Best American Restaurants in Montecito

Price: Moderate (9)Price: Expensive (26)Price: Very Expensive (6)

19 restaurants available nearby

1. Lucky's

4.8

Exceptional(2827)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Montecito

Booked 41 times today

Situated in the heart of Montecito, Lucky's Steakhouse serves as a delightful culinary destination for steak lovers. Patrons frequently highlight the excellent food, impeccable service, and inviting ambiance, describing it as a blend of classic steakhouse and elegant dining experience. Customer reviews often praise the outstanding steaks, recognized as the finest in Santa Barbara county, and even lauded as the best west of the Rockies. From a warmly crafted ambiance to the authentic steakhouse vibe, and up to the highly professional and convivial service, Lucky's has cemented its place as a topnotch destination for a high-end steakhouse experience.

2. Lilac Montecito

4.5

Awesome(118)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Montecito

Booked 10 times today

A new gluten-free fine dining experience.Now open!

3. LOCAL Montecito

4.5

Awesome(239)

Price: Expensive

• American • Montecito

Booked 11 times today

LOCAL Montecito is acclaimed for its exceptional seafood cuisine. Situated at the heart of Montecito, this restaurant boasts an incredible menu that features local seafood. Reviewers rave about the exceptional preparation of dishes like the ahi tartare and seared crispy skin salmon, even asking "who does salmon like that?" Others praised the crudo tuna and firm, perfect shrimp cocktail. The creative presentation, attentive service, fun atmosphere, and the restaurant's commitment to using local produce have earned it a beloved spot among Montecito's residents. As per the reviews, every visit to LOCAL Montecito guarantees an enjoyable and unforgettable seafood dining experience.

A photo of Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch restaurant

4. Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch

4.9

Exceptional(2499)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Santa Barbara

Booked 41 times today

Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch is a distinguished Contemporary American cuisine restaurant suitable for any gastronome. The venue is praised for its tranquil and charming atmosphere and top-notch service. Dining at Stonehouse is often described as an elevated and elegant experience by frequent diners, who have been enthralled by its range of exquisite dishes, from quintessential American offerings to exquisite seafood, all executed flawlessly. The ambiance, encapsulating the fairy-tale-like character of the location, only adds to the delightful experience. As one reviewer beautifully articulated: "San Ysidro Ranch is absolute PERFECTION! We had a lovely brunch with impeccable service in the most beautiful location. My favorite spot in California." Indeed, many reviews highlight Stonehouse's rare triple threat: breathtaking setting, superior service, and mouth-watering cuisine.

5. Stella Mare's

4.7

Exceptional(2221)

Price: Expensive

• American • Santa Barbara

Booked 10 times today

Stella Mare's is highly praised for providing the best French cuisine experience in Santa Barbara, described as a local gem. Regular patrons commend the consistently incredible food, with the salmon almandine being a favorite among the delicious offerings. The French Onion Soup is noted as always being delicious and the authentic French menu is appreciated, including items that are hard to find elsewhere like frog legs, escargots, and country pate. The ambiance of the restaurant is frequently admired, often compared to being in France itself. The excellent service from the friendly and well-trained staff is also a recurring praise, making Stella Mare's a much-loved destination for both regular and special dining occasions.

6. Barbareño

4.8

Exceptional(1832)

Price: Expensive

• American • Santa Barbara

Booked 24 times today

Barbareño, a Santa Barbara gem, has established itself as a pillar of Californian cuisine, with guests lauding its "superb," and "incredibly flavorful and original" dishes. Reviewers have highlighted the careful sourcing of ingredients from local farms, praising the restaurant's commitment to humane and sustainable practices. This attention to detail is evident in everything from preparation to presentation. Signature dishes such as the pork chop and Baked Californian have garnered acclaim, with one patron declaring the pork chop as "one of the best things I've ever eaten in my life." The knowledgeable and attentive staff further enhance the dining experience, guiding guests through "fascinating combinations of flavors" for a truly memorable culinary journey.

