Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. California Central Coast
  4. Santa Barbara
  5. Santa Barbara
Arnoldi's Cafe, Santa Barbara, CA

Arnoldi's Cafe

4.8
4.8
774 Reviews
$31 to $50
Italian

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 8 times today
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Charming
  • Good for special occasions
Oldest Italian restaurant in Santa Barbara! We have two bocce courts on our patio with outdoor dining. Lots of pasta, appetizers, salads, chicken dishes and homemade desserts...Italian wine and local wine on our wine list...indoor or outdoor seating. We are a true local's secret and kid friendly. Open for dinner 7 days a week! We also host rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions, and large birthday parties.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Californian, reserved
  • Hours of Operation
    Lunch Sun 11:00 am–4:30 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (805) 962-5394
  • Website
    http://www.arnoldis.com/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Private party facilities
    We have a room that fits up to 45 people. People walk through to get outside, but it is often used for private birthday parties, holiday parties and rehearsal dinners.

    We also have a patio that fits up to 100 people and can be reserved privately with a food and beverage minimum

  • Location
    600 Olive St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101
  • Neighbourhood
    Santa Barbara
  • Cross Street
    Cota Street
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wine

Featured in

Menu

Antipasti

  • Zuppa Del GiornoUS$9.00

    Soup of the day ask server

    • Zuppa Del GiornoUS$11.00

      Soup of the day ask server

      • Salumeria PlatterUS$29.00

        Freshly made local burrata warmed in garlic and EVOO, prosciutto, spicy salami, herbed salami, olives and ciabatta

        • Pane AglioUS$14.00

          Garlic bread served with our arrabiata dipping sauce

          • CapreseUS$20.00

            Fresh sliced tomatoes, mozzarella, basil and Kalamata olives drizzled with olive oil

            • Calamari FrittiUS$22.00

              Fried calamari served with a spicy tomato sauce

              • Shrimp GambieriUS$24.00

                Sauteed shrimp served in a spicy garlic white wine tomato sauce

                • BruschettaUS$14.00

                  Ciabatta bread topped with tomatoes, garlic, basil and EVOO

                  Insalate

                  • Insalata GenoveseUS$22.00

                    Chopped romaine, Italian fried chicken strips pesto-ranch dressing, gorgonzola crumbles and red onion

                    • Insalata RucolaUS$16.00

                      Arugula salad, cherry tomatoes, walnuts, drizzled with fresh lemon juice and EVOO

                      • Insalata CesareUS$16.00

                        Classic Caesar salad with shaved parmesan

                        • Insalata ArnoldisUS$16.00

                          Fresh spring mix, bruschetta tomatoes with garlic and basil, in a balsamic vinaigrette topped with parmesan cheese

                          Entrees

                          • Chicken MarsalaUS$35.00

                            Sauteed chicken with a marsala mushroom sauce, served with linguine alfredo

                            • Chicken ParmesanUS$32.00

                              Breaded chicken breast topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese, served with spaghetti pomodoro

                              • Chicken PiccataUS$31.00

                                Sauteed chicken in lemon caper sauce, served with linguine alfredo (Try Sara’s style with pink gnocchi $35)

                                • Fettucine AlfredoUS$25.00

                                  Fettucine in a traditional creamy cheese sauce

                                  • ChickenUS$29.00

                                • Fettucine Alla BologneseUS$32.00

                                  Slow cooked in a meat ragu sauce with meatballs

                                  • Gnocchi

                                    Traditional house made potato dumplings in choice of the following sauces:

                                    • GorgonzolaUS$29.00
                                    • PestoUS$28.00
                                    • PomodoroUS$28.00

                                  • Gnocchi TricoloreUS$32.00

                                    Italian Flag Combination of Pomodoro, Gorgonzola and Pesto

                                    • Linguine Al PestoUS$26.00

                                      Linguine pasta in a freshly made basil and pine nut pesto sauce

                                      • Lasagne Alla BologneseUS$30.00

                                        House made meat lasagna in a pomodoro sauce

                                        Pasta

                                        • LINGUINE PRIMAVERAUS$25.00

                                          Linguine with fresh seasonal veggies, garlic, EVOO, and fresh herb

                                          • MILANESE DE NORTE

                                            Northern Italian dish of thinly pounded meat, breaded, sautéed, then finished with a drizzle of lemon juice, served with linguine pomodoro or fettucine alfredo

                                            • Di Pollo: Chicken breastUS$35.00
                                            • Di Maile: Pork chopUS$37.00
                                            • Di Vitello: VealUS$43.00

                                          • PASTA POMODOROUS$24.00

                                            Your choice of noodle in our famous pomodoro sauce

                                            • SALSICCIA E PEPPERONIUS$34.00

                                              Italian sausage, onions and peppers sauteed served with our midnight spaghetti

                                              • SCALLOPINE AL MARSALAUS$43.00

                                                Sauteed veal in a marsala mushroom sauce served with linguine alfredo

                                                • MELANZANE ALLA PARMIGIANAUS$29.00

                                                  Layered breaded eggplant with pomodoro sauce and mozzarella cheese served with spaghetti pomodoro

