Marisella

Fabulous atmosphere and food! I sat at the bar and still got the full experience as a solo diner. Tasty, well thought out cocktails and a fresh, savory bite to start. Amazing seafood and pastas, with steaks that definitely show that this place has steakhouse pedigree under its belt. The wine list is loaded with rarities and hidden gems as well. Don’t miss a chance to dine here!

My family had an unforgettable experience at Marisella recently. We came knowing that we were going to be treated to an unbelievable view and delicious food, but what we didn't realize is that we were also going to have some of the most outstanding service that we have ever had in a restaurant. The staff made sure that not only my husband and I had a memorable evening, but they put so much thoughtfulness into our daughter's experience as well. She devoured the spaghetti and meatballs that they made for her, we loved our dishes and really enjoyed the Intermezzo cocktail. We left feeling like we had just celebrated a special event rather than a weeknight dinner. We will absolutely be back time and time again, thank you so much for a fabulous evening.

I love discovering new Italian restaurants and Marisella truly exceeded expectations. Every dish was crafted with care and presented beautifully. It’s clear the kitchen puts heart into everything they serve. We had an exceptional service experience thanks to Milo and Korin. The standout of the night was the branzino. I hadn’t had fish in nearly two years and this was absolutely worth the wait. Baked in salt and finished with olive oil and herbs, it was light, tender, and incredibly flavorful. Easily one of the best I’ve had. We also ordered the glazed green beans, which were fine but not something I’d reorder. The grilled summer peppers were packed with flavor and a definite highlight. The spicy rigatoni alla vodka, a house favorite, was rich, bold, and perfectly spicy. A solid 10 out of 10. The caprese salad was as fresh as it gets with heirloom tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and a touch of olive oil that brought everything together. The warm focaccia served with tomato sauce was simple, nostalgic, and flawlessly executed. The ambiance strikes a beautiful balance between cozy and refined with just the right romantic touch. Service was warm, attentive, and professional throughout. If you’re in search of an elevated Italian dining experience that still feels approachable and genuine, Marisella is not to be missed. I’ll absolutely be returning.

Highly recommend! My husband and I went recently and we were really impressed with the food and the gorgeous views. Our server, Clara, took such good care of us and made the night even more enjoyable. Looking forward to our return trip!

I met with my friend at Santa Barbara for a hiking and winery experience, and our uber driver told us about this new restaurant in town ; and what can I say , it was phenomenal from start to finish, the house made pastas were so good!! We also had the filet mignon , the snapper crudo , and the oysters… so refreshing with the raspberry mignonette. For dessert they recommend us the table-side tiramisu and is definitely a Must!!! They have great ambiance, everyone is super attentive and the food … no words ! .

So surprised that valet was complimentary! Great start. From the STUNNING atmosphere to the really thoughtful service this place had me drooling right from the start. Their "welcome taste" was a fresh welcome treat. Impressed with the cocktails and the wine list although a little daunting felt very approachable with the assistance of Eric (their wine somm) who was very helpful even with just getting the right glass of wine! No complaints from start to finish. I would say the crudo's and carpaccio should NOT be missed but found it hard to pick a favorite. Honestly already planning my next trip. Being right on the coast is breath taking and both the service and food stand up to the views. 10 out 10. Must go if you are in the area for vacation or local.

Luxurious dining in an extravagant space. Definitely a special occasion type of place but worth the splurge. Service is top notch and the menu was impressive. Make reservations before they start winning too many awards.

What a great addition to the neighborhood! You no longer have to go to downtown Santa Barbara for a great dining experience! From the moment we stepped into the restaurant, we were greeted with a warm welcome! The place it’s beautiful and the views are amazing! The terrace is the place to be! Our server came to table with a little gift from the chef, which was such a nice touch! She was very friendly and knowledgeable and guided our dinner experience perfectly - we shared all our dishes: Caprese, Gnocchi, Filet Mignon- all absolutely delicious. Our drinks were unique and added a great touch to the experience. We will definitely go back- so many things I want to try!

