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Best American Restaurants in Carpinteria

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11 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Lucky's restaurant
1. Lucky's
4.8
Exceptional(2897)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Montecito
Booked 50 times today
Lucky's in Montecito, Santa Barbara, epitomizes the excellence of Contemporary American cuisine with its impressive blend of top-tier USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood, and farmer's market vegetables. This celebrated restaurant is adored for its "phenomenal meals" and "consistently great filet mignon," making it a top choice for special occasions. Diners rave about the "wonderful experience" and "exceptional service," noting the welcoming atmosphere that blends old-school charm with modern sophistication. Lucky's is not just a restaurant; it's an experience of "picture-perfect decor" and expertly crafted cocktails, ensuring a memorable dining event that diners eagerly anticipate revisiting.
A photo of RH Firehouse Grill at RH Montecito restaurant
2. RH Firehouse Grill at RH Montecito
new
4.4
Awesome(40)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Montecito
Booked 74 times today
The RH Firehouse Grill is an indoor-outdoor restaurant located at RH Montecito, The Gallery at the Old Firehouse. Enjoy a menu of signature salads and classics from our hearth in our courtyard restaurant, which seamlessly extends into a beautifully landscaped garden. Dine beneath the warm glow of handwoven pendants amid heritage olive trees, birds of paradise, a grand fireplace and cascading limestone fountains.
A photo of Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch restaurant
3. Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch
4.8
Exceptional(2645)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Santa Barbara
Booked 40 times today
Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara offers an exquisite seafood dining experience that is simply unmatched. Chef Matthew Johnson crafts each dish with fresh, locally-sourced seafood, combined with herbs and vegetables from the Ranch’s organic garden, ensuring "delicious and quality food" every time. Guests rave about the "delicate tuna tartare" and the "better-than-excellent black cod," highlighting the authenticity and freshness of the ingredients. The restaurant's ambiance adds to the experience, with beautiful ocean views and a romantic setting that makes every meal feel like a special occasion. For seafood lovers seeking gourmet excellence, Stonehouse is a must-visit destination.
A photo of Clark's Oyster Bar - Montecito restaurant
4. Clark's Oyster Bar - Montecito
new
4.4
Awesome(47)
Price: Expensive
• American • Montecito
Booked 45 times today
Clark's Oyster Bar - Montecito is a delightful gem that brilliantly showcases the best of American coastal cuisine. With a menu that spans from New England to California, diners can enjoy a delectable array of American classics, such as their signature burger, daily catch specials, and the much-praised lobster rolls. "The food was delicious, the service was stellar and the ambiance was terrific," raves one guest, highlighting its inviting atmosphere. Nestled in picturesque Montecito, this restaurant masterfully blends Clark's classic coastal design with a Mediterranean-inspired flair, creating a dining experience that's both authentic and enchanting. It's no wonder patrons eagerly anticipate their next visit!
A photo of Lilac Montecito restaurant
5. Lilac Montecito
4.7
Exceptional(152)
Price: Expensive
• American • Montecito
Booked 19 times today
Lilac Montecito excels in Contemporary American cuisine by blending European and Californian influences with locally-sourced ingredients, crafting dishes that are both innovative and comforting. Diners rave about the "unmatched quality" of its offerings, highlighting the fresh, not overly processed food that is a hallmark of authentic Contemporary American dining. The Branzino, praised as "the best in town," and the standout cauliflower dish exemplify their commitment to flavor and quality. The entirely gluten-free menu is a testament to their inclusivity and creativity, ensuring all guests enjoy a "delicious and healthy" meal. With an inviting ambiance and attentive service, Lilac Montecito promises a memorable dining experience.
A photo of LOCAL Montecito restaurant
6. LOCAL Montecito
4.7
Exceptional(275)
Price: Expensive
• American • Montecito
Booked 17 times today
LOCAL Montecito shines as a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine, celebrated for its “superb” dishes that seamlessly blend local ingredients with innovation. Nestled in the heart of Montecito, the restaurant offers “delicious flavors” that repeatedly exceed expectations. Diners rave about the “fantastic cocktails” and standouts like the Yellowtail Crudo and Miso Salmon, which reflect both creativity and authenticity in their preparation. The inviting indoor-outdoor ambiance, enhanced by heated patios and a cozy firepit, provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable dining experience. With attentive service and a menu that is “always pretty much perfect,” LOCAL Montecito is a must-visit culinary gem.
A photo of Anchor Rose restaurant
7. Anchor Rose
3.9
Excellent(90)
Price: Expensive
• American • Santa Barbara
Booked 7 times today
Anchor Rose, nestled in the heart of Santa Barbara, offers an unparalleled Seafood experience that perfectly complements its breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and historic harbor. Renowned for its fresh, authentic dishes, Anchor Rose shines with offerings like the Pasilla shrimp Chile rellenos, praised for having "lots of firm big shrimp" and a delightful crispness. Diners rave about the fish tacos and fish and chips, noting them as "very plentiful and very good." With a menu inspired by the sea and a service that goes "above and beyond," Anchor Rose truly stands out as a seafood lover's paradise.
