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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
1978 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 p.m.


Booked 22 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • 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
  • Neighbourhood
    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 1,978 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

    Best Value

  • California Central Coast

    Great for brunch

  • Santa Barbara

    Best Overall

  • Santa Barbara

    Best Service

  • Santa Barbara

    Best Ambience

  • 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

1,978 Reviews
  1. bruceb

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful food with delicate but amazing flavors. We had lamb and pork tenderloin. Service was perfect. Everything happened as needed and we didn't notice it happening.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Jaggs

    Los Angeles

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service3ambience5
    Everyone was very pleased with their meal—not salty, full of flavor, nice presentation, so many good choices! We will go back, for sure.

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  3. terrye

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    If you like traditional French dishes and tasty cooking, this is the place in all of Santa Barbara County.

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  4. PhillipC

    Chicago

    33 reviews

    3.0

    33 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience4
    It was for a birthday celebration . Not one mention was made for the birthday not even on the dessert that was ordered for the birthday person . The “special “ appetizer was not special very bitter and unappetizing . The “special “ cocktail was also bad . If your spending over $200 and want something celebratory, go else where . Standards have gone down here . Unsatisfied client . Thank you .

    Is this helpful?

  5. JimC

    Central Coast

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It has been years since we have been here though we used to come regularly. Last night we had a wonderful meal and believe that the restaurant has improved even from its previous high standard. We had the snails, the short ribs, the cassoulet, and finished with creme brulee and coffee. It was all excellent. The service was impeccable. The chef even served our mains. We really enjoyed both the food and the overall experience. We'll be back again soon.

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  6. DanielG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Stella Mare's has always been dear to my heart and a place to go when wanting a special experience. Last night was no exception. The food, service and ambience was, as always, just so lovely. I hope the place and the fine folks that make it magical will be around for a good long while.

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  7. OpenTable Diner

    Central Coast

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We enjoyed a delightful and delicious lunch outdoors on the patio. Weather was perfect, food was delicious and the service was impeccable. Always a joy to dine here.

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  8. BN1019

    Central Coast

    18 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    We always enjoy Stella Mar, but tonight The food wasn’t up to its usual standard.

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  9. BerndS

    Central Coast

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and drink. Service outstanding and reliable. Consistent quality meals and service each time. Wonderful ambience.

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  10. Bubbles

    London

    54 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    54 reviews

    Dined on September 6, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience2
    First time visiting Stella Mare and to be honest, it was very underwhelming. The food was average, to say the least. The steak was chewy and the frites tasted warmed, stale and inedible. Service was abrupt and uninterested, the bill virtually pushed under my nose. I appreciate this place plans to close soon but while open, show a bit of effort please

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  11. JeffJ

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We loved your restaurant. No negatives at all. Servers were excellent. Food very good and reasonably priced. Great ambience in a lovely room. You should be proud.

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  12. JosephC

    Central Coast

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food, expertly prepared, attentive service

    Is this helpful?

  13. Alexis

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    Great food and perfect music choices for great ambiance. Sat on the terrace outside but would definitely love to try the greenhouse for a particularly rainy day or cool evening.

    Is this helpful?

  14. Francophile

    Denver

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The staff changed out a table for 7 from outside to inside and were very gracious and efficient. Excellent French menu.

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  15. michaeld

    Los Angeles

    23 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on August 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    GREAT FRENCH FOOD WITHOUT A PASSPORT. You feel like you're in France, except they like customers here. We started out with deviled eggs with lobster tail and caviar. My wife had the marinated pork tenderloin, and I had the lamb shank. Just wonderful food and service. For dessert we had CRÊPE SUZETTE! Yes, they were wonderful too. We can't wait to go back.

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  16. Marsha

    Central Coast

    207 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    207 reviews

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, service, and ambiance. Could not ask for more!

    Is this helpful?

  17. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We laughed and cried and laughed some more during our three hours brunch with attentive, funny and engaging staff. I will be returning with my family.

    Is this helpful?

  18. SBrooks

    Central Coast

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    We had a lovely birthday dinner for 8 on a Saturday night, out on their terrace on a balmy California evening. The service was incredible and the setting perfect.

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  19. PaulS

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Garden Room is one of the most comfortable spaces in Santa Barbara. The food is good and authentic and the prices reasonable compared with some of the nearby hotel restaurants. Great cocktails.

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  20. OpenTable Diner

    Central Coast

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 15, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    We had a lovely and delicious lunch. Service was excellent. Our waiter graciously brought out a lovely dessert for our birthday girl. I would definitely go back again

    Is this helpful?

  21. LMB1

    Denver

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on August 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food, very friendly and well trained staff, pleasant ambience.