This is my first ever review, as I don't normally dive into dining that deep. But tonight marsiella went above and beyond my expectations. To start the service at the door was friendly and the Restaurant had a beautiful ambiance. All though I had to wait 15 mins after my reservation time, the hostess was very apologetic along with my server Emily! Emily then guided us through not only the drink menu but the food as well. Food was brought out in courses timely. Lamb pasta and wagyu meatballs are the way to go! Grab a focaccia to start while you're at it. Overall great experience and would recommend to anyone who wants a beautiful view and fine dining experience :)

Great food and experience! I would highly recommend this spot and will be craving it daily!

Marisella's was amazing. My sister and I stopped in late one evening without a reservation, assuming we'd just grab a spot at the bar. Which was lovely with a beautiful ambiance. But, we did put our name in at the hostess stand, just in case. To our surprise, they were able to accommodate us with a beautiful table right by the water -- such a treat! The food was absolutely excellent, and our server Daisy was warm, attentive, and friendly throughout the night. The bar entire space had a stunning, welcoming ambience. The complimentary local tomatoes that were served with olive oil and a house made seasoning were amazing. And the fresh focaccia with whipped ricotta & the orecchiette were delicious. We felt completely taken care of and will definitely be back. A perfect late-night find! Highly recommend.

Marisella has a lovely layout and great views. The waiter brought us a complementary small appetizer of fresh cherry tomatoes and an herbed salt for them, which was delicious. We ordered two appetizers for our party of four: tuna crudo, and a carpaccio, both of which were delicious. Then things stopped going right. The waiter had keyed in the wrong entree for one of our party. We discovered this when they served us. I would have expected the waiter to do whatever he could to correct the error. Instead, he just said while passing our table: "that was on me", meaning he acknowledged his mistake. It took another 20 minutes to get the correct order to us, and he did not seem at alll to be involved in correcting his mistake. My wife had ordered their rack of lamb, which was three mutton, not lamb chops. Worse yet, each one of them was almost entirely fat only, hardly any meat at all, less than a forkful on each chop. I wouldn't have accepted such poor chops from a butcher, and neither should they have. We then asked for the manager and showed her the chops, which she acknowledged had almost no meat, just fat. She did apologize. When we got the bill, we were pleased that we were not charged for the chops. We ordered one dessert, the panna cotta, to share, and the manager also gave us a complimentary extra dessert of pistachio ice cream, both of which were very good. Maybe they were just having a bad night, but no self respecting restaurant would even have purchased those horrible mutton chops much less served them. They seem to be missing quality control throughout their entire process from purchasing to serving. We live in Santa Barbara. Our friends were visitors. I have to say this is the worst restaurant experience I have ever encountered in Santa Barbara, Montecito, or Goleta. Marisella really needs to improve.

I went to Marisella about a week or so after they opened. Emily took great care of us. The timing of the food was awful, but Emily made sure things were made up for, and I appreciate that. The focaccia with its dips is all worth trying. My two favorites were the whipped ricotta and the dip in the pot. Clams casino (+), although potentially no longer available per their online menu Squash blossom (+) Snapper crudo (+) was very heavy on the olive oil, but because of the fish's more neutral taste, this worked out. Garden greens salad (+) dates and pistachios add pizazz to this salad. It is well-balanced and exciting at every bite Shrimp scallop ravioli (+/-) neither hit nor miss, maybe there is just a little too much going on with it, but the flavors didn't mix well for me Lamb Ragu (+) the lamb is a nice addition that adds the earthy and gamey flavors to a pasta that allows for that Filet Mignon (+) I prefer mine as a full barrel cut portion, but the tenderness of the meat here made me less picky for the moment. It was terrific, and although filets are not necessarily known for their high fat content, it had enough to take away from the potential boredom that ribeye lovers complain about when it comes to these cuts. Their cocktails vary from good to great, and their wine options will have something for lovers of pairings. The dessert that I tried was their tableside tiramisu, which I loved because it wasn't overly sweet and kept it simple, which is what a tiramisu should always be. When I saw this was being opened by the same restaurant group that runs Maple and Ash, I had to try as much as possible. Now, they have a good baseline, and it's worth a try. If I had to nitpick, I'd ask for more attention on the pastas; less is more sometimes.

