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    Via Maestra 42

    4.3 (886 reviews)
    ModerateDelis, Italian
    Open 8:30 am - 9:00 pm

    Order Via Maestra 42 Takeout or Delivery

    Via Maestra 42 Photos

    VIA MAESTRA 42 ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Classy
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Via Maestra 42

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    Costolette d'Agnello alla Griglia (Lamb chops)
    Aiden K.

    My visit to Via Maestra 42 came way with mixed feelings. There were definitely aspects of the experience that I enjoyed, but a few issues with the food prevented the meal from living up to its potential. For my entree, I ordered the Costolette d'Angello alla Griglia, the grilled lamb chops served with vegetables and mashed potatoes. The lamb was okay, but it arrived more warm than hot and the accompanying mashed potatoes were a disappointment. They arrived noticeably cold in the center, giving the impression that they had been reheated rather than freshly prepared. Unfortunately, those temperature inconsistencies distracted from the dish and even made me question whether everything had been plated and served at its best. The lamb chops were okay overall, but the execution left something to be desired. I also tried the Linguine con Vongole (clam pasta). The flavors were fine and the dish was enjoyable enough, but diners should be aware that there were some broken shell fragments and bits of sand mixed in with the clams. While that can occasionally happen with shellfish dishes, it was noticeable enough that I found myself eating a little more cautiously than I would have liked. One aspect of the restaurant that stood out was the atmosphere. The environment has a distinctive character and personality that makes it feel different from many of the other dining options in SB. It certainly adds to the overall experience. The service was somewhat slow during my visit, though the staff remained friendly and courteous throughout the evening. Overall, this place offered an interesting atmosphere and friendly service, but the food execution felt inconsistent. Between the warm lamb, cold mashed potatoes, and shell fragments in the linguine, the meal didn't quite meet expectations. There's potential here, but a little more attention to detail in the kitchen would go a long way.

    03/18/2026 - Secondi Menu
    Teri C.

    Italian was on the menu tonight and Yelp brought us here. Via Maestro 42 has a small interior mostly made up of two top tables, and then an outside covered area within the parking lot. On this fine March evening, we opted to sit outdoors. I was concerned with how much lighting there would be once the sun set but they didn't really have any four tops available inside for us. (In the end, the interior lights from the neighboring business helped illuminate our table that was directly in front of the restaurant, and not necessarily under the outside covered area.) After we put in our order and received the complimentary bread (with the provided olive oil), we were questioning whether we had ordered too much food. We attempted to ask the waiter if it was too much and he didn't really answer our question. And since there was only one table next to us and he was dining solo, it was hard to gauge the portion sizes. We ordered: * Antipasto Sampler Platter $19.95 - A generous selection from their deli case, perfect for sharing. The butter bean with tuna salad was a first for me and has me thinking of how to incorporate more butter beans in my diet. Other items included grilled zucchini, grilled eggplant, mixed olives, farro salad, green beans, salami, tomato and mozzarella. * Bucatini all'Amatriciana $22.95 - We opted for this as it was a described as a traditional dish from he Lazio region. It was enjoyed by all. * Linguine con Vongole $26.95 - Next to arrive was the linguine, which was the absolute favorite for us all. It was light, filled with clams, and just had a great taste overall. * Farfalle al Pesto $19.95 - The Little Gal wanted pesto, but this version was so heavy. It was exhausting to eat and probably our least favorite. * Polenta Del Montanaro $21.95 - The mushrooms and polenta sounded amazing, but again this was very heavy for us. There were also a few hard bits of polenta mixed in. It was just overwhelming in not the best way. Overall, the portions are HUGE and just perfect for sharing. We would have dreaded being stuck with one dish on our own as it's just too much. We were also concerned about the $3.95 split charge fee that may apply, hence why we went with four entrees. You can easily get your fill with a few items here without breaking the bank. I can definitely see why they have such great ratings. The restroom is located in the back, so you do need to walk outside to access the restroom. I guess this avoids having you walk through the kitchen to get there. Service was fine. We did have one primary waiter but the other staff stepped in when necessary. It was pretty busy for a weekday evening, at least for all the outside tables. Since it's a bit away from the touristy area, you do get a sense there are more locals enjoying this spot.

    Michael H.

