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Arnoldi's Cafe, Santa Barbara, CA

Arnoldi's Cafe

4.7
4.7
773 Reviews
$31 to $50
Italian

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2 people
19:00
Booked 22 times today
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Charming
  • Good for special occasions
Oldest Italian restaurant in Santa Barbara! We have two bocce courts on our patio with outdoor dining. Lots of pasta, appetizers, salads, chicken dishes and homemade desserts...Italian wine and local wine on our wine list...indoor or outdoor seating. We are a true local's secret and kid friendly. Open for dinner 7 days a week! We also host rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions, and large birthday parties.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Californian, reserved
  • Hours of Operation
    Lunch Sun 11:00–16:30 Dinner Daily 17:00–21:00
  • Phone number
    (805) 962-5394
  • Website
    http://www.arnoldis.com/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Private party facilities
    We have a room that fits up to 45 people. People walk through to get outside, but it is often used for private birthday parties, holiday parties and rehearsal dinners.

    We also have a patio that fits up to 100 people and can be reserved privately with a food and beverage minimum

  • Location
    600 Olive St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101
  • Area
    Santa Barbara
  • Cross Street
    Cota Street
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Weekend Brunch, Wine

Featured in

Menu

Antipasti

  • Zuppa Del GiornoUS$9.00

    Soup of the day ask server

    • Zuppa Del GiornoUS$11.00

      Soup of the day ask server

      • Salumeria PlatterUS$29.00

        Freshly made local burrata warmed in garlic and EVOO, prosciutto, spicy salami, herbed salami, olives and ciabatta

        • Pane AglioUS$14.00

          Garlic bread served with our arrabiata dipping sauce

          • CapreseUS$20.00

            Fresh sliced tomatoes, mozzarella, basil and Kalamata olives drizzled with olive oil

            • Calamari FrittiUS$22.00

              Fried calamari served with a spicy tomato sauce

              • Shrimp GambieriUS$24.00

                Sauteed shrimp served in a spicy garlic white wine tomato sauce

                • BruschettaUS$14.00

                  Ciabatta bread topped with tomatoes, garlic, basil and EVOO

                  Insalate

                  • Insalata GenoveseUS$22.00

                    Chopped romaine, Italian fried chicken strips pesto-ranch dressing, gorgonzola crumbles and red onion

                    • Insalata RucolaUS$16.00

                      Arugula salad, cherry tomatoes, walnuts, drizzled with fresh lemon juice and EVOO

                      • Insalata CesareUS$16.00

                        Classic Caesar salad with shaved parmesan

                        • Insalata ArnoldisUS$16.00

                          Fresh spring mix, bruschetta tomatoes with garlic and basil, in a balsamic vinaigrette topped with parmesan cheese

                          Entrees

                          • Chicken MarsalaUS$35.00

                            Sauteed chicken with a marsala mushroom sauce, served with linguine alfredo

                            • Chicken ParmesanUS$32.00

                              Breaded chicken breast topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese, served with spaghetti pomodoro

                              • Chicken PiccataUS$31.00

                                Sauteed chicken in lemon caper sauce, served with linguine alfredo (Try Sara’s style with pink gnocchi $35)

                                • Fettucine AlfredoUS$25.00

                                  Fettucine in a traditional creamy cheese sauce

                                  • ChickenUS$29.00

                                • Fettucine Alla BologneseUS$32.00

                                  Slow cooked in a meat ragu sauce with meatballs

                                  • Gnocchi

                                    Traditional house made potato dumplings in choice of the following sauces:

                                    • GorgonzolaUS$29.00
                                    • PestoUS$28.00
                                    • PomodoroUS$28.00

                                  • Gnocchi TricoloreUS$32.00

                                    Italian Flag Combination of Pomodoro, Gorgonzola and Pesto

                                    • Linguine Al PestoUS$26.00

                                      Linguine pasta in a freshly made basil and pine nut pesto sauce

                                      • Lasagne Alla BologneseUS$30.00

                                        House made meat lasagna in a pomodoro sauce

                                        Pasta

                                        • LINGUINE PRIMAVERAUS$25.00

                                          Linguine with fresh seasonal veggies, garlic, EVOO, and fresh herb

                                          • MILANESE DE NORTE

                                            Northern Italian dish of thinly pounded meat, breaded, sautéed, then finished with a drizzle of lemon juice, served with linguine pomodoro or fettucine alfredo