Pretty decent restaurant inside the Ritz Carlton hotel. Nice, elegant yet casual so you don't need to feel like you have to overdress yourself to eat here. The only annoyance is we were sitting next to the door that leads to the outside dinning area, so we were cold the whole time. The service was not bad, but I think our waitress could have been more attentive. I noticed all the other waiter and waitress were very on top of the tables they served, except ours. We ordered the fried seafood platter, which was very light and fresh. The filet was a little bit too salty, but definitely one of the best cooked filet I ever had. It's super tender, not gamy and melts in your mouth. The lamb chop was perfect. I asked for the sauce on the side because my daughter was sharing it with me. The lamb chop was perfectly seasoned but a little under cooked (one was the piece was literally rare). It was a bit gamy too without the sauce. If you like carbs, you should order their focaccia bread. It's fresh made and it goes perfectly with the olive oil they leave on the table. I would definitely dine here again if I were to stay here. It does come with a heavy price tag though.

I don't normally gush about a restaurant especially one just opened two weeks ago. Well, I'm about to Gush. Walking into this gorgeous restaurant was a treat exuding quiet elegance with beautiful styling hints. The lighting is soft and inviting. To say that this is one of the best views in the area is an understatement. Sweeping views of the Pacific greet you. The seating comfortable. Service was impeccable. Bella our incredible server, was superb. Well versed in the menu, she guided us through one of the best culinary experiences in the Santa Barbara area. Fans of the great "Caruso's" might agree with me that I found Marisella's menu to have a more vibrant flavor profile. This is one of the best meals I've had in Santa Barbera. Our order: Start with the housemade focaccia (hot on the table) with a spectacular red sauce. Perfect. Garlic, Basil hint of chili flakes I felt as though I wanted to take home 2 gallons of it. The Red Snapper crudo was equally sublime. Local Snapper with finely diced red onion, garlic green olives with a drizzle of perfect olive oil. So flavorful. Next two outstanding pasta samplers: Gnocchi and the orecchiette with sausage both house made. Both insanely good. Finally we indulged our meat loving side with: The short ribs and the filet with two great sides. The short ribs were frankly the best I've ever had. Beautiful charr on the ribs with a smokiness and flavor that are hard to beat. Fall off the bone, even when full we still finished the serving (easily feeds four). The filet was perfect also. Highest marks on both of these. Sides were great: steamed local greens and a polenta that you'd want to eat while on the couch in your pajamas watching a great old movie. Sampled two desserts that were very good also. Table side Tera Mis su, panna cotta and strawberry sorbet. The sorbet was the star. Intangibles: most restaurants seem to be challenged with serving the food to table piping hot. Not Marisella. Each dish came out steaming hot and perfect. They even brought warm plates! Bella our server was beyond gracious, friendly and knowledgeable. She's a super star and we'd suggest asking for her. Summing up, it is the best Italian food on the central coast. Enjoy!!!

Wow!!! Just had one of the most amazing experiences and dinners in a long time! We were lucky enough to be get a reservation on opening night. It was our last night of our vacation. The restaurant is beautiful with absolutely stunning views off the bluff!! We were seating at a table with a view of ocean. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming but Lisa, our server assistant, and Ayden, our server, made the night even that more special. Along side the food which was incredible, Ayden, Lisa and the rest of the staff were the icing on the cake. Can't say enough good things about the staff. We got the in the pot focaccia which was amazing. Also got the oysters and blue fin tuna crudo. Another amazing corse. For our entrees we got the lamb ragu and the little neck clam vongole. Both were absolutely delicious!!! The night was topped off with tableside tiramisu which was just another amazing dish!!! It was the most perfect way to end our vacation. Thank you again Ayden, Lisa and the rest of the Marisella staff!

We were excited to try the new restaurant that took over from Angel Oak at the Baccara resort. The views are spectacular! We sat inside and looked out over the ocean. 5 Star. The restaurant just opened and is going through normal teething pain. Our server was polished and had two trainees with her. We had to ask a few times for our second drinks. We had the focaccia bread with red sauce ( great add) and oysters for apps. Very nice! Had polenta and green beans , both were good. Daughter had the fillet and Nona had lamb. These were nice. My daughters steak was perfect texture , charred and a nice medium rare throughout. We had the Bisteca Florentine. Signature dish was disappointing! They had trouble cooking it evenly. The fillet side was well done, the new york side was over on the edges and end and was raw at the bone. it was presliced and delivered in a crueset pan ( nice touch). Could have lived with it, but the beef was over aged had a very odd texture. Cutting the slices into bites yielded these squares that had no evidence of muscle fiber. It was really odd. Had the tableside tiramisu for desert. It was a nice presentation, but the flavor did not hit the mark. The ladyfingers overpowered the dish, and you were left with a soggy bread bite with marscipone and chocolate bits. My daughters vanilla bean ice cream was far better. We had mamma's rigatoni to take out, it was a small portion and had barely any sauce. Nothing to write home about. Our meal and service was OK, not great. I feel the service will eventually get better, unsure about the food.

