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Stella Mare's, Santa Barbara, CA
Stella Mare's, Santa Barbara, CA
Stella Mare's, Santa Barbara, CA
Stella Mare's, Santa Barbara, CA
Stella Mare's, Santa Barbara, CA

Stella Mare's

4.8
4.8
2033 Reviews
$31 to $50
French
French country bistro...Between Montecito and Santa Barbara, Stella Mare's Bistro is located in a historic Victorian home overlooking the Bird Refuge. French country cuisine rules the menu, with dishes like coq au vin, cassoulet, and moules frites. Sip seasonal cocktails amid cozy décor -- all the right ingredients for a great dining experience. Bon appétit!

When requesting the greenhouse please note that is considered indoor dining.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 18 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    French, American
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Tue–Fri 12:00 pm–2:00 pm Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (805) 969-6705
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive chef
    Roth Ironside
  • Catering
    Stella Mare’s Restaurant is host to rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions, anniversaries, birthdays, and holiday celebrations, as well as corporate luncheons and dinners. We accommodate private parties of 10 to 130 guests.
  • Private party facilities
    The Private Dining Room An intimate room filled with unique artwork and antiques with windows overlooking the historic bird refuge. Minimum for reservation: 8 Maximum capacity: 14 The Ocean Room and Terrace A beautiful, private room opening onto an outdoor terrace, perfect for socializing with friends during a cocktail hour. Minimum for exclusive reservation: 20 Maximum capacity: 30 The Greenhouse This spectacular glass enclosed room creates the perfect romantic ambiance for any event with its custom built bar, fireplace, cozy couches, and views of the bird refuge. Minimum for exclusive reservation: 30 Maximum capacity: 50
  • Private party contact
    Bonnie Wasson: (805) 969-3415
  • Neighborhood
    Santa Barbara
  • Cross street
    Cabrillo
  • Parking details
    Our private parking lot is adjacent to the Greenhouse side of the restaurant and wraps around the building next door. We also have parking directly in front, as well as street parking in front and across the street from the restaurant.
  • Public transit
    Bus stop at the corner of Cabrillo blvd and Los Patos way (our street).
  • Entertainment
    Live Jazz on Wednesday nights, in the greenhouse by the fire.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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What 2,033 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.6Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • California Central Coast

    Great for brunch

  • California Central Coast

    Good for groups

  • California Central Coast

    Good for special occasions

  • Santa Barbara

    Best Overall

  • Santa Barbara

    Best Service

  • Santa Barbara

    Best Ambiance

  • Santa Barbara

    Best Value

  • Santa Barbara

    Great for brunch

  • Santa Barbara

    Good for business meals

  • Santa Barbara

    Good for groups

  • Santa Barbara

    Romantic

  • Santa Barbara

    Good for special occasions

2,033 Reviews
  1. ReneeF

    Los Angeles

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I was on a solo birthday weekend trip, and, based upon recommendations from friends, chose Stella Mare for my actual birthday dinner. The restaurant space is charming, with several smaller rooms, which really helps the acoustics, And I was greeted and seated immediately. When I mentioned that it was my birthday, a couple nearby invited me to join them at their table, and we had a lively conversation all evening. Service was attentive without being in any way intrusive. I had the carrot salad, the salmon, a glass of Voognier, and was brought a piece of flourless chocolate cake as a birthday dessert - all delicious! It was truly a special occasion!

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  2. TBaylog

    San Francisco

    43 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    43 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    A beautifully decorated and charming spot. Excellent menu with many choices at fair prices. Terri's service. $25 corkage.

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  3. Mel805

    Central Coast

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was the best meal I’ve ever had. My husband and I had the cleanest plates after dinner and dessert. He got the grilled salmon with potatoe puree in a buerre blanc sauce. I got the Coq Au Vin and just wow. Ambiance is romantic. We loved the music and the fireplace in the greenhouse. I recommend going at sunset. Can’t wait to go back and try more on the menu!

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  4. GaryF

    Los Angeles

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Superb French cuisine. Best my wife and I have had since Paris

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  5. PAULAI

    Central Coast

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a wonderful birthday surprise luncheon in the private dining room, and everything was delightful… The delicious food, the ambience, and the service all made the event a total success. Thank you!

