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Convivo, Santa Barbara, CA

Convivo

4.7
4.7
2141 Reviews
$31 to $50
Italian

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 9 times today
  • Great for outdoor dining
  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
Convivo is a Santa Barbara restaurant and bar with an Italian soul. Chef-Owner Peter McNee's food is best described as ‘Nomad Italian’. It strays from the standard or traditional Italian, sourcing inspiration from many other cultures’ cooking but its soul is thoroughly Italian. The ever-changing menu includes small plates, housemade pasta, wood-fired pizza, rotisserie chicken, fresh seafood and steaks served family-style. McNee’s all-star supplier network provides the freshest produce and local seafood the region is famous for.

Inspired by the bounty of the sea, the lush farms and abundant vineyards nearby and the cooking methods of Italy, Convivo is a festive gathering place for locals and visitors alike inside the newly-restored Santa Barbara Inn.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Contemporary Italian, Mediterranean
  • Hours of Operation
    Breakfast Mon–Fri 7:00 am–11:00 am Sat, Sun 7:00 am–10:00 am Brunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–1:30 pm Sat, Sun 10:00 am–1:30 pm Dinner Daily 1:30 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (805) 845-6789
  • Website
    http://www.convivorestaurant.com/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive Chef
    Peter McNee
  • Private party facilities
    We offer indoor and outdoor private event spaces that can host 14-90 people.
  • Location
    901 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
  • Neighbourhood
    Santa Barbara
  • Cross Street
    Milpas Street
  • Parking details
    Additional street and private lot available.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Menu

Cicchetti | Appetizers

  • Charcoal PrawnsUS$20.00

    fregola, saffron cippolini, blistered peppers, citrus

    • Pesce CrudoUS$21.00

      raw ahi tuna, citrus, sesame cracker, avocado, mustard seed

      • OctopusUS$21.00

        pork belly, poached egg, radish, frisee

        • Lamb MeatballsUS$16.00

          chickpea, pickled rhubarb, tapenade

          • Chicken Liver*US$13.00

            crostone, cherries, celery, pickled red Fresno, hazelnuts

            • Beef CarpaccioUS$18.00

              shallot, grated horseradish, fried caper, creamy bagna cauda

              Agricola | Salads & Vegetables

              • Insalata MercatoUS$16.00

                SB market & Parmigiano salad

                • Charcoal AvocadoUS$16.00

                  ponzu, strawberry, spring citrus, radicchio

                  • FigsUS$19.00

                    burrata, butternut squash, cauliflower, crispy brussels, apple

                    • SalatasiUS$16.00

                      heirloom tomato, cucumber, lemon tahini, kale, crispy chickpeas

                      • Carrots*US$13.00

                        baba ganoush, saffron cauliflower, dukka, golden raisins

                        • Crispy Yellow Potatoes*US$12.00

                          za'atar, sauce romesco & lemon tahini

                          • BrusselsUS$16.00

                            herbed tehina, chicken skin scratchings, Aleppo chile

                            Forno | Wood Oven Pizza & Flatbread

                            Add | arugula, castelvetrano olive, mushroom, anchovy or egg $2.50 each; crispy Jamón Serrano $6