An absolutely unforgettable dining experience from start to finish! We were lucky enough to get in during the restaurant's first week--because once word gets out, this place will be nearly impossible to book. Every dish we ordered was a hit. The salt-crusted whole branzino was a true standout--carved tableside, perfectly flaky, and topped with a delicate butter-caper sauce that was simply divine. The green beans with fresh herbs and a flavorful sauce were vibrant and refreshing, and the creamy mashed polenta melted in your mouth. The tuna crudo was bursting with bright citrus and spice, while the carpaccio was rich, tender, and topped with crispy shallots, capers, and just the right amount of creamy dressing. The warm, crusty bread was perfect for soaking up every last drop of flavor. We paired it all with a bottle of 2011 Vilmart & Cie Cœur de Cuvée, which elevated the entire experience. And just when we thought it couldn't get better--enter the tiramisu. Light, creamy, and perfectly balanced--it was the cherry on top of a flawless evening. Bryan, our server, was phenomenal--attentive, knowledgeable, and went above and beyond with every course. Massive thank you to the chefs and entire team for an impeccable night. We will definitely be back! Along with the ambiance they could not go wrong. Everything was beyond impressive.

Marisella created a special memory that I'm sure my friends and I will cherish for years to come! I would not be surprised if this place became an Italian fine dining destination just weeks after opening! Ambiance: Could not have been more perfect. Not only was the aesthetic trendy and truly beautiful, it felt expensive, well designed, and relaxing . Then coupled with an ocean/cliff view... you really can't beat it. Drinks: For an Italian restaurants, you expect great martinis, and their martinis really exceeded expectations. The pickle martini was exactly what you want and more. The tomato martini was perfectly subtle yet flavorful and really well balanced. Food: Standouts were the squash blossoms and shrimp/lobster ravioli. Really elevated how pasta can taste. The orchiette and greens felt slightly over salted, but maybe it was an off night? Really not a huge problem at all. Service: From beginning to end, we felt welcomed, loved, and taken care of. Santiago made it especially wonderful and memorable. He was to attentive to detail, and can tell that he loved his job there. The joy was spread to us and it really made for a perfect evening.

We dinned there last week and were extremely pleased! Cozy atmosphere, love all the live plants. The staff were courteous and our server took the time to explain the menu in detail which was great! We started with cocktails and I ordered the Savory tiki. It was well balanced and just what I was looking for! Loved that the pastas were thoughtful and not crazy huge so you could enjoy other things on the menu as well. Happy about the complimentary valet. Worth the drive from the city. We will definitely be back!

Our first dining experience was great. Everything about it including our server, the view, the food. We enjoyed it so much that we went back a few days later for my birthday dinner. Unfortunately, that experience is why we are not going back. There's just a sense of condescending attitude from the managers walking around that left a bad taste. Even when I complimented our server, the manager I talked with gave me some patronizing response. I have been to other comparable fine dining to know what an excellent and welcoming customer service looks like. This wasn't it. Not that this also a big deal but other restaurants like Luckys we have visited would have acknowledged my birthday with a dessert or candle, etc. but nothing.

Rare I give a one star review. Dinner started with an unfriendly greeting by hostess who then tried to seat us outside where it was obviously cold. We asked to be seated inside, so they left us standing in the middle of the restaurant for a few minutes, came back and seated us at a table where the booth and chair were of different heights so my wife was looking down on me. Odd but manageable. My wife ordered chicken which was undercooked so we sent it back. She then got a new chicken which was like rubber because I figure she was being punished for sending back the first one? She ended up not eating it at all and just had vegetables. To add insult to injury, the waiter then attempted to charge us for BOTH chicken plates at $42 each. Truly a bad experience. Really embarrassing for the Ritz Carlton to have this on their property given they are the essence of great service.

