The Bistro at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara

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1. BS

   BerylS

   Los Angeles

   6 reviews

   5.0

   6 reviews

   Dined 5 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   We went for lunch for our daughters birthday. The server was excellent! She was prompt and always wanted to make sure we had everything we needed. The food was great....one of the best burgers we have had. I highly recommend eating at The Bistro!!!

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2. JP

   JohnP

   Las Vegas

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 7 days ago

   overall5food4service5ambience5

   Staff was amazing and really made your experience special.

   Report
3. p

   pams

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined on January 20, 2023

   overall3food2service5ambience5

   The Food wasn’t anything special. However the prices would indicate differently. The $32 cob salad didn’t even have any avocado in it. The area is lovely, the service was terrific!

   Report
4. Z

   Zebra

   Los Angeles

   23 reviews

   vip
   3.0

   23 reviews

   Dined on January 1, 2023

   overall3food4service5ambience1

   Our server, Stanley was courteous, attentive, and professional. This restaurant/holiday celebration did not meet the expectations we have come to rely on of Bacara/Ritz Carlton. Thank you, Stanley and the sommelier for making up for the shortcomings! Thank you.

   Report
5. g

   guachogirl

   San Francisco

   4 reviews

   vip
   2.0

   4 reviews

   Dined on December 31, 2022

   overall2food3service2ambience2

   This restaurant is not up to The Ritz C standards- at least the evening we were there. The service was off - she was very clearly a new waitress. Felt sorry for her as she had no idea what to do- at all. Food was average. We had breakfast here a few days before and breakfast was very good.

   Report
6. MF

   MelanieF

   Orange County

   4 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   4 reviews

   Dined on December 29, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Fabulous evening and dining experience! Service was A+++++++

   Report
7. AH

   AlexH

   San Francisco

   9 reviews

   vip
   2.0

   9 reviews

   Dined on December 28, 2022

   overall2food1service4ambience3

   One of the worst meals I have had in a while. The chicken piccata was cold and chewy and the pasta over cooked. We waited 45 minutes after our reservation to be seated although once seated the waitress was awesome. Overall a pretty sad experience.

   Report
8. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   San Francisco

   5 reviews

   vip
   1.0

   5 reviews

   Dined on December 28, 2022

   overall1food1service1ambience1

   Poor service. Food was average at best. Disappointing for a Ritz restaurant.

   Report
9. S

   Sundaydining

   New York Area

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined on December 28, 2022

   overall3food2service2ambience4

   Despite the sweetness of the staff Bistro falls very, very short. -Never checked on additional drinks -Had a wrong order for us, which was ordered after much conversation- had to send back 2 times. Waiter confused grilled chicken w/ roast chicken. Very frustrating -Not at all worth the price, unfortunately

   Report
10. F

    Foodiemum

    Anchorage

    18 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on December 27, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience4

    Mediocre food, friendly but truly incompetent and slow service, extremely expensive…. For example I ordered a kale salad and got a pile of elderly romaine instead. When I asked if I was served the wrong salad I was told no, that it was kale but just chopped up. What??? The server acknowledged that this wasn’t true but this was what she was told by the chef. My husband’s food was a pile of undressed pasta and a side of soggy chicken cutlets, while my daughter had a salad truly drowned in dressing. We waited for an hour to get our food and the bill was nearly $200 with (the much-needed) wine. Ugh.

    Report
11. CC

    CaronC

    San Diego

    6 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on December 26, 2022

    overall2food4service1ambience4

    Service was almost nonexistent. Had to request server come to table, had to request water. Tables on both sides of us were seated after us and they were served water and food immediately. They finished before we even received our food. Towards the end of our meal, there was another disruption, as our waiter turned our table over to another waiter. Then, the manager delivered the bill. We noticed the waiter had overcharged us for the wine. The Manager corrected the bill and charged the VISA. However, she forgot to return the VISA card. We didn’t catch the missing card until we were 20 miles away. Called the restaurant 4 times, but repeatedly received voicemail. Finally, we decided to return to the Bistro, had to park with valet and get a Bellman to drive us to the restaurant. The VISA was there! We will never go back. It was not a good experience.

