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Dom's Taverna

4.5 (104 reviews)
Closed 5:00 pm - 9:00 PM

Dom's Taverna Photos

DOM'S TAVERNA ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Happy hour specials
Good for groups
Dogs allowed

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Recommended Reviews - Dom's Taverna

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Steak Bites
Melody K.

So I will say Dom's was very good overall, but a bit over the top on the pricey side for the amount of food you get... so hold your pants on and be prepared. So my friend and I came to dine on a Tuesday night at 7:00PM. Upon arrive we were greeted and seated. The atmosphere is bright, fresh, and very open. Our server Brissa introduced herself, she was a bit cold in the beginning, but warmed up to us throughout the evening. We ordered Cocktails while looking over the menu. We ordered the Lamb Croketas, Ganbak, Steak Bites and a Crab Claw. The dishes were delicious but as I said it's a bit pricey for the amount of food you receive. Thank goodness we had a big lunch or we would of still been hungry. Definitely delicious! Atmosphere: is bright, fresh, and very open. Service: good. Food: excellent.

Smoked fish appetizer on the left and scallop + white fish crudo on the right.
Shelly C.

I got looped into trying this new SB restaurant through a $75 off coupon this week. I went but I regret it, don't fall for it like I did. We had a 5pm reservation. The bad experience started when we arrived 5 minutes early and the door was open but they did not allow us in. They made us wait outside in the hot sun, looking at their inappropriate political posters taped to the windows. Don't we get enough politics on the news? Is that what people want to look at when they dine out?? No. The host then seated us in the hot sunny window in the front. The window shade wasn't strong enough, my dining partner had to squint for the first 30 minutes or more, he literally got semi-sunburned. We started with the smoked fish appetizer and drinks. We ordered the crudo to follow, but they brought both out at the same time. For drinks, I started with a Paloma cocktail. It was bland and watery, not nearly as good as the fresh-squeezed grapefruit Paloma I had at Loquito the other day. The smoked fish appetizer was good. The crudo had raw scallops and white fish with watermelon in olive oil. The scallops were sweet and yummy but I didn't care for the white fish, it had no taste and the dish needed acid to balance the sweetness of the scallops and the blandness of the oil. Same hot pickled peppers used on both the smoked fish appetizer and atop the crudo - where the creativity in that? The servers didn't describe the dishes so it was hard to know what you were getting or what the chef had in mind. (Was there a chef in the house? I don't know. None was mentioned.) We then ordered crab legs and a $68 bottle of white wine, a bottle of Perluca Khoros from Paso Robles. Our new server was a bit nicer and offered to chill it on ice. The crab legs and wine were both delicious. For the main we ordered the Morcilla, a meat and bean dish. It looked so unappetizing I didn't even want to try it. It was less than ok. I just nibbled at it and we didn't finish it. Also of note, I went to the ladies room mid way through and both bathrooms were occupied for a long time. After a 2nd knock, the host who had been rude from the start emerged in a huff. Something's not right here. The bill was still $250 after the supposed discount. Not worth it! Blah. Bland. Boring food. Expensive. Don't go.

Cheesecake
A M.

Loved all of these dishes! The chicken was so tender and the cheesecake was to die for! We also got the plantains and they were divine. Service was super friendly and although I personally find the ambience a little cold for my taste, that won't stop me from returning!

Liz G.

The bartenders were the highlight of our visit. Friendly, personable, and attentive. One bartender accidentally splashed me while shaking a cocktail and immediately took one of our freezer martinis off the bill, which was appreciated. The bar itself is also pretty cool, with TVs disguised as artwork that blend into the space. We ordered the cioppino, wagyu tartare, and sole. The cioppino was made without shrimp due to my allergy, which I appreciated, but it was unfortunately very salty and I couldn't eat much of it. The wagyu tartare was the standout dish. It came topped with roe and was flavorful and well-balanced. The truffle chips served alongside it were very truffle-forward, and adding a side of caviar complemented the tartare nicely. The "whole fish" turned out to be half of a sole. It was fine, but nothing memorable. Overall, the tartare was the only dish I would consider ordering again. While the service at the bar was great, the food didn't leave me wanting to return. FYI. We did have a reservation but chose to sit at bar since it was open.