Probably not worth going to! Atmosphere is nice. The service is adequate, but the food is really just mediocre. The focaccia and ricotta was phenomenal and we were very excited. Had a great drink and we were very excited. Had the meatball appetizer and it was OK but two out of three things being really good and one being OK we were hoping that the rest of dinner would be great. Unfortunately, that's not what happened. We had a salad with dates and oranges that was really just mediocre , left most of it. We had the Lamb pasta and the lamb had a very funny taste and in all fairness about 30 to 40% of it was too fatty to eat anyway. Had the chicken which was a very strange pounded chicken with half white meat and half dark meat. It was kind of like a compressed turkey roll, except the dark meat had a lot of fat compressed into it so it was not very good at all, and the flavor wasn't great either. On to dessert, we had the tiramisu Table side. The presentation was very nice, but the actual desert itself which was mediocre like Olive Garden level. All in all pretty disappointing if you want to spend this much go to Elwood down by UCSB. I've had three Great dinners there in last month and it's consistently spectacular. This feels like a hotel restaurant that will capture the people are staying there but if you're not at the hotel. There is no absolutely no reason to go there as a local or even a tourist.

Beautiful ocean view patio with excellent service! This place literally just opened a week ago, but the food and service already feels like a well oiled machine! We tried a little of everything: homemade focaccia w/ whipped ricotta (crispy crust/chewy inside), crispy squash blossom (good), California rock fish (tasty), and the overall standout -- the slow roasted lamb ragu (great handmade pasta with a rich & zesty lamb ragu)! The hostess was also very sweet and accommodating with our request to switch indoors instead of outside (too windy). Will be back especially for the pasta!

Unbelievable food with a breathtaking view. The service was incredible. Definitely try out their seafood - I'm still dreaming of it. Can't think of a better setting to enjoy a great meal.

Great addition to the Ritz and the neighborhood! From the warm welcome at the front door to the attentive service through out your dinner- you will feel special! The restaurant is absolutely beautiful and the views are amazing! The drinks and food are well thought out to create a coastal Italian experience. There is a great variety of food from light dishes to a hearty steak options. The house made Focaccia is a must! Caprese salad is my go to- the heirloom tomatoes are so good! The filet mignon is the most tender and flavorful I've ever had! All pasta dishes are made in the house and it's hard to pick which one to try first - had to try the Gnocchi and it was perfect! I couldn't say No to the fresh strawberry Panna Cotta - oh boy, what a perfect ending to a delicious meal! Needless to say, I have to go back, so many things I want to try!

I was really looking forward to dining here, but the experience left quite a bit to be desired. The food had its highs and lows. I ordered the tomato martini--unfortunately, it was undrinkable. Harsh, odd flavor and not at all balanced. The kids' meals came out far before ours, which meant they were done long before our entrées even arrived. Also, there were no protein options available to add to pasta dishes--not even something basic like chicken or shrimp, which felt surprisingly limiting. What truly soured the evening was the unwelcoming attitude from the manager on duty. My 12 month old dropped a few puff crackers on the floor, and we were met with repeated dirty looks throughout dinner. We were mindful of the mess and even cleaned up after ourselves, but still felt judged the entire time. At checkout, I said to our server, "I'm sorry--I know your manager seemed very angry," and she quietly responded, "Yeah, I'm sorry about that," clearly acknowledging the tension. As we walked out, the manager--a woman named Bella, lighter complexion, shoulder-length curly/wavy hair--was near the exit. I said, "Sorry about the floor--you must not have children." She replied, "Oh no, I do--I just want them to clean it fast." It felt defensive and insincere, not the kind of understanding you'd expect from someone who claims to be a parent. Our server was kind, and the restaurant itself is lovely--but between the lackluster food experience and the discomfort caused by management's attitude, I wouldn't return. Expected better at the Ritz, a family friendly hotel.

One of the most beautiful fuse while dining ever. The food was delicious and the service was great. Do not skip the bread with whipped or ricotta. We enjoyed everything and their Sommelier was top-notch. He knows his stuff and was so pleasant and recommended the most amazing wines. We will be back.