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  6. Jaye

    Sacramento

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall4food2service5ambience5
    Thanksgiving "special prix fixe" menu. Lovely setting, but it was obviously low taste banquet food catered from some place off site. Not up to their usual sensibilities at all. So for the price, this was very low value to sit in a very pretty dining room and not have to do the dishes. Go to Stella Mares for their regular menu. But stay away on Thanksgiving. They really should have done better than this for the traditional turkey options. Even vastly improving the gravy would have helped and maybe even poured it on the mashed potatoes too, or served it as a side? But since it was so flavorless and obviously never got near a real turkey, there was no reason to ask for more. Sentimental Thanksgiving tastebuds definitely not tweaked by our traditional plate choices, but everything else was just lovely.

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  7. CathyP

    Las Vegas

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Francisco was an excellent server and the food was delicious.

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  8. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Thanksgiving dinner for ten people. They were very accommodating, and the food was delicious. Made for a very easy and enjoyable Thanksgiving.

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  9. AnnP

    Central Coast

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Excellent dinner. We love to go there on Thanksgiving.

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  10. AnabelleM

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience5
    Service was great. Ambience was rustic and quaint. Very relaxing and not too loud. Dinner selection was good but the lamb shank was bland. The polenta that accompanied it was also bland. The dessert was amazing. The chocolate tart was rich and flavorful. I would like to try something different next time

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  11. Sally

    Los Angeles

    18 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    overall5food5service3ambience3
    Food was great. We couldn’t sit in the atrium room due to a large party. The restaurant Was very loud and the service was slow due to the large party. Food was great as well as the cocktails. All said, I will come back again but hope to be seated in the atrium patio area.

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  12. OpenTable Diner

    Central Coast

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I had the scallops in puff pastry with greens. So yummy.

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  13. AerieMac

    Central Coast

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 16, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience5
    Great prices for excellent food. Really enjoyed having something other than the same boring dessert choices everywhere else offers, so ordered two and they were both fantastic.

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  14. RobertB

    Central Coast

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 16, 2023

    overall5food5service3ambience5
    Over the years Stella Mare has consistently beed a go to place for me to entertain guests. Food is excellent as is atmosphere. robert benham

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  15. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Stella Mare was an amazing experience. From the food to the drinks, the service and ambiance, it was all professional and with excellent attention to detail, such as not a wrinkle on the tablecloth and the butter being textured. The New York steak was cooked to Medium-Rare perfection, and went really well with the Cognac Peppercorn sauce, the Ratatouille, and the Potato Purée. The Sole was impeccably complimented by the Sautéed Spinach, Confit Cherry Tomatoes, and contrasted with Al Dente Potatoes. We sat in the greenhouse which had a cozy fire roaring on that chilly night. Will dine here again!

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  16. lrpw

    Los Angeles

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Perfect evening! The food, the ambiance, the service.

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  17. GregH

    Central Coast

    6 reviews

    2.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall2food1service3ambience4
    Nowhere as good as it used to be. We used to love this place, but this time the classic French dishes we ordered were very disappointing, nothing like the real thing. Instead of “low-and-slow” cooking to concentrate the flavors, it appeared that inferior ingredients had been carelessly prepared and clumsily overcooked, resulting in dishes that were almost flavorless. Nice surroundings and attentive service cannot make up for inferior food.

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  18. AnnT

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    This is a lovely restaurant in so many ways. Great food. A unique and charming location, attentive staff. We loved it and will be back again soon!

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  19. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Gorgeous French Country cuisine experience. A must go!

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  20. zacker

    Central Coast

    24 reviews

    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious meal!!!!service a 10. Quiet and charming atmosphere.

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  21. CarolineC

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful food and attentive service. My family was delighted

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  22. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our waiter was patient with our large group of 7, the food came out together and was delish !

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  23. traceyc

    Orange County

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This place hits every single mark!!! The food is absolutely out of this world. My brother, who is a chef and doesn't like to go out to eat because he can make better food at home, was floored by the quality of the food!! I had the duck confit and french toast.....amazing!!! The atmosphere and ambiance are on point!! Do yourself a favor and eat here!!!

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  24. cjs1

    Orange County

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is the perfect place to celebrate a family milestone!

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  25. StaceyW

    Central Coast

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It's always delicious at Stella Mare's and the the setting is beautiful.

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  26. JuanM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Went there for my birthday and it was great! food, service and atmosphere was just as amazing! 10/10 would recommend, p.s. if you want an amazing server id ask for Francisco, He's the best server there is!

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  27. Froggy

    Central Coast

    29 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    29 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved our private room for 8, & our server Carol was very efficient & able to get us to our concert on time. The food was beautifully presented & excellent. We want to come back!

