Not the first and definitely not the last we'll be here. Stumbled upon Aperitivo a few years ago, and it was some of the best and most authentic Italian food I'd ever had (even before knowing what real Italian food tasted like). Now that I've come back from Italy, I have a greater appreciation for Aperitivo and what it stands for. Definitely fell in love with the concept of aperitivo in Italy, and this restaurant really embodies that concept. Sat down and got myself a Negroni. It was pretty damn good and close to what a real negroni would taste like if it had Campari. Was pleasantly surprised that they gave us snacks on the side (in true spirit of aperitivo) and then proceeded to crush some crudo and mortadella sandwich. Afterwards, ended the night off with delicious affogato. Really brought me back to my time in Italy. The menu is always fresh and seasonal, so there's always something new to look forward to. Will definitely be back. read more

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Aperitivo is the place you come to for flavorful light bites and cocktails when you need to unwind, before a night out on the town, a concert or catching up with friends. I'm still thinking of the pistachio gelato here. Hands down the best pistachio flavored gelato in town! I love how they served it with pieces of pistachio. First bite was heavenly. Sometimes you can't really taste the pistachio in a gelato, but clearly they've nailed it here. For eats, I tried the Crème di Carciofi. It's marinated artichoke and fava bean spread, confit garlic, pine nuts, mint, and olive oil. Served with toasted bread. This was excellent! It's comparable to hummus, but with a totally different flavor profile. Easily serves 2-3 people. I also ordered the Crudo. It was light, delicate and so fresh! This one is not shareable because it's too delicious to share. For cocktails you can't go wrong with a Spritz. I tried the Torino Spritz which was perfectly made and refreshing. The ambiance here is inviting and the music play list is such a vibe! Overall, a great place to check out if you're wanting a casual yet fun experience. read more

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Absolutely wonderful! This place is great for happy hour, after work, and catching up with friends! Everyone is super friendly and helpful. It's a feeling of Italy without leaving Santa Barbara. Their spritz is AMAZING. Also the Dolomites beer was great too. read more

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This was my first time here. I arrived between 4 and 5, so they were offering complimentary aperitivo snacks. I had truffle potato chips, peanuts, and olives with my drink. Since I was enjoying the atmosphere and hadn't had dinner yet, I ordered the creme di carciofi. It's a spread made with fava beans and artichoke, topped with fresh mint and served with excellent toasted bread from the bakery next door. The menu says it also has pine nuts and confit garlic. I was expecting pine nuts to be on top. I guess they were blended in or missing? Regardless, it was very tasty and excellent quality. I would definitely order it again. My only note is that if you're dining solo, it's a pretty large portion for one person. It would be great to have a smaller or half-and-half option so you could try something else alongside it. It was a lot of spread for one person, though the bread was really good. I also ordered a bottle of sparkling water, San Pellegrino. Service was excellent. read more

Aperitivo - Creme di carciofi - Wine Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Thank you for the relaxing night with my Yelp friends. Loved the ambiance and for fitting us in. To be honest, I thought the skewers would be a little bit more than they were for the price but it was a nice touch to the beverage. The spritz we received was refreshing, thank you to Aperitivo for hosting us. read more