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12. HM

    HakiMuku

    Central Coast

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on December 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Was the Holiday Buffet. Expensive but good choice and premium items to chose from

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13. RW

    RalphW

    Phoenix

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The buffet was terrific, quality of the food was exceptional. Great patio and the weather was excellent. Would go back if we are ever in the area again.

    Report
14. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Simply can’t beat the Bistro for brunch or a holiday buffet. The weather was beautiful and a stunning view. Amazing staff and service. Great value for the price!

    Report
15. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Excellent service. Attentive to dietary restrictions (clearly labeled) and willing to modify. Great ocean view. Close to nature preserve. Can hear waves, birds, etc. Nice place for a special occasion or if you can afford a higher end meal. All food prepared fresh and you can taste the difference. Staff goes out of their way to make the experience special and memorable. Been here a couple times and each time makes me eager to come back with others. Good for a quiet date or big group of friends/family. You can take advantage of the people mover shuttles to be driven around the property for free, if mobility is an issue, or if you don’t feel like walking up and down the steep incline to/from the lobby (even if you’re not staying at the hotel). Would highly recommend. If you can afford a slightly higher price and value service and being immersed in nature, then it’s worth it.

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16. C

    Cvvv

    San Diego

    23 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on December 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Dinner was fabulous and the service even more so. Thank you to Lorelei our server who made the night fun and entertaining . Food was delicious and drink recommendations on point

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17. AB

    AprilB

    Hawaii

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 6, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food was great. The location was beautiful. The service was perfection!

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18. Z

    Zadine

    New York Area

    11 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2022

    overall3food3service4ambience4

    It was a price fix Thanksgiving dinner. The price was expensive even by hotel standards and given the food selection. No bread! What?! No apple pie! What!? A few basics they could have offered to at least give the impression they were providing something traditional and resembling dinner. Unfortunately given the holiday options were extremely limited for vacationers.

    Report
19. BJ

    BonnieJ

    Birmingham

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food, relaxed atmosphere, friendly efficient service, beautiful setting.

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20. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Central Coast

    19 reviews

    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We had a wonderful dinner at The Bistro. Our experience started with a very friendly and attentive hostess who greeted us, sat us and offered to get us anything before our server came over. Our server greeted us immediately and was very accommodating and friendly throughout our dining experience. The food was delicious and portions were generous. We very much enjoyed our dining experience!

    Report
21. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Central Coast

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 31, 2022

    overall3food3service5ambience5

    Lovely location service was excellent but lunch menu’s is not exiting We ordered Pizza, King Salmon & pasta. Everything things is good but Pasta is bland not worth for $24.

    Report
22. SW

    SusanW

    Washington DC

    13 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on October 30, 2022

    overall2food4service1ambience4

    We found it odd that a restaurant that has a sommelier lacks any training program for its service staff. Everyone there was friendly and eager to please but no one knew what they were doing. I don’t blame this on the servers. This goes to the top, to the VP of food and beverage. There is no protocol to follow for the staff. This was not a problem of understaffing. You could tell that there was busing staff, servers, a front end manager. Again, no one was rude or distant or anything but friendly. I would be thrilled to have a staff like that. Kudos to HR for hiring. Demerits to management for the lack of training. I expect much more from a Ritz.

    Report
23. CD

    CarlosD

    Los Angeles

    148 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    148 reviews

    Dined on October 23, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The Bistro is such a beating and peaceful place with great food options and drinks. Today I enjoyed their salmon, it was delicious

    Report
24. CC

    ChristianC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 23, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great views, atmosphere, and friendly servers. The foot was excellent! Flavors were fresh and really complement each other.

    Report
25. RC

    RobertC

    New Orleans

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 18, 2022

    overall2food2service2ambience4

    Service…..very nice people….not professional….need a serious training. Food…..needs …..a real chef in the kitchen…..better ingredients….some refinement….

    Report
26. y

    yuef

    San Francisco

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 8, 2022

    overall4food4service3ambience5

    A bit pricey for the food but the view is amazing!

    Report
27. CO

    ChristinaO

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    GREAT SERVICE! GREAT FOOD! We stay at The Ritz Carlton Bacara often and the service never disappoints!