I met with my friend at Santa Barbara for a hiking and winery experience, and our uber driver told us about this new restaurant in town ; and what can I say , it was phenomenal from start to finish, the house made pastas were so good!! We also had the filet mignon , the snapper crudo , and the oysters... so refreshing with the raspberry mignonette. For dessert they recommend us the table-side tiramisu and is definitely a Must!!! They have great ambiance, everyone is super attentive and the food ... no words ! .

From the moment we walked in, the experience was delightful. The warmth and attentiveness of the staff immediately set the tone for a memorable meal. The food was very well balance and I we loved all the local ingredients. The Branzino is out of the world delicious, salt crusted and perfectly cooked. They bring a welcome treat when you sit and dine, tomatoes and garlic salt with local olive oil, wow and YUM! It's so welcoming. The cocktail and wine selection, equally impressive. I'm a wine drinker and the selections were very high-end and a big selection. Big shout to the champagne selection. Another fun part, was the martini selections. Really unique martini section, the star would be the tomato-tini. It's rare to find a place where both the cuisine and the service shine equally, but this experience was a perfect harmony of both. We left feeling not just satisfied, but genuinely cared for. Highly recommended, and we can't wait to return.

We were really looking forward to trying Marisela, but the experience just didn't deliver. Even with a reservation, we weren't seated until 25 minutes later. It took another 15 minutes just to get water, and another 10 before our server came by to explain the menu. Our main dishes didn't come out for an hour and a half--and when they finally did, the pasta was way too salty. A couple of the other dishes were okay, but nothing stood out. Overall, it felt pretty average. Not sure if our server was just overwhelmed, but we noticed other staff in the same uniform standing around at the bar, chatting with the bartender for a good 10 minutes while we were still waiting on basic service. Marisela needs a lot of work. If you're looking for a solid dinner spot, you're better off going somewhere else. No reason to pay premium prices for slow service and forgettable food.

We were excited to try the new Marisella's at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara, where we celebrate our anniversary each year. The oceanfront setting, breezy terrace, and modern coastal décor were beautiful. The food was delicious...especially the homemade focaccia with tomato dip and the handmade pastas. The only disappointment was the management. Several managers were making rounds, but some tables received noticeably more attention than others. Even our daughters quietly picked up on it, which felt out of place for this establishment. With more consistent hospitality, this restaurant has the potential to become a true dining destination within the resort.

Amazing experience start to finish. I think I tried a little bit of almost everything, and each bite was spectacular. The Dip in the Pot was fun and a delight, the Oysters were perfect, the filet was rich and juicy, and the surprise treat was Chef Danny Grant's "Beans & Greens" of gigante beans, rapini, sofrito, and lemon that are, hands down, the best beans I can remember. For dessert, the Baba au Rhum was sublime, but the topper was the homemade, slightly boozy vanilla ice cream. Ask for chocolate shavings on top. Great service at the bar from Marshall and Rich, great attention and menu advice from Christina.

Atmosphere and views are outstanding. Can not say enough great things about the food and service. Their made in house pasta program is out of this world. I have not experienced this at any other restaurant in Santa Barbara.

I can't believe an experience like this exists in Santa Barbara, I usually have to go to Los Angeles or Malibu. I would say this is a blend of LA meets Big Sur. What made my visit so special? Everything! The ocean cliff views, the curated menu and the extensive alcohol list, along with the upscale but relaxed coastal ambience....but most of all the staff! They are professional, aware, and knowledgeable. They were attentive to every need, to the point that I wondered if they had hidden microphones listening to our conversation! (which I don't think they do, they are just very attentive). I had the privilege of meeting two of the sommeliers, and I got to chat with some of the staff to learn about their backgrounds. It's not a quick dinner experience, you'll want to savor the luxury and peace. We started with several appetizers and then my husband and I ordered pastas. Of course you must order dessert too! The sommeliers gave us a dessert port to go with our chocolate dessert. It was a perfect evening, the staff was impeccable and I enjoyed the thoughtful, locally sourced approach. Restaurants like this need to be protected and preserved, I'm already trying to squeeze in another night before leaving the country in July. Thank you team! This is what Santa Barbara needed!

