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Montecito Wine Bistro, Montecito, CA

Montecito Wine Bistro

4.3
4.3
394 Reviews
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
The Montecito Wine Bistro is a casual family oriented California neighborhood bistro featuring 3 outdoor patios, outdoor firelace, and full bar with a diverse wine list. With dishes focused on local farms, seafoods and all natural meats, the Wine Bistro offers a diverse selection including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options.

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Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

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Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, Californian
  • Hours of operation
    Happy Hour Daily 3:00 pm–5:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–7:45 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–8:30 pm
  • Phone number
    (805) 969-7520
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Private party facilities
    Montecito Wine Bistro offers serveral areas to host your event from private dinners, wedding receptions, anniversaries, birthdays and holiday celebrations, as well as corporate luncheons and dinners. Our staff will assist you every step of the way through the planning process providing advice and options to create a memorable event. Personalized menus, vegetarian requests are welcome. Our extensive wine list features the wines of Santa Barbara Winery, Lafond Winery, as well as wines from around the world. Full Bar. We offer indoor and outdoor seating, including two cozy fireplaces. We offer warm attentive service. A credit card hold is required for groups of ten or more.
  • Private party contact
    Darren McClain: (805) 969-7520
  • Neighborhood
    Montecito
  • Cross street
    East Valley Road & San Ysidro Rd.
  • Parking details
    Private Lot
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 394 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.3
4.3 based on all time ratings
  • 4.2Food
  • 4.3Service
  • 4.2Ambience
  • 4.1Value

NoiseModerate

394 Reviews
  1. elosb

    Central Coast

    51 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    51 reviews

    Dined on July 13, 2021

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Its pretty expensive, but overall good.

    Is this helpful?

  2. OpenTable Diner

    Central Coast

    29 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    29 reviews

    Dined on July 9, 2021

    overall2food4service2ambience2
    Not what it used to be… The food is the same, but the service and ambiance isn’t what it was pre Covid. Music out of context of the setting and the service was lacking despite a low turnout.

    1 person found this helpful

  3. SharonD

    Chicago

    6 reviews

    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on July 7, 2021

    overall3food3service4ambience3
    Ahi tuna bites were fantastic.

    1 person found this helpful

  4. SusanG

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 4, 2021

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    A great place to spend an evening with lots of talking while our stomachs get happier and happier! A good community restaurant.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Piccolo

    Baja California Sur

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 1, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Anniversary

    1 person found this helpful

  6. Bennett1111

    Hawaii

    11 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on June 1, 2021

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    Terrible!!! Three inexperienced children were in charge. It seemed as if no one had been trained. The “C” team was working on Memorial Day. We were ignored through the whole experience. The restaurant was empty and our food server was never there. After 20 minutes of her passing us by I finally asked our host if we could get some water. Then she greeted us. She took our beverage order and 15 minutes later came back with our sparkling water. She took our food order and never came back. Our food was delivered and 30 minutes later we had to ask the other employee walking around for our check. Our table was filled with dirty plates and we were alone on the patio surrounded by dirty plate filled empty tables... The food was so boring and bland and either overcooked or undercooked that our party just wanted to get out of there. Never again. There are so many amazing places to eat in Montecito and Santa Barbara and this is by far the most disappointing!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Mellany

    East Texas

    36 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    36 reviews

    Dined on May 26, 2021

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    Everything was just average. Considering wine Bistro was in the name they did not have a huge selection of wine. The food was OK nothing spectacular. The ambience was nice but a little too warm as all of the heaters were on in the room and a fireplace. We wished we had sat outside.

    Is this helpful?

  8. KarenW

    Vancouver

    2 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 16, 2021

    overall3food2service3ambience2
    The special risotto was not very good

    1 person found this helpful

  9. None

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 30, 2021

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    Mediocre food. Bad service. ambiance bad and dark. Overall bad.

    1 person found this helpful

  10. Pharc

    Central Coast

    5 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on April 30, 2021

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Great!! Still not back to it’s pre-Covid ambiance but I am sure it is just a matter of time...

    1 person found this helpful

  11. sarahb

    Central Coast

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 23, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful little gem in Montecito

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  12. JohnC

    Seattle

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 18, 2021

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Good food. Attentive service. Beautiful location!

    Is this helpful?

  13. deborah

    San Francisco

    44 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    44 reviews

    Dined on April 17, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful, calm, outdoor seating. Very enjoyable. Food has, and continues to be, delicious and the service is impeccable.

    1 person found this helpful

  14. LizMck

    San Francisco

    101 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    101 reviews

    Dined on April 10, 2021

    overall1food4service3ambience1
    ugh this place was a huge disappointment. the facility is just filthy. the patio walls and awnings haven't been cleaned in years. the food was OK but i was so upset with how dirty the place was that i could not enjoy the meal.