                            • Za'atar FlatbreadUS$11.00

                              accompaniments

                              • FattoushUS$22.00

                                sesame flatbread, herbed tehina, cherry tomato, cucumber, mint

                                • FunghiUS$22.00

                                  shiitake & oyster mushrooms, fontina, artichokes, sweet onions

                                  • MargheritaUS$19.00

                                    fresh mozzarella, tomato, basil, sea salt

                                    • Chorizo SausageUS$21.00

                                      dino kale, red onion, castelvetrano olive, mozzarella

                                      • Summer PeachUS$25.00

                                        Jamón Serrano, gorgonzola, rosemary, caramelized onion, brussel leaves

                                        Grano | House Made Pasta

                                        • Lemon Ricotta CappellacciUS$32.00

                                          SB rock crab & saffron shellfish brodo

                                          • Seaweed MafaldineUS$23.00

                                            mushrooms, broccoli di ciccio, miso butter, garlic, furikake

                                            • Ink SpaghettiniUS$28.00

                                              SB uni butter, garlic, mussels, clams & prawns

                                              • GuinzaglioUS$25.00

                                                7 hour veal bolognese & Parmigiano

                                                • BucatiniUS$25.00

                                                  pancetta, chile, crushed tomato, pecorino

                                                  Convivo | Main Course

                                                  • Pesce MistoUS$48.00

                                                    mixed grill of seafood, Roman artichokes, salsa verde

                                                    • Channel Islands HalibutUS$38.00

                                                      dino kale, fennel, cherry tomato confit, olive tapenade

                                                      • CostoletteUS$26.00

                                                        1/2 rack of smoked & slow roasted pork baby back ribs, giardiniera

                                                        • Spit Roasted Chicken (half)US$26.00

                                                          harissa, charmoula, olive, almonds, cauliflower

                                                          • Grilled Bone In RibeyeUS$48.00

                                                            herb butter, cherry tomato, chimichurri, arugula

                                                            Featured Item

                                                            • Our FocacciaUS$4.00

                                                              basil oil, onion & caciocavallo

                                                              • CondimentiUS$8.00

                                                                Roman artichokes, kimchi & giardiniera

                                                                • Sott'olioUS$6.00

                                                                  marinated olives

                                                                  Last updated: July 31, 2023

                                                                  What 2,141 people are saying

                                                                  Overall ratings and reviews

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

                                                                  4.7
                                                                  4.7 based on recent ratings
                                                                  • 4.7Food
                                                                  • 4.6Service
                                                                  • 4.7Ambience
                                                                  • 4.4Value

                                                                  Noise • Moderate

                                                                  Loved For

                                                                  • California Central Coast

                                                                    Innovative

                                                                  • California Central Coast

                                                                    Italian

                                                                  • Santa Barbara

                                                                    Great for brunch

                                                                  • Santa Barbara

                                                                    Innovative

                                                                  • Santa Barbara

                                                                    Healthy

                                                                  • Santa Barbara

                                                                    Great for outdoor dining

                                                                  • Santa Barbara

                                                                    Romantic

                                                                  • Santa Barbara

                                                                    Great for scenic views

                                                                  • Santa Barbara

                                                                    Most Booked

                                                                  Review summary

                                                                  AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                                  Convivo offers a charming dining experience with "outstanding service" and "amazing food." Set by the ocean, it boasts a stunning patio and a creative Italian-inspired menu. Guests rave about the "best margarita pizza" and the "exceptional lemon tart." It's perfect for special occasions and casual get-togethers.

                                                                  2,141 Reviews

                                                                  1. Albert

                                                                    Las Vegas

                                                                    33 reviews

                                                                    5.0

                                                                    33 reviews

                                                                    Dined 1 day ago

                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                    Sat outside and enjoyed the special vermillion fish. Very memorable meal with good service.

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                                                                  2. Peter

                                                                    Los Angeles

                                                                    10 reviews

                                                                    4.0

                                                                    10 reviews

                                                                    Dined 2 days ago

                                                                    1. Overall 4
                                                                    2. Food 4
                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                    4. Ambience 4
                                                                    A very nice restaurant near the beach. We had small plates to share and they were quite tasty but not outstanding. Service was outstanding, both from our waiter and the parking valet (which is free).

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                                                                  3. Heather

                                                                    San Francisco

                                                                    6 reviews

                                                                    5.0

                                                                    6 reviews

                                                                    Dined 6 days ago

                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                    Inspired, delicious menu. Friendly and attentive service. Gorgeous dining room.

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                                                                  4. Pilar

                                                                    El Paso

                                                                    1 review

                                                                    5.0

                                                                    1 review

                                                                    Dined 7 days ago

                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                    Great ambiance and excellent service. highly recommended!!