Steak bites
Natalie S.

My parents and I stopped in here because of a recommendation from some credible travel site. Those are sometimes hit or miss. This time was a hit. The inside was small and intimate. Loud but not too loud that you can't hear each other. Our server was excellent, and extremely knowledgeable. We were still a little full from our lunch (4 hours earlier) so we stuck with lighter bites. * Spiced lamb & chicken croketas: maybe one of my favorite bites of the night. Super tasty, but the real winner was the sauce underneath. A sort of aioli type. * Kalamari: you can't go wrong with a really flavorful kalamari * Steak bites: yum. Just yum. * Seaside snap pea: this was my favorite thing we ordered. So fresh and flavorful. It felt light and not heavy. I'd order this again and again. * Tomat: this was good but I also think I'd order a main dish over this. We just weren't hungry enough. This isn't to say it wasn't good. Just not my favorite.

03/17/2026 - Beverage Menu
Teri C.

We hit up Dom's Taverna for an early dinner during our spring break visit to Santa Barbara. We chose the table by the window to enjoy the natural light coming in. * Steak Bites $19 - These Wagyu pieces were a little overcooked for our liking. * Seaside Snap Pea $16 - This was a refreshing dish with fresh peas and arugula. * Smoked Fish Dip $20 - I love a great smoked fish dip and theirs did not disappoint. The salmon roe gave it that salty kick too. I wasn't the biggest fan of the tapa crackers as they didn't hold the dip very well. I would have preferred a different vessel for the dip. * Surf & Turf Tartare $26 - We love tartare and will order it every time we see it on a menu. Their Wagyu version with the anchovy aioli and fish roe, and truffle chips was very enjoyable. We ended up getting two orders! * Clams & Mussels $16 - A light and tasty dish. * Pea & Artichoke Pasta $28 - An enjoyable pasta with peas and artichokes. There were some super salty bites and can only guess it came from the Basque cheese. * Hongos $27 - Grilled mushrooms with more of a marinated or brined egg yolk, rather than raw, poured table side. Great flavors. * Grappa's Tarta Vasca aka Basque Cheesecake $20 - We never would have known it was a Basque cheesecake if the waitress didn't explain it to us. It was good choice to close out our meal. We had some really enjoyable dishes at Dom's and would probably go again if we were in the area. Service was much more attentive in the beginning but as the evening picked up, service slowed down. It wasn't a deal breaker, but we did have to ask for more water and things like that. I love the water glassware. Very cool. Overall, there are some innovative dishes happening here and I think their menu has been changing already. So I gotta love a restaurant that is constantly changing with the season.

menu
Elysia G.

Finally had a chance to dine at Dom's Taverna, one of the newer restaurants that opened last year, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. We made a dinner reservation via OpenTable before heading to an SBIFF event, and everything from timing to service felt seamless. This is a share-plates dream, so we ordered accordingly. Hongos, mussels and clams with chorizo (that broth alone is worth the order), prawns with butter and garlic that were rich and perfectly cooked, steak bites, half a dozen oysters, and Santa Barbara crab claws. Every dish came out well-paced and clearly meant for the table, which made the experience feel relaxed instead of rushed. For drinks, I tried both the Don Raj Spritz and the freezer gin martini. One was earthy and refreshing, the other ice-cold and dangerously smooth. Exactly the kind of cocktails you want before a night out. Service was attentive without hovering, knowledgeable when asked, and genuinely warm. Plates were cleared on time, drinks stayed filled, and no one made us feel like we needed to rush out the door. As for value, the quality of the seafood, portion sizes, and overall experience felt fair for what you're getting. This is the kind of place where sharing a few dishes gives you a full, satisfying meal without feeling overcharged. We missed happy hour this time, but for those planning ahead it runs from 3-5:30 pm and again from 9-11 pm, which is honestly a great deal considering the menu. Dom's Taverna hits that sweet spot of elevated but approachable, with thoughtful collaborations that show they're tapped into the community. Great food, solid service, and an easy go-to for both special occasions and spontaneous nights out.

Grilled Oysters
Mark F.

