Marisella

Local on a date night. Made it in and out in 60 minutes. Not sure that's a good thing on a date night and a meal this expensive. Seemed like bad training or understaffed. Got nominal attention, some quick check ins, but the courses need work, especially at this price point and environment. Ordered focaccia, meatballs, and crudo. Then a couple pastas. Appetizers came out all at once and we were part way through apps when the mains came. They saw that we were still working but dropped off mains anyways - was tempted to ask to send it back and hold so we didn't eat cold food. Really should have. Apps should've come out staggered with the crudo following the fresh tomatos, then the meatballs and focaccia next together after we finished the crudo. Those 2 together since the waiter knew we were pairing them. Mains should never come out so close to the apps and staff need to communicate to the kitchen. Good thing was the Manhattan and the mocktail were fantastic. Decided to get the dessert elsewhere. And the bill landed on our table at about the 55 minute mark. Didn't ask to rush. Just got rushed the heck out the door as quickly as possible. Dirty plates and all from appetizer and main course with the bill on the table. At least he said he hoped we enjoyed the meal after he returned our credit card. Food was definitely above average, quite nice, but the rush ruined the experience. Better service at fast casual dining.

We had the most delightful dinner here. The service was immaculate, Austin so kindly made us tableside tiramisu. Great service all around from ALL staff! The food was good. I’m a huge brown butter sage pasta gal, it was okay, but I wouldn’t order it again nothing special. It would have been great to add a sweet component in there somehow. I just got back from Italy so perhaps I’m being harsh. I’d recommend getting another main! The deserts were both great but I liked the apple crostata best! We had a large group and though they didn’t have enough tables for us (we neglected to make a reservation as we didn’t plan to have time, so that’s on us) they were so accommodating and moved tables together for us!

Such a beautiful and romantic setting, especially outside. While not unusually pricey for a nice Italian restaurant, it is pricey given the portion sizes. They gave us these beautiful tomatoes as a complimentary appetizer and they were delicious. My wife's pasta was her entree and was delicious (once we put a small amount of salt on it) but the portion size was a joke. If it were an appetizer, then acceptable but as an entree, not at all. The focaccia bread with the cheese (or spread) was beyond delicious but we both misread the price which was $20, kind of pricey. After reading other reviews, many complain about the portion size so know that before you go. Service was great, wait staff were all very nice.

Truly one of the best dining experiences I’ve had. Reservations were full Valentine’s Day but they said the bar was open and included full service. My wife and I were met by David, a great and friendly bartender who made the best old fashioned I’ve ever had, I had two! From the friendliness of the staff to the tastiness of their food. Especially the filet mignon, it was a great night. My wife and I will definitely go back.

Nestled within the Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Marisella is quietly screaming to stand out. With an intimate and elegant, yet cozy atmosphere that is not snooty yet classy, with fabulous views, and the way the restaurant is tucked within the resort perched on the highest point, the setting and atmosphere does not get much better than this. Whether for a perfect romantic date night or a family dinner celebrating various things, Marisella will absolutely elevate the entire evening. Marisella isn't chasing a Michelin star. Rather they are chasing a special evening for their customers. The ambience is perfection. With the Bacara's Spanish style cottages, you walk into Marisella greeted by an interior that is modern yet cozy and welcoming. It definitely isn't intimidating but also not casual per se. It's just about right to be cool and suave, yet indicate that this is a serious dinner. The service also is perfect. They're not in your faces all the time, but always there when you need them to be. Our server was friendly, considerate, and was just intimate enough. The food is an Italian cuisine, however I wouldn't consider is orthodox classical. It definitely involves a pseudo progressive interpretation and appraoch. The foccacia with hot honey ricotta cheese was absolutely marvelous. Everything came together to a creamy, sweet, savory, and slightly herb-salty ending. The salad too was perfection with the cheese, and the occasional sweet dates that refreshened the potentially "harsh" greens. The pecans, the balasamic... it was really well put together. The short clam vongole linguine was a masterpiece with strong and bold flavors, yet a home-style pasta made fresh. The tuna crudo and the wagyu carpaccio all had their unique signatures, whether it be slightly sweetened peeled tomatoes or truffle oil. Again, Marisella means business, no matter how easy they may make it look. Finally, the lamb chops were grilled and seaoned to near perfection. And yes, the desserts. Not too sweet but definitely approached it with fresh fruit-first mentality. You could feel the distinct grainy pear texture in the sorbet while the cinammoned apple in the crostada came across clearly. Marisella is not cheap and their portions are quite small as well. So be prepared to spend. But keep in mind, this is not a place where you gouge food till you are bursting. This is a place where food is part of the experience. You will impress whoever you take along. You will leave happy. And yes, you will return time after time.

