Excellent service, superb food this is a top of the line restaurant with excellent quality food, knowledgeable staff and superb attention to detail. Took my wife wife there for he birthday. She and her friends were extremely impressed. Will definitely repeat, once we are back in the area. read more

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Don't walk, RUN to this restaurant!!!! My husband and I just finished our amazing dining experience here and only have positive things to say about it! From the service to the food, everything was impeccable and spot on. Our server David, and his assistant Roberto were outstanding! A huge thank you to the owners Amy and Mitchell for a wonderful experience and starting off our honeymoon in the best way possible. We will 100% be returning soon! read more

Elizabeth's Star Rating System 1 star = Terrible, would not recommend, will tell family and friends to avoid 2 stars = I won't be back but you might enjoy it 3 stars = I'll be back eventually 4 stars = I'll definitely be back 5 stars = I'm telling my friends and family about this place! Getting there: Parked on the street, a block away. Arrival: We made a reservation on OpenTable and included a note about our special occasion. The hostess immediately congratulated us and brought us to our reserved table where it was decorated with rose petals. Food: Savory Foie Gras was melt in your mouth, buttery smooth. Delicious. Seared Yellowfin Tuna was delightfully refreshing. I'm normally not a tomato fan but these tomatoes are roasted perfectly and burst in the mouth delightfully. The tuna was seasoned perfectly. Definitely a nice palate cleanser between the foie gras and the American Wagyu Ribeye American Wagyu Ribeye was very good. The truffle infused potato croquet was outstanding. Very rich and flavorful. *It was also very nice that they split the entrees for us for free and plated beautifully for both. Also, we were so stuffed from our meal that we couldn't fit in any dessert. Portions were generous and filling. Service: Exceptionally good service! Ambience: Great place for a romantic dinner or a special occasion. Overall: Highly recommend this place. Everything was amazing. Good food is easy to find, in my opinion, but good service is hard to find. Bouchon made our night very special and we will definitely come back. read more

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Excellent place, 5stars for the service, food, price,and atmosphere. Better than Angel Oaks imho.

The appetizers, wine, the setting was absolutely adorable and made our dining experience delightful! I would recommend coming in here at night since it gives out beautiful romantic setting! read more

Dinner was really great, but the service was even better. We came about 20mins early from our reservation and they were able to seat us promptly.Our server Christian recommended the perfect wine and appetizers. The sea bass and the rib eye were both excellent. Would 100% recommend anyone to come and dine here, and if you can, ask for Christian! He was wonderful! read more

I don't think there is a restaurant that deserves 5 stars more than this place! Now first of all, well, I'm dumb because I thought this place was one of the few Bouchons that Thomas Keller owns! Having been a few times to the one in Beverly Hills, I was thinking this one was way better... but now that I know they're not owned by the same person, I guess I can't make that comparison! Anyway, the wonderful Pumpkie took me to Santa Barbara for my birthday and we went here for my birthday dinner! And I loved it! I highly recommend this place!! All the high praise and accolades are definitely spot on! Why you ask?! Well first of all, this one is way more intimate. It is a smaller restaurant and the seating is a bit more tight but the executive chef brings the plates and your food! And basically waited on our table! Can't beat that! We started with the scallop appetizer and it was absolutely AMAZING! I love scallops and these were absolutely cooked to perfection! They were so fresh (I mean it is Santa Barbara after all - but you never know) and the 4 presentations, preparations and flavors were all so different and just so delicious! I loved this dish and it was definitely one of the best things I've ever eaten! Dare I say these scallops were better than the one at Gordon Ramsey's (psss - they were!). If it's on the menu, get this! It's absolutely amazing!! French Onion soup - well, this was for Pump but this was also one of - if not the - best French onion soups I've ever had the pleasure of eating (and I've had a good amount). The bread and cheese at the top were just so good and that deep onion flavor could only come from many hours spent developing a complex and deep flavor. Another absolutely delicious dish! The little amuse tart - the chef was kind enough to bring me this tiny tart while the Pump was having his soup! So very kind! My goodness! Even something this small and tiny was absolutely delicious! The fruit was just so sweet and this is the beginning of January mind you! The crust was flaky and buttery and the cream was so good! Delicious! The venison - I contemplated ordering this because I wanted to try something different but the Pump was nice enough to get this so I could try it and then get something that I knew I would like - the chicken! This is my first taste of venison and it was good - very lean and I could see how some people would call it slightly minerally. Definitely good! The chicken- obviously a Mary's chicken and cooked to perfection! Juicy, flavorful and delicious! And that's asking a lot of chicken! :) The mashed potatoes were also mascarpone whipped and amazingly delicious! Yum! Also, the portions are not chintzy at all and because of this and all the food we got, we were both too stuffed to have dessert! This is my one regret as I am sure they're dessert is amazing!! I definitely want to come back and next time, I'll make sure to leave room for dessert!! Honestly, I can't wait to come back again soon! read more

