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Stella Mare's, Santa Barbara, CA

Stella Mare's

4.8
4.8
2308 Reviews
$31 to $50
French

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2 people
19:00
Booked 48 times today
  • Charming
  • Good for special occasions
  • Neighbourhood gem
French country bistro...Between Montecito and Santa Barbara, Stella Mare's Bistro is located in a historic Victorian home overlooking the Bird Refuge. French country cuisine rules the menu, with dishes like coq au vin, cassoulet, and moules frites. Sip seasonal cocktails amid cozy décor -- all the right ingredients for a great dining experience. Bon appétit!

When requesting the greenhouse please note that is considered indoor dining.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    French, American
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00–14:00 Lunch Tue–Fri 12:00–14:00 Dinner Tue–Sat 17:00–21:00
  • Phone number
    (805) 969-6705
  • Website
    http://www.stellamares.com/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive Chef
    Roth Ironside
  • Catering
    Stella Mare’s Restaurant is host to rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions, anniversaries, birthdays, and holiday celebrations, as well as corporate luncheons and dinners. We accommodate private parties of 10 to 130 guests.
  • Private party facilities
    The Private Dining Room An intimate room filled with unique artwork and antiques with windows overlooking the historic bird refuge. Minimum for reservation: 8 Maximum capacity: 14 The Ocean Room and Terrace A beautiful, private room opening onto an outdoor terrace, perfect for socializing with friends during a cocktail hour. Minimum for exclusive reservation: 20 Maximum capacity: 30 The Greenhouse This spectacular glass enclosed room creates the perfect romantic ambiance for any event with its custom built bar, fireplace, cozy couches, and views of the bird refuge. Minimum for exclusive reservation: 30 Maximum capacity: 50
  • Location
    50 Los Patos Way, Santa Barbara, CA 93108
  • Area
    Santa Barbara
  • Cross Street
    Cabrillo
  • Parking details
    Our private parking lot is adjacent to the Greenhouse side of the restaurant and wraps around the building next door. We also have parking directly in front, as well as street parking in front and across the street from the restaurant.
  • Public transit
    Bus stop at the corner of Cabrillo blvd and Los Patos way (our street).
  • Entertainment
    Live Jazz on Wednesday nights, in the greenhouse by the fire.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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Menu

Petits Plats

  • Artichault GrilléUS$13.95

    Oak grilled artichoke, roasted garlic aioli

    • Escargots PersilladeUS$15.75

      Snails in the shell, garlic & parsley butter

      • Paté de CampagneUS$12.75

        Country bacon wrapped pork paté, pickled shallots, cornichons, whole grain mustard, crostini

        • 3 Fromages & Compagnie

          • MP

        • Confit de CanardUS$18.95

          Crispy duck leg confit, arugula, black cherry gastrique

          • Cuisses de Grenouille ProvencaleUS$15.95

            Herb crusted frog legs, diced tomatoes, garlic, shallots, lemon, capers, white wine, parsley

            • Oeufs Mimosa au HomardUS$13.75

              Deviled eggs, lobster tail slices, tobiko caviar, pickled shallots, dill, toasted French baguette, arugula, olive oil

              Burgers

              • Stella BurgerUS$17.95

                Beef, blue cheese, bacon, caramelized onion, Dijonnaise sauce, brioche bun, French fries

                • Los Patos BurgerUS$19.75

                  Ground duck, arugula, goat cheese, black cherry gastrique, Dijonnaise sauce, brioche bun, French fries

                  Soupes

                  • Soupe a L'OignonUS$12.95

                    French onion soup

                    • Soupe du Jour

                      • MP

                    Salades

                    • Endive & PommeUS$14.75

                      Endive, apple, bacon, blue cheese, toasted pecans, honey mustard vinaigrette

                      • Carrotes RâpéesUS$8.75

                        Classic French finely shaved carrot salad, brunoise shallots, flat leaf parsley, whole grain mustard, lemon juice, citrus Dijon vinaigrette, pickled shallots, olive oil

                        • LaitueUS$11.75

                          Bibb lettuce, fresh garden herbs, red onion dressing

                          • Grilled ChoppedUS$15.95

                            Grilled zucchini, yellow squash, corn, radicchio, tomato, avocado, mixed greens, lemon-mustard vinaigrette

                            Grill

                            Provence herbs, ratatouille, and a choice of fries, roasted potatoes or Yukon potato purée

                            • SalmonUS$32.75

                              Sauce: Béarnaise, lemon caper Beurre Blanc or Bordelaise

                              • Pork PorterhouseUS$28.75

                                Sauce: Béarnaise, Cognac peppercorn or Bordelaise

                                • Filet Mignon

                                  Sauce: Béarnaise, Cognac peppercorn or Bordelaise

                                  • 6 OzUS$39.50

                                • New York SteakUS$39.75

                                  Sauce: Béarnaise, Cognac peppercorn or Bordelaise

                                  Specialitées

                                  • Coq au VinUS$28.75

                                    French braise of chicken with red wine, lardons, pearl onions, bacon, mushrooms, green peas, garlic, sweet potato purée