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                                                                  5. Kendall

                                                                    Chicago

                                                                    3 reviews

                                                                    4.0

                                                                    3 reviews

                                                                    Dined 7 days ago

                                                                    1. Overall 4
                                                                    2. Food 3
                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                    4. Ambience 4
                                                                    Got a beautiful sunset view by sitting outside and the heaters kept us nice and warm. We loved the Mojo Jojo cocktail and the crispy potatoes. Our entrees, the chorizo pizza and bolognese, were good but nothing to write home about. I loved the pizza crust though so maybe another pizza would have been better. Service was polite and quick.

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                                                                  6. Amy

                                                                    Central Coast

                                                                    5 reviews

                                                                    5.0

                                                                    5 reviews

                                                                    Dined on December 30, 2024

                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                    Convivo is our favorite restaurant in Santa Barbara. It's our go to place for celebrations of all sorts and a place to take visitors. We love sitting in the beautiful garden area. The service is always quick and top notch. The food is dependably wonderful every time.

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                                                                  7. Michelle

                                                                    Coastal Georgia

                                                                    3 reviews

                                                                    5.0

                                                                    3 reviews

                                                                    Dined on December 27, 2024

                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                    Food was really good! Pizza was crispy and delicious! Spicy Bloody Mary was chefs kiss!! Also a great view!

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                                                                  8. Kelly

                                                                    Los Angeles

                                                                    13 reviews

                                                                    5.0

                                                                    13 reviews

                                                                    Dined on December 25, 2024

                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                    4. Ambience 4
                                                                    Another amazing Christmas dinner here. Everything was delicious!

                                                                    1 person found this helpful

                                                                  9. Nathalia

                                                                    Los Angeles

                                                                    1 review

                                                                    5.0

                                                                    1 review

                                                                    Dined on December 25, 2024

                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                    3. Service 4
                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                    Great gluten free options for someone with an allergy. Appreciated the gf dessert options.

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                                                                  10. Kim

                                                                    Orange County

                                                                    5 reviews

                                                                    3.0

                                                                    5 reviews

                                                                    Dined on December 21, 2024

                                                                    1. Overall 3
                                                                    2. Food 3
                                                                    3. Service 4
                                                                    4. Ambience 4
                                                                    4th visit to Convivo for weekend lunch with friends. Surprisingly, the food quality was not the same. I ordered steak and eggs - tough steak flanked with a long ribbon of fat. The strange mix of seasonings & multiple sauces -red wine reduction, chimichurri, and some type of oil (sesame?) along with za'atar- looked like an oil slick on my plate. It did not taste good. The attempt here for a fusion meal tasted like confusion. My friends said there food was "meh'. The positives included great service, friendly and prompt seating, gorgeous patio, & perfect ocean views.

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                                                                  FAQs

                                                                  Convivo offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (805) 845-6789.

                                                                  Convivo is rated 4.7 stars by 2141 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 9 times today

                                                                  Order delivery or takeout

                                                                  Google Map for Convivo

                                                                  901 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93103

                                                                  Dining areas

                                                                  Additional information

                                                                  • Cross Street
                                                                    Milpas Street
                                                                  • Neighbourhood
                                                                    Santa Barbara
                                                                  • Hours of Operation
                                                                    Breakfast Mon–Fri 7:00 am–11:00 am Sat, Sun 7:00 am–10:00 am Brunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–1:30 pm Sat, Sun 10:00 am–1:30 pm Dinner Daily 1:30 pm–9:00 pm
                                                                  • Price
                                                                    $31 to $50
                                                                  • Cuisines
                                                                    Italian, Contemporary Italian, Mediterranean
                                                                  • Dining style
                                                                    Casual Elegant
                                                                  • Dress code
                                                                    Smart Casual
                                                                  • Parking details
                                                                    Additional street and private lot available.
                                                                  • Payment Options
                                                                    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
                                                                  • Executive Chef
                                                                    Peter McNee
                                                                  • Additional
                                                                    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
                                                                  • Website
                                                                    http://www.convivorestaurant.com/
                                                                  • Phone number
                                                                    (805) 845-6789
                                                                  • Private party facilities
                                                                    We offer indoor and outdoor private event spaces that can host 14-90 people.

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