                                                  • PENNE ALLA SALMONEUS$30.00

                                                    Pasta with smoked salmon, peas, in a pink tomato cream sauce

                                                    • PENNE ARRABIATAUS$24.00

                                                      Penne pasta in a spicy tomato sauce

                                                      • ROTOLO DI RICOTTAUS$29.00

                                                        Fresh pasta rolled and stuffed with spinach and ricotta cheese topped with mozzarella served in a spinach pesto sauce

                                                        • RAVIOLI DI CARNEUS$25.00

                                                          Short rib ravioli in a gorgonzola cream

                                                          • PENNE FILANTI QUATTRO FORMAGGIUS$29.00

                                                            Quill shaped pasta in a cream sauce with Parmesan, Mozzarella and Pecorino cheese, prosciutto cotto and walnuts

                                                            • SPAGHETTI AI FRUTTI DI MAREUS$34.00

                                                              Spaghetti with fresh assorted seafood in a light spicy tomato sauce

                                                              • SPAGHETTI ALLE VONGOLEUS$32.00

                                                                Spaghetti with fresh clams in a choice of white wine or our tomato sauce

                                                                • SPAGHETTI CARBONARAUS$28.00

                                                                  Spaghetti with an egg, cream, Pancetta and cheese

                                                                  • TUSCAN CHICKENUS$32.00

                                                                    Grilled chicken breast topped with sundried tomato alfredo sauce, served with spaghetti in your choice of pomodoro sauce or alfredo sauce

                                                                    • SCALLOPINE PICATTAUS$40.00

                                                                      Sauteed veal in a lemon caper white wine sauce served with linguine alfredo

                                                                      • SALMONE ALLA GRIGLIAUS$42.00

                                                                        Fresh Salmon filet marinated in herbs and olive oil, served with our midnight spaghetti and spinach

                                                                        • LASAGNE VERDIUS$29.00

                                                                          Housemade fresh veggie lasagne

                                                                          • RAVIOLI AI QUATTRO FORMAGGIUS$24.00

                                                                            Four cheese ravioli in a pink cream tomato sauce

                                                                            • COSTATA DI MANZOUS$51.00

                                                                              12 oz Certified Angus Ribeye steak with chianti wine sauce, café potatoes, sauteed spinach and grilled artichoke

                                                                              Last updated: October 13, 2024

                                                                              What 774 people are saying

                                                                              Overall ratings and reviews

                                                                              Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

                                                                              4.8
                                                                              4.8 based on recent ratings
                                                                              • 4.7Food
                                                                              • 4.8Service
                                                                              • 4.8Ambience
                                                                              • 4.6Value

                                                                              Noise • Moderate

                                                                              Loved For

                                                                              • California Central Coast

                                                                                Good for groups

                                                                              • California Central Coast

                                                                                Neighbourhood gem

                                                                              • Santa Barbara

                                                                                Best Ambience

                                                                              • Santa Barbara

                                                                                Best Value

                                                                              • Santa Barbara

                                                                                Child-friendly

                                                                              • Santa Barbara

                                                                                Good for groups

                                                                              • Santa Barbara

                                                                                Neighbourhood gem

                                                                              Review summary

                                                                              AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                                              Arnoldi's Cafe offers a "classic old-style Italian restaurant" ambiance with standout service and "exceptional food" like "gnocchi light as a feather" and "eggplant parmigiana." The charming, family-owned establishment is praised for its "reasonable prices" and inviting atmosphere, making it a "must for an outstanding dining experience." Reservations are recommended.

                                                                              774 Reviews

                                                                              1. Peter

                                                                                VIP

                                                                                Los Angeles

                                                                                307 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                307 reviews

                                                                                Dined 6 days ago

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                Driving by you wouldn't stop, the place looks like a block bunker from the outside with faded 7UP signs and other faded signage. It is in a industrial area without regular commercial around it. But on the inside it is a classic old style Italian restaurant, booths with wood bench seating and coat hooks on the walls. The service was excellent, as was the food, the carbanara was true to the style and not the Americanized version. The Veal Scallopini was very good, though the veal was a bit tough and slightly overcooked, the flavors were wonderful. The spaghetti Alfredo was flavorful without being drenched in sauce. The corkage fee is $25, the wine list isn't big and has a good cross section of styles. The prices are on the high side, but you feel that you're getting your value when the food is served. Highly recommended, as well as reservations. Wouldn't hesitate to return.

                                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                                              2. robert

                                                                                VIP

                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                12 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                12 reviews

                                                                                Dined on February 18, 2025

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                Eating at Arnoldo’s was a fantastic experience! We loved the old style atmosphere of a neighborhood family restaurant. The food was exceptional…gnocchi was light as a feather and the eggplant parmigiana was so crisp and plentiful it could be a shared platter! Simon our server was a gem and very attentive and accommodating. Prices were very reasonable. Only gentle criticism was the meatballs were a bit dry. Otherwise Arnoldi’s is a MUST for an outstanding dining experience!!!

