Arnoldi's Cafe

Review summary

1. CG

   CaliforniaGirl

   Central Coast2 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We had the best time last night at Arnoldi’s! It’s been literally 50 years since I was here last! We arrived early- 5:30pm- and it was nice and quiet. By the time we left- 7:30- the restaurant was full and a bit noisy. The food was amazing and our waiter, Silavano, was so sweet and accommodating. We couldn’t have had a better experience.
   

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2. K

   Ken VIP

   San Francisco50 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 3 March 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Cool Place! Great people working there! Very Nostalgic restuarant! Must visit if in Santa Barbara. Even a lot of locals recommend Arnoldis. Food is Awesome!
   

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3. P

   Peter VIP

   Los Angeles307 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 20 February 2025

   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.
   

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4. r

   robert VIP

   San Francisco12 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 18 February 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!!!
   

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5. C

   Chris VIP

   San Francisco12 reviews

   4.0

   Dined on 16 February 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!
   

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6. N

   Nicole

   Los Angeles1 review

   5.0

   Dined on 16 February 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.
   

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7. R

   Rob

   Central Coast28 reviews

   3.0

   Dined on 15 February 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.
   

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8. J

   Jerry VIP

   Los Angeles131 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 14 February 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!
   

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9. J

   Jenna

   Unspecified1 review

   5.0

   Dined on 12 February 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.
   

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10. J

    Jon

    San Francisco9 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 2 February 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!
    

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