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  28. DANIELU

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of our favorite restaurants in Santa Barbara. The food is always outstanding, and the service and atmosphere excellent.

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  29. MikeL

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Everything was awesome as my wife and I were celebrating our 7th anniversary having had our post wedding party at Stella Mares in a private room for a group of 20- We mentioned it to our server and other than a word of "congrats" she never mentioned it again as she visited our table multiple times. It would've been a nice gesture had she provided a small little dessert as a way of saying, "thank you for coming back to Stella's and congrats again!" My wife and I have been frequent diners throughout the years and have experienced servers who know what just a little extra "service" can do for the betterment of all! We still love the restaurant and the food just some constructive criticism to boot!

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  30. DanaN

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 3, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience5
    Our server and ambiance was excellent. I had ordered a Filet medium. What I received was perhaps a NY or other cut, not sure. Wife’s choice was Salmon that came dry. Even though we love Stella Mare, food was off this date!

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  31. Russ

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Overall best french menu in Santa Barbara by far.

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  32. DawneT

    Central Coast

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on November 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Stella’s is a lovely place for a special occasion, we were celebrating our 24 th anniversary and my birthday 🥰 the only thing that ruined our night was they sat 2 moms with their kids right next to us and one of the girls was a brat- climbing on and off the chair running around yelling 😩it killed the whole atmosphere. We only eat out like this one a year , it was very disappointing to have that happen, seriously people- pleasers control your children or get a sitter

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  33. MarcS

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of my best experience. Food and service were excellent

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  34. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent brunch in the beautiful greenhouse. The service was great and our guests were very impressed.

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  35. BeatriceM

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What an exquisite experience we had!!! The restaurant is beautifully decorated, the atmosphere is cozy, the food delicious and the staff is so friendly. Do not miss this opportunity to make great memories with family or friends. We will be back!!!

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  36. OpenTable Diner

    Palm Springs

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My favorite dining spot in Santa Barbara! Great food and beautiful setting

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  37. doctor

    Los Angeles

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our favorite, all occasion restaurant. Kudos to Carol Thanks for asking!

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  38. JaneL

    London

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food…lovely atmosphere wonderful service. All you could ask for

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  39. ThomasK

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    A lovely evening with good food and service. Our only complaint was minor but worth mentioning. The table water tasted bitter as though it had a touch of bleach or dishwashing liquid still in it.

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  40. PattySB

    Los Angeles

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on October 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We have been to Stella Mare's many times, mostly for special occasions, and always as for the Garden Room. Last night was for my mother's 92nd birthday. Everything was delicious, we especially enjoy their French Onion Soup! Thank you SM for another nice evening.

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Contactless payment available
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff is vaccinated

FAQs

Stella Mare's offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (805) 969-6705.

Stella Mare's is rated 4.8 stars by 2033 OpenTable diners.

Stella Mare's does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 18 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Stella Mare's

50 Los Patos Way, Santa Barbara, CA 93108

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Cabrillo
  • Neighborhood
    Santa Barbara
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Tue–Fri 12:00 pm–2:00 pm Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    French, American
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Our private parking lot is adjacent to the Greenhouse side of the restaurant and wraps around the building next door. We also have parking directly in front, as well as street parking in front and across the street from the restaurant.
  • Public transit
    Bus stop at the corner of Cabrillo blvd and Los Patos way (our street).
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Roth Ironside
  • Entertainment
    Live Jazz on Wednesday nights, in the greenhouse by the fire.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (805) 969-6705
  • Catering
    Stella Mare’s Restaurant is host to rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions, anniversaries, birthdays, and holiday celebrations, as well as corporate luncheons and dinners. We accommodate private parties of 10 to 130 guests.
  • Private party facilities
    The Private Dining Room An intimate room filled with unique artwork and antiques with windows overlooking the historic bird refuge. Minimum for reservation: 8 Maximum capacity: 14 The Ocean Room and Terrace A beautiful, private room opening onto an outdoor terrace, perfect for socializing with friends during a cocktail hour. Minimum for exclusive reservation: 20 Maximum capacity: 30 The Greenhouse This spectacular glass enclosed room creates the perfect romantic ambiance for any event with its custom built bar, fireplace, cozy couches, and views of the bird refuge. Minimum for exclusive reservation: 30 Maximum capacity: 50
  • Private party contact
    Bonnie Wasson: (805) 969-3415
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