                                            • Di Pollo: Chicken breastUS$35.00
                                            • Di Maile: Pork chopUS$37.00
                                            • Di Vitello: VealUS$43.00

                                          • PASTA POMODOROUS$24.00

                                            Your choice of noodle in our famous pomodoro sauce

                                            • SALSICCIA E PEPPERONIUS$34.00

                                              Italian sausage, onions and peppers sauteed served with our midnight spaghetti

                                              • SCALLOPINE AL MARSALAUS$43.00

                                                Sauteed veal in a marsala mushroom sauce served with linguine alfredo

                                                • MELANZANE ALLA PARMIGIANAUS$29.00

                                                  Layered breaded eggplant with pomodoro sauce and mozzarella cheese served with spaghetti pomodoro

                                                  • PENNE ALLA SALMONEUS$30.00

                                                    Pasta with smoked salmon, peas, in a pink tomato cream sauce

                                                    • PENNE ARRABIATAUS$24.00

                                                      Penne pasta in a spicy tomato sauce

                                                      • ROTOLO DI RICOTTAUS$29.00

                                                        Fresh pasta rolled and stuffed with spinach and ricotta cheese topped with mozzarella served in a spinach pesto sauce

                                                        • RAVIOLI DI CARNEUS$25.00

                                                          Short rib ravioli in a gorgonzola cream

                                                          • PENNE FILANTI QUATTRO FORMAGGIUS$29.00

                                                            Quill shaped pasta in a cream sauce with Parmesan, Mozzarella and Pecorino cheese, prosciutto cotto and walnuts

                                                            • SPAGHETTI AI FRUTTI DI MAREUS$34.00

                                                              Spaghetti with fresh assorted seafood in a light spicy tomato sauce

                                                              • SPAGHETTI ALLE VONGOLEUS$32.00

                                                                Spaghetti with fresh clams in a choice of white wine or our tomato sauce

                                                                • SPAGHETTI CARBONARAUS$28.00

                                                                  Spaghetti with an egg, cream, Pancetta and cheese

                                                                  • TUSCAN CHICKENUS$32.00

                                                                    Grilled chicken breast topped with sundried tomato alfredo sauce, served with spaghetti in your choice of pomodoro sauce or alfredo sauce

                                                                    • SCALLOPINE PICATTAUS$40.00

                                                                      Sauteed veal in a lemon caper white wine sauce served with linguine alfredo

                                                                      • SALMONE ALLA GRIGLIAUS$42.00

                                                                        Fresh Salmon filet marinated in herbs and olive oil, served with our midnight spaghetti and spinach

                                                                        • LASAGNE VERDIUS$29.00

                                                                          Housemade fresh veggie lasagne

                                                                          • RAVIOLI AI QUATTRO FORMAGGIUS$24.00

                                                                            Four cheese ravioli in a pink cream tomato sauce

                                                                            • COSTATA DI MANZOUS$51.00

                                                                              12 oz Certified Angus Ribeye steak with chianti wine sauce, café potatoes, sauteed spinach and grilled artichoke

                                                                              Last updated: 13 October 2024

                                                                              What 773 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
                                                                              • 4.6Food
                                                                              • 4.7Service
                                                                              • 4.8Ambience
                                                                              • 4.6Value

                                                                              Noise • Moderate

                                                                              Loved For

                                                                              • California Central Coast

                                                                                Good for groups

                                                                              • California Central Coast

                                                                                Neighbourhood gem

                                                                              • Santa Barbara

                                                                                Best Ambience

                                                                              • Santa Barbara

                                                                                Best Value

                                                                              • Santa Barbara

                                                                                Child-friendly

                                                                              • Santa Barbara

                                                                                Good for groups

                                                                              • Santa Barbara

                                                                                Neighbourhood gem

                                                                              Review summary

                                                                              AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                                              Arnoldi's Cafe delights with a "traditional family-style Italian" atmosphere, featuring deep menus and "stellar service." Guests praise the "incredible food," generous portions, and nostalgic ambiance reminiscent of old-school Italian dining. Highlights include "fantastic specials," "excellent spaghetti sauce," and a "welcoming, comfortable" setting. Perfect for family gatherings or "romantic dinners."

