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Best Lunch Restaurants in Santa Ynez Valley

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13 restaurants available nearby

A photo of SY Kitchen restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(3892)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Santa Ynez Valley
Booked 43 times today
RESERVATIONS Reservations for parties of 5 or more please call restaurant directly. S. Y. Kitchen requests a credit card to hold a reservation of 6 or more. You may cancel by calling the restaurant by 5 PM two days prior to the reservation. After that cancellation is subject to our policy and fees may be incurred. All credit card information will be processed securely.
A photo of Pony Cocktails + Kitchen restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(20)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Santa Ynez
Owner & Mixologist Battaglini Alberto redesigned this iconic Santa Ynez landmark into something unique, elevated yet comfortable.Situated in the heart of Santa Ynez Valley and, with Chef Jonny McDermott on the helm of the kitchen, Pony COCKTAILS + KITCHEN has a comfortable yet upscale feeling with a super friendly approach to food reflecting globally inspired dishes and fresh farm produces. The cocktail program follow the same ideology of the food giving every cocktails a unique flavor and personality.Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner this hybrid Cafe/Cocktail Bar Restaurant integrate the Santa Ynez Valley style with modern comfort style food and unrealistic Cocktails.
A photo of Ellie's Tap & Vine restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(692)
Price: Expensive
• Farm-to-table • Santa Ynez Valley
Booked 15 times today
Welcome to Ellie's Tap & Vine... Join us for seasonal cuisine, elegant ranch ambiance and great wine! We are Valley to Table dining, working with many local farms and purveyors; We look forward to seeing you soon! Our menu changes regularly, so please feel free to visit our website: www.elliestapandvine.com or follow us on IG and/or FB.Our restaurant is located in the heart of Santa Ynez. We boast amazing outdoor seating with great views and because it is often a little chilly in the evening, we have heaters. We are also dog and cat friendly.We know re-adjusting to dining out is a strange experience for everyone and we are all slowly returning. For now, we will be suspending lunch service.
A photo of Nella Kitchen and Bar restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1117)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Ynez Valley
Booked 27 times today
Opened in August 2020, Nella Kitchen & Bar offers fresh, modern California cuisine and focuses on 'Roman Pinsas'.Meals are served on the front porch overlooking Grand Ave where guests are warmly welcomed, or in the cozy Dining Room which also has a private Wine Room that can host family seating and private parties.Cocktails are focused on classics and served in the Lounge with a lot of bar seating.As much as we love pets, we only allow service animals at Nella, thank you for understanding.
A photo of Mattei's Tavern restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(407)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Los Olivos
Booked 24 times today
Recently opened on November 16, 2022, The Tavern continues her legacy as Santa Ynez Valley's beloved social hub. This California ranch-inspired restaurant highlights flavorful dishes and honest ingredients, many of which are harvested from Mattei’s on-site garden and surrounding local farms. Paying homage to its century old roots, the menu is elevated yet unfussy, offering grilled dishes and vegetables alongside seasonal specialties. The exceptional wine program is a singular and definitive draw of The Tavern. The comprehensive list features a California focused glass list which is complimented by an extensive cellar of Old World favorites.For informal fare join us at The Bar, Mattei’s Tavern’s most authentic hangout. With a roaring fireplace and fixtures dating back to its 1886 origins, the historic bar and lounge space offers local craft beer and wine, amber hued cocktails and a snacks menu that ranges from bite sized to burger dinners.
A photo of The Gathering Table restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(142)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Asian • Solvang
Booked 28 times today
Welcome to The Gathering Table, Solvang’s newest culinary gem. Led by acclaimed Chef Budi Kazali, renowned for his innovative Asian cuisine with French influences, our restaurant promises an unforgettable dining experience.Chef Budi Kazali brings his mastery to every dish, infusing flavors from his Indonesian heritage with local ingredients sourced from nearby farms. Whether indulging in his signature dishes or exploring new creations, every bite at The Gathering Table is a celebration of culinary artistry.Situated amidst Solvang’s picturesque streets, our restaurant offers a serene outdoor dining area, perfect for enjoying Chef Kazali’s creations al fresco. Inside, savor handcrafted cocktails at our full bar or host an intimate gathering in our Private Dining Room, where every detail is tailored to exceed your expectations.Discover a place where exquisite cuisine meets warm and approachable hospitality at The Gathering Table!
A photo of Whiskey 'N Rye restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(242)
Price: Expensive
• Barbecue • Solvang
Booked 34 times today
An American Smokehouse and Tavern, Whiskey 'N Rye features a varied menu of barbeque classics along with an eclectic mix of modern wine-country cuisine. Our dining experience focuses heavily on grill and smoke cooking techniques, with several unique signature features including our Hickory Smoked Brisket and Baby Back Ribs, Grilled Romaine Caesar, Smoked Spaghetti Squash, BBQ Chicken, Grilled Flatiron Steak with Chimichurri, and our Whiskey 'N Rye Brisket/Short-rib Burger, just to name a few. Enjoy your meal with our full bar featuring Signature Craft Cocktails, Zero-Proof Elixirs, and more than 60 specialty whiskeys from both local as well as national and international distilleries. With both covered patio and cozy indoor dining areas, Whiskey 'N Rye is the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxed afternoon or evening dining experience. Also visit us for the Best Happy Hour in town hosted Mon. to Thu. from 4:00pm to 5:30pm. Featuring $10 Craft Cocktails and 1/2 priced Appetizers!
A photo of Leonardo Ristorante & Pizzeria restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1400)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Solvang
Booked 10 times today
Highly anticipated opening by Chef Leonardi Curti.
A photo of Maverick Saloon restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(26)
Price: Moderate
• American • Santa Ynez
Taverns have flourished along Santa Ynez’s Sagunto Street since 1906. Sixty years ago, four busy bars entertained the locals and visitors alike. These establishments were named Last Chance, the Bum Steer, Parker’s and the Maverick Saloon. While three of the four original taverns have since disappeared into history, the legendary Maverick Saloon is still going strong and continues to be a staple in the Santa Ynez valley.In 1963, Jerry and Diane Thompson bought nine bare lots from publisher tycoon Hastings Harcourt. Plans were drawn up for a museum, restaurant, two-story hotel and the Maverick Saloon, which is named after a TV series starring James Garner. A few years later (approx. 1968) the barn was built next to the saloon. To achieve an antique look, the Thompsons used materials salvaged from demolished Victorian houses. The barn’s history began as the “Lulubelle’s Restaurant” and a tool rental facility. The barn and dancehall became a permanent part of the Maverick Salo
A photo of Bar Le Côte restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(5)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Los Olivos
Booked 35 times today
Bar Le Côte is a stylish seafood tavern located in Los Olivos, California. Inspired by the daily catch of the Central Coast and the modern cuisine of Europe’s seaside capitals, our team prepares thoughtful maritime fare in a casual, social atmosphere.We have very limited patio seating and do not allow dogs to dine indoors. If you would like to reserve an outdoor table please email us at info@barlecote.com and we will do our best to accommodate your request.We hold a portion of our tables for walk-ins, however we do recommend a reservation to guarantee being seated. We give all reservations a 15 minute grace period before being released to other guests. Thank you for your understanding!* Please note that ride shares and taxis can be hard to come by in the valley, especially later in the evening. We will always do our best to assist in getting you a ride, but please plan accordingly *