    This is my favorite Italian restaurant in town. The owner is awesome, I've heard he also owns Milk and Honey, another one of my favorite places, fun fact, they now have a Sangiovese available by the glass at Milk and Honey, but back to Via Maestra, the food is amazing. I highly recommend the pumpkin ravioli. Service is stellar, and their outdoor patio can't be beat for upper State Street- perfect ambiance for a date night. You're missing out if you don't come here for dinner.

    Primi menu
    Greg H.

    My friend and I were in town to run a half marathon, so of course we were in carb loading mode, which generally means pasta. I wanted to go to an Italian place, and he had been to Via Maestra 42 before and suggested we go there for dinner. We got there about 6:15 and were able to get seated right away on the patio, without a reservation. We were greeted by our friendly server, Laura, and she took our drink orders. Upon bringing the drinks she answered questions we had on the menu. We ended up ordering penne alla bolognese, farfalle Allegria and a side salad. The food came out pretty quickly and smelled delicious. It tasted as good as it smelled too! The salmon in the Allegria was great, and the creamy vodka sauce was perfect! The bread they provided for the table was delicious as well. In the end we were fully carb loaded and ready to race the next morning. This place was a hidden gem and I highly recommend it. If I ever make it back to Santa Barbara, this place will definitely be on my list!

    Another delicious Italian breakfast right here . . . and of course Italian Rosé.
    Mickey A.

    Still such a delicious place for breakfast or lunch. Sitting outside on their patio, sunshine and a slight breeze all around us. Server Marco keeping a close eye on us and making sure we have everything we need. Glass of Italian Rosé, and then onto a tasty Barbera to accompany our Pasta alla Puttanesca. I do love this little slice of heaven.

    Complementary bread (psst ask for balsamic)
    Desiree P.

    Love at first sight. And when it's busy on a Tuesday night you know the food is good. And their staff takes such good care of you. Bread and waters brought right away as you look through the menu wanting a little bit of everything. Started with a simple salad. How does something so simple taste so good?! And moved onto the penne alla bolognese. I may have cleared my plate while scraping it with the complementary bread (thanks for the refill). Before my food coma began finished off with a cappuccino, which I think I inhaled. If you like hole in the wall, bodega kitschy vibes you will love it here.

    Farfalle Allegria
    Renee L.

    One of my absolute favorite restaurants of all time!! I used to come here a bunch when I was a student at UCSB, and I missed it so dearly ever since I graduated. Live in SF now and nothing can compare, not even in North Beach. Spent my birthday weekend in SB and had to stop here. Got my favorite dish, the farfalle allegria, which was amazing and just how I remembered it. Service is always so wonderful. Our server, Tasha, was so kind and sweet. You can't go wrong with any of the dishes here. Must get the tiramisu! Hope to be back soon!

    Tagliolini Al Nero Di Seppia Con Polipetti
    Amelia D.

    Food - 4.5/5, service 5/5, ambiance 4/5. Quality of the food - excellent for Italian trattoria style food; I ordered the Tagliolini Al Nero Di Seppia Con Polipetti (squid in pasta with sautéed octopus in a red sauce); it was a generous serving of pasta cooked to order with very tender octopus. It's clear that management is Italian and the cooks did a great job with this classic seafood dish. My partner ordered the lasagna which was pretty good and a hefty portion. She didn't like that the menu says no changes but I thought that it had an interesting variety of Italian dishes and would be back to try the Val D'osta chicken which is similar to a cordon bleu. They serve lunch until 4:30 and lunch items come with a salad. We had to ask for bread but it was at no additional cost. There's indoor and outdoor seating, but the tables for two are quite low and par with my knees (I'm 5'9.) The outdoor seating is much nicer, and inside it has more of a deli counter feel. The bathroom is shared with the kitchen. It's a bit inland from the beach but we stopped in on our way back to Santa Barbara from Goleta.

    Anne G.

    Did you know that Via serves breakfast? Such a treat! Fun frittatas, specialty coffee drinks and ricotta pancakes. All breakfasts come with fresh toasted bread, the most delicious Italian fig jam and these little sweet ricotta bites that are crave worthy. Sit on the patio and enjoy another beautiful day in Santa Barbara!

    Sushant Z.

