"Stupendous blistered, wood-fired pizzas topped with house-made pork sausage, seasonal vegetables, and the like are just one of the reasons to visit this Montecito gem. Don’t sleep on little bites like nduja-stuffed dates and a baby gem salad dressed with zippy homemade ranch. Spritzes and negronis are a must, too, at this cozy neighborhood restaurant that feels like a visit to somewhere coastal in Italy. In more good news, Bettina’s second location in Carpinteria opens on May 22, 2025." - Mona Holmes