A photo of Plow & Angel Speakeasy restaurant
8. Plow & Angel Speakeasy
5.0
Exceptional(0)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Montecito
Booked 5 times today
For over a century, San Ysidro Ranch has been a haven for those seeking tranquility amidst the captivating landscapes of Santa Barbara. This historic hideaway effortlessly weaves together natural beauty, romantic heritage, and classic luxury, welcoming discerning travelers to experience a retreat like no other. In the heart of this timeless escape, experience indulgence through Afternoon Tea, where an enticing array of tea sandwiches, seasonal scones, and house-made pastries promise to elevate your senses. As the day transitions to night, immerse yourself in a clandestine world within our speakeasy, where crafted cocktails and an intimate ambiance transport you to a bygone era. San Ysidro Ranch invites you to become part of its storied history, where the past meets the present in an atmosphere of natural beauty, culinary delights, and timeless moments.
A photo of The Set restaurant
9. The Set
3.6
Very Good(13)
Price: Moderate
• American • Santa Barbara
Booked 1 time today
Enjoy the ocean view and cozy up by the fire pits at Santa Barbara’s best sunset-watching spot. The Set serves a delightful selection of dishes and specialty cocktails for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.
A photo of Goat Tree Restaurant restaurant
10. Goat Tree Restaurant
4.3
Awesome(456)
Price: Moderate
• American • Santa Barbara
Booked 3 times today
Located at the front door of the Funk Zone and one block from the beach, Goat Tree at Hotel Californian is a gourmet café with al fresco seating offering fresh, local fare, including superb pastries and baked goods made in house daily by our Pastry Chef Ron Viloria. Our all-day brunch menu features Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Shakshuka, Baby Kale Caesar and our famed GT Smashburger. Sip on cold-pressed juices from Pressed Juicery, lattes and coffee by Caffe Luxxe or organic hot teas by Rishi. Curating seasonal picnic baskets for a day at the beach or wine tasting as well as dine in, take out or delivery for brunch and dinner, Goat Tree pleases everyone's palate. Join us on our spacious patio into the evening for a glass of wine or a cocktail and a bite. Our dinner menu includes Rigatoni Pasta, New York Steak Frites and Faroe Island Salmon among other delectable dishes. Don't let the day end without some Rori's Ice Cream or a seasonal dessert from Chef Ron.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • RachaelVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Beautiful ambiance and great food! Love the salads, steaks, and the caviar options!
    More info
    RH Firehouse Grill at RH MontecitoPrice: Very Expensive• American• Montecito
    •
    4.4
  • Paola
    Los Angeles •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    It was a great experience!! I loved it. The food was yummy and the drinks were strong!! I felt it after one Mr. Lucky lol. It was an anniversary dinner and our waiter was so sweet and brought out a sweet treat for us to celebrate. I ordered the 10z New York Steak with a baked potato. My boyfriend got a Top Sirloin sandwich with some fries. We also got some calamari and that was probably my favorite!! The sauces were delicious.
    More info
    Lucky'sPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Montecito
    •
    4.8
  • DebbieVIP
    California Central Coast •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Wonderful service, we sat outside on a nice day. It was lovely
    More info
    Clark's Oyster Bar - MontecitoPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Montecito
    •
    4.4
  • Judy
    Cincinnati / Dayton •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    We had a great dinner at Barbareno. Fresh and creative ingredients, good wine, and great service in a cute cozy atmosphere! Both indoor and outdoor seating. Great for a date night or dinner with friends.
    More info
    BarbareñoPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Barbara
    •
    4.8
  • Lisa MarieVIP
    Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities •21 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jan 1, 2025
    Finch & Fork in Santa Barbara offers a vibrant and refined take on California cuisine, making it a standout spot for locals and visitors alike. Nestled in the heart of downtown, the restaurant blends a relaxed coastal vibe with modern elegance, perfect for everything from casual brunches to celebratory dinners. The menu is a true showcase of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Their King Salmon, served with gigante beans, piquillo peppers, and marble potatoes, is a perfectly balanced dish that highlights the chef’s attention to detail. Equally impressive is the Short Rib Pappardelle Pasta, featuring tender braised short rib, wild mushroom soffritto, and a luscious touch of crème fraîche. The wine list is thoughtfully curated, offering a range of options to suit the diverse menu. Pairing recommendations from the attentive staff are spot-on, ensuring the meal is elevated to an unforgettable experience. The ambiance is warm and inviting, with a mix of modern design and rustic touches that make the space both stylish and comfortable. Service is attentive and genuinely welcoming, creating an atmosphere where you can linger over a meal without feeling rushed. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a quality meal, Finch & Fork delivers on all fronts. It’s a gem in Santa Barbara’s culinary scene and well worth a visit.
    More info
    Finch & ForkPrice: Expensive• American• Santa Barbara
    •
    4.5

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