Lovely meal! We had a large group and had nice service. The focaccia was amazing, with the whipped ricotta and other dipping sauce. All of the pastas we ordered were delicious. We will happily come back again soon.

Celebrated my birthday with my family amd we had a fun and relaxing time! Food’s flavor is very good. Local wine and Olive oil is a great choice! Very nice atmosphere! Alcohol drinks not very strong!

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!

The service was top tier!! My husband and I cannot stop raving about this place. They go above and beyond and we have never had such an experience! My husband ordered the filet mignon and it was our highlight!! Seriously have not had a better steak. My pesto pasta was amazing as well. The focaccia and whipped ricotta is 10/10 you must order. We were also celebrating our anniversary and we got to try the strawberry sorbet. Overall, this was an experience we will never forget. The view of the pier and sunset was the cherry on top. If you have the chance, please try Marisella!!

I wish there were the option of giving more than 5 stars because this place is NEXT LEVEL! My husband and I cook pretty regularly so when we dine out we are really tough critics and this place was really exceptional from the deliciously simple cherry tomato/basil/garlic salt amuse-bouche to the marvelously complex citrusy salad with the deceivingly generic name "green salad" to the most unique and uber tasty version of tuna crudo. Then even though we ordered pastas that are our favorite "go-tos" - pomodoro and Bolognese, what we devoured was anything but familiar in a good way. I kept finding myself trying to dissect how Chef Grant made these common dishes so exquisite that you looked forward to revisiting the flavor of the dish with each bite. Even though we were quite satiated, we were on a roll and just kept going into dessert and coffee and we are happy we did. The warm apple dessert with caramel and cinnamon hit the spot as did the homemade pistachio biscotti which was the chef's treat. Also not sure who the mixologist is but the Lavender & Luxury ( with lychee) is mindblowingly good. But be prepared, it's a small but mighty drink. I guess this is what one would expect from the youngest US Chef ( Danny Grant) to earn two Michelin stars in both 2011 and 2012. We will never visit or drive through Santa Barbara without making a long pitstop back here and you shouldn't either. And when you do, ask for Rich. He's a local and a complete gem! My last compliment is that, given Marisella's level of quality , they could have elevated the prices but quite honestly we were floored in a good way when we got our check. Can't wait for our next epic dining experience here.

I can't believe I'm about to say but I miss Angel Oak. While the food was decent, the service was impeccable. Now with Marisella, the food is good, the service sucks, which is very unfortunate. I don't think I've ever been to a restaurant where the entire staff doesn't smile. Not a single manager came by to check to see how we're doing, like Angel Oak used to be. Our server was a young surfer dude that showed up and started to talk to about wine. Didn't introduce himself. We had no idea who he was until I asked him If he was our server to which he responded with yes. Be ready to wait for a long time for service and for food. The bolognese is really tasty. The filet was meh. The table side tiramisu is nothing to write home about. $35 wasted, it was very bitter. Would I come back when I visit the Ritz next time? No! Definitely not. Service is 50% of the experience and I cannot stand unfriendly people, especially when you're spending $400+ for dinner.

