Must-see restaurants in Santa Barbara Wine Country

  • Industrial Eats

    Santa Ynez Valley

    Hugely and justifiably popular locals' hangout, housed in an eclectically decorated warehouse on Buellton's coolest street. Pizzas have traditional to…

  • Succulent Café

    Santa Ynez Valley

    An inspired, if meat-centric, menu allows farm-fresh ingredients to speak for themselves at this family-owned gourmet cafe and market. For breakfast and…

  • First & Oak

    Santa Ynez Valley

    Rich, innovative small plates in an elegant but cozy setting make First & Oak Solvang's best dining experience. The menu changes with the seasons but you…

  • Cold Spring Tavern

    Santa Barbara Wine Country

    1860s stagecoach stop that’s still a popular watering hole. A rough-hewn plank floor connects a warren of dimly lit rooms decorated with an odd but…

  • Paula's Pancake House

    Santa Ynez Valley

    God Morgen! Start the day Danish-style with a warm welcome and a hearty breakfast in which, clue in the name, pancakes feature heavily – over 30 years…

  • Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Café

    Santa Ynez Valley

    This wine-country landmark (seen in the film Sideways) swirls up a casual-chic SoCal ambience with its wisteria-covered trellis entrance. The food is bold…

  • Root 246

    Santa Ynez Valley

    Next to Hotel Corque, chef Bradley Ogden's creative farm-to-table cuisine shows an artful touch. It’s hard to beat the chicken and steaks, or come for the…

  • Hitching Post II

    Santa Ynez Valley

    As seen in the movie Sideways, this dark-paneled chophouse offers oak-grilled steaks, pork ribs, smoked duck breast and rack of lamb. Every old-school…

  • Aly's

    Santa Ynez Valley

    Fine cuisine isn't usually associated with Solvang, but Aly's meat- and fish-focused dishes hit the mark. The low-lit, simply furnished dining room…

  • Solvang Restaurant

    Santa Ynez Valley

    Duck around the Danish-inscribed beams with decorative borders to order aebleskivers – round pancake popovers covered in powdered sugar and raspberry jam…

  • Panino

    Santa Ynez Valley

    Take your pick from a huge range of gourmet deli sandwiches and salads: curry chicken is a perennial fave, but there are robust vegetarian options too…

  • Los Olivos Grocery

    Santa Ynez Valley

    Eat in for breakfast or lunch (grab a table on the covered porch) or get sandwiches, artisan breads, salads, specialty cheeses, pickles and everything…

  • Solvang Bakery

    Santa Ynez Valley

    Gingerbread is a specialty here (have a personalized holiday creation made for you) but that doesn't mean other bestsellers like the almond-butter ring…

  • El Rancho Marketplace

    Santa Ynez Valley

    On the eastern outskirts of Solvang, this upscale supermarket – with a full deli, smokin' barbecued meats, a wine shop and an espresso bar – is the best…

  • Ellen’s Danish Pancake House

    Santa Ynez Valley

    West of Hwy 101, just off Hwy 246, this old-fashioned, always-busy diner is where locals congregate for friendly service and the Wine Country’s best…

  • New Frontiers Natural Marketplace

    Santa Ynez Valley

    To keep things healthy, organic and local, pick up a tasty variety of deli sandwiches, salads and takeout dishes for picnicking.

  • Mortensen’s Danish Bakery

    Santa Ynez Valley

    Share (they're big) a Danish butter ring or keep a fruit-filled pastry or apple strudel all to yourself. It makes for a great breakfast or afternoon treat…

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