Roy

Name: Roy
Address: 7 W. Carrillo St., Santa Barbara, CA, United States, 93101
Telephone: (805) 966-5636
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.5

4.5

358 Reviews

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Top Tags:

In business for more than 30 years, Roy is a bistro-style, Americana restaurant with a frequently changing, handwritten menu. We strive to serve unpretentious cuisine of the highest quality. We use mostly certified organic produce from the local Santa Barbara Farmers Market, free range chicken and Harris Ranch hormone free beef. We bake our own bread, hand roll our pastas and make all of our desserts in house. Our ambiance is retro moderne California casual, and we have rotating art shows that run for a month and a half at a time. Live music once in a while. Full bar all the time.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Aug 19, 2022

7:00 PM

Booked 62 times today

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Contemporary American, Comfort Food
Hours of operation
Dinner Tue–Sun 6:00 pm–11:00 pm
Phone number
(805) 966-5636
Website
http://www.restaurantroy.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Roy Gandy
Private party facilities
Private dining room for up to 20 people with no room charge.
Private party contact
Roy Gandy: (805) 966-5636

Location
7 W. Carrillo St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Neighborhood
Santa Barbara
Cross street
State St.
Parking details
Street Parking
Entertainment
Different styles of music.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

68 Monterey Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Popular dishes

Soup du Jour
- Bowl$7.50
Starter Salad$6.50
This is a small plate of mixed organic Santa Barbara Farmer's Market greens tossed with our house-made dijon vinaigrette
House Salad$12.00
This is a larger version of the starter salad with feta cheese, cucumber, bell pepper, Belgian endive, radicchio, fresh herbs and tomato
- Add Grilled Chicken Breast$25.00
- Add Grilled Salmon$29.00
Caprese Salad$17.50
with fresh sliced tomato, balsamic reduction, fresh buffalo mozzarella cheese, basil, olive oil, sea salt and fresh cracked pepper
Spinach Salad$16.50
with roasted beet, goat cheese, radicchio and toasted pine nuts tossed with sesame dressing
Cheese Board$17.50
with French brie, Cahill's porter cheddar, Red Dragon English cheddar, dried fig, sliced apple and crackers
Sautéed Crab Cakes$17.50
served with grilled asparagus, roasted red bell pepper sauce and cilantro mayonnaise
Chicken Wings, Buffalo Style$15.00
Go Bills!!! One dozen wings tossed with Franks Hot Sauce. Served with celery sticks, carrot sticks and blue cheese dressing (ranch dressing is not available). The wings are prepared to medium heat but can be spiced up if you like
Fish & Chips$17.00
local halibut and hand cut French fries served with tartar sauce and lemon
Four Potato Cakes$7.50
with sour cream and fresh herbs
Hand Cut French Fries$7.50
Seasonal Vegetables$7.50

Special

Grilled Pork Tenderloin$24.00
with caramelized apple, port wine, seasonal vegetable and potato
Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon$38.00
grilled to medium-rare, served with demi-glace sauce, herbed compound butter, potato cakes with sour cream and seasonal vegetable
Classic Chicken Marsala$23.00
with fresh sliced mushroom, marsala wine and cream, served with potato cakes and seasonal vegetable
Handmade 3-Cheese Ravioli$20.00
(ricotta, Parmesan and mozzarella) served with fresh tomato marinara and basil
Handmade Pasta with Chicken Breast$23.00
sautéed pasilla chile, garlic, cilantro, jalapeño sauce, Parmesan cheese and a splash of cream
Handmade Pasta with Meatballs$24.00
(the meatballs are made with filet mignon), topped with fresh tomato marinara, Parmesan cheese and basil
Handmade Pasta with Seafood$30.00
diver scallop, jumbo wild-caught Mexican prawns and fresh fish, sautéed together in olive oil, with white wine, garlic, Kalamata olives, lemon, fresh tomato and herbs (can be made with cream in place of olive oil)
Vegan Platter$23.00
a starter salad, four sautéed potato cakes and a side of seasonal vegetables (sour cream and Parmesan may be added)
Organic Scottish Salmon Sauté$27.00
piccata style with lemon, capers, white wine and cream, served with potato cakes and seasonal vegetable

Desserts

Flourless Chocolate Torte
with fresh whipped cream and strawberry sauce
Crème Brulee
Chocolate Mousse
with fresh whipped cream, (the chocolate mousse contains uncooked egg white); not available for carry out

What 358 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5

4.5 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.4Service
4.2Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Sort by