Well done, Chef! You've solidified Don's in my top3 restaurants in Santa Barbara. First off you'll want to make reservations. This cute, little place fills up by 6 so plan ahead. Not to say you can't walk in but with his popularity and amazing food I don't recommend it. Go ahead an arrive early for a seat at the bar and take in the vibe. It's bright, loud, friendly, and filled with beautiful locals who put thought into what they're wearing. We may be at the beach but wear proper shoes and look sharp on your date night. Why so popular? Before the food is definitely the. Both at the bar and at tables the team is well educated on the menu, friendly, and ready to jump in or give you a little space to figure out northern Spain's Basque region cuisine. It may look scary but I promise you it's not. My latest visit was with a GF friend and our server, Erin, along with Chef Don, even managed to split some ingredients to make every bite safe and delicious for all. Now on to the food. Well, maybe a cocktail. You must start with a Spanish staple, the LAIE Vermouth $8. Next jump on the Bar Bites menu served 5-6 and available at the bar or table. I highly recommend the Jamón Grilled Cheese $10 and Lamburgesa $12. I've tied the Chistorra Glizzy $13 sausage but found it dry. The winner of the night was the Hongos $28 Grilled Mushrooms. I wanted another order but knew we had to keep the party going with Crab Rice $19 and the Spicy Fried Plantains $14. Not don't yet the Prawn Koktel $24 was garlicky awesome with some bread to dredge and we finished off with 6 Raw & 6 Grilled Oysters. Was this a lot of food? YES. And shared by 4 but when food is fresh and if a high quality not processed and preserved you don't feel it. None of us left stuffed. I wanted more but knew I was at "Just Right". Well... until dessert. The Goxo Itota $14 good but the Torrija $17 was the cherry on the top. If you made it through this review you'll see I'm impressed with all Chef Dom Crisp brings to the table. Next time you're at the bar look around, you might just find me sipping on a Vermouth and enjoying a mouth watering Lamburgesa. Eskerrik asko!

Jamón Grilled Cheese
Eliseo A.

The ambiance was genuinely enjoyable -- music at a comfortable volume. The Olives & Pickles were delicious and the Freezer Martini was easily the highlight of the night. Both worth ordering again. The Jamón Grilled Cheese is where the experience fell short. It arrived burnt -- black edges on the outside. When we flagged it, our waitress initially suggested the crispy exterior was intentional. After showing her a photo of what the dish actually looks like, she offered a remake, which we appreciated. The remake came back without the char, but the kitchen overcorrected. The outside was a hard fried cheese shell with no bread pull, no soft interior, and the jamón barely registered in flavor. The menu photos show soft golden bread with stretch and structure -- neither version we received came close to that. To be clear, I understand the dish is supposed to have a crispy cheese crust. That's not the issue. The issue is that we got burnt first, then essentially a deep-fried shell second, and the bread itself was lost both times. The staff handled the complaint and that counts for something. But two attempts at the same dish with the same core problem is worth flagging for the kitchen.

Sosa J.

My wife and I recently went to Dom's Taverna in Santa Barbara for date night and it turned into one of our favorite dining experiences in town. We kicked things off with some tasty cocktails, which immediately set the tone for the night. From the moment we walked in, the entire staff made us feel genuinely welcomed, but a special shoutout goes to our server Raul. He absolutely nailed every recommendation and guided us through the menu like a pro. We started with the crudo, which was bright, fresh, and perfectly balanced. Then came the smoked seafood flatbread, rich and flavorful without being heavy. For our main, Raul suggested the steak txuleta, and it was phenomenal. Cooked to perfection and beautifully paired with the tomato salad, it was one of those combinations you don't forget. We wrapped things up with "La Cuchara," a spoonful of Basque cheesecake topped with caviar. It sounds unexpected, but it was pure magic, creamy, salty, and just the right amount of indulgent to end the night.

Shooter M.

First time at Dom's and it was outstanding. Delicious Fresh Food, Atmospheric Vibes, Great Service with a sprinkle of Michelin Stars on the horizon. A turnkey dining experience from Pintxos to Postre. Santa Barbara Magazine called their Ceviche "a Playful, yet mysterious Little Dish" and each delicacy far exceeded my expectations. Loved the Oysters too! Overall a warm & welcoming Dining experience. We'll be back soon!