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  22. JaimiM

    Orange County

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had such an amazing night! It was our 21 anniversary and we had a large party the staff was very friendly and attentive. All the food was delicious the dessert were incredible Thank you for making our night so special

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  23. Cardinal

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food, ambiance, and service were all wonderful (as usual).

    Is this helpful?

  24. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Came here for our anniversary and my birthday and we had a fantastic time. Food was excellent, service was fantastic, people were friendly. We will definitely be coming back. Thank you for making our dinner special.

    Is this helpful?

  25. OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best french cuisine experience in SB, and just a local gem!! Everything was top notch we can’t wait to visit our next time here!

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  26. Rita

    Las Vegas

    31 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    31 reviews

    Dined on August 10, 2023

    overall2food1service1ambience4
    Very mediocre! My husband ordered Salmon. The waitress stated that it is cooked 'medium'. Perfect, we said. The very thin piece of salmon was served well done and dried out. Yes - they took it back, but not enjoyable for one person to eat their dinner, while the other one waits to have their meal redone. No offer of a dessert or anything to compensate for the problem. Too expensive for such poor service.

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  27. DoctorS

    Los Angeles

    35 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    35 reviews

    Dined on August 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    For a light lunch, I really like Stella Mare’s crepe au saumon fume.

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  28. Annie

    Los Angeles

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on August 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was a little cool outside and a heater would have been nice but the staff were all lovely and worked hard to accommodate us

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  29. JuliaH

    Central Coast

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My mom and I adore Stella Mare’s and have made dinner here a weekly ritual. The entire staff is always warm, welcoming, considerate and they always make sure we’re happy and taken care of. The food is consistently incredible (I’ve never ordered anything I have not devoured) and my mom and I both love the salmon almandine. Our server, Ulysses, is always so patient and very skilled in the art of carefully maneuvering around our 2 goldendoodles :) Thank you, Stella Mare’s!

    Is this helpful?

  30. EdVW

    Central Coast

    13 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on August 6, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Wonderful service, beautiful setting on the outside deck, good food, but a somewhat small menu. For such a relatively upscale restaurant, they need to give the bathrooms a complete renovation, or at the very least get rid of the peeling paint a mold by the sink. Everything else is very nice, comfortable with good food.

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  31. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I love love this place the ambiance and food were fantastic. We did only do breakfast though but if I lived in the area I would be back for dinner.

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  32. JonK

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Went recently for our 38th Anniversary and they didn’t disappoint. The food and atmosphere was superb; Carole our waitress was excellent, right there when you needed her. You won’t be disappointed by lunch or dinner. Bon Appetit!

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  33. StanR

    Central Coast

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on August 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Have been here several times in past months, and service and delicious food are always present. Enjoyed a quiet outdoor setting with views available to one of us. Love our waitress which we have twice before. Fabulous.

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  34. PeterH

    Central Coast

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on August 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a WINNER. There’s many reasons why this remains a local favorite. Last night the were all in play - good food, fine service & the loveliest restaurant in SB.

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  35. LuckyGirl

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The service was outstanding, energetic, warm. I loved the soundtrack, from Latin to Louis Armstrong. It was a beautiful day, so we dined al fresco. The food was perfect. I lived in France, and everything was authentically French.

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  36. Sweptpastfullofrun

    Sacramento

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on July 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Food was high quality, fresh, well-prepared, appealing on the plate, and delicious. Everyone in our party was pleased with everything they ordered. We had appetizers, salads, entrees, wine and dessert so we sampled across the entire menu. Loved the dining room with doors open to the patio, letting in fresh ocean air on a warm summer evening. Service was very good, attentive, smooth, and gracious. We stayed late at our table and they did not rush us out, allowing us to savor our evening.

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  37. JudithH

    New Mexico

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a delight to have dinner here. The atmosphere is wonderful and during the summer outdoors is a delight. The food never fails to satisfy on an  outstanding level. 

    Is this helpful?

  38. OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our second time visiting from out of town. Perfect ambiance and excellent food at a great value.

    Is this helpful?

  39. kokane

    Los Angeles

    83 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    83 reviews

    Dined on July 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Simply the best, food,service ambiance and value for the expense. Would give it more stars if possible. Please visit and support this restaurant it is a true gem!

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  40. DaveM

    Los Angeles

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on July 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Excellent food; friendly service; quiet enough to have good conversation without having to raise voices; excellent wine list. Not inexpensive, but reasonable given all of the above!

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitising

    • Surfaces sanitised between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitised 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 1978 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 p.m.


Booked 22 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
  • Neighbourhood
    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
  • 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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Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

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