Milo is the man! If you're looking for the perfect combination of service, food, and views--this is the place. We were seated outside overlooking the water, and Milo, hands down one of the best servers we've ever had, made the evening unforgettable. He started us off with drinks, walked us through the menu, and shared his favorites. We ordered the focaccia with whipped ricotta to start--OMG, a must! My husband had the Vongole pasta while I enjoyed the Orecchiette pasta--a little spicy but bursting with flavor. We paired it with the roasted peppers and eggplant, which was incredible. And just when we thought it couldn't get better...the tableside tiramisu--WOW!! Absolutely a must-try. Huge thanks to Marisella and Milo for an amazing evening. We will definitely be back soon!

When you walk in, you feel like you've been transported to Miami. The decor, lighting and feel of the restaurant is stunning. We ordered the tomato-tini, something I was looking forward to having after trying LPM in Vegas; it was delicious, but still not as good as LPM. We ordered the fried squash blossoms, the cucumber Caesar salad style, Orecchiette pasta and the lamb chops. You really can't go wrong with any of those choices. Everything was absolutely delicious.

The restaurant is gorgeous - sit outside if you can and enjoy the view of the ocean. The pastas stand out, definitely order 2 or 3. I'll be back next time I'm in sb.

Marisella is new and comes with both the exciting aspects of a new restaurant, and the growing pains. The restaurant has the potential to truly shine and be one of the best spots in Santa Barbara, but right now it's firing hard on some cylinders, and missing others - however the overall experience is good, and if you're staying at the Ritz Carlton Bacara you should do yourself the service of staying on property for dinner here for one of your nights. The cocktail list is splendid - the Mister Carlton is fantastic with tequilla, mezcal, just real flavors of Santa Barbara. Great way to kick off the meal alongside the tomatoes, local olive oil, and tomato salt. I would add the focaccia and some of the accompaniments. It's worth it, and while my wife loved the tomato sauce pot, I loved the whipped ricotta. Wine list also quite stellar, especially if you're into California wines. I wouldn't hesitate to think a bit outside the box from what you normally order - the options are there, but even if drinking by the glass, your options are really wonderful, though pricey. They have Uni on the menu as an appetizer, though I got it on my lobster ravioli. I cannot say enough times that you should be eating Uni when you're in Santa Barbara. Uni tastes better when it's fresh, and it is certainly fresh here. It was a wonderful treat to have, and the pasta while running $44 was worth it thanks to the Uni. The crudos are a great way to start and the red snapper one is so fresh. Hard to not like that. The Lamb Pasta is more of a comfort food and calming. The sides are all nice but expensive and potentially not worth it when you could do another crudo or something. Dessert is good, but the real way to close out this meal is their Carajillo. Then head back to your room and have a great time - or find valet and hope you didn't drink too much...

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.

Had a lovely sunset dinner here recently. Food was amazing and service was attentive and accommodating. The only issue we had was with the short rib. While it was tasty overall it was a bit too salty. For $180 for the dish you'd hope to get a better taste. Other than that all was fantastic! Much better menu than the restaurant it was before (Angel Oak).

FANTASTIC! The service was impeccable- Zoe and the other servers were friendly without being obsequious, smart and helpful without being overbearing. The manager in from Chicago came to introduce himself and I liked him so much. What a treasure! It's very obvious that the management here has taken the time to hire the best people and train them in how to make this experience top notch. The food was excellent, as one would expect, and the location, as always, is spectacular. As a special evening, I much preferred this to Caruso's or Lucky's- it's got a gorgeous view, and the team here went the extra mile to make us feel valued. The hostess, the young woman pouring water, the young man who got us our silverware- they were all A+++. What a nice group of people.

Stunning views, great food and great customer service. Oysters, filet, rigatoni, filet mignon and chocolate mousse were our selections. Everything was real prepared and delicious. Located outside of the Ritz Carlton overlooking the water.

