Coast Village Road is a sophisticated stretch of Montecito, home to many revered restaurants, from fast-casual eateries and bright cafés to Michelin-recommended hot-spots and fine dining restaurants in opulent settings. All within walking distance, the restaurants that populate this delectable path tout exceptional service and creative menus highlighting locally sourced ingredients, making it a popular destination for both locals and visitors seeking a memorable dining experience.
Fresh salads, hearty legume-based plates and warm, wholesome entrées are on the menu at Merci Montecito. The modern-meets-coastal-chic space is perfect for an afternoon spent digging into a bowl of zesty gigante beans or perhaps a sweet treat like a slice of cake or a warm, homemade chocolate chip cookie.
As the city’s only all-gluten free restaurant and bakery, Lilac Pâtisserie ranks as USA Today’s “10 Best Artisanal Bakeries” in North America. The Montecito location is the restaurant’s second, offering extensive breakfast and lunch menus featuring dishes like quiches, omelets, sandwiches and salads.
This Michelin-recommended omakase restaurant inside Montecito Inn is a bucket list dining experience in more ways than one: It was created by chef-owners and husband and wife duo Phillip Frankland Lee (a contestant from “Top Chef,” “Chopped” and others) and the intimate 10-person sushi bar offers three seatings per evening, where you’ll indulge in a 17-course meal, tasting delicacies like local uni, A5 wagyu beef, sturgeon caviar and more.
Specializing in brunch and lunch delicacies in an intimate and bright bistro setting, Renaud’s short-but-oh-so-sweet menu brings a taste of France to Montecito with mouthwatering options like pain bagnat, croque monsieur, savory sandwiches and farm-fresh salads.
Local Montecito is the perfect place to spend a sunny morning indulging in bottomless mimosas, a leisurely afternoon sipping margaritas or a brisk evening by the fire with a bottle of wine. Lounge in the ample outdoor seating area or kick back by the bar and enjoy bites ranging from chilaquiles to local rockfish tacos to steak frites.
One of four locations in the Santa Barbara South Coast, Ca’Dario on Coast Village Road offers authentic Northern Italian food and a long list of regional wines that are sure to transport you to the tranquil shores of Sicily or the lush hills of Tuscany. Dig your fork into classic dishes like linguinette alla vongole (pasta with fresh clams) or opt for the daily pasta special.
Founded by Paris-trained pastry chefs (and husband and wife duo) Nelly and Pierre, Bree’Osh is a European brunch- and lunch-lover’s haven. The café’s menu features items such as croque-madame and an assortment of tartines to choose from, in addition to the bakery side’s artisanal pastries like its signature, buttery brioche buns and flakey croissants.
The warm, elevated yet familiar-feeling ambiance of this Italian eatery brings simple, farm-grown ingredients and delicious spritzes to the table. Tucked away in Montecito Country Mart, Bettina boasts both lunch and dinner menus that feature everything from unique wood-fired pizza combinations (think: trumpet mushrooms and roasted carrots) to warm and comforting antipasti dishes like cacio e pepe arancini and whipped ricotta.
Fondly described as “Montecito’s second living room,” Lucky’s exudes fine dining from the moment you step foot through the door, touting an intimate dining room with a moody fireplace. The steakhouse, known for its prime cuts and specialty steaks, is an excellent choice for a celebratory meal or a romantic date night.
Brunch like you mean it under the iconic pink umbrellas at the original Jeannine’s, a local institution known for its first-come, first serve dining experience and delicious menu options. If you prefer a savory breakfast, the restaurant is famous for its classic breakfast burrito. For a sweet treat, go for the banana Kahlua French toast. Jeannine’s also boasts a lunch menu with a variety of sandwiches and salads.
On the corner of Coast Village Road and Coast Village Circle, you’ll find a cozy atmosphere complemented by craft cocktails and elevated American fare at local favorite The Honor Bar. Keep it light with your pick from its salad menu, indulge in the tried-and-true Honor Burger or opt for a filling entrée like the roasted salmon or prime center-cut filet.
A hidden gem in Montecito Country Mart, Sakana Sushi Bar is a must-try for fresh, creative rolls and authentic Japanese cuisine. Using flavorful ingredients like juicy mango, truffle soy and a variety of fresh fish and shellfish like yellowtail and crab for more specialty rolls, Sakana also keeps it simple with a menu of traditional, no-frills combos.
Tre Lune is a classic Italian restaurant that boasts a long list of pastas meant to soothe the soul. From a hearty lasagna dish to creamy mushroom rigatoni, the quality of these farm-fresh ingredients won’t go unnoticed. Tre Lune is also open for breakfast, offering simple yet delicious Italian specialties like prosciutto, melon and toasted ciabatta and uova alla toscana (two eggs baked with parmesan and aromatics).
