Restaurants
The Santa Ynez Valley is home to many great dining establishments. Some of our personal favorites are below.
Ballard
Ballard Inn
2436 Baseline Ave, Ballard, CA 93463
(800) 638-2466
ballardinn.com
Small, intimate dining in an elegant and comfortable atmosphere. Chef Budi Kazali’s award winning French Asian cuisine combines combines the tastes and flovors of the east and west.
Buellton
Industrial Eats
181-B Industrial Way, Buellton, CA 93427
(805) 688-8807
industrialeats.com
Modern American eats with an terrific deli and wood fired pizzas. Counter service and family style seating.
The Hitching Post 2
406 E Highway 246, Buellton, CA 93427
(805) 688-0676
hitchingpost2.com
Original Santa Maria style BBQ. Oak grilled entrees and other unique dishes served in an iconic Western style décor. Made famous by the movie Sideways. Probably the best steaks in the Santa Ynez Valley.
Los Alamos
Pico
458 Bell St, Los Alamos
(805)344-1122
losalamosgeneralstore.com
Head chef Drew Terp cooks at this small, up and coming restaurant using only the freshest and locally produced veggies and meats. Fantastic wine list. Reservations a must.
Los Olivos
Los Olivos Wine Merchant and Café
2879 Grand Ave, Los Olivos, CA 93441
(805)688-7295
losolivoscafe.com
Long time favorite Valley café, also featured in the movie Sideways. Relaxing indoor and outdoor dining in a casual atmosphere. Extensive menu for lunch and dinner. A showcase retail area for local Valley wines.
Sides Hardware and Shoes-a Brothers Restaurant
2375 Alamo Pintado Ave, Los Olivos, CA 93441
(805-688-4820)
sidesrestaurant.com
Fun, casual dining in a former hardware store that is owned by brothers Matt and Jeff Nichols. Great local wines by the glass.
Panino (lunch only)
2900 Grand Ave, Los Olivos, CA 93441
paninorestaurants.com
Extensive menu of sandwiches and salads. The “go to place” for picnic food.
Santa Ynez
Brothers Restaurant at the Red Barn
3539 Sagunto St, Santa Ynez, CA 93460
(805) 688-4142
brothersredbarn.com
Brothers Mat and Jeff Nichols present traditional American meals like prime rib and rainbow trout in a welcoming and comfortable location. Extensive local wine list.
Dos Carlitos
3544 Sagunto St, Santa Ynez, CA 93460
(805)688-0033
doscarlitosrestaurant.com
Upscale Mexican spot with bold Latin flavors, handmade tortillas and over 60 varities of tequila.
SY Kitchen
1110 Farraday St, Santa Ynez, CA 93460
(805) 691-9794
sykitchen.com
Kathie and Mike Gordon offer fresh, modern Italian in their California farmhouse. Innovative salads and homemade pasta are just a couple of their menu highlights. In our opinion, this is currently the best restaurant in the Valley. Start your meal with one of the mixologist’s extraordinary cocktails.
Trattoria Grappolo
3687 Sagunto St, Santa Ynez, CA 93460
(805) 688-6899
trattoriagrappolo.com
A favorite local spot serving wood fired pizzas, homemade pasta and other great Italian dishes.
Solvang
Mad and Vin at the Landsby
1576 Mission Dr, Solvang, CA 93463
(805)688-3121
thelandsby.com
Modern Danish design located in the new Landsby Hotel. Fresh California cuisine and a great Happy Hour.
Root 246
420 Alisal Rd, Solvang, CA 93463 (805) 686-8681
root-246.com
An elegant ambiance that features contemporary fresh and special dishes. Extensive wine list and unique cocktails.