Diners' Choice: Best Service restaurants in Santa Ynez Valley

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best service in Santa Ynez Valley? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Brothers Restaurant at Red Barn

4.9

4.9 (1416)

$31 to $50

American

Santa Ynez Valley

About the restaurant

The Nichols brothers, Matt & Jeff, grew up in Ames, Iowa where their love of cooking, good food and a sense of family and community was nurtured.

The 2013 opening of their second Santa Barbara Wine Country restaurant, Brothers Restaurant at the Red Barn in Santa Ynez, allows them to offer visitors and locals alike great food, wine and hospitality. The brothers strive to have legendary service, innovative cuisine, and a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere that causes you to return time and again.

As chefs, the brothers continue to experiment with new dishes and cuisine, but always with that “from scratch”, homemade element. Fresh ingredients from local producers, a wine list that showcases the region’s award-winning wines and a comfortable and historically interesting atmosphere that takes you back to the romance of the old west. They want you to feel at home, and experience all the best of Santa Barbara’s Wine Country.

Top review

craigVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Always a great dinner experience Excellent service dinner was fabulous

Bar Le Côte

4.9

4.9 (78)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Los Olivos

About the restaurant

Bar Le Côte is a stylish seafood tavern located in Los Olivos, California. Inspired by the daily catch of the Central Coast and the modern cuisine of Europe’s seaside capitals, our team prepares thoughtful maritime fare in a casual, social atmosphere.

We have very limited patio seating and do not allow dogs to dine indoors. If you would like to reserve an outdoor table please email us at info@barlecote.com and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

We hold a portion of our tables for walk-ins, however we do recommend a reservation to guarantee being seated. We give all reservations a 15 minute grace period before being released to other guests. Thank you for your understanding!

* Please note that ride shares and taxis can be hard to come by in the valley, especially later in the evening. We will always do our best to assist in getting you a ride, but please plan accordingly *

Top review

CaitlinVIP

Dined 2 days ago

The most wonderful - every detail, perfectly executed and incredibly thoughtful

Na Na Thai

4.9

4.9 (33)

$30 and under

Thai

Buellton

About the restaurant

A Taste of Bangkok in the Heart of California.
A vibrant restaurant in Buellton, California, inspired by the owners' time living in Thailand. The menu features a diverse selection of elevated street food dishes.
Step inside and be transported to a lively atmosphere. The colorful decor and friendly staff create a welcoming ambiance.
Start your culinary journey with a selection of small plates, like the crispy lumpia, filled with curried beef, or the light and flavorful por pia tofu spring roll, bursting with fresh vegetables and herbs. For a main course, indulge in the pad thai, a classic dish elevated with perfectly grilled shrimp and a symphony of textures. The daily changing fried rice is a show stopper!
Na Na Thai's commitment to authentic flavors extends to their use of locally sourced ingredients. They work closely with farmers and ranchers to ensure the freshest, highest-quality produce and meats.

Top review

Natasha

Dined on May 29, 2025

The food was incredible and so fresh! Every single dish was outstanding, especially the yellow curry and fried rice of the day!

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Experience

ASHKAHN WINES by the glass takeover!

Experience

Thai Family Style

SY Kitchen

4.9

4.9 (3998)

$31 to $50

Italian

Santa Ynez Valley

About the restaurant

RESERVATIONS

Reservations for parties of 5 or more please call restaurant directly.

S. Y. Kitchen requests a credit card to hold a reservation of 6 or more. You may cancel by calling the restaurant by 5 PM two days prior to the reservation. After that cancellation is subject to our policy and fees may be incurred. All credit card information will be processed securely.

Top review

Delanie

Dined 2 days ago

Service was phenomenal, as well as the food! Our waters were refilled constantly, waitress was attentive and the pastas were divine.

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Popular dish

Margherita

Popular dish

T-Bone Truffle Sliders

Popular dish

Wild Mushroom Pappardelle

Bell’s

4.9

4.9 (136)

$50 and over

French

Los Alamos

About the restaurant

Based in Los Alamos, CA, Bell’s is a French-inspired bistro from Per Se alums Daisy and Greg Ryan. Earning one Michelin Star since 2021 as well as Food & Wine Best New Chef, and Esquire’s Best New Restaurants and James Beard nominations for Best Chef California and Outstanding Restauranteurs. Bell's is a reimagined bistro fare with eclectic wine selections from independent local producers and select European estates.

LUNCH is served from 11:00am - 3:00pm, Thurs - Mon.
Walk-ins welcomed

PRIX FIXE DINNER is reservation only, from 5:00 - 8:30pm, Thursday - Monday.
Dinner is $110, menu price does not include SERVICE FEE AND TAX.

On Thursdays, we will be offering L'EXPRESS DINNER MENU an abbreviated menu (salad and bread course, choice of entree, choice of dessert) for $65/pp - both menus will be offered those nights so no need to make a note, just book as you normally would.