Had dinner last night and was so disappointed Plenty of seats but were sat 1/2 late anyway. Food was too salty, the dip in pot oily. The pasta rubbery did not taste fresh at all. And small portion. The patronage is what really killed it and I fear this restaurant can't escape what will be its downfall. It is located on Bacara but this hotel is a Marriott which means many of its guests are there solely due to their points (5 star hotel catering to 2 star clientele)- alas what you have is drunk cruise ship vibes with loud drunk sloppily dressed people who have forgotten to use their inside voices. Will skip this disaster upon our next visit to Santa Barbara

Fantastic menu, food was absolutely delicious, and the staff were so friendly and helpful! Looking forward to visiting again!

I made a reservation specifically requesting patio seating for a birthday celebration with a party of 7. At no point during booking did anyone inform us that they don't seat parties of this size outside. Upon arrival, the host simply told us we couldn't be seated on the patio--no apology, no effort to accommodate, and no warning in advance. This completely ruined the atmosphere we planned for and left us disappointed on what should have been a special occasion. Poor communication and lack of consideration for guests' requests.

What an enjoyable meal! Aside from the breathtaking view from the bluffs, this meal was amazing. From the crispy focaccia with a warm tomato sauce dipping pot, the summer cucumber salad, and the exciting entrees to the tomato martini (yes, a tomato martini - try it!!), each course surpassed the previous one. Our server was named Zooey, and I would request her if possible. Her recommendations were spot-on, and her demeanor was warm and friendly. It truly enhanced our evening. Thank you for a wonderful evening!

My wife and I eat a TON of beef both at home and at restaurants, so we know good beef. We ordered both the filet and the NY Strip (both medium rare) and without a doubt, they both were some of the best cuts/cooks we have ever had. They were that good. However, what kept us coming back (we went 3 nights in a row), was the outstanding service and conversation with the bar staff, especially Richie and Mitchell. A bar can live or die with the bar staff and if they keep it up, they will certainly thrive. If you visit, tell them the couple that ordered a Fortaleza neat and a Grey Goose rocks says "hello and thank you"

When we didn't think Santa Barbara could get better, then Marisella opened at Bacara. The food, service, and view are all amazing. Highlights are the Ursalas Garden cocktail, may have ordered 2 more and the spicy rigatoni.Worth the drive from state street.

A great addition to the Ritz and the area. Beautiful dining room in a magical setting. The food is outstanding. The pasta rivals anything in Italy!

What an amazing dining experience! From the moment we walked through the door, enjoyed the amazing views and savored each bite...extraordinary!! While this might be considered a special occasion kind of restaurant, we are putting it on the list for any time we truly want to feel spoiled while dining out. Excellent food & service!!

We went here with high expectations but left profoundly disappointed. The restaurant is in a great position, with wonderful views. The food that we did have was good to very good but the service was poor. The somm brought our bottle of champagne and placed it in a bucket in few tables away and assured us he would be around to continually fill our glasses. We never saw him again. When our glasses ran dry, we had to beg another table's waiter to fill our glasses. Our waiter was largely MIA as well. We finally threw in the towel when our waiter informed us that there was a miscommunication and our entree would be delayed even longer. This place opened only in June, so I'm sure they are working out the kinks. I would avoid until they get their act together. There are way too many excellent options in downtown Santa Barbara to justify making the hike out to Marisella.

We're fortunate to be able to come and stay at the Ritz and I personally never was a fan of the previous restaurant, so when they closed for renovations I was super curious about what was replacing the gorgeous space. Holy cow!! I cannot express enough how amazing the new restaurant is! The service is top notch. The wine list is pages and pages long. They bring you beautiful food you never knew you could love so much and I'm only talking about simply locally grown tomatoes, basil, olive oil and a spice mix that will blow your tastebuds away! And that was before we ordered any appetizers. I could go on and on, but I'll spare you the time. Also wanted to add that my husband has severe celiac disease so I always ask about gluten free options if the menu isn't specified or labeled and to our surprise, almost everything is or they can make it so. Make a reservation, you won't regret it. It's pricey so I think it's a fabulous spot to celebrate something special and it's well worth it!! Enjoy!!

