Best Lunch Restaurants in Carpinteria

It seemed nearly impossible for our first experience here to live up to the long-running hype…but it did! We loved our server Alex who helped us pick out amazing wine and figure out how to try as many pastas as possible (the kitchen is super accommodating and will often do half-size portions AND make all kinds of pasta that aren’t on the menu!) so we were able to get an incredible tasting experience for two. Atmosphere is cozy and casual. Can’t wait to come back.

I’ve been here many times over the last 15 years and it’s such a beautiful restaurant. The food was amazing and our waiter was fantastic. Valet was terrific too. The hostess was a little stiff and standoffish which was surprising. We’d definitely return again hoping for a perfect dining experience. Thank you Chef!

I have to honestly say I almost didn't write this review because I want to be able to get into this restaurant. Our of the kindness of my heart, I have to share. This is the best new restaurant in Montecito in our opinion. We go out to dinner every night, We went to the former restaurant in this space, Cava, many times. We loved it. We missed it when it left. This restaurant is wonderful. First of all, the remodel is great; by one of my favorite architects, Jeff Sheldon. Fabulous. Wonderful ceilings, love the mural, the bar, the lighting all. of it. But the FOOD. My favorite dish on the earth my whole long life is a Lobster Salad Roll. The only good ones I have ever had are on the East Coast. Massachusetts...Maine, There. They do it all wrong in California. Too much bread. Wrong roll. (a hot dog roll? NO! It has to be a small roll, sliced on the sides, grilled with butter....NOT TOO BREADY!!) Absolutely no one does it right here. I am sorry to say. I have tried them ALL. Not enough lobster, Hot lobster, not cold, drenched in butter (that is the "Connecticut style" you can have it.) Heartbreaking (if you have had one in the East on Martha's Vineyard, anywhere in Massachusetts, Maine...wherever.). I just gave up. Clark's has nailed it. So astonishing. They have their own baker who makes the rolls.....just right. She also makes the sourdough bread, and all the bread and desserts.....Lord have mercy! I didn't even mention the shoestring fries.....crispy. Heavenly. So. We have made a weekly reservation.....but, I have to say. The chicken Paillard is out of this world also. Enough already. This restaurant is such a winner. (If you are really lucky, you will sit outside and get Drea for a server). The heaters are great.......even when it is cold!

As it is new, people will have mixed impressions but ours was excellent. We had the most delightful lunch on New Years Day. Easy to get reservation on OT. Great service, all of the staff were friendly and welcoming. Delicious food, and surroundings. All at reasonable prices.

The service was top notch. I made last-minute reservation, so we were seated outside, it was a bit chilly, they surrounded us with heaters and brought us a blanket. Our server was great, very efficient. The food was delicious! Looking forward to returning.