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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Carpinteria

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6 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch restaurant
1. Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch
4.9
Exceptional(2785)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • Santa Barbara
Booked 35 times today
Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara offers an exquisite seafood dining experience that is simply unmatched. Chef Matthew Johnson crafts each dish with fresh, locally-sourced seafood, combined with herbs and vegetables from the Ranch’s organic garden, ensuring "delicious and quality food" every time. Guests rave about the "delicate tuna tartare" and the "better-than-excellent black cod," highlighting the authenticity and freshness of the ingredients. The restaurant's ambiance adds to the experience, with beautiful ocean views and a romantic setting that makes every meal feel like a special occasion. For seafood lovers seeking gourmet excellence, Stonehouse is a must-visit destination.
A photo of Lilac Montecito restaurant
2. Lilac Montecito
4.7
Exceptional(197)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Montecito
Booked 15 times today
Lilac Montecito excels in Contemporary American cuisine by blending European and Californian influences with locally-sourced ingredients, crafting dishes that are both innovative and comforting. Diners rave about the "unmatched quality" of its offerings, highlighting the fresh, not overly processed food that is a hallmark of authentic Contemporary American dining. The Branzino, praised as "the best in town," and the standout cauliflower dish exemplify their commitment to flavor and quality. The entirely gluten-free menu is a testament to their inclusivity and creativity, ensuring all guests enjoy a "delicious and healthy" meal. With an inviting ambiance and attentive service, Lilac Montecito promises a memorable dining experience.
A photo of Lucky's restaurant
3. Lucky's
4.7
Exceptional(2974)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • Montecito
Booked 38 times today
Lucky's in Montecito, Santa Barbara, epitomizes the excellence of Contemporary American cuisine with its impressive blend of top-tier USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood, and farmer's market vegetables. This celebrated restaurant is adored for its "phenomenal meals" and "consistently great filet mignon," making it a top choice for special occasions. Diners rave about the "wonderful experience" and "exceptional service," noting the welcoming atmosphere that blends old-school charm with modern sophistication. Lucky's is not just a restaurant; it's an experience of "picture-perfect decor" and expertly crafted cocktails, ensuring a memorable dining event that diners eagerly anticipate revisiting.
A photo of The Set restaurant
4. The Set
3.7
Very Good(16)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Santa Barbara
Booked 4 times today
Enjoy the ocean view and cozy up by the fire pits at Santa Barbara’s best sunset-watching spot. The Set serves a delightful selection of dishes and specialty cocktails for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.
A photo of Goat Tree Restaurant restaurant
5. Goat Tree Restaurant
4.0
Excellent(457)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Santa Barbara
Booked 6 times today
Located at the front door of the Funk Zone and one block from the beach, Goat Tree at Hotel Californian is a gourmet café with al fresco seating offering fresh, local fare, including superb pastries and baked goods made in house daily by our Pastry Chef Ron Viloria. Our all-day brunch menu features Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Shakshuka, Baby Kale Caesar and our famed GT Smashburger. Sip on cold-pressed juices from Pressed Juicery, lattes and coffee by Caffe Luxxe or organic hot teas by Rishi. Curating seasonal picnic baskets for a day at the beach or wine tasting as well as dine in, take out or delivery for brunch and dinner, Goat Tree pleases everyone's palate. Join us on our spacious patio into the evening for a glass of wine or a cocktail and a bite. Our dinner menu includes Rigatoni Pasta, New York Steak Frites and Faroe Island Salmon among other delectable dishes. Don't let the day end without some Rori's Ice Cream or a seasonal dessert from Chef Ron.
A photo of LOCAL Montecito restaurant
6. LOCAL Montecito
4.6
Exceptional(309)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Montecito
Booked 25 times today
LOCAL Montecito shines as a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine, celebrated for its “superb” dishes that seamlessly blend local ingredients with innovation. Nestled in the heart of Montecito, the restaurant offers “delicious flavors” that repeatedly exceed expectations. Diners rave about the “fantastic cocktails” and standouts like the Yellowtail Crudo and Miso Salmon, which reflect both creativity and authenticity in their preparation. The inviting indoor-outdoor ambiance, enhanced by heated patios and a cozy firepit, provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable dining experience. With attentive service and a menu that is “always pretty much perfect,” LOCAL Montecito is a must-visit culinary gem.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

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