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Arnoldi's Cafe, Santa Barbara, CA

Arnoldi's Cafe

4.7 (808)
$31 to $50
Italian
600 Olive St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Make a reservation

2 people
10:30 PM
Booked 9 times today

About this restaurant

  • Neighborhood gem
  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
Oldest Italian restaurant in Santa Barbara! We have two bocce courts on our patio with outdoor dining. Lots of pasta, appetizers, salads, chicken dishes and homemade desserts...Italian wine and local wine on our wine list...indoor or outdoor seating. We are a true local's secret and kid friendly. We are also dog friendly on our patio! Open for dinner 7 days a week! We also host rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions, and large birthday parties.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Californian, reserved
  • Hours of operation
    Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–8:45 pm Lunch Sun 11:00 am–4:30 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–8:30 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Private party facilities
    We have a room that fits up to 45 people. People walk through to get outside, but it is often used for private birthday parties, holiday parties and rehearsal dinners.

    We also have a patio that fits up to 100 people and can be reserved privately with a food and beverage minimum

  • Neighborhood
    Santa Barbara
  • Cross street
    Cota Street<br />We offer valet parking Wednesday-Sunday
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wine

What 808 people are saying

Arnoldi's Cafe reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • California Central Coast

    Kid-friendly

  • Santa Barbara

    Best Ambiance

  • Santa Barbara

    Best Value

  • Santa Barbara

    Good for groups

  • Santa Barbara

    Neighborhood gem

  • Santa Barbara

    Good for special occasions

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Arnoldi's Cafe offers a charming Italian dining experience in Santa Barbara with a rich history and welcoming atmosphere. Guests praise the "superb food," "generous drinks," and "great service." The outdoor garden, bocce ball court, and nostalgic interior enhance the ambiance. Reservations are recommended due to its popularity.
808 Reviews
  1. Ashley

    California Central Coast1 review

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Burrata in Carrozza Fried breaded burrata cheese in a sun dried tomato and spicy tomato sauce in a small cast iron pan, served with garlic bread was AMAZING! My favorite entree did not disappoint! Rotolo di Ricotta e Spinaci Housemade pasta filled with ricotta and spinach in a spinach sauce

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  2. Courtney VIP

    Las Vegas6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This was a great local spot. The food was very good! Highly recommend the gnocchi it was amazing. The service was very friendly and attentive. I will definitely eat here again the next time I am in Santa Barbara.

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  3. Madonna

    California Central Coast2 reviews

    2.0

    Dined on June 22, 2025

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 2
    Tiramisu and zucchini blossom appetizer was great. Wine choice was very good. Good service. Most at my table were not happy with their entree.

    Is this helpful?

  4. victoria VIP

    California Central Coast12 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 21, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wow! The recent turnover of ownership ( while still in the family) hasn’t stopped the favorites returning - a new improved menu complements the overall ambience - one feels like they are at an Italian festival. I just wish they’d leave room for the bocce ball court to be used ( one of the reasons we chose Arnoldi’s ) … the restaurant was so crowded they used part of the court for overflow tables.

    Is this helpful?

  5. David

    Sacramento / Sacramento Valley20 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 16, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The Caprese appetizer is flat out fantastic. If you have nothing else but the caprese, a little bread and a little wine you'll be quite happy. But there are other gems on the menu, but first understand that unlike other outstanding restaurants in Santa Barbara their menu prices are very reasonable. I live not far away so I've been to the "old" and the "new" Arnoldi's and I'll keep coming back. Having dinner in their outdoor garden, bocce ball going on or not is the best way to enjoy this beautiful place where we live.

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  6. pam

    San Francisco Bay Area1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 15, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    We had my son’s graduation lunch here. We had attentive service with delicious food. Highly recommended!!!

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  7. kristina VIP

    San Francisco Bay Area3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 15, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great place with so much history! Delicious food and A must for anyone visiting Santa Barbara

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  8. Kevin

    Los Angeles10 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 14, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I almost hate to say how much we all loved this place. It's no secret but any busier and it will be hard to get in. Superb food. Generous drinks. Great service.

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  9. Mary VIP

    California Central Coast3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 13, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Awesome in every way! They took several messages politely changing our arrival time. Wonderful food! Great service!

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  10. Ryan

    Hawaii1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 7, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Another great night at Arnaldi’s. Service was great, the bus boy was awesome, always had great experience.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Arnoldi's Cafe offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (805) 962-5394.

Arnoldi's Cafe is rated 4.7 stars by 808 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. California Central Coast
  4. Santa Barbara
  5. Santa Barbara

Make a reservation

2 people
10:30 PM
Booked 9 times today
Google Map for Arnoldi's Cafe

600 Olive St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Cota Street<br />We offer valet parking Wednesday-Sunday
  • Neighborhood
    Santa Barbara
  • Hours of operation
    Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–8:45 pm Lunch Sun 11:00 am–4:30 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–8:30 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Californian, reserved
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wine
  • Phone number
  • Private party facilities
    We have a room that fits up to 45 people. People walk through to get outside, but it is often used for private birthday parties, holiday parties and rehearsal dinners.

    We also have a patio that fits up to 100 people and can be reserved privately with a food and beverage minimum

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