Submarino Española Sando It's a long sandwich. There are 2 halves here.
Jenn M.

I debated on the stars. I'd hate for their rating to be low due to my sense of what things should cost. The sandwich was good; it was $20. After tax and tip, I spent $27 on a sandwich today. It did not come with anything: chips, garnish salad. It was a holiday lunch with friends so special occasion. On a regular basis, I don't see this being a go to for me. The service was nice. The environment is inviting. This is my third visit there and I'm still not sure of what to order when I go. As I don't speak Basque, I find the menu a little difficult to understand. So far it seems like the Basque Bowl with rice and a few little things in it could be a good choice.

Oysters
Crystal N.

My group of friends and I visited when they just opened and had a lovely time for lunch. The seafood is quality. We enjoyed the fusions of flavors and enthusiasm from the staff. I have on thing to say- GET THE GRILLED OYSTERS! It was so good, we HAD to get another order in. I dream about these oysters often, they are the best grilled oysters I've ever had.

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9 days ago

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Dom C.

It was great having you!

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18 days ago

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Dom C.

Thanks Justin! - Dom

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19 days ago

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Dom C.

Thanks please let us know how to make this a 5 star experience for you

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Dom C.

Awesome review. Let us know when you’re headed back in!

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Dom C.

Thank you Shooter!

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It was great serving you guys, please come again soon and ask for me!

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$$$$

Stonehouse continues to be one of my absolute favorite restaurants in the Santa Barbara area. Every…read morevisit reminds me why it's such a special destination. From the stunning grounds to the impeccable service and beautifully executed food, the entire experience feels luxurious without being pretentious. If you're celebrating a special occasion, it's hard to imagine a better setting. I chose Stonehouse for my birthday this year, and they made the evening feel incredibly memorable. Our server, I believe her was Amy, was absolutely fantastic. she was warm, attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely made me feel celebrated throughout the meal. It's the kind of hospitality that elevates an already wonderful dinner into something unforgettable. I ordered the lychee mocktail which was refreshing with a perfect balance of sweetness, and my server smoked it table side for me. It was such a thoughtful gesture for my birthday. We started with the assortment of fresh breads served alongside really high quality olive oil, which were delicious on their own. Shortly after, we were treated to an amuse bouche which was a delicate whipped lobster nestled inside a slice of cucumber. It was light, elegant, and a wonderful way to begin the meal. The Grilled Yellow Peach and Burrata Salad was another standout. The sweetness of the peaches paired beautifully with the creamy burrata, creating a refreshing and well balanced appetizer that felt perfect for the season. For our entree, we shared the Beef Wellington for Two, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. The pastry was beautifully golden and flaky, while the beef was cooked perfectly and remained incredibly tender. The sauce also made it very pleasant. Every component of the dish felt thoughtfully prepared. It also came with the Signature Mashed Potatoes. It was unbelievably rich and indulgent. At first it seemed a little watery, but after letting it sit for a few minutes, it thickens slightly and became perfectly smooth and velvety. By the end of dinner, I was completely satisfied, but they had one final surprise for me. The team presented me with a beautiful birthday dessert, a thoughtful gesture that perfectly capped off an already exceptional celebration. Beyond the food, the property itself is breathtaking. The beautifully landscaped grounds and elegant dining spaces create an atmosphere that's both romantic and timeless. Every detail feels intentional, making the experience feel truly special from the moment you arrive. Stonehouse consistently delivers one of the finest dining experiences in the Santa Barbara area. Between the impeccable service, outstanding cuisine, gorgeous setting, and thoughtful hospitality, it's a place I find myself returning to time and time again.