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We came here during their soft opening and at the time, they did not have any of the pasta dishes (sad); only serving up small appetizers and tasters. Nonetheless, our experience was very good. Staff and owner were super pleasant and ensured our needs were met. Minus 1 star only because 1 of the staff kept standing there staring at us the whole time, which made us feel uncomfortable. 1. Marcona Almonds (5/5) I've always liked Marcona almonds and get them often from Trader Joes, so I know what these are like when they are fresh and "nutty." For those who do not know, Marcona almonds are softer in texture, so don't expect that crunch. 2. Carciofi Alla Romana (5/5) This marinated artichoke is dressed in lemon seasoning, breadcrumbs and topped off with a good amount of pecorino cheese and fresh mint leaves. It was light, citrusy from the lemon dressing and not too woody, indicating the artichoke is fresh and prepared well. I love the mint leaves, which makes it refreshing and the breadcrumbs, which adds the crunchiness texture. 3. Tomino, Fichi Rucola Rossa E Noci (5/5) A very interesting fig dish that is served with a large block of creamy seared Piedmontese cheese topped with fresh arugula, toasted walnuts and honey-balsamic dressing. It comes with a side of nicely grilled sliced bread. The fig was sweet and fresh. The arugula adds a nice herbally taste. The honey balsamic gives it a very homey honey flavor profile, with the honey flavor being the most dominant. Everything came together very well. Very creative way to turn plain figs into an inspiring, fun and flavorful dish. 4. Bruschetta Peperoni Ricotta (4/5) Toasted grilled bread topped with whipped ricotta and tomato sauce. The bread could be better; it was a bit on the soggy side or seemed a bit under-developed. However, we loved the tomato-spice sauce as it gave it a pleasant sweetness from the tomato with a slight spicy kick from the peppers. The whipped ricotta was smooth and creamy and the rosemary bits they added on top gave it a dash of rosemary flavor. 5. Tartufo Al Pistachio (5/5) Their own version of pistachio gelato that we absolutely loved. This is how gelato should be ... creamy, not too sweet, yet packed with a generous amount of real pistachio bits and praline hazelnuts. As long as you are not allergic to nuts, this is a must try! We will be back to try out their "warm" dishes and pastas the next time we are in SB. Keep up with the good inspiring dishes!!! read more

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Neither me nor my partner drink regularly and we're not super familiar with wine brands/flavors so after ordering 2 drinks with our entrees and not really liking them, I asked if we were allowed to try samples of the wine before ordering it and the server said yes. After ordering one sample each for my partner and I, neither of us liked the flavor we got so we asked to try another. First I asked for second sample for me and a few minutes later, I asked for a second sample for my partner. The waitress became extremely angry and yelled at us that this was a restaurant and not a wine tasting bar and that we would have to buy wine. I understand that she may have had a difficult shift but the way she spoke to us was extremely rude and I don't think it's weird to try a second sample before purchasing a second drink. The food was decent but personally would not feel comfortable going again read more

This is a very cute and quaint small Italian eatery that is 21+ . What I love about this spot is that the menu is small but they focus on quality and I kid you not I had some of the best and freshest pasta ever considering I've never been to Italy before. I love how intimate the dining scene is because it allows you to not only focus on the food, but as well as the conversations you're having when you're grabbing dinner. The entire dining culture does remind me of how it is like in Europe, which where takeouts are kindly declined, and the staff allows you to focus on the conversations that you are having without being rushed. Aperitvio Spritzer 3/5 Castelvetrano and Kalamata Olives 4/5 Panzanella 5/5 Tagliatelle al ragu toscano 4/5 Topini al pesto di zucchine 2/5 I realized that their menu changes a bit so if you get a chance to get the tagliatelle al ragu toscano then do so because it was packed with so much flavor! I personally thought the topini al pesto di zucchine lacked in flavor. I felt that the zucchini was more flavorful than the gnocchi itself. I was also surprised by how good the panzanella was! I never got so excited for a salad until now! I literally had this a few weeks ago and I am still thinking about it! Seriously, come here for a date night, solo dinner date, or anything! I absolutely enjoyed my time here read more

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This hidden gem located on Haley is a perfect spot to come after work for a spritz and a snack or bottle of wine if you prefer. Get there early as they do get full and the place is narrow with high top chairs and some spots at the bar. The staff is super friendly and welcoming as well as make recommendations based on preferences. The bruschetta is extremely flavorful and fresh tasting. Great plate to share. The panzanella salad is an explosion of flavor with a Cabernet vinaigrette that brings the dish together. The spritz you cano or go wrong with any and they have an extensive wine list however few options to order a glass. read more