Dinner at Marisella was amazing. Great view, friendly servers, and amazing food!! Definitely would recommend and be back. This restaurant has only been open for a short time, but still it was amazing.

We tried the newly opened Italian restaurant here in the Ritz Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara. It used to be called Angel Oak. The location is stunning, the staff and service was amazing, the sommelier was super knowledgeable, but alas, the food was not good. My wife is an omnivore and I am a vegan. For an small included appetizer they served us a small plate with a few cherry tomatoes and some basil leaves, along with a small dish of olive oil and a small cup of spice (seemed to be garlic salt). This is the most uninspired arrangement one can imagine as it took zero effort in preparation. We weren't quite sure what to do with this, dip a basil leaf in olive oil and put salt on it? There were like only 5 or 6 tomatoes anyway which were good but that set up left us puzzled as to the point of that. We asked for bread, which disappointingly is a separate menu item. We had a Focaccia bread with a red-sauce for dipping. Of course bread is vegan and the Focaccia was very nice but the red sauce was very basic with only some onion pieces and I think some more basil leaves. The 3 bread choices were all a-la-carte, priced options which seemed a little odd, not to get included bread at a restaurant. The bread dish cost almost as much as a main course. Honestly I don't like that trend in restaurants. As to the menu, there were many standard Italian options including pasta, meat and fish. None of the mains came with any sides meaning if you expected to have vegetables or anything those are a-la-carte. There was no vegan friendly main at all. I asked about different pasta sauces, and the other possible dishes, but they could not make any of them vegan friendly for some reason I still dont understand. Of the 4 vegetable sides, they did not have the mushroom dish, and the eggplant was cooked in creme, the broccolini had a cream sauce, so those wouldn't work for me. They did have simple steamed green beans, and a simple salad they could "not put cheese in" which they told me were my only menu choices. Mind you this was after we ordered a several hundred dollar bottle of Champagne I was hoping they might try a little harder. So I asked to speak more about this and after consulting with the staff and looking through the whole menu again they assured me they would be able to make a terrific meal off-menu for me as there really wasn't any substantial vegan option. I told them I did like those vegetables maybe they could prepare them for me along with some pasta and some other creative sides, and I was confident they could make a nice meal out of all that. The wife ordered Lamb and asked for medium. The Sommelier came over and had some specific recommendations as to what wine would pair best with the "mystery meal" they were preparing for me and suggested a really interesting, well aged and obscure Riesling. Which was delicious and I had great expectations. The mains then came. Her Lamb looked wonderful and there was plenty of it. However, it was mostly very tough and it was very undercooked. It onle had a very small amount of sauce on it. She ended up using the bread dip to accent the meat. She said some of it was nice but about half of it she could not chew. For me I was anticipating that they were cooking me something special and they delivered a disappointing, small dish of pasta - also undercooked, there were a few very thin slices of zucchini in it. And there was so SO much pepper in the dish it was completely inedible. When the manager came by to check on us I explained the two outcomes, I showed him our mostly un-eaten plates and he offered to make it right somehow. We declined additional meals but he said he would bring us comp deserts. Wife declined desert but I was interested, I told him to show us some creativity in the kitchen and said I'd be disappointed with the usual vegan desert of sorbet with some fruit so please don't bring me that. So they delivered a huge chocolate cake desert to me which I knew was not vegan (it wasn't) and they said oops! this was for my wife (sure). Shortly after that they delivered to me - sorbet and fruit and said "its not just sorbet and fruit we put some edible flower garnish and a gold flake on it". While that was good it was a super let down as I told them that was the one thing I didn't want. I must emphasize that we had a great time with the Wine list. The staff was very friendly and attentive. And the ambience and the Bar Scene there were both quite the sight. However the food itself was a huge disappointment both in lack of inspiration and also lets face it you dont usually encounter that both meals were actually inedible. But I would expect a lot more from the fancy restaurant at the Ritz and the old Angel Oak in that location before was really really good and was very Vegan friendly for a steak house. Overall the rest of the Ritz - we have stayed here a dozen times - is fantastic. I'd say go to the Bar at Marisela, the view is terrific, have dinner elsewhere.

Food is delicious! The seafood tower is to die for. The ambiance is unmatched (the restaurant is on the ocean). The workers were very kind and respectful. Highly recommend.