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • DianeVIP
    Los Angeles •23 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Beautiful day, perfect setting, great food and service! We even got to witness a proposal(she said yes!)which added an element of special meaning to our experience.
    More info
    Mattei's TavernPrice: Very Expensive• American• Los Olivos
    4.7
  • Kathryn
    California Central Coast •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Considering it was Valentine’s Day I think the restaurant did amazing overall! The food was amazing, the service was top notch. The noise was very loud but that’s understandable considering how many tables were in there. We will definitely be back.
    More info
    Nella Kitchen and BarPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Ynez Valley
    4.8
  • Roberto
    California Central Coast •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    From start to finish; AMAZING. Took my daughters and mom for Valentines. The hostess arranged for us to get the best table in the house. The food was excellent, not the normal, but an original interpretation of what food should taste like. Our waitress was very kind and attentive. Dessert was also very thought out. The house manager was also very involved in our experience. My family and I felt very much appreciated and most of all cared after. One of our best if not the best Valentines we have lived.
    More info
    SY KitchenPrice: Expensive• Italian• Santa Ynez Valley
    4.9
  • Jen
    California Central Coast •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Fantastic cocktails and food. Alberto has hospitality nailed from opening the doors to greet you to checking in on what you need. The cocktails are interesting and inspired, pairing flavors together to make a wonderful experience. The food is outstanding as well. I love the decor too; I t’s small and cozy. I’ve been there for breakfast, lunch and dinner and loved it each time. Even dropping in fir a delicious coffee or tea is great as well. A must stop when in the Santa Ynez valley.
    More info
    Pony Cocktails + KitchenPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Santa Ynez
    4.9
  • NatalieVIP
    California Central Coast •52 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Ellie’s Tap & Vine is our favorite restaurant in the SYV, and we’ve become regulars. The food is always amazing, and the chef is consistently considerate of my food allergies. The entrees Ellie’s serves cater to any palate, and the dishes are so creative. The staff are polite and friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu offerings. We love the ambience- the decor, candles and awesome playlists! This restaurant is one I’d highly recommend to both locals and visitors. You’ll fall in love with it, too!
    More info
    Ellie's Tap & VinePrice: Expensive• Farm-to-table• Santa Ynez Valley
    4.7
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