    Is this helpful?

  15. TraceeZ

    Cleveland

    8 reviews

    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2020

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Wonderful Friendsgiving away from home with friends ❤️🤎✔️🦃

    Is this helpful?

  16. donny

    Central Coast

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful place to have a Thanksgiving Dinner! We spent a beautiful day in Santa Barbara, and capped it off at Montecito Wine Bistro. Our thanks to the staff and Teresa S. who made it all happen.

    Is this helpful?

  17. Pretzie

    Los Angeles

    20 reviews

    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on November 20, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience2
    Staff was very accommodating, food was very good but we could not sit where we usually do because of a table full of yelling children whose adults did not think it was necessary to be considerate of others.

    Is this helpful?

  18. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 1, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service and reasonable prices.

    Is this helpful?

  19. DDDDJJJ

    Central Coast

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 12, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service. Ambiance on the outside patio was very inviting.

    Is this helpful?

  20. KurtLA

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 11, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I live in LA and this was my second time being to MWB in the past 30 days. the best compliment that I can level at the place is that it feels normal - like there is no global meltdown happening just outside. good variety of food, everything I have had from salmon to pasta to pizza has been solid. everything is fairly priced esp considering the area. the outside areas esp in the back are beautiful. attention to detail is everywhere. excellent bar and again fair prices. they have a bottle of SBW (same family owns it) pinot for the low $30s that is more than drinkable. this place along with Via Maestra 42 and the little kitchen and of course super rica are my go to's. This is a professional operation, the staff is attentive and normal acting. I can easily recommend this place to anyone, its that good. the winery on santa rosa road is also a very nice place to forget how horrible a year this has been. be safe and enjoy!

    Is this helpful?

  21. DonH

    Los Angeles

    35 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    35 reviews

    Dined on August 24, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and service. Always a pleasure.

    Is this helpful?

  22. Ronaldo

    San Francisco

    26 reviews

    5.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on August 23, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Nice to go to a good restaurant with excellent food during this strange period of time

    Is this helpful?

  23. Marsha

    Central Coast

    207 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    207 reviews

    Dined on August 10, 2020

    overall3food3service2ambience4
    We gave up on ordering our entrees due to having to wait so long after our drinks. The bread was pizza dough and they only offer wedge cut potatoes for French fries. There was a time when they had great bread and great French fries that were thin cut and crisp. We probably won't return even though it is in our neighborhood and convenient unless we hear the chef has changed.

    Is this helpful?

  24. Smooth01

    San Francisco

    23 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on July 4, 2020

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Montecito Wine Bistro was lovely. We had a nice table under the trees. The salmon was wonderful. Highly recommend.

    Is this helpful?

  25. Shauna

    San Diego

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on July 3, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great place! Good Covid-19 protocols in place!

    Is this helpful?

  26. sonisf

    San Francisco

    39 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    39 reviews

    Dined on March 10, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    As always, a great experience. Food was great and LOVED our server...I wish I remembered her name but she was so attentive and so sweet!

    Is this helpful?

  27. OpenTable Diner

    Central Coast

    14 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on February 29, 2020

    overall4food3service5ambience4
    We ordered the Augie bowl Unfortunately the Tuna was slightly ripe. The chef and server was completely accommodating and changed out our dishes for something else. They offered us dessert but we were so full we passed. They did the right thing. Five stars for that.

    Is this helpful?

  28. AllisonJ

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2020

    overall4food5service1ambience4
    We sat out on the patio. The food was great and the ambiance was nice. However, our server, (a 30 something guy of possibly hispanic origin with almost shaved head if management cares), has been there for a LONG time because he's waited on us many times, had a really bad demeanor and could have CARED LESS about our table. He took our order and that was about it until he brought the check. The rest of the wait staff had to cover for him. It was REALLY rude and he was rude, it was almost as if he was mad we were there. Could not even bring himself to smile, just a scowl the entire night.

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  29. RGCDCC

    Central Coast

    14 reviews

    4.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2020

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Interesting venue where we sat in front of the exposed kitchen. Basically able to watch the kitchen do it’s thing. Service was good. We ordered some drinks and enjoyed their bread which was quite good. Wife had a very delicious lemon cream ravioli and I had an interesting roasted Pasilla & mushroom pizza. It had honey which was fine but I think the mushrooms or the carmelized onions made it really soggy. Still good but not a great textural experience. All in all we enjoyed the lovely experience. Love the location.

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  30. Edie

    Central Coast

    96 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    96 reviews

    Dined on February 10, 2020

    overall4food3service4ambience5
    The restaurant has a wonderful ambience both inside and out. I had the chicken sandwich. It was tasty. A bit messy to hold. So, I won’t order it again. Our server was pretty basic. Took our order. Answered our questions. No one I could personally recommend. Felt rushed to order, eat and leave although 90% of the restaurant was empty at noon.

