Stella Mare's

4.8

2308 Reviews

$31 to $50

French

Make a booking

2 people

21 Dec 2024

19:00

Booked 48 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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Popular dishes

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

What 2,308 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
4.7Service
4.8Ambience
4.7Value

Noise • Moderate

Diners' Choice Awards

California Central Coast
Best Value
Santa Barbara
Best Overall
Santa Barbara
Best Ambience
Santa Barbara
Best Value
Santa Barbara
Great for brunch
Santa Barbara
Good for groups
Santa Barbara
Romantic
Santa Barbara
Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Stella Mare's is a charming French restaurant in Santa Barbara that exudes the essence of Parisian dining. Patrons rave about its "excellent food" and "impeccable service," with many highlighting the "beautiful ambiance" and "romantic setting." The menu features classic French dishes like cassoulet and coq au vin, making it a "hidden gem" for lovers of French cuisine. Despite its impending closure, Stella Mare's remains a beloved local treasure where "wonderful meals" and "memorable experiences" are guaranteed.

2,308 Reviews

D
Diana
San Francisco
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Too bad Stella Mare’s is closing December 31st 2024. Lost their lease. No place to relocate. A new “unnamed” restaurant will be taking over.
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K
Ken
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Stella Mare's is due to close permanently as of 12/31/2024 allegedly because the new property owner would not allow the restaurant to sign a new lease. This is a sad situation for Santa Barbara, since the restaurant is an absolute gem, with nothing like it anywhere around. It will be a big loss for all who enjoy excellent cuisine.
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C
Clarinda
Central Coast
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
So sorry, the legendary Stellamar is closing. OpenTable indicated there were no reservations available, but when I looked again at 6 PM, I found a table for two! Festively decorated for Christmas with sparkling fairy lights in the greenhouse above the roaring fireplace. Feel so lucky to have enjoyed Stellamar these many years and so sorry it’s closing.
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S
Sharon
San Francisco
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I love Stella Mare's...have been going there for more than 20 years...and I'm very sad that it is closing on January 1st. The old French country house ambiance is so enjoyable, and the food is wonderful. I truly hope they will find a suitable new location in Santa Barbara and reopen soon. It's especially troubling that the building will become a Mexican restaurant. I love Mexican food, but it's not as if we don't already have more Mexican restaurants than a town the size of Santa Barbara could possibly need! Farewell, Stella...hope to see you again soon.
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M
Marilynn
VIP
Central Coast
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We will miss Stella Mare😒. It is unique and. cannot be replaced. We only hope the restaurant will find a new home. We will be there!!
Is this helpful?
R
Richard
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
On a very busy Sunday the food was excellent and staff did a great job ! A terrible shame this restaurant is losing their location. They will be greatly missed!
Is this helpful?
S
STEPHANIE
Los Angeles
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 13 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always fabulous great birthday lunch I’m heartbroken that their closing at end of December
Is this helpful?
R
Richard
VIP
Central Coast
22 reviews
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on 13 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Stella Mare's is such a wonderful restaurant! We're going to miss it, but we hope it reincarnates again. May I suggest that Stella Mare's takes over the restaurant operations at El Encanto's awful attempt at fine dining?
Is this helpful?
M
Margriet
Central Coast
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on 11 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Stella Mare's is one of the last great restaurants in Santa Barbara. It is an excellent value for the money. I will miss it when it closes.
Is this helpful?
P
Peggy
Los Angeles
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on 8 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We love Stella Mare. So sad that they’re closing because of redevelopment. We hope Santa Barbara preserves that 1870’s building and that they are able to relocate. Great food, great setting, wonderful servers (thank you Francois, who’s been there from the beginning). This meal was a perfect goodbye!
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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 2308 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 Dec 2024

19:00

Booked 48 times today

Order delivery or takeout

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

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card

Stella Mare's

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

22 California Central Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

68 Monterey Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Gift card

Stella Burger

Salmon

Filet Mignon

Petits Plats

Artichault GrilléUS$13.95

Escargots PersilladeUS$15.75

Paté de CampagneUS$12.75

3 Fromages & Compagnie

Confit de CanardUS$18.95

Cuisses de Grenouille ProvencaleUS$15.95

Oeufs Mimosa au HomardUS$13.75

Burgers

Stella BurgerUS$17.95

Los Patos BurgerUS$19.75

Soupes

Soupe a L'OignonUS$12.95

Soupe du Jour

Salades

Endive & PommeUS$14.75

Carrotes RâpéesUS$8.75

LaitueUS$11.75

Grilled ChoppedUS$15.95

Grill

SalmonUS$32.75

Pork PorterhouseUS$28.75

Filet Mignon

New York SteakUS$39.75

Specialitées

Coq au VinUS$28.75

Steak Frites

Saumon AmandineUS$33.75

Jarret d'AgneauUS$34.75

Sole MeuniéreUS$29.95

Mignon de PorcUS$29.50

Moules Frites a la CrèmeUS$39.75

Short Ribs á la BourguignoneUS$32.95

Sides

Petite SaladeUS$7.50

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

Overall ratings and reviews

Diners' Choice Awards

Review summary

FAQs

Does Stella Mare's offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Stella Mare's restaurant rated?

Does Stella Mare's offer gift cards?

Is Stella Mare's currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Featured in

22 California Central Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

68 Monterey Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Gift card