                                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                                              3. Chris

                                                                                VIP

                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                11 reviews

                                                                                4.0

                                                                                11 reviews

                                                                                Dined on February 16, 2025

                                                                                1. Overall 4
                                                                                2. Food 4
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                Great vibe! Loved the valet parking. Food was good, will come back again!

                                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                                              4. Nicole

                                                                                Los Angeles

                                                                                1 review

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                1 review

                                                                                Dined on February 16, 2025

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                This was a great experience. The food was yummy, the service was wonderful, and it was reasonable priced for an Italian restaurant. Portions were big enough for sharing.

                                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                                              5. Rob

                                                                                Central Coast

                                                                                28 reviews

                                                                                3.0

                                                                                28 reviews

                                                                                Dined on February 15, 2025

                                                                                1. Overall 3
                                                                                2. Food 2
                                                                                3. Service 4
                                                                                4. Ambience 3
                                                                                We had both chicken piccata and chicken Marsala. The piccata had virtually no lemon flavor and the Marsala virtually tasted like cream of mushroom soup. Both were very disappointing. The Caesar salad and pasta pomodoro were both quite tasty but the main course failed.

                                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                                              6. Jerry

                                                                                VIP

                                                                                Los Angeles

                                                                                131 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                131 reviews

                                                                                Dined on February 14, 2025

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                Amazing authentic Italian dinner! A well established family owned restaurant in the heart of Santa Barbara. Classic Italian music playing while enjoying free table bread with a glass of wine. Able to share a Cesar salad without additional cost. Both the beef rib ravioli with meat sauce and the angel hair spaghetti pomodoro were incredible! Topped off dinner with the spumoni covered in chocolate-unbelievable! Will go here every time we visit Santa Barbara for sure!

                                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                                              7. Jenna

                                                                                Unspecified

                                                                                1 review

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                1 review

                                                                                Dined on February 12, 2025

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                What an incredible experience. We had a party for my mother’s birthday with all of her friends and it was nothing short of amazing. They were extremely accommodating with no hesitation. The staff was incredible, food was to die for, ambience and setting was absolutely beautiful. I would 1000/10 recommend this place for any sort of outing. We are so grateful for our experience and couldn’t have asked for a better evening.

                                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                                              8. Jon

                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                9 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                9 reviews

                                                                                Dined on February 2, 2025

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                Arnoldoi’s open during the day on Sundays Santa Barbara. Amazing food in a great atmosphere and lots of space for the kids to play. Great service - Couldn’t ask for more!

                                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                                              9. Steve

                                                                                Central Coast

                                                                                4 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                4 reviews

                                                                                Dined on February 1, 2025

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                Great food. Really enjoyed the specials. So glad they’ve reopened.

                                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                                              10. Carole

                                                                                San Diego

                                                                                2 reviews

                                                                                4.0

                                                                                2 reviews

                                                                                Dined on January 25, 2025

                                                                                1. Overall 4
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                Great local Italian restaurant. Service & food were great.

                                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                                              FAQs

                                                                              Arnoldi's Cafe offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (805) 962-5394.

                                                                              Arnoldi's Cafe is rated 4.8 stars by 774 OpenTable diners.

                                                                              Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

                                                                              Make a reservation

                                                                              2 people
                                                                              7:00 p.m.
                                                                              Booked 8 times today

                                                                              Order delivery or takeout

                                                                              Google Map for Arnoldi's Cafe

                                                                              600 Olive St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101

                                                                              Additional information

                                                                              • Cross Street
                                                                                Cota Street
                                                                              • Neighbourhood
                                                                                Santa Barbara
                                                                              • Hours of Operation
                                                                                Lunch Sun 11:00 am–4:30 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
                                                                              • Price
                                                                                $31 to $50
                                                                              • Cuisines
                                                                                Italian, Californian, reserved
                                                                              • Dining style
                                                                                Casual Dining
                                                                              • Dress code
                                                                                Casual Dress
                                                                              • Parking details
                                                                                Street Parking
                                                                              • Payment Options
                                                                                AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
                                                                              • Additional
                                                                                Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wine
                                                                              • Website
                                                                                http://www.arnoldis.com/
                                                                              • Phone number
                                                                                (805) 962-5394
                                                                              • Private party facilities
                                                                                We have a room that fits up to 45 people. People walk through to get outside, but it is often used for private birthday parties, holiday parties and rehearsal dinners.

                                                                                We also have a patio that fits up to 100 people and can be reserved privately with a food and beverage minimum

                                                                              Featured in

                                                                              Discover
                                                                              OpenTable
                                                                              • About Us
                                                                              • Blog
                                                                              • Careers
                                                                              • Press
                                                                              More
                                                                              Our sites
                                                                              Businesses
                                                                              • Delight more diners
                                                                              • Open for Business Blog
                                                                              Join us on
                                                                              • Privacy Policy
                                                                              • Terms of Use
                                                                              • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
                                                                              • Cookie Preferences
                                                                              Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
                                                                              OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
                                                                              Booking Logo
                                                                              Priceline Logo
                                                                              KAYAK Logo
                                                                              Agoda Logo
                                                                              OpenTable Logo