    Amazing food! We had the spinach ravioli in the lemon cream sauce, lasagna bolognese, eggplant Parmesan, tiramisu and pistachio ricotta cake. Everything was fresh and delicious. So happy to have found this gem that we will keep visiting for years to come. Very attentive service and cozy atmosphere. No pics of the food except the cake because we devoured it too quickly.

    Jorge H.

    Took a late night drive and stopped by Via Maestra 42. Everything was great. Food, wine, and service. Definitely coming back.

    Meat board
    Gabrielle T.

    What a cool little place off the beaten path. This very authentic place has a little gelato stand and an italian deli & bakery filled with yummy stuff! It took a minute to figure out the seating situation, it once we got that dialed in, we enjoyed a delicious early dinner with their mortadella & prosciutto board with burrata on a bed of rocket. Each meal comes with a side salad, which was tossed in a delicious Italian dressing. My hubs enjoyed a lasagna. I could decide between the pumpkin & ricotta raviolis or the mushroom risotto, so I got both! Needless to say, we were not disappointed by any of the dishes. The ravioli's were topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon and sitting in a brown butter sauce that gave them a sweet note which perfectly hit the pumpkin. The risotto had some truffle oil, but not so much that it was overwhelming. I also enjoyed their limoncello spritzer (YUM!!). We ended with some gelato - dark cherry and a pistachio. Both were fabulous, but the dark cherry was off the charts good. And the prices were ridiculously fair. Great little place!

    Leilani M.

    Every time I think about this place it makes my mouth water. The quality of ingredients is so fresh, cohesive menu that translates into a perfect plate of indulgence. My earlier yelping years review needed an update. Indoor or outdoor seating available. A deli atmosphere setting you up for some good eats. Go in, order, pay then food will be brought out to you. Excellent service, the team here works as one, attentive to customers needs. The pasta!.. one hard to beat. It's so fresh, so simple, so delicious! Every bite we must've been mmming like, "I'll have what she's having," cuz good lawd it's that good. Espresso is also available if you need an afternoon buzz. Haven't had a bad experience here. The outside doesn't look like much but definitely worth a try if you're ever in the area.

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    23 days ago

    Great authentic pasta in a cozy little cafe like atmosphere. Service was quick and friendly.

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    Business owner information

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    2 months ago

    One of our SB favorites. Authentic Italian cuisine and a great wine selection. Always reliable for a delicious meal.

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    6 months ago

    Lentil soup , eggplant & the ambience is great. Employees are very nice too. Small and quaint.

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    Via Maestra 42 Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Via Maestra 42

    Is there a kids menu?

    We don’t have a kids menu but the staff can prepare pasta for your child or guide you to other things. Please tell them you spoke to Giorgio.

    Is there a breakfast menu?

    Yes. I think it's from 8:30-11:30am

    Are you open Christmas Day?

    think not

    Are there gluten free noodle options?

    Yes. They have some salads and grilled fish entrees

    Anyone have pictures of their recent dinner menus?

    Hi, Thank you for your request. I will be happy to send you a copy of our dinner menu, please… Read more

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    Norton's Pastrami & Deli

    4.3
    (614 reviews)
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    The NYC: If you don't like a dry sandwich and prefer to have a bit of veg with your meals, this…read morewould be my recommendation. The coleslaw doesn't make the sandwich too soggy as the bread is thick enough to soak up any extra sauciness. Pastrami Dip: The au jus is rich and flavorful, infused with the essence of pastrami. I would say this is good to share as well if you run into parts of your sandwich that are bit harder. Corned Beef: A little bit tough for my personal taste but also a good pick if you prefer to have a meal that isn't as rich. Pastrami & Cheese: If plain pastrami on rye isn't enough for you, the cheese does make a huge difference. The pastrami is tender and juicy and the cheese just amplifies the overall flavor, adding to the overall mouthfeel. This one is the winner in my book! Service is fast and efficient. No frills. However, it's a good idea to know what you want beforehand because I completely missed that there was the option to buy a half instead of a full sandwich and if you don't specify you get a full sandwich. We had a lot of leftovers. The interior is cozy - I wouldn't bring a party of ten expecting to all be able to sit together. It's got more of an old-school vibe with it's layout and decor. There's a photo of Guy Fieri as Norton's was featured on Triple D. It's hard enough to get a good pastrami sandwich so Norton's is not one to miss!