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Beautiful restaurant, attentive service, friendly staff and top notch food. French style, tasty chicken. read more

Bouchon - French Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Excellent food and service. Parking was a bit hard to find, no valet parking. We celebrated our son's birthday here and had a great time. We will be back! read more

We were visiting from out of town for our anniversary and decided to try Bouchon due to the rave reviews on Yelp and on numerous top restaurants lists online. I I hate writing bad reviews but I was blown away by how terrible the food was. Right from the stale bread at the beginning to the "amazing duck dish they've had on the menu for 20+ years". The food was bland and tasted like everything had been seasoned only by splashing some beef broth on it. Disappointing to say the least. read more

This is a MUST go restaurant to all foodies! Service out of this world! Wine pairing for food Amazing! Can't say enough of this place. It is a little pricey but worth it. Our server was so great and really great interacting with my sons. I will recommend this restaurant to everyone I know! read more

Bouchon - French Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

So we had a confirmed reservation made in person. We showed up at the appointed time and the hostess said that we were 30 minutes late. They'd clearly made a mistake with the timing, but rather than apologizing or even showing a modicum of grace, she was rude, condescending and unpleasant. Avoid this place. Behavior like that cannot and should not be condoned. read more

Love love love this restaurant!! My husband and I came here for our first anniversary after having a great experience on our honeymoon. Somehow they surpassed our expectations again. They had the table set for our special occasion and the service was impeccable. And you can't forgot about the food - from our first to last bite everything was delicious. I can't wait time come back again read more

Just an absolute delight. I eat here when I want to impress visitors. Spot on in every way.

Absolutely adored this restaurant! Such a quaint back patio that's quiet and away from the hustle of Santa Barbara! We had the clam cake appetizer, AMAZING, then my boyfriend had the wagu beef and I had the seared yellowfin tuna, both stellar options! Then we had the lemon tart and raspberry dairy free gelato! They are super accommodating if you have any questions or dietary restrictions! Will definitely come back here! read more

Bouchon - Porcini - Dusted Yellowfin Tuna and Grilled Wagyu Flat Iron Steak - French Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Bouchon was excellent! The staff and service were wonderful and our meal was delicious. Our waiter Tom was knowledgeable, gave good recommendations, was patient as we mulled over the choices, and was just a joy to dine with. We also were helped by Lucas, who was AMAZING! Candidly, it's unclear what his role was but I'd give him the title of "vibe curator" - he created a lively atmosphere and consistently made sure we were having a great time. Regarding the food, I had the rack of lamb for my meal and I can't wait to go back and try it again - it was SO good. read more

Bouchon - Rack of lamb with Risotto - French Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

We were visiting the city for the first time and stayed for a few days. The city is beautiful with nice sceneries and very good restaurants. Bouchon restaurant is cozy located in the downtown of Santa Barbara, The foods and services are excellent. Our dinner was included Pan-roasted fresh local sea bass and Bouchon Duck. They are well prepared with excellent taste. Highly recommend. read more