Came here with the lady and our server Rich was the most engraciating. The recommendation of Lobster, rock fish, SB spot prawns, pacific clams were unreal. Between that and the spectacular service, we'll be back sooner than later.

delicious meal at marisella with beautiful views. i recommend trying the black truffle wagyu carpaccio, the focaccia that came with it was so good. the lobster/shrimp ravioli had a great filling and had uni on top too. there was a lot of great options to choose from, highly recommend in sb!

The pasta was absolutely delicious -- rich, flavorful, and beautifully plated. Every bite felt like a little piece of Italy. Highly recommend this place!

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.

My boyfriend took us here for my birthday and honestly it was really cute inside! We both got drinks, pesto pasta, wagyu carpaccio, filet mignon, and i forgot the last item but it was an appetizer with fried seafood and tartar sauce. Everything was great in the beginning and our waitress let us know the kitchen will be taking a bit longer because of a big party outside. We didn't mind until we realized it took 40 minutes to get our main dishes. We were already getting tired and the food pretty much came out once we started becoming impatient. The pesto pasta wasn't mind blowing, but the filet mignon is definitely a must! It made it a bit worth the wait but since it's a brand new restaurant I hope they have a better system for getting food out faster. I am all for pacing dishes and getting to chat with the people your with, but my boyfriend and I are definitely not talking about anything worth a 40 minute conversation. It was kinda disappointing too because we wanted dessert afterwards but we were so over it.

This seems to be one of the nice restaurants on the Ritz Carlton resort in Santa Barbara. The food was great. Portions were small but delicious. Service was a little snooty but overall acceptable. We were staying at the Ritz and figured we gave it a try. We were tired and wanted to dine in our room, but the place wouldn't take phone orders. Take out must be placed in person.

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!!!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

Food was great. Smaller portions. Outstanding service. Great ambiance. Great views of the ocean.

Amazing service, food is great, the place is so nice close to the beach views. Love the entire dishes, everything was so good!! My Clara server was amazing

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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 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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

We are staying at Bacara RC for my wife's birthday. We had 2 friends with us. We have dined at Angel Oak many times and enjoyed it. It was not without its problems as well. Marisella is a new restaurant at Bacara. Opened a few months ago. The table was fine. The server was young and not very experienced. We brought wine. Corkage we found out is $75/btl. Just don't allow people to bring wine at that price! We ordered several items. Fritto Misto was average, salty. Squash blossoms were good. I've had better. The pasta dishes were very small. Not enough for a meal. We had the clams and the rigatoni ala vodka. Good nothing special. The main course was the whole branzino in salt crust. Almost inedible. Way over salted and too much olive oil. The mushrooms were excellent but again too small. No dessert. Overall, I would not really consider this a true Italian restaurant. Way too many meat dishes. No chicken and only 2 fish entrees, one being a family style Branzino that was pretty small after filleted! This is a typical over priced high end hotel restaurant. Danny Grant did not earn 2 Michelin stars serving this kind of food! Go to lucky's for a great steak and seafood! Trelune for Italian food!

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!

very good not amazing food all in all so nice ambience fab esp during sunset they luv salt the truffle appy zero truffle austin the server loves saying no worries annoying didnt ask if we wanted coffee or tea just read the response from Ashley the business manager we did the Server every step of the way, but thanks :)

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"

Wow! Marisella, meaning star of the sea, is truly a testament to it's name. I dined here during opening week and was so in awe by the hospitality, flavors, and scenery. I am a vegetarian and that didn't hinder my experience at all. I ate on the patio overlooking the ocean which was romantic and peaceful. After dinner, I got a drink and dessert at the bar. The after dinner cocktails pair perfectly with any dessert option they have on their menu. I am so excited for the future of this restaurant... with the backing of the Ritz and the already strong start, I have a really great feeling about this place!

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.