Matt B. and I went to Stonehouse the night we got engaged, back in 2012. The restaurant and…read moreproperty were beautiful, and we had a wonderful romantic dinner on the patio. We went back a few weeks ago, for Matt's 43rd birthday, and found a completely different restaurant. I guess at some point, San Ysidro Ranch went all-inclusive, and Stonehouse started serving a mostly captive clientele: hotel guests who've already paid for dinner. This is fine if you're staying at the Ranch, but if you remember The Stonehouse as a fancy special occasion restaurant with a high level of service, your impression is out of date. The astronomical prices may suggest otherwise, but keep in mind that most diners aren't really paying those anyway. We went on a drizzly Tuesday night and sat inside, missing out on the scenic patio. The dining room was nice, though, very stately, and as parents ourselves, we were not put out by the number of children in the room, the families sitting down for a casual weeknight dinner. We were surprised, though, when we tried to order drinks and our waiter asked to see our IDs. My husband presented his license, which showed very clearly that it was his 43rd birthday. The waiter had no comment on this, and instead turned his attention to me, Matt's 40-year-old wife. I didn't have ID on me, and he refused to take my drink order. We weren't about to have an expensive birthday dinner without alcohol, so we got up to drive home and pick up my license. But first, I decided to try my luck with a manager. Because look, I understand that I should've had my wallet, but also, I hadn't been carded at a restaurant in years. I told this to the manager, and suggested they tell customers in advance to make sure to bring ID. Instead of explaining that he needed to be careful because The Stonehouse served families with teenagers, he said it was the law, and that every restaurant should be carding aggressively. This was so disingenuous I more or less asked if he'd ever been to a restaurant. I also offered to show him a scan of my passport and the picture Matt and I took at The Stonehouse the night we got engaged in 2012, well after I turned seven. He relented, and we were reseated without having to produce my license. I didn't hold any of this against our waiter, but we were assigned a new one anyway, and received middling service for the duration of our meal. For one thing, we asked for help picking a bottle from the massive wine book, and it took the somm an actual half hour to pay us a visit. We were done with our appetizers and had checked in with our waiter twice by the time he made his way over. The other annoyance was that no one acknowledged Matt's birthday, despite the time we spent litigating birthdays, during which I mentioned quite pointedly that we were there for his 43rd. I even told a server who checked in on me before dessert while Matt was in the bathroom, and he said he'd make sure there was a candle in our tart. Not the end of the world, but this did not happen. The drinks, when we got them, were great, starting with cocktails, which almost tided us over until we received our wine. These were $33 a pop and kind of ridiculous, smoked tableside with a showy gadget. The Negroni Tropicale was made with grilled pineapple-infused No. 3 dry gin, Campari, Carpano Antica, and orange zest, then smoked with pecan wood. The French Quarter mixed Bardstown Ferrand Cognac-cask bourbon, Zaya 16-year rum, Benedictine, oloroso sherry, dry vermouth, and orange bitters, and was smoked with bourbon oak wood. For wine, we got a bottle of 2020 Vietti Monvigliero Barolo. This was excellent, and also a bit of a win. The bottle was barely marked up from retail, and we'll never know if The Stonehouse has exceptionally favorable wine prices or we were served the wrong vintage on accident. Food was solid, starting with Maine lobster salad in tiny phyllo cups, a nice welcome bite. Bread basket came with pumpkin seed lavash pumpkin seed, sourdough, and rice flour rolls, with olive oil for dipping. We enjoyed a half-dozen oysters with pickled Asian pear mignonette, and Japanese yellowtail crudo with pixie tangerine, purple radish, seagrass, and shiro dashi vinaigrette. Acorn squash agnolotti were lovely, with black truffle, toasted pecans, morel mushrooms, and a goat cheese fondue. The duck a l'orange came with a show, the sauce flambéed tableside on portable burner. A lot of magic tricks on this menu, perhaps for the kids. The duck breast was good, though, over barley pilaf with Tokyo turnips, herbes de Provence, Cara Cara orange, and Grand Marnier. The herb-crusted rack of lamb was decent too, served with lamb sausage, Tuscan kale, crispy polenta, and violet mustard. For dessert, we shared the orchard Meyer lemon tart with blueberry compote and wildflower honey and lavender Chantilly. The food was a strong A-, but not worth the money or the sub-par experience. Unless you're staying on property, avoid The Stonehouse.

Photos
Upstairs Stonehouse dining room
Upstairs Stonehouse dining room
Syrs Famous chicken Tortilla Soup
Syrs Famous chicken Tortilla Soup
One of two outside Stonehouse dining patios

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One of two outside Stonehouse dining patios

Dom's Taverna - basque - Updated July 2026

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