Olio e Limone and Olio Pizzeria in Santa Barbara- Incredible delicious dining experiences- June 2025

A Perfect Day of Dining in Santa Barbara: Olio e Limone & Olio Pizzeria

Tucked in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, Olio e Limone Ristorante is a true gem for anyone seeking authentic Italian cuisine with refined coastal elegance. Its central location makes it the perfect stop for a midday escape, and from the moment we arrived, we knew we were in for something special.

We were warmly welcomed by our attentive and knowledgeable server, Esteban, who guided us through the menu with genuine enthusiasm and spot-on recommendations. Before our dishes arrived, we were served freshly baked, housemade bread – warm, fragrant, and of outstanding quality – the perfect start to a memorable meal.

We began with cocktails: the Watermelon Cooler was a bright and refreshing blend of house-infused watermelon-rosemary vodka, Pamplemousse Rose liqueur, lemon juice, guava nectar, and a hint of mint. Every sip tasted like summer. The 90-day aged Manhattan – made with Templeton Rye whiskey, Luxardo maraschino, and Carpano Antica vermouth – was smooth, bold, and expertly balanced.

To start, we shared a trio of appetizers that were beautifully presented and full of flavor. The Insalata Esotica, featuring grilled Hawaiian shrimp wrapped in prosciutto with papaya, arugula, and Belgian endive, was both exotic and delicate. The Insalata Nizzarda, their take on a classic Niçoise, was vibrant and savory, featuring olive oil-packed yellowfin tuna belly, butter lettuce, anchovies, green beans, olives, and a perfectly cooked hard-boiled egg. The Parmigiana di Melanzane – tender eggplant layered with buffalo mozzarella, basil, and tomato sauce – was comforting and elegant.

For our main courses, we had the Mezzelune d’Aragosta con Porri – half-moon-shaped ravioli filled with lobster, served in a delicate lobster sauce with leeks – and a beautifully made squid ink pasta with calamari and seafood. Both dishes were incredibly fresh and rich in flavor.

To finish, we indulged in the Crostata di Pere al Caramello, a warm pear tart with a thin layer of marzipan and drizzled in luscious caramel sauce. Throughout the meal, we enjoyed a wonderful dégustation of both white and red Italian wines, expertly paired with each course.

But the culinary journey didn’t stop there.

For dinner, we visited their sister restaurant just next door: Olio Pizzeria – and what a discovery! Though more casual in ambiance, the food was equally sophisticated. This is not your average pizzeria; it’s a showcase of regional Italian flavors executed with care and creativity.

 

For starters, we ordered:

• Di Bietole – roasted beets with arugula, pistachios, and shaved aged ricotta
• Zuppa di Fagioli – a classic Tuscan bean soup, hearty and perfectly seasoned
• Burrata con Caponatina – creamy burrata served with a Sicilian-style ratatouille and pine nuts; the textures and flavors were outstanding.
• Also tried their gluten free garlic bread to start
•  Accompany your meal with one of their popular cocktails or glasses of wine or sparking wine.
• Do not miss their delicious wood fired pizza- we had the mixed seafood pizza and our favorite was the fresh branzino cooked to perfection with crispy tasty potatoes and veggies.  Don’t let their pizzeria name fool you as the fish and dining experience rival any high end seafood restaurant.
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We ended our meal with their Tiramisù, which was as light and decadent as any we’ve had in Italy – a true dolce finale.

Our server Rosanna was warm, knowledgeable, and guided us through the menu with detailed explanations and great charm. Her service made the experience feel even more personal and special.

Both Olio e Limone and Olio Pizzeria deliver unforgettable meals with impeccable service. The attention to detail, the quality of ingredients, and the authentic Italian hospitality make these two spots a must when visiting Santa Barbara. We can’t wait to return.