L'ombretta Santa Barbara Restaurant Reviews

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  The Santa Barbara Restaurants Dining Guide  
May. 18, 2013
 

New Restaurants 2010 & 2009 Openings
Be one of the first to review your dining experience.

Union Ale Brewing Company
Dogtown Hot Dogs
Nugget
HobNob Tavern
On The Side
Billies
Las Aves Cafe
Bay Roadhouse Bar & Grill
Renaud's Patisserie & Bistro
Bella Dolce Bakery
Wine Cask
Blush
California Crisp
root 246
French Press
South Pacific Coffee Co
Jitters Coffee
European Deli & Market
Mediterra Cafe & Market
Petros
India House
Pasta House
Sushilicious
Chinos Rock & Tacos (Santa Barbara)
Los Agaves
Chinos Rock & Tacos (Isla Vista)
TonyRay's
Giovanni's
Olio Pizzeria
Mac's Fish & Chip Shop
Holdrens
Saigon In and Out
Saigon (Five Point)
Lam's Vietnamese BBQ &Sandwiches
Yogurtland
Red Mango
Pinkberry
Live Culture
Yoyumyum
Whole Foods

Past Restaurant Openings Be one of the first to review your dining experience.

Trattoria Vittoria

Milk & Honey

Downtown Brewing Company

Hollister Brewing Company

Quantum

Jake's

Bay Cafe

Storke Ranch Deli

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

Plow & Angel

Bougainvillea

Giannfranco's Trattoria

Panino

New Restaurants in 2006
Be one of the first to review your dining experience at the 2006 openings.

All India Cafe

L & L Hawaiian Barbecue
L & L Hawaiian Barbecue located at 7127 Hollister Ave., #21 in The Plaza in Goleta was founder in 1976 by Eddie Flores, Jr. and Kwock Yum Kam. L & L Hawaiian Barbecue offers concocted delectable plate lunches that captivated the islands. The Hawaiian plate lunch is a huge, gastronomically challenging mixture of Asian and American starches (two scoops rice and one scoop macaroni salad) supplemented by a United Nation of entrees such as chicken katsu, beef curry, deep fried shrimp, mahi mahi, lemon chicken, barbecue shortribs, hamburger steak, etc.

L&L is known for its large portions, freshly cooked food, and reasonable prices. For hefty appetites try the regular plate lunch which is said to easily feed two people, from $5.50. For a smaller portion, try the mini plate lunch which starts from $3.75.

El Caballo

Naan Stop

New Restaurants in 2005
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Cities Barbecue

Kampai

DogHouse

El Cazador

Square One

Sushiya Express

StarBucks

Tiramisu
Tiramisu is a new restaurant that opening in Santa Barbara's Paseo Nuevo Mall at the end of 2005. It features fresh homade rustic Italian cuisine with elegant hand crafted pastries. Privately owned by Head Chef Victor Carranza, Tiramisu is a casual dining experience with upscale service.

Savoy Truffles
Savoy Truffles surprising food boutique opened in November, and is packing 'em in.  The food is very creative, tasty, and remarkably affordable.  The service is warm and professional, and the ambiance is
European bistro chic.  It's locate just across the street from the Santa Barbara city parking lot near Norton's Pastrami shop.

Zaytoon
Zaytoon from the Arabic word meaning olive is a welcome surprise to Santa Barbara as it is one of the only Middle Eastern restaurants in the area. Located at 209 East Canon Perdido Zaytoon offers lunch and dinner from 11:30 am to at least 11 pm, nightly. Lunch prices average $9.50, dinner $15 plus drinks and appetizers.

Golden China
Golden China is located at 3130 State Street, Santa Barbara.

New Restaurants in 2004
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31 West
Locate at the new Andalucia Hotel in downtown Santa Barbara 31 West offers dining intending to be a power breakfast and lunch spot and a destination restaurant in the evening. 31 West will showcase American cuisine at its best. Seating 80 in the dining area and an additional 40 at the adjoining bar 31 West is a great location for small to medium size events.

Los Gallos
Los Gallos open for lunch and dinner was established by the same family that owns the local favorite Daily Grind, right next door. Los Gallos may become a favorite as well. Prices sound reasonable with a tri-tip taco $7.50, veggie taco $5.95, and chile relleno platter $6.25

Tuttini
Location in downtown Santa Barbara, at 10 East Carrillo Street, Tuttini serves Italian sandwiches at lunch time and fresh baked pastries. They are also open for breakfast and are famous for a breakfast cookie available all day, a grape nut/date concoction.

La Marina
With beautiful panoramic ocean views La Marina, Santa Barbara's only Four Diamond restaurant features seasonal California cuisine with an international flair prepared by Chef Jesse Olsen. Wine Spectator Magazine has noted La Marina as having one of the most outstanding restaurant wine lists in the world. La Marina is located at the Four Seasons Biltmore and is open Tuesday through Saturday 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m

Kaliman's

Kahuna Grill

Siam Elephant
Siam Elephant an authentic Thai restaurant opens in Carpentaria serving dishes from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. ranging in price for $6.95 to $8.95. The word is that it’s good, but not as good as the Santa Barbara offerings such as Zen Yai and Your Place.

