Olio e Limone in downtown Santa Barbara is the Best Italian Restaurant in the City- Dec. 2025

A Truly Memorable Dining Experience at Olio e Limone – Santa Barbara

Olio e Limone is an absolute gem and a must-visit when in Santa Barbara. From the moment we arrived, our server Esteban and the entire staff made us feel genuinely welcomed with their warm, accommodating, and friendly service. The atmosphere is very unique and intimate, and you can immediately see why this restaurant is so popular—it was impressively crowded even on a Monday night.

 

We began our meal with the burrata and beet appetizer topped with pistachios, which was fresh, creamy, and beautifully balanced. At Esteban’s recommendation, we also ordered the eggplant Parmesan—despite not being on the dinner menu—and it was outstanding and absolutely worth it. Another highlight was the seafood-style cioppino starter, featuring a rich tomato broth brimming with seafood. It was deeply flavorful and completely delicious.

For our entrées, we enjoyed the lamb chops, which were cooked to perfection—tender, juicy, and expertly seasoned. The risotto with black squid ink was equally impressive, loaded with calamari, shrimp, clams, and scallops, and bursting with flavor in every bite. To elevate the experience even more, we paired our meal with one of their excellent Italian wines, and I started with their signature Watermelon Cooler, which was refreshing and perfectly crafted.

Dessert was the perfect ending to an already exceptional meal. While there is a nice selection of sweets, the homemade cannoli truly stole the show—crisp, creamy, and simply irresistible.

Olio e Limone delivers exceptional food, impeccable service, and an unforgettable dining experience. If you’re in Santa Barbara, this restaurant should be at the very top of your list.

Visit them online at https://www.olioelimone.com

Highly recommended and absolutely dazzling!

Photos by Lisa Rosas