There were several large-group gatherings on the patio, but we got our food choices in a timely manner, and all was delicious!
Very slow service. Good appetizers but very bland main courses
Great authentic Italian food and ambiance! Had fun watching bocce ball while eating a delicious meal!
Our daughter is getting married this weekend in SB. Our waiter seemed busy and didnât give us very much attention.
Greeted by hostess at 545 with "wait a minute" - she was annoyed by people in front of us; she disappeared, came back, told a server who answered a phone and relayed to her that someone wanted to change a reservation with a gruff "well she can't." Kind of set the tone. Busboys showed up promptly with water and bread but no waiter ever arrived. We flagged an attentive busboy and asked him to find a waiter. A nice waiter came to take our order but didn't have a pen (key tool). When he returned he took our order efficiently. We ordered one app and two entrees from the menu and asked about veg. sides which are not on the menu (odd). But he was accommodating. Our app showed up 15 minutes later which was okay but a touch slow. About 1 minute after the app arrived another server showed up with the entrees. I said we just got the app and his response was "oh, yes" and walked away (maybe rushed entrees because lots of big parties?) Nobody offered cheese, pepper, etc. The veg side came late. Rest of food was good and hot - which is only reason I will consider returning. Only issue is no gorgonzola was in the room when the gorgonzola sauce was made - it was at best a bland cream sauce. The spicy marinara with the calamari, and the gnocchi pomodoro and pesto were excellent. Very good food can overcome bad service. Eventually 2 servers asked if everything was okay. We finished, paid our bill and left. On leaving, we passed food waiting to be served and saw what we thought were a number of things not on the menu which made us suspect there were specials we might have liked to hear about. I left an 18% tip because servers aren't the problem. They didn't charge for veg which was tasteless and cold -but we didn't complain. The problem here is zero mgmt. Nobody was walking around looking and training. If there was leadership , it might be in the kitchen. Other than timing, kitchen was good. Front of house lacks training - didn't seem understaffed but no standards.
Classic old Santa Barbara Restaurant, fun Atmosphere good food bocce ball available in the back good bar, locals favorite
Been going here happily for 20 years
Old school Italian. Probably the main attraction is the outdoor patio next to the bocci courts where locals gather to drink and play each night. The servings are generous with sauce to spare. The food is standard fare and the wine list has some interesting choices at reasonable prices. This was my first time there, so Iâd definitely try it again.
We dined outside on their patio which is lovely with a beautiful pergola. The food was excellent, and in an âold-schoolâ Italian style. We hake always found this place to be conversation friendly, relaxed and welcoming. Also, given current Santa Barbara restaurant prices, is an excellent value.
Friendly comfortable atmosphere. Start with a Caprese Salad and you canât go wrong. The vongele was delicious. The Bolognese amazing. Steak was perfect!