Magical moments are made when chef Greg personally delivers each dish and gets on one knee to propose over each dish by explaining each facet of his diamond dishes from the menu of his heart. The burrata tomato salad over crouton and arugula were divine followed by a tiny succulent quail and a surf trio of scallops and a tender turf of wagu bouf that was easy to surrender to. Local SB wine was perfectly uncorked and evolved into a deep dream. Wine, bread and butter for dessert was classically memorable read more

Bouchon - French Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Very disappointed. Had high hopes that, in fact, this would be a from scratch kitchen, and that the chef could accommodate food allergies, that were already on our open table profile. Sadly, they seemed lost as to how to deal with said allergies, other than leaving sauces off. Seriously, and I suggested this, the chef could have simply prepared a quick pan sauce or maitre d butter instead of the sauce on the menu....that suggestion went nowhere, either because they could not execute on something simple like this, or didn't want to be bothered. Sad when a restaurant lacks that ability to course correct. read more

Staff was very friendly and helpful. The food was really good. Although we were younger patrons, the staff didn't discriminate and were very lovely to us. read more

I came here for my birthday dinner and it was just lovely! I love that they have a dress code and our waiter was fantastic. The food paired very well with the recommended wine. i love that their ingredients are locally sourced, the taste proves so! Thr bread/butter, bruschetta, THE DUCK and creme brûlée were out of this world! 10/10 food, experience, and ambiance. read more

Great food! Farm to table freshness. The wait staff is attentive and knowledgeable. The patio is my favorite spot but they have done a nice job with the build out. Wonderful place for a special occasion read more

Overrated. Small portions, food served in boxes and would be more pleasant to eat out of finer dish ware for the price.

Nicholas was a fantastic server, great wine recommendations and overall friendly and attentive. Great experience

DELICIOUS SAUCE. Farm to table food! Love that! The older I have gotten the more I have come to like and enjoy sauces. Our waiter,Tony, described ever detail down to the sauce. The layers of all the popular dishes. Tony was attentive and knew how to help everyone around him. He is so charismatic! He made me feel so special on my birthday. I was enamored his detailed help in all my food needs. It's like he got me tasting every item. He not only suggested but added items that we would like into our order. He was the BEST WAITER I HAVE EVER HAD! He gave me a 30 year old Port to go as complimentary birthday present with my cream brûlée. I would say you MUST try this restaurant when you visit Santa Barbra. Ask for Tony. He knows what is the best! read more

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Came here for a birthday and the staff was so friendly and allowed me to bring the cake in earlier in the day, despite not being open yet. Food was great as was service. Would definitely recommend the Scallop Trio & the Crabcakes. The Lobster Pot Pie's base was very good (not the creamy kind) and the 'crust' was a pastry puff, not pie dough which was nice and crispy. read more

What a great experience dining here. The food is delicious , the Service impeccable, the wine is quite divine. Santa Barbara wines and local produce make this place the go to destination downtown. Never can go wrong eating here. Fresh , flavorful and exquisite. A real Santa Barabara gem. read more

Bouchon - Pork Loin with risotto and pickled figs. - French Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

How incredible was this place? Both the food and the service were incredible. Though they were out of the wine we ordered, the waiter recommended a comparable but more expensive bottle for the same price. That was our introduction to Bouchon. It keeps getting better. I have to recommend the Kurobuta Pork Belly with red cabbage and tater tots because it tastes like butter with heaven on it. I could have eaten two of these. The Trio of Scallops were seared just perfectly, and all of the accompaniments were surprising and delicious. Service was perfect, and the atmosphere was cozy and elegant without being too stuffy. Dessert was the real surprise, because you have to order the Blackberry-Lemon Upside-Down Cake. Just trust me. If I am ever in this area again, I cannot wait to go back here. read more

I live one block from this restaurant and have only eaten there one time. That should tell you enough. It's been a few years so I guess it's time for me to give them a second opportunity but usually when the service is really bad and the food is not spectacular especially in contrast to the high prices I don't give them second chances in Santa Barbara where there's so many other wonderful experiences to have. I will update us after I try it again but it may be a while read more