7. Gala

4.7

Exceptional(264)

Price: Expensive

• American • Santa Barbara

Booked 5 times today

Gala is a highly recommended European restaurant based in Santa Barbara. Its owners, originally from Barcelona, bring a fusion of Spanish cuisine along with their expertise from operating the critically acclaimed restaurant "picnic" in Barcelona. Praised by customers for its excellent food variety, quality service, and unique and meticulous food preparation, Gala truly delivers a delightful European culinary experience. Furthermore, the restaurant's fresh ingredients and delicacies like the morel mushroom or branzino dishes have been particularly highlighted by patrons. Reviewers frequently commend their attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable staff and enjoy the vibrant ambience. Indeed, Gala sets the bar high for European cuisine and meets those expectations flawlessly, making it a notable addition to the Santa Barbara food scene.

A photo of Opal Restaurant & Bar restaurant

8. Opal Restaurant & Bar

4.8

Exceptional(1704)

Price: Expensive

• American • Santa Barbara

Booked 14 times today

Opal Restaurant & Bar is a well-regarded establishment emphasizing on the fresh ingredients and diverse flavors that epitomize Californian cuisine. Their menu offering, ranging from the "Lemon Broiled Mahi Mahi" to the "Homemade Grilled Filet Mignon Pizza" cooked in a wood-burning oven, demonstrates a commitment to quality and creativity. The restaurant has garnered high praise from patrons, with reviews highlighting the enjoyable "upscale atmosphere" and "excellent service". Many diners have specifically lauded the unique "Asian Calamari appetizer" and the "divine" herbed 9 oz steak. The restaurant's offerings of "delicious and beautifully served" food, combined with its attentive staff have earned it an esteemed place in the dining scene.

9. Finch & Fork

4.4

Awesome(1739)

Price: Expensive

• American • Santa Barbara

Booked 13 times today

Finch & Fork is a standout American cuisine restaurant nestled in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara. Highly commended by customers, it serves innovative and delectable dishes that clearly reflect the vibrant flavors of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Notable is the "healthy, tasty, vibrant" dinner menu, with items like "12oz Creekstone Prime New York Steak", "Short Rib Pappardelle Pasta", and "Niman Ranch Pork Chop". The brunch menu is equally remarkable, featuring creative items like "Short Rib & Sweet Potato Hash". The restaurant is also appreciated for its accommodating service, "beautifully presented" food, and "casually elegant" ambiance. Eye-catching reviews frequently note Finch & Fork as "delicious", "great" and "excellent", a clear testament to its dedication to providing top-notch American cuisine.

A photo of Crocodile Restaurant and Bar - Lemon Tree Inn restaurant

10. Crocodile Restaurant and Bar - Lemon Tree Inn

4.8

Exceptional(3)

Price: Moderate

• American • Santa Barbara

Booked 1 time today

The Crocodile Restaurant is one of the finest places to relax and rejuvenate. The Atmosphere and Decor are Modern Italian and Californian. Hidden just off the Lobby in The Lemon Tree Inn, Crocodile has become Santa Barbara's Secret Local's Haunt.

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Discover best American restaurants in Montecito

Discover the rich and diverse American dining scene in Montecito, Santa Barbara, a gem along California's Central Coast. The area boasts a variety of restaurants that masterfully blend local ingredients with American culinary traditions, creating unique and flavorful dishes that reflect the region's cultural melting pot. Each establishment offers a distinct ambiance, from casual, beachside eateries to upscale, gourmet dining experiences, ensuring options for every taste and occasion. These restaurants emphasize quality and creativity, often featuring menus that highlight the best of seasonal produce and local seafood, crafted by chefs renowned for their culinary expertise. The dining scene here not only caters to a range of dietary preferences and palates but also focuses on providing exceptional service and a memorable dining experience. Whether you're looking for a classic American burger or a sophisticated take on traditional dishes, Montecito's restaurants promise an enriching culinary journey. This vibrant locality is a must-visit for food lovers seeking an authentic taste of American cuisine on the scenic California coast.

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