    This place has been on my radar for quite some time. Of course I remember seeing it on DD&D years…read moreago and I don't know why it took me so long to finally try it but we did and we'll be back! Small shop with a few high top tables and a soda fountain. The food came out fast right before the lunch rush. I ordered the pastrami & cheese, no onions add mustard. Pastrami was lean, sliced thin, and loaded up in my sandwich. More pickles please and thank you

    Photos
    Menu board
    Menu board
    Mom's PLT
    Mom's PLT
    Pastrami & Cheese

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    Three Pickles Subs and Sandwiches

    Three Pickles Subs and Sandwiches

    4.3
    (327 reviews)
    2.5 mi
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    Shocked I haven't written a review yet! At least for this location. They also have another one in…read moreGoleta. I love three pickles when it comes to their sandwiches. My go to's are the Canon Capicola Club and The Goodland club. Highly recommend adding the Crispy Capicola to your sandwich. Such a great add on and gives it a nice crispy texture like potato chips. The sandwiches are more than filling and made with top quality ingredients. On my latest visit, I ordered the Smytty Burger. It was only $8.95 for their daily special. I asked for the chorizo aioli on the side, because I like to control spreads on my burger. Unfortunately, they still added the chorizo aioli on my burger and I was too hungry to let them know. I managed to scrape it off with a knife. The burger was good, but the buns were cold. It would have been nice if they had toasted them. Aside from the mishap, the burger did its thing and my tummy was satisfied. Overall, the sandwiches are what you come for! They're always delicious and prepared perfectly. Staff is always friendly here and the ambiance is casual and welcoming.

    This was recommended to us by a volunteer at the Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens…read more I liked it, but it wasn't my best meal. I got a salad which I really liked and my husband got his std chicken salad sandwich which he thought was quite good. My daughter loved the pickles. Completely. I was pleasantly surprised to see some Grateful Dead paraphernalia around the restaurant. There was also a great vibe. Def nice.

    Photos
    The sandwich is in the foil and the pen is a standard Bic pen for comparison.
    The sandwich is in the foil and the pen is a standard Bic pen for comparison.
    Catering pack of sandwiches
    Catering pack of sandwiches
    Today's Specials 11.26.25

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    Today's Specials 11.26.25
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    Montesano Deli & Market

    4.1
    (67 reviews)
    5.3 mi
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    Grabbed take out on the way to SLO. Sweet market and deli. Appreciated the service! Sandwiches were…read morefresh and the matzo ball soup was delicious. Kid approved. Nestled amongst cute shops along a nice walk in Montecito. Loved the vibe. You can tell the owner cares about her shop

    I stumbled across Montesano Deli & Market while at work a couple of weeks ago, scrolling for a new…read moreplace to grab breakfast. Even though there weren't many Yelp reviews, something about it caught my eye, so the next morning I decided to stop in on my way to work for my absolute favorite--bagel and lox. This little gem is tucked right in the heart of Montecito, in a charming shopping center with cute patio tables out front. Inside, it's a small, cozy space with a counter where you place your order. I ordered my bagel and lox and was told it would just be a few minutes. While I waited, I wandered into the tiny market next door--and oh my gosh, it was adorable. Shelves filled with amazing imported olive oils, jams, cheeses... all the things you want to take home even when you don't need them. By the time I stepped back outside, the gentleman who took my order brought my food out to me, ready to go. And let me tell you... this bagel was everything. It came open-faced with cream cheese, fresh tomato slices, onions, capers, and a pickle spear. But the real star? The lox. So fresh, so flavorful, and actually generous in portion size. So many places skimp, but not here--this was worth every bite and then some. It was filling and absolutely delicious. Service was fast, friendly, and genuinely hospitable. The gentleman working the counter was knowledgeable, helpful, and clearly takes pride in what they serve. Pricing was right on par with other local spots, but the quality and portions definitely put this place a step above. I'll absolutely be back. There are several things on the menu I can't wait to try--especially the matzoh ball soup, which looked phenomenal.

    Photos
    Market interior decor (during holidays)
    Market interior decor (during holidays)
    Montesano Deli & Market
    Montesano Deli & Market

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    Via Maestra 42 - delis - Updated June 2026

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