I've struggled with this review a bit because Bouchon is a great restaurant in it's setting but in comparison to what it aspires to be it falls short. I wish I could give it 3.5 stars. Let me start with the service. You are treated like royalty here. There's no turned up noses or snooty attitudes, just really great service. They bent over backwards for me at every step. I even left my receipt there which I needed and someone printed out another and kept it in the office for me to pick up the next day. I started off with the pan seared Foie Gras with warm Marcona almond-Medjool date bread, spiced persimmons and pomegranate. I love Foie Gras. There was a time in a small duck focused restaurant in Lyon France that I was sharing an entier with my family. As I forked my piece up to my mouth it slipped off and landed right on the floor. I paused for a fraction of a second, swooped my hand down and snatched it up then tossed it in my mouth. I could have picked up a bacteria from the floor, it could have been dirty! No matter, there was no doubt in my mind what I had to do - this was foie gras! My server convinced me they source the best foie gras from either Hudson Valley or Canada. We had a short talk about California's outlawing it for two years... I figured we were on the same page so I ordered it. When I got it and took a bite the only thing going through my head was "what is wrong with this foie gras?" It sort of had the right texture but there was no flavor. It just existed. Odd, I've never had foie gras that left no memory of having existed in my brain. I attempted to enjoy it but I really didn't. I'm sure it's nigh impossible to get a good quality foie gras in the states but as such they shouldn't serve it. We're not talking about potatoes here, this is foie freakin' gras. It should be an amazing, life changing experience or you should just skip it. Being a huge fan of duck and French food in general I then ordered the Maple glazed California Duck Breast and Confit with succotash of sweet corn, fava beans, leeks, applewood-smoked bacon and Windrose Farms butternut squash, port-thyme demi-glace. As I was waiting he asked me about wine. I requested something like a southern Cote du Rhone. He then asked if I normally prefer a Chateauneuf du pape. Ah, I like this guy. He knows wine. He brought me a Californian Syrah, Grenache, Mouvedre blend and a straight up Grenache. The Grenache was actually closer in flavor to what I wanted so I took that. They had real Cote du Rhone's in the bottle but not by the glass. I'm getting a bit gun-shy on duck in America but I figured it's my companies money so why not? It's a bit odd to have duck breast and confit on one plate but we're not in France so I went for it anyway. I instructed the server to have the duck breast cooked only until it was just pink inside - no gray.. In France we call this rose. I told him that in virtually every instance in America duck is way over cooked. He said it would be better to weigh on the side of caution and undercook it since I could always send it back. I agreed and ordered it RARE. My duck arrived just barely rare enough to eat. What is is it with American's and overcooking everything? In France I have to use my best French accent to order food because if they sense I'm an American they'll overcook it there too. It's what we do apparently - ruin duck breast! The server thought he was really pushing things by bringing it to me this rare but in reality had it stayed on in the pan for another 30 seconds I would have sent it back. There's no reason paying $30 for a duck breast that isn't edible. Overall I enjoyed this meal. I sat, taking tiny bites and savoring every morsel. The confit wasn't bad, the duck breast was passable. Was it equal to eating in a French restaurant in France? Not even close. I'd say that your typical brasserie on any random street does a much better job for a fraction of the price. But this isn't France is it? Ingredients are hard to get here, it's hard to find people who know how to cook them, it's hard to find customers who know the difference. I get all of that. I just want a $75 per plate French meal in Santa Barbara to be equal to a $16 per plate French meal in Paris and it just isn't. The service was great, the environment beautiful, the food was OK. read more

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My mom and I really enjoyed our dinner here. Not only did they have great service but all the food was well prepared and delicious. The French onion soup was a nice start to our meal. We also got the little gem salad which was good but nothing to rave about. The ribeye steak was very, very delicious. We got it medium, because I don't like it bloody, and it was cooked just right and very tender. Thank you for the delicious food and the great service! Hope you keep it up! read more

Only read the best reviews of this fantastic restaurant because it is worthy of them. Food and service are both top-notch!