On Monday evenings all wines over $60 are half price!
Please note the number below is TEXT ONLY

Top review

CaitlinVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Can I have lunch here every day please and thank you

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Experience

Prix Fixe Dinner Menu - Dining Room

Experience

Prix Fixe Dinner Menu - Outside Patio Dining

Experience

Prix Fixe Dinner Menu - Counter Seats

Petros Restaurant at Petros Winery

4.9

4.9 (1016)

$30 and under

Mediterranean

Los Olivos

About the restaurant

Our menu is a combination of the best ingredients that Greece and California cuisine have to offer. We import olive oil, feta, honey and oregano from Greece, the freshest organic vegetables from our farms in Los Olivos and wineries of our great state. Come enjoy lunch, dinner and wine indoors or on our beautiful patio. We can also host your next event!

Top review

kimberly

Dined 5 days ago

Petros is our absolute favorite restaurant for special occasions! The service is always incredible and the food and wine is delicious. We are always well taken care of and love the ambiance and views!

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Pony Cocktails + Kitchen

4.8

4.8 (41)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Santa Ynez

About the restaurant

Owner & Mixologist Battaglini Alberto redesigned this iconic Santa Ynez landmark into something unique, elevated yet comfortable.
Situated in the heart of Santa Ynez Valley and, with Chef Jonny McDermott on the helm of the kitchen, Pony COCKTAILS + KITCHEN has a comfortable yet upscale feeling with a super friendly approach to food reflecting globally inspired dishes and fresh farm produces. The cocktail program follow the same ideology of the food giving every cocktails a unique flavor and personality.
Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner this hybrid Cafe/Cocktail Bar Restaurant integrate the Santa Ynez Valley style with modern comfort style food and unrealistic Cocktails.

Top review

MichelleVIP

Dined today

Excellent chef, service and ambiance. It’s my favorite restaurant in the SY Valley. Must go destination.

Leonardo Ristorante & Pizzeria

4.8

4.8 (1434)

$31 to $50

Italian

Solvang

About the restaurant

Highly anticipated opening by Chef Leonardi Curti.

Top review

MatthewVIP

Dined on Jun 10, 2025

A Memorable Family Celebration at a Solvang Gem - We have dined at Leonardo’s many times over the years, but this visit was particularly special as we returned with our children and grandchildren. From the moment we arrived, the experience was exceptional. Our server, Arturo, went above and beyond to make the evening feel like a true event—attentive, warm, and welcoming to each guest at the table. The food was terrific as always, and the atmosphere continues to strike the perfect balance between casual elegance and family-friendly comfort. Leonardo’s remains a gem in Solvang—top-notch staff, outstanding cuisine, and a setting that makes any occasion feel special.

First & Oak at the Mirabelle Inn

4.7

4.7 (1252)

$50 and over

Californian

Solvang

About the restaurant

We are excited to welcome you to First & Oak! We offer outdoor seating on our heated patio & inside our intimate dining rooms. Seating is limited, a credit card is required & will only be charged for cancellations. Please allow us a minimum of 24 hours prior to avoid any cancelation fees.

We offer two dining experiences: Traditional Three Course or a Chef's Five Course Tasting Menu.
Parties of 6 or more please call. When reserving standard (indoor) or outdoor seating (Please be mindful regarding the weather, it tends to get chilly as the night goes on), please choose which experience you would prefer & let us know of any dietary restrictions, Vegan request needs a days advance notice.

First and Oak is located inside the Mirabelle Inn, & was awarded a Michelin Plate designation in 2022. We offer a seasonally-inspired menu that highlights local & organic ingredients prepared in a thoughtful manner. Our dining room operates with the mindset of warm compassionate attentive service.

Top review

LisaVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Truly a gem. Had a wonderful experience, the food was fabulous and the service was delightful. 100% will go back again.

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Popular dish

TRUFFLE ROASTED CAULIFLOWER

4.7

4.7 (5185)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Buellton

About the restaurant

Here, on the Central Coast of California, BBQ has always meant grilling over an open fire of red oak, a style of cooking that is native to our area and goes back to the days of the Spanish Rancheros. By combining the old and the new and using only the finest sources, we have created an exciting cuisine with outstanding steaks, ribs and chicken, along with fresh fish and seafood and vegetarian options. The restaurant has repeatedly earned the Wine Spectator Award for our wine list. We also create our own (world class) wines for sale in the restaurant and to the public. For 40 years Hitching Post Wines has produced some of the best wines of Santa Barbara County garnering an excellent reputation, particularly for our Pinot Noirs. Visit the restaurant Wednesday through Monday 4:30-8:30 PM. For groups over 6, please contact us directly at 805-688-0676. Closed Tuesdays.

Top review

JamesVIP

Dined on Jun 12, 2025

Last night I had the best , most tender juicy baby back ribs ever. My husband’s prime top sirloin steak and was ever so tender and flavorful. Both were Smoke grilled with perfect seasoning and moist and juicy. Dinner was served with salad and baked potato and the traditional relish tray of fresh vegetables. This restaurant’s offer just plain old fashioned cooking and service and everything was outstanding. The house made dessert of strawberry shortcake was amazing and positive comments about the key lime pie came from diners around us. I admit we are senior Seniors but this meal was reminiscent of those special great Sunday dinners we used to have at home. The wine list has an amazing selection also and cocktails also served. We had a great view of the open kitchen and grill and enjoyed watching the teamwork and chef’s skill. We will happily return for the quality of the meat and excellent service.

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