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Best Casual Restaurants in Santa Ynez Valley

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8 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Pony Cocktails + Kitchen restaurant
1. Pony Cocktails + Kitchen
4.9
Exceptional(24)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Santa Ynez
Booked 1 time today
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 The Gathering Table restaurant
2. The Gathering Table
4.6
Exceptional(162)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Asian • Solvang
Booked 16 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 Leonardo Ristorante & Pizzeria restaurant
3. Leonardo Ristorante & Pizzeria
4.8
Exceptional(1412)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Solvang
Booked 21 times today
Highly anticipated opening by Chef Leonardi Curti.
A photo of Whiskey 'N Rye restaurant
4. Whiskey 'N Rye
4.5
Awesome(248)
Price: Expensive
• Barbecue • Solvang
Booked 24 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 Maverick Saloon restaurant
5. Maverick Saloon
4.7
Exceptional(26)
Price: Moderate
• American • Santa Ynez
Booked 2 times today
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 Hitching Post II restaurant
6. Hitching Post II
4.7
Exceptional(5171)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Buellton
Booked 29 times today
Here, on the Central Coast of California, BBQ has always meant grilling over an open fire of red oak, a style of cooking that is native to our area and goes back to the days of the Spanish Rancheros. By combining the old and the new and using only the finest sources, we have created an exciting cuisine with outstanding steaks, ribs and chicken, along with fresh fish and seafood and vegetarian options. The restaurant has repeatedly earned the Wine Spectator Award for our wine list. We also create our own (world class) wines for sale in the restaurant and to the public. For 40 years Hitching Post Wines has produced some of the best wines of Santa Barbara County garnering an excellent reputation, particularly for our Pinot Noirs. Visit the restaurant Wednesday through Monday 4:30-8:30 PM. For groups over 6, please contact us directly at 805-688-0676. Closed Tuesdays.
A photo of California Tacos Cantina & Distillery - Buellton restaurant
7. California Tacos Cantina & Distillery - Buellton
4.5
Awesome(31)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Buellton
Booked 2 times today
Welcome to California Tacos Cantina and Distillery, a premier Mexican dining destination located in the heart of Buellton, CA. Our restaurant offers a wide variety of authentic Mexican food options, including our signature tacos, burritos, and various seafood options, made with the freshest seafood from the Pacific coast.Some highlights of our restaurant include our agave distillery, and an extensive selection of 100% Agave tequila and mezcal, making us the ultimate destination for tequila and mezcal lovers in Santa Barbara County. Our homemade tortillas are made daily, adding that extra touch of authenticity to our dishes. At California Tacos Cantina and Distillery, we pride ourselves on providing our guests with a true taste of Mexico in the heart of Santa Ynez Valley. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor to Solvang, our restaurant is the perfect destination for a memorable Mexican food experience. Book your reservations now and join us for a culinary adventure.
A photo of Imagine Wine, LLC restaurant
8. Imagine Wine, LLC
5.0
Exceptional(8)
Price: Expensive
• Winery • Buellton
Imagine... Tasting our wonderful Whites and our Big Red Oaked Age Wines. All our Reds are aged 2-6 years in new oak. You will be served by either Ross Jay Rankin the winemaker/owner or LynDee Rankin owner. We have been in business making aged wines for over 20 years. Our winery experience is unique and intimate and unlike any other. Ross is famous for his award winning gold and double gold medal wines and for his ability to regal you with his stories of life and winemaking. Enjoy our new outdoor seating with sun cover, fire pits and heaters. Our current offering is: French Colombard, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Barbera, '09 Paradise Mountain Syrah, Vin Fortifie Syrah (port style).

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Kelleen
    Los Angeles •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    This charming eatery beautifully blends the warmth of Italian hospitality with the vibrant flavors of authentic cuisine. The staff is incredibly friendly and attentive, always ready to recommend dishes and ensure you have a delightful dining experience. The menu is a mix of classic Italian dishes, and the pizza is definitely the star of the show. Their wood-fired pizzas are crafted with fresh ingredients and a perfect crispy crust. In addition to their pizzas, the pasta dishes are equally impressive. The gnocchi is light and fluffy, served in a savory sauce that complements the dish perfectly. Don't forget to save room for dessert—the tiramisu is divine. Highly recommended!
    More info
    Leonardo Ristorante & PizzeriaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Solvang
    •
    4.8
  • Shelby
    Portland / Oregon •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We had a party of 6 and shared several starters in addition to our main courses, a couple deserts and some cocktails. The service was great. Every dish was beautifully presented, unique and absolutely delicious! This was my second time eating here (live locally), but it was a first for everyone else and they all raved about their meal. Highly recommend the Gathering Table!
    More info
    The Gathering TablePrice: Expensive• Contemporary Asian• Solvang
    •
    4.6
  • eileenVIP
    Los Angeles •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    The food is excellent. Just like the south I had no idea they’ve been there for two years. How could I have missed it!
    More info
    Whiskey 'N RyePrice: Expensive• Barbecue• Solvang
    •
    4.5
  • julie
    Los Angeles •39 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Best spicy basil margarita! Excellent tequila selection, and wines from Santa Ynez, and other regions. I loved the spicy shrimp. My friends enjoyed their chicken as well as the mushroom stuffed appetizer. The restaurant has a fun vibe with hip interior, and wonderful hospitality!
    More info
    Pony Cocktails + KitchenPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Santa Ynez
    •
    4.9
  • Miriam
    Los Angeles •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 11 Jan 2025
    Our waitress was so sweet! We loved everything there!
    More info
    Maverick SaloonPrice: Moderate• American• Santa Ynez
    •
    4.7

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