Bettina
Pizza restaurant · Coast Village ·
Seasonal pizzas, inventive pies, and Italian standards await
Seasonal pizzas, inventive pies, and Italian standards await
"A Santa Barbara pizzeria honored with a Michelin Bib Gourmand designation that serves thoughtfully topped pies—ranging from maitake trumpet mushrooms to locally made sausage—in an interior that channels the convivial charm of a European bistro." - Cu Fleshman Cu Fleshman Cu is a freelance writer and editor with more than five years of experience. She has written for a variety of publications, including Afar, Matador Network, and Editoire. No matter where she is in the world, you can find her hunting for local eats and hiking trails. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"The Montecito pizzeria darling has expanded its footprint: after building a following in Montecito, the pizzeria expanded into Carpinteria with an offshoot called Tina’s Pizza." - Rebecca Roland
"After making a match at NYC’s Roberta’s, Brendan Smith and Rachel Greenspan took their pizza-powered love affair to the West Coast to a gleaming perch in the Montecito Country Mart. Each night, the pair dishes up a bevy of pie varieties tattooed with the delicate char of their wood-fired oven. Even staples like pepperoni are exceptional, thanks to the slow-fermented dough, house-pulled mozzarella, and tangy, ripe tomatoes from Bianco DiNapoli, and seasonal options like a creamed leek pizza with pork sausage and crispy shallot are equally satisfying. Pastas, like a hand-cut tagliatelle with braised lamb shoulder, show similar care. This oven also does a solid sideline in baked goods, so grab some brown-butter chocolate chip cookies or a crusty sourdough loaf on your way out." - Michelin Inspector
"Between Lucky Penny, Olio Pizzeria, and the occasional Little Ceasar’s location, Santa Barbara had its pizza bases pretty much covered. But in 2018, an ex-Roberta's baker opened Bettina, bringing specialty flour and slow-fermented dough to the Montecito Country Mart. Crowds have been lining up ever since to try the pizzeria’s inspired takes on Neapolitan-style pie. The bubbly crust is pleasantly salty, and each delicate slice gives a satisfying crackle when folded. You should probably book a table before coming here for caesar salad and carbonara pizza, but if you don’t mind a possible wait, try walking in for a seat at the bar." - brant cox, sylvio martins, cathy park
"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