Stella Mare's

4.8

2282 Reviews

$31 to $50

French

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2 people

24 Nov 2024

21:00

Booked 21 times today

Experiences are available.

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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Experiences

Thanksgiving 2024
US$69.00 per person
28 Nov 2024 only
Thanksgiving Day in a French Country bistro. Stella Mare's will be offering a three-course menu with different options on each course. Our menu is available on stellamares.com to view. Thank you and we are looking forward to hosting you this Thanksgiving.

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 2,282 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.

2,282 Reviews

J
John
Central Coast
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined 2 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.
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M
M
San Francisco
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
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.
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T
Terry
Central Coast
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
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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M
M
San Francisco
8 reviews
vip
4.0
8 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
We enjoyed our time there. I thought they may have been short handed when it came time to clear the plates.
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C
Christine
Los Angeles
10 reviews
4.0
10 reviews
Dined on 17 November 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
Love the setting, and the food was very good! Sorry to hear they are closing/moving at year end.
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G
Gary
Central Coast
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 17 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
True French country food. Hard to say what is my current favorite... maybe the duck confit brouche French toast with pecans and maple syrup topping it all!
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GK
GoharK
Los Angeles
33 reviews
4.0
33 reviews
Dined on 16 November 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Second time here. Came with friends for dinner. The food was good but the lemon dessert was horrible. Left an aftertaste of chicken bouillon for some reason. The service was ok, not the friendliest waiter but not bad either. Busy night at the restaurant. great ambiance and company.
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G
Gayle
Los Angeles
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on 12 November 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
The food is always good and the atmosphere is relaxed.
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C
Chris
Los Angeles
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on 10 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
One of my favorite restaurants for many years. They have never let me down.
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C
Cristina
San Diego
36 reviews
vip
5.0
36 reviews
Dined on 10 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
always a great experience. wonderful service, great attention to details. Thank you
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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 2282 OpenTable diners.