                                                                              773 Reviews

                                                                              1. Chris

                                                                                VIP

                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                11 reviews

                                                                                4.0

                                                                                11 reviews

                                                                                Dined 1 day ago

                                                                                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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                                                                              2. Nicole

                                                                                Los Angeles

                                                                                1 review

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                1 review

                                                                                Dined 1 day ago

                                                                                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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                                                                              3. Rob

                                                                                Central Coast

                                                                                28 reviews

                                                                                3.0

                                                                                28 reviews

                                                                                Dined 2 days ago

                                                                                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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                                                                              4. Jerry

                                                                                VIP

                                                                                Los Angeles

                                                                                131 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                131 reviews

                                                                                Dined 3 days ago

                                                                                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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                                                                              5. Jenna

                                                                                Unspecified

                                                                                1 review

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                1 review

                                                                                Dined 5 days ago

                                                                                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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                                                                              6. Jon

                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                9 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                9 reviews

                                                                                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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                                                                              7. Steve

                                                                                Central Coast

                                                                                4 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                4 reviews

                                                                                Dined on 1 February 2025

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                Great food. Really enjoyed the specials. So glad they’ve reopened.

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                                                                              8. Carole

                                                                                San Diego

                                                                                2 reviews

                                                                                4.0

                                                                                2 reviews

                                                                                Dined on 25 January 2025

                                                                                1. Overall 4
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                Great local Italian restaurant. Service & food were great.

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                                                                              9. Kathy

                                                                                Portland

                                                                                1 review

                                                                                4.0

                                                                                1 review

                                                                                Dined on 25 January 2025

                                                                                1. Overall 4
                                                                                2. Food 4
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                Whether or not you remember the old, traditional Italian restaurants that were up and down California's coast line in the 50s, 60s, and 70s, if you like that great, old vibe, Ol' Blue Eyes on the sound track, old guys serving in suits and ties, old-style Italian dishes ... yes! veal! ... this is the place. Family owned and operated for generations, black and red tiles on the floor so deeply waxed it's hard to tell them apart. A great negroni at the bar, a deep menu true to all the family Italian greatest hits. And since it is so dang hard to find a parking space in Santa Barbara, if you're driving (we walk) there is now a valet on weekend nights. This is a REAL place with REAL people. Wear a red dress and some high heals, and fellas, pull out the lady's chair. It's that kinda night.

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                                                                              10. John

                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                2 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                2 reviews

                                                                                Dined on 23 January 2025

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                My first visit was quite gratifying. A most welcoming and friendly service staff offers excellent food in generous portions in a warm and very traditional family-style Italian stone masonry building that transports me back to Tuscany. I'll be back!

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                                                                              FAQs

                                                                              Arnoldi's Cafe offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (805) 962-5394.

                                                                              Arnoldi's Cafe is rated 4.7 stars by 773 OpenTable diners.

                                                                              Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

                                                                              Make a booking

                                                                              2 people
                                                                              19:00
                                                                              Booked 22 times today

                                                                              Order delivery or takeout

                                                                              Google Map for Arnoldi's Cafe

                                                                              600 Olive St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101

                                                                              Additional information

                                                                              • Cross Street
                                                                                Cota Street
                                                                              • Area
                                                                                Santa Barbara
                                                                              • Hours of Operation
                                                                                Lunch Sun 11:00–16:30 Dinner Daily 17:00–21:00
                                                                              • Price
                                                                                $31 to $50
                                                                              • Cuisines
                                                                                Italian, Californian, reserved
                                                                              • Dining style
                                                                                Casual Dining
                                                                              • Dress code
                                                                                Casual Dress
                                                                              • Parking details
                                                                                Street Parking
                                                                              • Payment Options
                                                                                AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
                                                                              • Additional
                                                                                Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Weekend Brunch, Wine
                                                                              • Website
                                                                                http://www.arnoldis.com/
                                                                              • Phone number
                                                                                (805) 962-5394
                                                                              • Private party facilities
                                                                                We have a room that fits up to 45 people. People walk through to get outside, but it is often used for private birthday parties, holiday parties and rehearsal dinners.

                                                                                We also have a patio that fits up to 100 people and can be reserved privately with a food and beverage minimum

                                                                              Featured in

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