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Fantastic experience with delicious food and a large variety of wine. They have a small kitchen so food does take awhile but it's worth the wait. They're going to open their larger restaurant soon. They take reservations on a piece of paper but I recommend going early to grab a seat. The staff was very friendly and hard at work. The panzanella tomato salad was delicious and very refreshing. I ate the whole thing by myself it was so good. Rigatoni with pancetta was also delicious and rich. It was similar to a salty crunchy bacon and the Hugo Spritzer cut the oil and heaviness. Even though it looks small from the outside, it was better than most Italian restaurants I've been to. read more

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Absolutely obsessed with this spot. Apertivo is probably my favorite restaurant in SB. The service was spectacular. We came in because we saw a truffle dish on a yelp photo a few months back, but found out that they no longer had it because they rotate their menu often. Our waitress ended up surprising us with truffle fries just so we could at least a get a taste of what we were craving. It was honestly so sweet of her to do that and even offer a refill. THIS IS REAL CUSTOMER SERVICE FOLKS! You better believe we did not hesitate to tip generously. The ambiance felt very chic casual with an upbeat vibe. It was busy during dinner so people were coming in and out and ordering nonstop. I really enjoyed the vibrant energy and noise level. There was a level of elevated composure to the space without feeling disingenuous/ pretentious. The food was absolutely immaculate. Everything we ordered was one hit after another. Flavor profiles had so much depth to each dish. I was absolutely stunned at how a place could crush each thing on the menu so consistently. It's so good that I want to keep this spot a secret, but I can't do that to them because it's a business and they need to make money to stay open lol. Highly recommend. read more

Visiting santa barbara this is a must. Small quaint restaurant so if we arrived the moment they opened to make sure we had a spot. The server was nice and gave us the perfect advice on what to order. We had the burrata, and two pasta dishes. Holy burrata, the pastas were amazing but I could have had 3 orders of the burrata. The pastas were a creamt gnocchi, which were perfectly light and delicious and a duck pasta. They paired perfectly together and i continues to go back and forth never sure which was one my favorite. I look forward to my next visit up north to return again. read more

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They have a Sangiovese by the glass. Not many places in SB do. That right there gives it 5 stars in my book. It's always packed every time I walk by, I was actually on my way to Villa when I passed by and they had open bar seating (was during fiesta so makes sense, otherwise this basically never happens). Bartender told me they're opening a spot on State around the corner to do pasta and a few other items while keeping their menu small. They're not kidding about a small menu, the food looked great from what I could tell- I was just here for the Sangiovese. I'll be back if it's ever not super packed when I walk by. read more

Aperitivo - Fresh pasta made here. - Wine Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Came here at the recommendation of a near by bar. They do not take reservations, which is understandable with the small space they are in. We were seated by Hannah, who was so welcoming and talked us through the menu. Everything we ordered was better than the last and the mix of flavors were things you would not normally think would go together, but they DID! This food is cooked with love and passion and the kind staff are the cherry on top! Get into to this place for dinner ASAP! read more

Aperitivo - Wine Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Aperitivo has been at the top of my list for months and I'm so glad I finally tried it! The restaurant is small and intimate with bar and table seating. A group of three of us walked in on a Saturday night and only waited about 25 minutes. The restaurant is conveniently located near tons of bars and breweries on State Street, so we grabbed a glass of wine while we were waiting. We ordered three side dishes and the two pastas on the menu that week. We really enjoyed the burrata dish and the pesto pasta. High quality ingredients and everything was hot and fresh out of the kitchen. I have heard rave reviews about aperitivo, so I came in with very high expectations. Everything tasted good and I liked everything I tried, but I was not absolutely blown away. That being said, I still had a great meal and thought everything was prepared well. Service was good. Our server checked in on us often and seemed knowledgeable on the wines and menu items. I think this is a great spot for a date night and I love the rotating menu. It's pricey but I would come back to try other dishes and see if there's anything that I absolutely love. read more