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  31. Isabella101

    Central Coast

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 23, 2020

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    We loved sitting near the fireplace for dinner. The food was very good - especially the vegetable Ramen soup was very delicious. Service was fine. Wines were affordable and good.

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  32. Seasons52IsAllBusiness

    Phoenix

    203 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    203 reviews

    Dined on January 19, 2020

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Good food and good service and reasonable considering the location

    Is this helpful?

  33. stevennchb

    Los Angeles

    71 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    71 reviews

    Dined on January 19, 2020

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    Definitely between good and very good.

    Is this helpful?

  34. LoisP

    Central Coast

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 19, 2020

    overall3food3service2ambience3
    Unfortunately we had a very negative dining experience. We have been dining here for many years and we were definitely caught by surprise. I had to ask for a champagne flute for my champagne (it was served in a large wine glass), the soup was watered down, cold and served in sloppy messy bowl, both halibut entrees were not properly cooked, three of the four empty dining plates were cleared while one guest was still eating, the latte didn’t taste like coffee, we were charged for two extra coffees (they were subsequently taken off of the bill) and we just didn’t have the warm, relaxing and great service experiences that we have had in the past.

    Is this helpful?

  35. Marsha

    Central Coast

    207 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    207 reviews

    Dined on January 14, 2020

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Since they got a new chef, this place has greatly improved. We enjoy sitting by the fireplace in the patio room, the service is quite good, and the food now is very good.

    Is this helpful?

  36. OpenTable Diner

    Central Coast

    4 reviews

    2.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on January 12, 2020

    overall2food3service3ambience2
    Disappointing. It was a cold January night and the only two cozy tables next to the fire place were already taken. The other tables near the front door had a draft so we asked for a seat in the back next to the open kitchen. This gave us a clear view of how things were being operated: friendly staff but seemed inexperienced. Kitchen had a hard time keeping up with the orders even though the restaurant was half full. I had a lovely salmon starter, the halibut entree was overcooked and dry. They did apologize and make up for it after I pointed this out. All in all not the experience I anticipated.

    Is this helpful?

  37. Frequentdiner

    Central Coast

    106 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    106 reviews

    Dined on January 8, 2020

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    The dinner was really good- I had the artichoke soup which was delicious and The bolognese which was also tasty. It’s a wonderful cozy ambiance and our server was great- will def comeback!!

    Is this helpful?

  38. ErinA

    New Mexico

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 4, 2020

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    We sat on the patio, which was very pleasant, and our server was very kind and attentive. The menu, however, is pretty uninspiring and the food was so-what: a boring Caesar salad, uninspired appetizer of squash and burrata that *should* have been great, but wasn't (and included little slimy leaves amongst the rest of bag arugula). Ravioli drowned in mediocre sauce. Fairly expensive, even for Santa Barbara, even if the food had been really good. Way overpriced for what we got.

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  39. SherryB

    Los Angeles

    24 reviews

    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on January 4, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Impromptu Friday PM dinner when traveling - we happened to find this place online and are so glad we did!! Lovely quiet room with a fire going, delicious food and many options. Tasty glass of Pinot Gris which I don’t often find by the glass - made me very happy! Highly recommended!!

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  40. OpenTable Diner

    Central Coast

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on January 4, 2020

    overall3food3service5ambience4
    Service was great. Staff is very friendly. Food is so-so.

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Sealed or wrapped utensils used
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available
  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables
  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
    • Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Montecito Wine Bistro offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (805) 969-7520.

Montecito Wine Bistro is rated 4.3 stars by 394 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.


Is this your restaurant?
Claim this listing

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Montecito Wine Bistro

516 San Ysidro Road, Montecito, CA 93108

Additional information

  • Cross street
    East Valley Road & San Ysidro Rd.
  • Neighborhood
    Montecito
  • Hours of operation
    Happy Hour Daily 3:00 pm–5:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–7:45 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–8:30 pm
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, Californian
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Private Lot
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (805) 969-7520
  • Private party facilities
    Montecito Wine Bistro offers serveral areas to host your event from private dinners, wedding receptions, anniversaries, birthdays and holiday celebrations, as well as corporate luncheons and dinners. Our staff will assist you every step of the way through the planning process providing advice and options to create a memorable event. Personalized menus, vegetarian requests are welcome. Our extensive wine list features the wines of Santa Barbara Winery, Lafond Winery, as well as wines from around the world. Full Bar. We offer indoor and outdoor seating, including two cozy fireplaces. We offer warm attentive service. A credit card hold is required for groups of ten or more.
  • Private party contact
    Darren McClain: (805) 969-7520
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