We came for our one year anniversary and between the delicious meal, incredible service and earning ambiance, everything was FANTASTIC!!! Our waiter David was incredibly attentive and very knowledgeable. He made such an effort to make sure we were taken care of and enjoyed our meal. Even the chef came out to serve our meal and check in to see how we enjoyed it! We started out with the beef tartare, then moved onto the sea bass and duck entrée (which has been on the menu for 22 years!). We finished off the meal with a delicious port and crème brûlée. The presentation was beautiful and they even brought us an anniversary card and rose petals! Everything was delicious and will definitely come back! Highly recommended! read more

This is the restaurant to stop by if you're ever in the Santa Barbara area. Came here on a Friday night and you can make reservations online through open table to save your spot so you don't have to wait, although there were a few open tables when we got there (around 7:00 pm). They have a small and simple menu but their wine selection was huge. I usually don't drink wine so I had no idea what to choose, but the server recommended some wine to us and it was amazingg. I wish I took a picture of the name but you can ask what you like (sweet, bitter, white or red wine) and I'm sure you'll love what they recommend. They give you a sampler to make sure you like it before getting a whole glass (or bottle) of the wine. We got the Dungeness crab cake and I definitely recommend this for your appetizer. Although it is kind of pricey for one crab cake, it literally melts in your mouth and your taste buds are just exploding from the flavors and sauces all mixing together. If it weren't for the price, I would have ordered more because of how good it was. For entrees we got the duck entree which has been on their menu for the longest and the wagyu steak. Both are very delicious, if you like duck and are willing to try it I would definitely recommend it. There's an inside dining area and a small patio area for you to dine. We opted for the patio area which was super cozy and the weather was nice. The host/servers there were even sweet enough to put a card with the chef's signatures on our table with rose petals around it after telling them it was my boyfriend's birthday! They put his name so it felt even more specialized so that was really nice. Overall the experience ane atmosphere was very pleasant and the servers and host were accommodating and friendly. If I were ever in the area again, I would definitely come back here. read more

Dining at Bouchon was a great experience! The ambiance is lovely and the food was excellent. Justin was our server and he did a wonderful job of guiding us through the menu and assisting us in finding a fantastic wine pairing with our meal. The pork shank was delicious and tender and fell off the bone. The roasted duck was cooked perfectly. I highly recommend this restaurant. Thank you to our waiter Justin for makiour dining experience so fabulous! read more

Bouchon - French Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Wow! Wine paring and special gluten free cake as well!!! Fabulous wine and service! Service was teamwork and went well! read more

Bouchon - French Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

When we want a perfect meal to impress out of town guests or to celebrate a special occasion, we go to Bouchon. We've never been disappointed with the food or the service. read more

Excellent, well-prepared dinner. Attentive service. A very good restaurant experience in Santa Barbara.

No, this is not that Bouchon, of Thomas Keller fame, but this Bouchon definitely stands alone in terms of taste and experience. (Not that I've had the opportunity to dine at the other ones. Yet!) I had the duck confit, while my husband ordered the venison. We also had a bottle of Pinot noir, and finished with the molten lava chocolate cake with, of course, McConnell's vanilla bean ice cream. Everything was amazing. The only thing that I wasn't totally crazy about was the breast portion of the duck, as it was a little on the rare side for my taste...but the thigh was ridiculously good. We made sure to make reservations well ahead of time, as they are often fully booked, especially on the weekends. It was the perfect spot to celebrate our wedding anniversary, and as romantic as restaurants get. The lighting is warm, and their interior decor features warm golden tones, to capture an overall cozy and intimate feel throughout the space. Service is also up there on the customer service scale, and every member of their team was accommodating, knowledgeable, and friendly. read more

Atmosphere was nice, beverages great, service excellent. My duck breast was sadly over cooked. It was dry and the leg was barely edible. The scallop trio was the best thing we ate last night. The server highlighted that the wine list was very local, but how about highlighting some local spot prawns and uni?? The menu has a lot of what people expect, but could use some more creativity. read more