Aperitivo - Wine Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I was in town for my birthday and I was crying for some pasta. After some research, this place came up and it is highly raises. When I arrived, I knew it was a good choice because small local restaurant like this it's usually good indication that the food and service excel ! The two house-masa pasta dishes are a must try. The flavor is complicated and I have never had Italian pasta like these. On top of that, please do yourself a favor and get a glass of wine. If you're not sure about wine pairing, make sure to ask the waiter or waitress to suggest the wine. The pasta is cooked to perfection ! Every bite was so delicious ! There aren't many tables but wait wasn't long. The interior gives out a cozy small restaurant vibe. The waiter and waitress were very friendly. read more

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This was the best meal I had in Santa Barbara! We were greeted warmly, seated immediately and Lindsey provided excellent service throughout the evening. The Hugo Spritz and Burrata took me back to the Amalfi Coast in my mind. I've never had such a delicious and buttery burrata in the USA. Everything was delicious... from the fresh salad greens to the amazing pasta. I couldn't stop smiling. I've paid for Michelin star meals that weren't this good. I can't wait to return. read more

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Amazing! The owners were both there, they were so friendly and welcoming. We went right when they opened and got a little table by the window. It was perfection. read more

Aperitivo - We had burrata & peach with the most amazing bread! - Wine Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Thank you Yelpers for recommending this amazing restaurant! This spot does not disappoint at all and provides all you've been missing from Italian food. The restaurant is small, but is totally worth the wait. The inside is clean and welcoming and the service is beyond impeccable. The drinks are tasty, but the food speaks for itself. The burrata was creamy and flavorful. The zupa was nothing live I've had before, with so much punch of flavor. The pasta was cooked perfectly, with a sauce that didn't over power or make your stomach feel overly full. Everything about the food deserves five (5) stars! Amazing!!! read more

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The food, service, and ambiance was very good. Derek the chef came out to make sure the meal was too our liking which was a very nice touch and made our night. Awesome! read more

So happy to be back and have Aperitivo as my first Yelp Review for 2024. Andrea, Daniel and their staff continue to dazzle the senses with their offerings of Italian small plates, wines, and cocktails. And now in this post-Covid world they don't have their spacious parklet anymore, but they continue to have their comfy-cozy indoor dining room with limited seating. You really do feel like you're right there in the kitchen with the staff, who are all very friendly and helpful in making sure you get to taste their very best. We arrived early enough to get the cushy window bench, and had a good view of their menu, which is positioned on the front wall and showing their latest offerings. Their menu does change regularly, so it's nice to experience something different and delicious each time. Andrea had greeted us warmly, got us situated, and helped us navigate their menu, which is divided up by Giardino, Zuppa, Bruschetta, Pasta Fresco, and Desserts. We did taste from each catagory, with the standouts being Burrata, Ribollita, Agnolotti con Costolette de Manzo, and for dessert their Gelato al Limone and Tartufo al Pistacchio. We also appreciate their passion for Italian wines. We've enjoyed their various Italian Reds, but this time kept to their Nero D'Avola Rosé, and Vermentino. Highly recommend being there on their earlier side of the evening, before the crowds descend. And always nice to enjoy dinner there and then either walk over to State Street where it's still blocked off to traffic, or head under the overpass to the Funk Zone. read more

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One of the best dining experiences. We were walking around State Street, found this restaurant tucked to the side, and it had the best reviews. Small, cozy, and intimate dining experience that makes you feel at home. Both bar and table seating are available. The owners are wonderful - friendly and warm. Drinks are incredible. Very well-made. The Costa Smeralda was on the sweeter end but so enjoyable. My husband loved the Siciliano - great option for an espresso cocktail. They also have wonderful wine options. The food is where they shine. They have a small, rotating menu, so you'll have different options whenever you come in. I felt like each time I tried something new, it was the best I'd ever had. Their pomodori al forno e basilico was packed with a rich, creamy, tomato flavor. I love bread with my soup, so I added a side of the Oat Bakery Bread - best bread ever. It was salted perfectly, crispy on the outside while still soft on the inside - perfection. Their pastas have raised my expectations for all other restaurants. I wish I remembered the names of what we ordered, but one was a lighter eggplant ziti and the other was a creamy vegetable trottole. You can clearly tell this is fresh pasta, and they come together to form delicious dishes. Affogato is a great way to end your meal - creamy hazelnut gelato with a decadent chocolate center topped with rich, tasty espresso. There's both street parking and paid lots available. I'd recommend coming in earlier as it is a small restaurant, so it fills up quickly. I am so happy to have found good authentic Italian food close to home, and I will definitely be coming back here. read more

