95

                    French onion soup

                    • Soupe du Jour

                      • MP

                    Salades

                    • Endive & PommeUS$14.75

                      Endive, apple, bacon, blue cheese, toasted pecans, honey mustard vinaigrette

                      • Carrotes RâpéesUS$8.75

                        Classic French finely shaved carrot salad, brunoise shallots, flat leaf parsley, whole grain mustard, lemon juice, citrus Dijon vinaigrette, pickled shallots, olive oil

                        • LaitueUS$11.75

                          Bibb lettuce, fresh garden herbs, red onion dressing

                          • Grilled ChoppedUS$15.95

                            Grilled zucchini, yellow squash, corn, radicchio, tomato, avocado, mixed greens, lemon-mustard vinaigrette

                            Grill

                            Provence herbs, ratatouille, and a choice of fries, roasted potatoes or Yukon potato purée

                            • SalmonUS$32.75

                              Sauce: Béarnaise, lemon caper Beurre Blanc or Bordelaise

                              • Pork PorterhouseUS$28.75

                                Sauce: Béarnaise, Cognac peppercorn or Bordelaise

                                • Filet Mignon

                                  Sauce: Béarnaise, Cognac peppercorn or Bordelaise

                                  • 6 OzUS$39.50

                                • New York SteakUS$39.75

                                  Sauce: Béarnaise, Cognac peppercorn or Bordelaise

                                  Specialitées

                                  • Coq au VinUS$28.75

                                    French braise of chicken with red wine, lardons, pearl onions, bacon, mushrooms, green peas, garlic, sweet potato purée

                                    • Steak Frites

                                      New York steak, Maitre d'Hotel butter, fries

                                      • 10 OzUS$38.75

                                    • Saumon AmandineUS$33.75

                                      Salmon, almonds, purple cauliflower purée, sautéed haricots verts, cauliflower florets, crispy sage, sweet carrot vinaigrette

                                      • Jarret d'AgneauUS$34.75

                                        Braised lamb shank, white wine, parmesan polenta, sundried tomatoes, fava beans, sundried tomato tapenade, goat cheese crumbles

                                        • Sole MeuniéreUS$29.95

                                          Petrale sole, saffron poached potatoes, wilted spinach, cherry tomato confit, Lemon segments and a lemon caper brown butter sauce

                                          • Mignon de PorcUS$29.50

                                            Whole grain mustard marinated Pork tenderloin, goat cheese pea purée, braised mushroom, red wine gastrique, goat cheese crumbles

                                            • Moules Frites a la CrèmeUS$39.75

                                              Mussels in white wine and Pernod, braised leeks, shallots, cream sauce, French fries, mayonnaise

                                              • Short Ribs á la BourguignoneUS$32.95

                                                Cabernet braised beef short rib, mushrooms, carrots, lardons, pearl red onions, mashed potatoes

                                                Sides

                                                • Petite SaladeUS$7.50

                                                  Mixed greens

                                                  • Creamed SpinachUS$9.95

                                                    • Broccoli BéarnaiseUS$9.75

                                                      • Sautéed MushroomsUS$6.75

                                                        • Sautéed Green BeansUS$7.95

                                                          • Roasted BroccoliUS$7.75

                                                            • Sautéed Garlic SpinachUS$6.75

                                                              Last updated: 25 July 2022

                                                              What 2,290 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
                                                              • 4.7Food
                                                              • 4.7Service
                                                              • 4.8Ambience
                                                              • 4.6Value

                                                              Noise • Moderate

                                                              Diners' Choice Awards

                                                              • California Central Coast

                                                                Best Value

                                                              • California Central Coast

                                                                Great for brunch

                                                              • Santa Barbara

                                                                Best Overall

                                                              • Santa Barbara

                                                                Best Food

                                                              • Santa Barbara

                                                                Best Ambience

                                                              • Santa Barbara

                                                                Best Value

                                                              • Santa Barbara

                                                                Good for groups

                                                              • Santa Barbara

                                                                Romantic

                                                              • Santa Barbara

                                                                Good for special occasions

                                                              • Santa Barbara

                                                                Most Booked

                                                              Review summary

                                                              AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                              Stella Mare's offers a charming French dining experience in Santa Barbara with "authentic French cuisine" and a "lovely antique atmosphere." Known for dishes like cassoulet and lamb shank, it boasts "superb service" and a "comfortably elegant ambiance." A favorite for special occasions, it's praised for its "wonderful" food and "reasonable prices." Despite the impending closure, it remains a "hidden gem" worth visiting.

                                                              2,290 Reviews

                                                              1. Rick

                                                                Central Coast

                                                                12 reviews

                                                                vip
                                                                5.0

                                                                12 reviews

                                                                Dined 1 day ago

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                This review is for Stella Mare's fixed price Thanksgiving dinner.

                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                              2. Jim

                                                                San Diego

                                                                2 reviews

                                                                5.0

                                                                2 reviews

                                                                Dined 2 days ago

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 3
                                                                3. Service 4
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                The Meat was good. The vegetable were undercooked, great setting

                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                              3. Doyle

                                                                Central Coast

                                                                8 reviews

                                                                vip
                                                                5.0

                                                                8 reviews

                                                                Dined 2 days ago

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                Lovely setting in the atrium, what a shame they are closing!