Itsuki

Camomile Cafe

Cavalli's

L'ombretta
L'ombretta an “authentic Venetian wine bar” Opens its doors September 2004 servicing small bites, “Venetian style” for breakfast, lunch and dinner at 1134 Chapala Street the former location of Jojo’s Cafe.

Elements
Elements opens at former Figaro location in Santa Barbara across from the Court House sunken gardens. Offering a high end menu Elements is becoming well known as a trendy hot spot for happy hour.

La Brisas
Another Mexican restaurant pops up in Santa Barbara on Milpas Street. From feedback that DiningSantaBarbara.com has received La Brisas is well on its way to be coming one of the finest choices for authentic high quality low cost Mexican food. La Brisas is a highly recommended for lunch.

Willows
Located at the Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez Willows spells out jackpot offering fine dining selections such as porterhouse steak, surf and turf, and seared ahi prepared by the former Chef of the Ritz Carlton in Hawaii, Thomas Meyer.

Zeno Mamue
Right as one Santa Barbara Peruvian restaurant, Papagallo's, closed this year another one opens. The word on the street is that Zeno Manue is becoming a great replacement.

European Deli
Specializing in German Cuisine the European Deli brings you a wide variety of delicious continental favorites. Try the Reuben Sandwich with sauerkraut and potato salad. Located in the Fairview shopping center the European Deli is a welcome new arrival to the Goleta area.

Norton's Pastrami
A great new Santa Barbara restaurant located at 18 West Figeuroa Street. It serves up high end lunch sandwiches, their pastrami sandwich is top notch.

Saigon
The only authentic Vietnamese restaurant in the Santa Barbara area offering fresh dishes with stylish presentation.

Sakana
Dishing out Sushi in Montecito Sakana Japanese restaurant became an instant hit with it's fresh food and fast service. A Santa Barbara restaurant recommended visit

Quantum
Modern San Francisco style decor with an Asian twist; contemporary American cuisine offers a menu of small plates designed for sharing. A Santa Barbara restaurant Must Visit !

Spiritland Bistro
Gourmet organic food catering dishes to vegetarians and offering a fun casual atmosphere, a good alternative to the popular Santa Barbara Sojourner restaurant.

Deli 101
Located at 130 North Calle Cesar Chavez in Santa Barbara.

Beachbreak Cafe
Located at 324 State Street Santa Barbara, CA. Very Close to the beach and Stearn Wharf.

New Restaurants in 2003
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Good Cup

Rizona's
If you’re looking for dishes that will tantalize your taste buds with tropical flavors why not try Rizona’s in Santa Barbara. Coconut cream of rice for breakfast and wild caught salmon with coconut-chili sauce for dinner are some of the tasty selections.

Abdi's
Only Persian dining in Santa Barbara, bring your own wine No corkage charge!

Bellyboards

A-Ru

Chef Rick's

Spice Avenue
Authentic Indian cuisine offering an affordable lunch buffet and wine by the glass.

Holdrens

Taiko

Dish

Atlas Market

Kimochi

Cafe Delight


New Restaurants in 2002
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Mondial
Private Dining Seating up to 40, Catering available. Great location for business dining.

City Kitchen

Go Fish

Natural Cafe

Chipotle

Maeda

jojo

Primo

Hibiki Sushi Cafe

Nu





L'ombretta  ( CLOSED )
1134 Chapala St. Italian
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
$13 - $18
965-4247 Map


Review L'ombretta Restaurant


L'ombretta Restaurant Reviews
Over All Based on 13 Review(s):
Superb = Poor =
Overall Food Overall Service Overall Ambiance


Visitor Reviews for L'ombretta Restaurant:


Review Submitted on 6/19/2006. Visited on 2/2006
for L'ombretta Restaurant in Santa Barbara

Food
Service
Ambiance

Arrivederci.......... and good riddance... Rarely do you find an Italian restaurant operator who is so clueless. The ownership was an embarrassment to all Italians. No surprise that they lasted less then 6 months. And for those of you who liked this place....go back to Taco Bell.



Review Submitted on 8/14/2005. Visited on multiple
for L'ombretta Restaurant in Santa Barbara

Food
Service
Ambiance

Perhaps some Santa Barbara residents aren't ready for L'Ombretta. This is unfortunate, as, in my opinion, L'Ombretta is a breath of fresh air in the rather staid and unexceptional dining atmosphere of this town. To paraphrase Mimi Sheraton, once the food critic for the New York Times, one must consider what a restaurant is trying to be when dishing out critique. L'Ombretta stays true to its' Venetian wine bar concept. It is actually quite authentic in the choice and preparation of its' cuisine. It's wine focus is on target and the plethora of selections by the glass is a real plus for wine lovers. Whether you'll enjoy this restaurant depends on how you define value. If value for you is oversize portions and inexpensive and uninspired wine selections, avoid L'Ombretta. Conversely, if you enjoy sharing delightful small plates of food while experiencing many different and exciting wines at one meal, all served in a casual, familial atmosphere, you will enjoy L'Ombretta immensely.