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Simply amazing. The staff were friendly and on point. I noticed they had a Yelp 100 Restaurants in US AWARD Award for 2024 in the bathroom. They need to put that out on the window and let people know that. We had the bruscetta and vegetarian pasta and pistachio gelato. All of which was elevated that I could not get enough. They were closing when we finished since they close early. We asked for the gelato and cafe and they accommodated. Definitely highly recommend this place. There's not a lot of room so get there early. Great place for a couples retreat I felt so comfortable and welcomed. Hope to visit again on our next trip to West Coast. . . read more

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Stopped by at 5pm on a Wednesday evening, and was seated outside. They have daily rotating menus, including 2 "garden" items, 1 crudo, 2 bruschettas, 2 house-made pastas, along w 2 snack and 2 dessert selections. The type of house-made pasta will differ between the two dishes, and there is typically a meat and no meat pasta dish. Check their website for daily offerings. I started off with an Aperitivo Negroni, sipping until the hamachi crudo came out shortly after. The crudo was magnificently presented, a piece of art in itself, with curled cucumber slices, bisected berries and golden tomatoes, sprigs of green/purple basil, all in a delightful pear sauce. Light, refreshing, and a feast for the eyes. The gnocchi and sausage dish came out 40 minutes later, which took a bit longer than I expected. The sauce was minimal but rich, scattered with a layer of crispy ground sausage. The gnocchi definitely had a bite to it, perhaps a teeny bit undercooked to my liking. This is a great place to unwind with friends, as well as split plates to maximize trying those rotating dishes. The owner is very gregarious, helpful w the menu, and seems passionate about his brainchild. I applaud the daily rotating menus, which is no small feat! read more

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Authentic Italian culinary experience. Don't miss if you're in Santa Barbara. All pastas and dishes made on site with local ingredients. Daniel was a wonder waiter and Andre (part owner) was a wonderful hosts. Dinning in a very intimate setting which felt like being entertain by good friends. Not to be missed. read more

Aperitivo - Fabulous seasonal salad - Wine Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

We were wanting some delicious pasta and weren't too hungry so spotted this really cute and lovely pasta wine spot! Food: -HAMACHI, POMPELMO E CAMOMILLA: very delicious! The fish was fresh and the taste of everything together was really refreshing! I also do love celery on its own but on this it felt a bit overpowering buuuut it did add to the freshness so it was just more of an observation and not something that'd deter me from getting it again -RIGATONI AL TELEFONO AFFUMICATO: yuuuumm!! My partner kept commenting how the pasta themselves were just so delicious and cooked to perfect chewiness! And i usually don't go out of my way to get red sauce pastas (im a pasta novice) cause it seems more basic to me (plz forgive me) BIUUT this was freaken delicious and each bite was just. I'd order this again :) Service: Very comfortable, friendly, prompt and checked in! Ambiance: W sat outdoors and they wall it with this beige/yellow thingy that makes it feel cozier and lovely even though it's on a busy street with people and cars bustling on the other side. Loved it! Would recommend outdoor sitting! Overall: Yes! Come here to eattt and to drink and to enjoy the vibes and the calm :) read more

Came here for my 1 year anniversary, it was fantastic. Felt like we were back in ital (where we honeymooned) Great hospitality and lively read more

Incredible new restaurant in Santa Barbara. The owner and staff were so friendly. We had the eggplant and Burrata appetizer which were both delicious. The bread was toasted to perfection and the Burrata was paired with fig and honey which flavors came through nicely. We also ordered the black pasta which I forgot to take a photo of. It had sausage and clams I believe which was to die for. I would definitely recommend checking out this place and trying a variety of their appetizers and pastas. By the way, they don't take reservations but were still able to seat us quickly. read more