Filters

DL
DLSLES
Sacramento
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on August 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Reliable local place for meals and cocktails. It serves much later than other places and has spared us from going to bed hungry after a late flight arrivals. We've always been happy with the qualiity of the food and cocktails.
m
morgankk713
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 6, 2022
overall5food5service3ambience4
The service was slow when we entered on a late Friday night but I will say that it was very much worth the wait. The meatballs may have been the best we have tasted and easily finished our plates. Would recommend - just leave your hangry pregnant sister at home.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 17, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
We were the first seating when they opened so service was slow as they prepped for opening. Nice servers, drinks were good. We had the salmon and chicken with pasta. Enjoyed both dishes .
OT
OpenTable Diner
Central Coast
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fish & chips really good!
AS
AntoinetteS
San Francisco
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on July 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing experience with excellent service and 5-star food!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on May 23, 2022
overall1food1service1ambience2
The food was literally inedible. I got the pasta w/ seafood and it was drenched in alcohol. Watery and inedible. I didn’t even eat it. You couldn’t pay me to go back.
CB
CeciliaB
Central Coast
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on May 21, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
A hidden jewel! The food and service are fantastic! We've tried the seafood pasta, chicken marsala, & Pacific seabass and they have been outstanding.
OE
OleE
Los Angeles
69 reviews
vip
3.0
69 reviews
Dined on May 6, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience3
Honestly a little disappointing; the ambiance was trying for cool but missed, and the food was described more flavorable than it was; everything a bit bland and weak.
CB
CeciliaB
Central Coast
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on May 2, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
The food and the service were fantastic. Great seafood pasta. Lots of flavor.
MM
MelindaM
Los Angeles
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on April 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent ambience and excellent food! Loved the fact that Roy the owner came to check on us. One of our favorite restaurants in Santa Barbara!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Truly enjoyed our server, the food, the art and the vibe. Next time in SB it's a must visit!♡☆☆☆☆☆
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best server I ever had
KW
KimberlyW
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on February 15, 2022
overall4food4service3ambience4
We have been to Roy many times. The food is always very good, but the service seems to be going downhill. Our waiter was ok, could have been more attentive, especially since it wasn't very busy.
T
Tennischick
Central Coast
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 4, 2022
overall4food3service4ambience4
The pasta was tasty yet cold and not so plentiful.
SB
SamB
Central Coast
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on January 1, 2022
overall1food2service1ambience4
Epic fail. They ignored us when we walked in, we had to work get their attention to be seated. It took a long time to put in a drink order. It then took 45 minutes to get our drinks and ultimately had to go up to the bar and ask for our drinks. We had to work extra hard to get our food order in. At about an hour in we realized we’d likely not be served for a loooooooong time if ever. One waitress for the whole place who was doing the best she could. Bartender was nearly useless. There was no busboy, and of course only one cook, Roy. Bread tasted pretty good. I had always heard the food was really good so I had been looking forward to trying Roy’s dishes. Alas however, we realized it would be complete self abuse to continue to sit there any longer on New Years Eve. Luckily we recalled that the Crocodile was open, so we got the heck out of dodge, and went and had a wonderful New Year’s Eve dinner over there. After reading other reviews we see others have been having similar nightmare experiences. Maybe they’re trying to get themselves out of business? Who knows? Ultimately we laughed about the whole thing. It was such an epic fail that is was humorous; like something out of an old Carol Burnett skit. Only go if you want to be tortured. 😆
MW
MikeW
San Diego
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 1, 2022
overall2food3service1ambience2
Granted it was new years eve, but the service was ridiculously slow. Food was mediocre and over priced. Place had a sick, sweet bar smell.
OT
OpenTable Diner
London
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on December 26, 2021
overall2food2service2ambience2
We zaten al 3 kwartier voordat iemand drinken en bestelling kwam opnemen. Weer een half uur later werd er verteld dat 1 van de bestellingen moest worden aangepast omdat het op was. Uiteindelijk hadden we na bijna 2 uur wachten ons eten. Eten zelf viel tegen na de lovende recensies. Ik had zelf pasta met zeevruchten in witte wijn, maar deze was erg zuur. Al met al niet voor herhaling vatbaar.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Orange County
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on December 26, 2021
overall1food1service1ambience1
I made a reservation to dine here on Christmas day, and after arriving, they told me I would be unable to eat there because they were only seating larger parties. I never leave bad reviews, but this seems a bit monetarily focused for a service organization. Reservations do not hold at Roy’s so do not make any significant plans hinging on the dining experience.
AS
AmyS
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on December 26, 2021
overall3food3service3ambience5
We were here on a holiday and the service was extremely slow. The portions were small. They forgot part of our order.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Sacramento
16 reviews
2.0
16 reviews
Dined on December 26, 2021
overall2food4service1ambience4
It was unfortunate that the service was so very poor. It was an hour and a half before we received silverware and water, our drink order about an hour (simple order one-glass of wine and a bottle of beer) we noticed other tables were in a similar situation. Too bad as the food was pretty good. Unfortunate memory for a Christmas meal.
G
Grog
Central Coast
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on December 25, 2021
overall2food2service2ambience2
Not a great experience. Service was very slow. Food was rather bland and only slightly warm.
NR
NealR
Central Coast
1 review
vip
3.0
1 review
Dined on December 25, 2021
overall3food3service2ambience4
It took an exceptionally long time to get our drinks and food. The waitress was very pleasant but seemed preoccupied and we could not easily get her attention to ask for more water. The restaurant was barely half full that night so not sure why the extreme wait times. The 2 waitstaff and a bartender should have been adequate.
JJ
JuJu
New York Area
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on December 5, 2021
overall4food4service5ambience4
Long established local restaurant; popular with delicious food. Friendly and casual.
CP
ChristineP
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on November 26, 2021
overall4food5service3ambience5
Was great, only issue is that it was so busy and they were understaffed. Made for a long wait to order, but staff was nice and the food was pretty good.
KM
KatyMcCoy
Central Coast
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 26, 2021
overall1food3service1ambience2
We ate here on Thanksgiving Day. It was a disaster. They seemed like they were missing staff but the wait staff said they had brought in extra people. We arrived 5 minutes before the reservation and could not get the person's attention -she was shuffling something like receipts and ignored our presence. When we finally were seated, no one came to our table. I finally got up and ordered our drinks at the bar. After having wait staff pass by our table a number of times, we were finally able to speak to one. When the waitress came, she said she didn't know we were her table - but wait staff including her had been passing our table. The food was okay - at least it was warm but nothing special. Not enough dressing. The pumpkin pie had caramel sauce but it was cold - not crackly, just cold. It was weird. Very marginal experience.
TM
TerriM
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on November 26, 2021
overall3food3service1ambience4
We had a yummy Thanksgiving meal at Roy. Enjoyed the food, but because it was a holiday, bussing tables was a bit slow. Glad they were busy, and we had the time for a good conversation while we waited.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Nashville
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on November 25, 2021
overall5food5service3ambience3
Thanksgiving meal. Excellent food! Great price.
KZ
KelliZ
Central Coast
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 25, 2021
overall5food4service4ambience4
Food was Fabulous! Roy is very personable! Will be back
AS
AnnieS
Los Angeles
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 20, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love this place! One of Santa Barbara’s hidden gems!
BP
BillP
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on November 17, 2021
overall4food3service5ambience5
I had fish and chips. Fish was chewy. I’d rate it a B. The other dinners ordered by my group were very good, tho.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 14, 2021
overall5food5service3ambience3
Excellent, excellent food! Wait was well worth the meal, but the service is very sketchy.
C
Cherie
New England
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 5, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service!!! Amazing food. Cool vibe!
TR
ThumbsupROY
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 27, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
ROY is a long time unique local treasure! Roy IS a person and this is his restaurant with a great menu and many choices, local art and live music! Just the right size with bar, tables, and booths - all in one room with windows out to the street. Go to ROY - it will become a regular choice. It is a delight and a place you will run into friends!
A
Alittlefeedback
New York Area
7 reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on September 19, 2021
overall4food5service4ambience4
Food was excellent, Wait staff very friendly, kitchen was a little slow.. We will definitely return.
DM
DaveM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 31, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience4
Food was very good, with a large menu. Gluten free offerings were abundant
OT
OpenTable Diner
Central Coast
3 reviews
vip
1.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 14, 2021
overall1food1service1ambience2
We Sat for 20 minutes and weren’t acknowledged; therefore we got up a left; very disappointing.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Central Coast
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 11, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Roy is so amazing!
BF
BurkeF
Central Coast
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 27, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
I love going to Roy for dinner, for drinks, and music when they have it. Parking is a no-brainer too! And remember to say Hi to Roy himself.
MO
MOUSE
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on July 21, 2021
overall4food4service4ambience4
Good food in a nice setting, very pleasant. Will continue to recommend you.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Antonio
35 reviews
vip
5.0
35 reviews
Dined on July 20, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great find. Good food great location and neat artwork.