                                    • Steak Frites

                                      New York steak, Maitre d'Hotel butter, fries

                                      • 10 OzUS$38.75

                                    • Saumon AmandineUS$33.75

                                      Salmon, almonds, purple cauliflower purée, sautéed haricots verts, cauliflower florets, crispy sage, sweet carrot vinaigrette

                                      • Jarret d'AgneauUS$34.75

                                        Braised lamb shank, white wine, parmesan polenta, sundried tomatoes, fava beans, sundried tomato tapenade, goat cheese crumbles

                                        • Sole MeuniéreUS$29.95

                                          Petrale sole, saffron poached potatoes, wilted spinach, cherry tomato confit, Lemon segments and a lemon caper brown butter sauce

                                          • Mignon de PorcUS$29.50

                                            Whole grain mustard marinated Pork tenderloin, goat cheese pea purée, braised mushroom, red wine gastrique, goat cheese crumbles

                                            • Moules Frites a la CrèmeUS$39.75

                                              Mussels in white wine and Pernod, braised leeks, shallots, cream sauce, French fries, mayonnaise

                                              • Short Ribs á la BourguignoneUS$32.95

                                                Cabernet braised beef short rib, mushrooms, carrots, lardons, pearl red onions, mashed potatoes

                                                Sides

                                                • Petite SaladeUS$7.50

                                                  Mixed greens

                                                  • Creamed SpinachUS$9.95

                                                    • Broccoli BéarnaiseUS$9.75

                                                      • Sautéed MushroomsUS$6.75

                                                        • Sautéed Green BeansUS$7.95

                                                          • Roasted BroccoliUS$7.75

                                                            • Sautéed Garlic SpinachUS$6.75

                                                              Last updated: 25 July 2022

                                                              What 2,308 people are saying

                                                              Overall ratings and reviews

                                                              Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

                                                              4.8
                                                              4.8 based on recent ratings
                                                              • 4.8Food
                                                              • 4.7Service
                                                              • 4.8Ambience
                                                              • 4.7Value

                                                              Noise • Moderate

                                                              Loved For

                                                              • California Central Coast

                                                                Best Value

                                                              • Santa Barbara

                                                                Best Overall

                                                              • Santa Barbara

                                                                Best Ambience

                                                              • Santa Barbara

                                                                Best Value

                                                              • Santa Barbara

                                                                Great for brunch

                                                              • Santa Barbara

                                                                Good for groups

                                                              • Santa Barbara

                                                                Romantic

                                                              • Santa Barbara

                                                                Most Booked

                                                              Review summary

                                                              AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                              Stella Mare's is a charming French restaurant in Santa Barbara that exudes the essence of Parisian dining. Patrons rave about its "excellent food" and "impeccable service," with many highlighting the "beautiful ambiance" and "romantic setting." The menu features classic French dishes like cassoulet and coq au vin, making it a "hidden gem" for lovers of French cuisine. Despite its impending closure, Stella Mare's remains a beloved local treasure where "wonderful meals" and "memorable experiences" are guaranteed.

                                                              2,308 Reviews

                                                              1. Diana

                                                                San Francisco

                                                                4 reviews

                                                                5.0

                                                                4 reviews

                                                                Dined 2 days ago

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                Too bad Stella Mare’s is closing December 31st 2024. Lost their lease. No place to relocate. A new “unnamed” restaurant will be taking over.

                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                              2. Ken

                                                                San Francisco

                                                                1 review

                                                                5.0

                                                                1 review

                                                                Dined 2 days ago

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                Stella Mare's is due to close permanently as of 12/31/2024 allegedly because the new property owner would not allow the restaurant to sign a new lease. This is a sad situation for Santa Barbara, since the restaurant is an absolute gem, with nothing like it anywhere around. It will be a big loss for all who enjoy excellent cuisine.

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                                                              3. Clarinda

                                                                Central Coast

                                                                5 reviews

                                                                5.0

                                                                5 reviews

                                                                Dined 3 days ago

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                So sorry, the legendary Stellamar is closing. OpenTable indicated there were no reservations available, but when I looked again at 6 PM, I found a table for two! Festively decorated for Christmas with sparkling fairy lights in the greenhouse above the roaring fireplace. Feel so lucky to have enjoyed Stellamar these many years and so sorry it’s closing.