Review Submitted by Jerry Parsons on 7/22/2005. Visited on 7/18/2005
for L'ombretta Restaurant in Santa Barbara

Food
Service
Ambiance

The absolute biggest rip off in town. Go back to Italy! That's probably what the owners are planning anyway, rip us off, pocket the money and get the hell out of dodge.



Review Submitted on 7/21/2005. Visited on
for L'ombretta Restaurant in Santa Barbara

Food
Service
Ambiance

If there was a -1 for service they would get it! Terrible service at L'ombretta.



Review Submitted on 4/11/2005. Visited on 4/10/05
for L'ombretta Restaurant in Santa Barbara

Food
Service
Ambiance

loved it. will go back. we needed something a little different like this in SB. try it!



Review Submitted on 1/28/2005. Visited on Nov, Dec, Jan 2004-2005
for L'ombretta Restaurant in Santa Barbara

Food
Service
Ambiance

Food was generally very good. However, service was VERY slow and it was difficult to get a glass (or second glass of wine). This place is authentic venitian a (the laundry decor reminds me of the streets of Venice!!!). I think this place has a lot of potential if service is improved.



Review Submitted on 1/27/2005. Visited on 12/2004
for L'ombretta Restaurant in Santa Barbara

Food
Service
Ambiance

great food and wine, service at bar was lacking attenion



Review Submitted on 1/10/2005. Visited on Weekly
for L'ombretta Restaurant in Santa Barbara

Food
Service
Ambiance

I have to add my 2 cents here. I am a frequent visitor to l'ombretta as I feel it is one of the best new places to come to dreary Santa Barbara in a long time (at least since quantum opened). It's a wine bar - so they have a fantastic wine list that you don't see often and the food is just as good - especially paired with their wines. I think it's a very cozy place (my girlfriend and I find it romantic - especially on quieter nights like Monday or Tuesday. They've been open a few months now and I think they've ironed out the kinks. We highly recommend this place! Go there with a fun frame of mind and you'll leave there happy.



Review Submitted on 1/7/2005. Visited on 1/6/05
for L'ombretta Restaurant in Santa Barbara

Food
Service
Ambiance

L'ombretta was a terrible restaurant. We sat down and didn’t get approached by the waiter for 20 minutes. The menu selection is like tapas which I usually would enjoy but when the food arrived is was not good. The ambiance is stylish and fun but too loud to hold a group conversation. After being overall disappointed, we ended up home for coffee and dessert. We tried to turn this restaurant into a positive but it was not possible. They are never going to make it. Thumbs down, way down!



Review Submitted on 11/11/2004. Visited on 11-6-04
for L'ombretta Restaurant in Santa Barbara

Food
Service
Ambiance

Definietely not worth it. Food was not worth the price. The Staff was horrible. Interesting Ambiance ate dinner next to a clothes line with underwear next to it. Hope it was clean.



Review Submitted by Brian on 11/5/2004. Visited on 11/2/04
for L'ombretta Restaurant in Santa Barbara

Food
Service
Ambiance

I disagree with the previous reviews. Yes there are still a few kinks being worked out but the whole idea of the restaurant is to be a Venetian style bar/restaurant. If you go here expecting typical restaurant, don't go. This is a laid back place with lots of small portions. The wine list is being worked on as they seem to be trying new and different wines constantly. The staff are very friendly, all you have to do is ask to try an ombra to begin with if you don't want a full glass of wine. This allows you to taste before you buy.



Review Submitted by James on 10/27/2004. Visited on 10/22/04
for L'ombretta Restaurant in Santa Barbara

Food
Service
Ambiance

This new place specializes in it's wine selection, but there's no wine list - they're working on it - and the authentic Italian waitress speaks poor English. The wine she recommended tasted like musty cardboard. And the wine 'specials' were $12 & $14 a glass. The place is freezing cold and the windows don't close, but fans add even more breeze. The sardine tapas has so many bones in it it's impossible to eat. And the seabass risotto seems to be fish flavored bad risotto, as we couldn't find any seabass. And why is there laundry hanging in the windows as curtains? But the owners seem to be enjoying themselves tasting the wines at the bar!



Review Submitted on 10/26/2004. Visited on 10/18.04
for L'ombretta Restaurant in Santa Barbara

Food
Service
Ambiance

very cute, candles on bar, fun Venetian decor... cold and very inattentive service, 1 waitress for the whole restaurant. Food just ok..too bad food doesn't live up to quaint ambiance.