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
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

Roy is rated 4.5 stars by 358 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Aug 19, 2022

7:00 PM

Booked 62 times today

7 W. Carrillo St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Additional information

Cross street
State St.
Neighborhood
Santa Barbara
Hours of operation
Dinner Tue–Sun 6:00 pm–11:00 pm
Cuisines
Contemporary American, Comfort Food
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Street Parking
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Roy Gandy
Entertainment
Different styles of music.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.restaurantroy.com/
Phone number
(805) 966-5636
Private party facilities
Private dining room for up to 20 people with no room charge.
Private party contact
Roy Gandy: (805) 966-5636

Featured in

68 Monterey Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Roy

Make a reservation

Additional information

68 Monterey Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Classic Chicken Marsala

Grilled Pork Tenderloin

House Salad

Main

Soup du Jour

Starter Salad$6.50

House Salad$12.00

Caprese Salad$17.50

Spinach Salad$16.50

Cheese Board$17.50

Sautéed Crab Cakes$17.50

Chicken Wings, Buffalo Style$15.00

Fish & Chips$17.00

Four Potato Cakes$7.50

Hand Cut French Fries$7.50

Seasonal Vegetables$7.50

Special

Grilled Pork Tenderloin$24.00

Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon$38.00

Classic Chicken Marsala$23.00

Handmade 3-Cheese Ravioli$20.00

Handmade Pasta with Chicken Breast$23.00

Handmade Pasta with Meatballs$24.00

Handmade Pasta with Seafood$30.00

Vegan Platter$23.00

Organic Scottish Salmon Sauté$27.00

Desserts

Flourless Chocolate Torte

Crème Brulee

Chocolate Mousse

Overall ratings and reviews

Sort by

Filters

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

How is Roy restaurant rated?

Is Roy currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information

Featured in

68 Monterey Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day