                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                              4. barbara

                                                                Chicago

                                                                20 reviews

                                                                vip
                                                                5.0

                                                                20 reviews

                                                                Dined 3 days ago

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                It was wonderful as always. The food, the ambiance and the service were explicit.

                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                              5. burbanite

                                                                Philadelphia

                                                                79 reviews

                                                                vip
                                                                5.0

                                                                79 reviews

                                                                Dined 4 days ago

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                We recently moved to the Central Coast in CA. We often go to Santa Barbara for its restaurant scene. On my wife’s birthday we wanted something special and we were drawn to Stella Mare, with its classic French with a twist menu. We were blown away! Cannot say enough about the food, great housing in a Victorian home, and unparalleled service. The mushroom soup was perfection as was the apple, endive, pecan salad local blue cheese and light vinaigrette dressing. The coq a vin was perfectly seasoned and the meat fell off the bone. The salmon with cauliflower sauce was incredible. We were full but couldn’t resist the French Beignets which were heavenly and different from the normal Beignets. The only issue you better go now because the restaurant is slated to close Dec 31. Don’t miss the opportunity!!

                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                              6. OpenTable Diner

                                                                San Diego

                                                                1 review

                                                                5.0

                                                                1 review

                                                                Dined 4 days ago

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                Went to Stella Mare’s for a rainy day lunch in the Greenhouse, it was so wonderful and cozy! Food, drinks and service were amazing!!

                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                              7. Bryan

                                                                Central Coast

                                                                1 review

                                                                5.0

                                                                1 review

                                                                Dined 4 days ago

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                We were happily surprised to find the experience very pleasant all around. Perhaps because it was for lunch, fare seemed quite reasonable, and the noise level was not an issue. We are booking now for a return before your nasty landlord closes your doors. We sincerely hope you will soon manage to open at a new location in Santa Barbara.

                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                              8. John

                                                                Central Coast

                                                                6 reviews

                                                                4.0

                                                                6 reviews

                                                                Dined 7 days ago

                                                                1. Overall 4
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 2
                                                                4. Ambience 3
                                                                I hadn’t dined here in years. I thought the food was quite good, and the prices seemed very reasonable—especially versus other options in Montecito. Service was functional, but uninspired—flat actually.. One of my guests complained of a sharp chip of glass in his water, and another guest showed me what looked like a brush bristle in her martini. Other than that, a fun evening and delicious food.

                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                              9. M

                                                                San Francisco

                                                                8 reviews

                                                                vip
                                                                5.0

                                                                8 reviews

                                                                Dined on 22 November 2024

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                We had Nelson serving us. Everything was seamless. Food was well prepared and very tasty.

                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                              10. Terry

                                                                Central Coast

                                                                1 review

                                                                5.0

                                                                1 review

                                                                Dined on 20 November 2024

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                Lovely lunch for 3. Everything was perfect! Will be back over the holidays.

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                                                              FAQs

                                                              Stella Mare's offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (805) 969-6705.

                                                              Stella Mare's is rated 4.8 stars by 2290 OpenTable diners.

                                                              Stella Mare's does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

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

                                                              Make a booking

                                                              2 people
                                                              21:00
                                                              Booked 40 times today

                                                              Order delivery or takeout

                                                              Google Map for Stella Mare's

                                                              50 Los Patos Way, Santa Barbara, CA 93108

                                                              Dining areas

                                                              Additional information

                                                              • Cross Street
                                                                Cabrillo
                                                              • Area
                                                                Santa Barbara
                                                              • Hours of Operation
                                                                Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Tue–Fri 12:00 pm–2:00 pm Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
                                                              • Price
                                                                $31 to $50
                                                              • Cuisines
                                                                French, American
                                                              • Dining style
                                                                Casual Elegant
                                                              • Dress code
                                                                Smart Casual
                                                              • Parking details
                                                                Our private parking lot is adjacent to the Greenhouse side of the restaurant and wraps around the building next door. We also have parking directly in front, as well as street parking in front and across the street from the restaurant.
                                                              • Public transit
                                                                Bus stop at the corner of Cabrillo blvd and Los Patos way (our street).
                                                              • Payment Options
                                                                AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
                                                              • Executive Chef
                                                                Roth Ironside
                                                              • Entertainment
                                                                Live Jazz on Wednesday nights, in the greenhouse by the fire.
                                                              • Additional
                                                                Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Patio/Outdoor Dining
                                                              • Website
                                                                http://www.stellamares.com/
                                                              • Phone number
                                                                (805) 969-6705
                                                              • Catering
                                                                Stella Mare’s Restaurant is host to rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions, anniversaries, birthdays, and holiday celebrations, as well as corporate luncheons and dinners. We accommodate private parties of 10 to 130 guests.
                                                              • Private party facilities
                                                                The Private Dining Room An intimate room filled with unique artwork and antiques with windows overlooking the historic bird refuge. Minimum for reservation: 8 Maximum capacity: 14 The Ocean Room and Terrace A beautiful, private room opening onto an outdoor terrace, perfect for socializing with friends during a cocktail hour. Minimum for exclusive reservation: 20 Maximum capacity: 30 The Greenhouse This spectacular glass enclosed room creates the perfect romantic ambiance for any event with its custom built bar, fireplace, cozy couches, and views of the bird refuge. Minimum for exclusive reservation: 30 Maximum capacity: 50

                                                              Featured in

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