    Report
28. R

    giulianaR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    It was so pleasant. Everything you may expect at the Ritz. We enjoyed ourselves completely. I look forward to visiting again soon. It is really an experience, being a local in Santa Barbara, I believe this is my favorite Spot. You will see me and my friends again soon. Thank you.

    Report
29. MB

    MistyB

    Exclusive

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Griffin was a fantastic server. One of the best we’ve ever had. Our food was delicious and the atmosphere was calm and beautiful. Will definitely go back!

    Report
30. m

    magnum

    Los Angeles

    34 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on September 18, 2022

    overall1food4service1ambience4

    The location is beautiful the weather was great. Unfortunately our dinner was horrible due to the lack of service and our server Luis. HE WAS TERRIBLE! No one refilled our waters to a point where we had to go and get the water ourselves. We asked for a sharing plates and our food got cold waiting for them. Food is decent but the lack of service is beyond I’ve ever experienced

    Report
31. D

    Delighted

    Los Angeles

    33 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    33 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    This was an unexpected fantastic dinner. We came for the weekend to the Ritz Carlton for a special Saturday night chef dinner. We decided we would grab dinner at the Bistro to be convenient. The dinner was delicious! We were completely caught off guard. The corn chowder, fresh and even crunchy with kernels of corn. The frisée arugula salad with lemon and Parmesan, was Perfectly dressed and so good! We split the Cioppino, it was the best weever had! Fresh with a very very good broth. Which made it convenient with the hearty bread we were served. The polenta was creamy and white, again the best we ever had! Finished off with warm apple tart and caramel ice cream. One of the best meals ever. The Chef Adrian was passionate and John ,our server, was excellent! Tonight we go to a private chef dinner and we hope it is half as good!

    Report
32. RR

    RoxaRoxa

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Wonderful way to start a week in SB! Sunset dinner! You won't wanna miss this!

    Report
33. KM

    KarthikM

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 11, 2022

    overall4food4service3ambience5

    It’s an upscale place where the top of the crop visit. We were not dressed like the celebs. Valet and reception were exceptionally courteous and professional. The Bistro hostess was good. Our waiter was rather snappy and judgmental. When we asked him for the bread that was missing for the dip, he goes “is there anything else you want me to get while I am here ?” Implying.. don’t flag me down anymore. The food was great, ambiance.. exceptional and we still managed to have a good time.

    Report
34. NA

    NatalieA

    Los Angeles

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience4

    The mussels were amazing!!

    Report
35. SV

    ShaunaV

    Los Angeles

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2022

    overall5food2service4ambience5

    Getting to the Bistro is a major hassle, but they have a golf cart service to take you there. The setting is beautiful. The food could be better they are trying too hard to be a California cuisine gourmet, and it does not work. i ordered the pasta that had way too much garlic and was super oily.

    Report
36. SG

    SandyG

    Denver

    99 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    99 reviews

    Dined on August 20, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience5

    Beautiful location with ocean views and patio heaters. Wonderful staff, especially sommelier, who helped us choose a very nice, and AFFORDABLE, bottle. Only problem was limited menu and huge portions. Rather than share I would prefer single portion size and lower price. Pasta $36 and half goes to waste.

    Report
37. B

    ruthB

    Central Coast

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The Bistro has maintained itself, despite pandemic, and other challenges. A special place.

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38. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 14, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience5

    Family vacation

    Report
39. RR

    RobertR

    Los Angeles

    25 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on August 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    An absolute must if in the Santa Barbara area. You don’t need to be a guest of the Ritz Carlton to enjoy the dining experience. Walk the grounds of an amazing resort for the rich and famous.

    Report
40. L

    Libby

    Central Coast

    21 reviews

    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5

    Four of us went to the Bistro for a birthday celebration. From the moment we arrived to when we left everyone was gracious, polite, friendly and helpful including the valet, the shuttle driver, the servers and the hostess. The food is delicious. The portion size is huge. We ended up taking to go boxes home. The have a side dish of bacon that you must order. It comes with a ton of bacon and it is crispy and delicious. More than enough to share for four people. Two of us ordered paninis and two ordered the pasta dish. Both got rave reviews. The only teensy criticism I could give is that they could have filled our water glasses more often. In fact I don't think they ever refilled them at all after the delivery.

    Report