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                                                              4. Sharon

                                                                San Francisco

                                                                13 reviews

                                                                5.0

                                                                13 reviews

                                                                Dined 4 days ago

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                I love Stella Mare's...have been going there for more than 20 years...and I'm very sad that it is closing on January 1st. The old French country house ambiance is so enjoyable, and the food is wonderful. I truly hope they will find a suitable new location in Santa Barbara and reopen soon. It's especially troubling that the building will become a Mexican restaurant. I love Mexican food, but it's not as if we don't already have more Mexican restaurants than a town the size of Santa Barbara could possibly need! Farewell, Stella...hope to see you again soon.

                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                              5. Marilynn

                                                                VIP

                                                                Central Coast

                                                                3 reviews

                                                                5.0

                                                                3 reviews

                                                                Dined 4 days ago

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                We will miss Stella Mare😒. It is unique and. cannot be replaced. We only hope the restaurant will find a new home. We will be there!!

                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                              6. Richard

                                                                San Francisco

                                                                2 reviews

                                                                5.0

                                                                2 reviews

                                                                Dined 7 days ago

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 4
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                On a very busy Sunday the food was excellent and staff did a great job ! A terrible shame this restaurant is losing their location. They will be greatly missed!

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                                                              7. STEPHANIE

                                                                Los Angeles

                                                                2 reviews

                                                                5.0

                                                                2 reviews

                                                                Dined on 13 December 2024

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                Always fabulous great birthday lunch I’m heartbroken that their closing at end of December

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                                                              8. Richard

                                                                VIP

                                                                Central Coast

                                                                22 reviews

                                                                5.0

                                                                22 reviews

                                                                Dined on 13 December 2024

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                Stella Mare's is such a wonderful restaurant! We're going to miss it, but we hope it reincarnates again. May I suggest that Stella Mare's takes over the restaurant operations at El Encanto's awful attempt at fine dining?

                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                              9. Margriet

                                                                Central Coast

                                                                8 reviews

                                                                5.0

                                                                8 reviews

                                                                Dined on 11 December 2024

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 4
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                Stella Mare's is one of the last great restaurants in Santa Barbara. It is an excellent value for the money. I will miss it when it closes.

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                                                              10. Peggy

                                                                Los Angeles

                                                                13 reviews

                                                                5.0

                                                                13 reviews

                                                                Dined on 8 December 2024

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                We love Stella Mare. So sad that they’re closing because of redevelopment. We hope Santa Barbara preserves that 1870’s building and that they are able to relocate. Great food, great setting, wonderful servers (thank you Francois, who’s been there from the beginning). This meal was a perfect goodbye!

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                                                              FAQs

                                                              Stella Mare's offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (805) 969-6705.

                                                              Stella Mare's is rated 4.8 stars by 2308 OpenTable diners.

                                                              Stella Mare's does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

                                                              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 48 times today

                                                              Order delivery or takeout

                                                              Google Map for Stella Mare's

                                                              50 Los Patos Way, Santa Barbara, CA 93108

                                                              Dining areas

                                                              Additional information

                                                              • Cross Street
                                                                Cabrillo
                                                              • Area
                                                                Santa Barbara
                                                              • Hours of Operation
                                                                Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00–14:00 Lunch Tue–Fri 12:00–14:00 Dinner Tue–Sat 17:00–21:00
                                                              • Price
                                                                $31 to $50
                                                              • Cuisines
                                                                French, American
                                                              • Dining style
                                                                Casual Elegant
                                                              • Dress code
                                                                Smart Casual
                                                              • Parking details
                                                                Our private parking lot is adjacent to the Greenhouse side of the restaurant and wraps around the building next door. We also have parking directly in front, as well as street parking in front and across the street from the restaurant.
                                                              • Public transit
                                                                Bus stop at the corner of Cabrillo blvd and Los Patos way (our street).
                                                              • Payment Options
                                                                AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
                                                              • Executive Chef
                                                                Roth Ironside
                                                              • Entertainment
                                                                Live Jazz on Wednesday nights, in the greenhouse by the fire.
                                                              • Additional
                                                                Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
                                                              • Website
                                                                http://www.stellamares.com/
                                                              • Phone number
                                                                (805) 969-6705
                                                              • Catering
                                                                Stella Mare’s Restaurant is host to rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions, anniversaries, birthdays, and holiday celebrations, as well as corporate luncheons and dinners. We accommodate private parties of 10 to 130 guests.
                                                              • Private party facilities
                                                                The Private Dining Room An intimate room filled with unique artwork and antiques with windows overlooking the historic bird refuge. Minimum for reservation: 8 Maximum capacity: 14 The Ocean Room and Terrace A beautiful, private room opening onto an outdoor terrace, perfect for socializing with friends during a cocktail hour. Minimum for exclusive reservation: 20 Maximum capacity: 30 The Greenhouse This spectacular glass enclosed room creates the perfect romantic ambiance for any event with its custom built bar, fireplace, cozy couches, and views of the bird refuge. Minimum for exclusive reservation: 30 Maximum capacity: 50

                                                              Featured in

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                                                              Gift card

                                                              Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

                                                              Send a gift card
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