Aperitivo - Eggplant - Wine Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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This is where you go so you are less sad about missing Italy. Tiny menu means everything is top notch, high quality, ultra fresh. Warm neighborhood vibes. Italian wine list is so good too. Wish they were open Sundays. read more

I cried once pasta came to me, or my main dish. Everything was so delicious. I cannot describe to you what this meal did to me. I thought the wine was good then I paired it with food and it was out of this world. Service was not quick per se because they make everything to order. Ambiance is more on the middle upper class because it's a pricey place. Food is the best. I'm speaking from multiple side dishes and the truffle pasta. The other pasta(s) were just good. This one was incredible. So yes, I'd recommend not only this restaurant but also this dish. Chefs kiss read more

Delicious food, amazing wines, and an intimate setting. This is a perfect date night spot!

Finally got try Aperitivo. Everything was super fresh and tasted great. Small space so filled up fast. Had a 5 min wait on a Friday 6p. If you have a chance stop by. 21 and Over read more

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I've been wanting to visit for so long and I'm so happy I finally made it! The service was excellent--attentive, professional, and full of great recommendations. We started with the Carciofi alla Romana (marinated long stem artichoke, pecorino, mint, and breadcrumbs), which was a perfect appetizer to set the tone. Next, we had the Tonno e Fagioli Bruschetta (olive oil poached tuna, turmeric, white bean & tahini spread, pickled shallot, radish, preserved lemon, calabrian chili, herbs)--hands down one of the most delicious dishes I've ever had. For our main, we had the Paccheri al Pesto di Zucchini e Carciofi (house-made paccheri, roasted zucchini, artichoke, basil, pine nuts, parmigiano reggiano, breadcrumbs), which was a delightful combination of flavors. We shared everything, and it was the perfect amount for both of us. I had a lovely glass of white wine, and my sister enjoyed the Lago di Garda Spritz, which was also fantastic. The ambiance was super cute--I love how intimate and cozy the space is, and I appreciate that the menu changes regularly. Can't wait to return! read more

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Some of the best Italian food I've ever eaten. Anywhere. Started off with the panzenela salad and artichoke salad. Delicate flavors, everything fresh and bursting with flavor. Pastas - tagliatelle with bolognese, and a mushroom rigatoni with truffle. Rich but not overpowering. All of the food is excellent at Apertivo. Shared plates, nice Italian wine selection. A must in Santa Barbara! read more

Aperitivo - Truffle Pasta. - Wine Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Great service, great food. A little pricey, but worth it. Dog friendly. Understand they will be expanding. Looking forward to it.

Great wine selection and the food was amazing! Definitely a place to stop by when visiting! read more

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Walking in we felt like we were transported to Italy, with the cozy restaurant vibes where patrons sit wherever they can fit them and the delicious smells from the kitchen keep you attentive to each dish. The service was wonderful and the staff constantly checked on us, provided excellent recommendations, gave our mostly well behaved dog love, and even small talk about their Italian roots. We loved that the menu was curated and not overly complicated, the dishes complex but fresh and familiar. The cocktails and wine paired well with the menu. This is what dining out is all about, a guided tour of the wonderful world of cuisine. read more

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So delicious! Stumbled across this place last night. The food is incredible and the spritz's are delicious. Everyone that works there is lovely. Glad to have discovered this gem. read more

Neighborhood bistro feel, romantic lighting, good service and good food, menu is limited and always changing. It's a small restaurant so it fills up fast. Small bar area but whole place feels like bar seating. Good place to stop by for wine and small eats or stay for dinner. Will stop in again to check out new menu. Might be a good choice for first dates. read more

Aperitivo - Wine and bruschetta - Wine Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

First time here, recommended by a gf as a great date night spot. A small Italian gem of a place! While waiting, there was 3 parties ahead of us, we were given soup tasters outside. Smart! An open space so you could see everything that was going on! From the owner to the waiter to the cook, everyone was friendly and attentive. They ran out of the gnocchi so we'll have to go back another time for sure! Here's the pics! read more

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