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Olio E Limone Ristorante

17 W Victoria St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
805-899-2699
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Ranked #35 of 308 restaurants in Santa Barbara
Price range: $35 - $50
Cuisines: Italian
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Restaurant details
Good for: Romance, Large groups, Doing business, Special occasions, Entertaining clients
Dining options: Lunch, Dinner, Reservations, Late Night
Dining style: Casual Elegant
Cross street: State
Description: Olio e Limone Ristorante, located in downtown Santa Barbara's historic arts district, serves artisanal Zagat-rated Italian cuisine. Meaning “oil and lemon” in Italian, their restaurant’s name reflects husband-wife team Alberto and Elaine Morello’s philosophy: rely on the integrity of the ingredients and quality of the preparation to provide Santa Barbara diners “simply sophisticated” Italian cuisine served in an inviting atmosphere with European hospitality. Start with burrata salad or white Mediterranean anchovies, then tuck into a plate of house-made ravioli filled with roasted eggplant and goat cheese, topped with a fresh tomato and basil sauce and shaved ricotta salata. And be sure to take home a bottle of their own olio, an organic extra-virgin olive oil made from Sicilian olive varieties. Private dining in the Cucina Room for up to 40 guests. Bonus: their pizza bar, salumi bar, wine bar and full bar next door at Olio Pizzeria, with private dining for up to 32 guests.
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141 reviews from our community

82% Recommend
    70
    46
    15
    9
    1
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
Surrey, BC
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
8 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 9, 2013

We needed light and were not disappointed. Delicious pear and Gorgonzola salad with walnuts and a light vinaigrette and perfect loup du mer. Wow. With good wine not so expensive. Would do it again, definitely!

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San Jose, California
Top Contributor
63 reviews 63 reviews
42 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 25 cities Reviews in 25 cities
20 helpful votes 20 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 5, 2013

First, the setting and service were fantastic. We have wanted to try this restaurant for a while so on a recent trip to SB we made reservations. The salads were very fresh, crisp and flavorful (not swamped in dressing either). I have not had quail in decades so I ordered it on a whim. Not only was the quail cooked... More

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Tacoma, WA
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
5 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed April 29, 2013

I would not waste the money to go here. It was overpriced, pretentious and small portions. We were seated in the back room, which, for the price, should have been decorated much better. We had a view of the parking lot exit next door. Your couldn't put in half shutters over the cheap windows? We probably paid enough for our... More

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Oxnard California
Top Contributor
171 reviews 171 reviews
91 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 52 cities Reviews in 52 cities
115 helpful votes 115 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 21, 2013

We ate here with a group of about 12 people. The table was the right size. The waiters were very accommodating all night and right on with service. The meat and cheese plate appetizer was loaded, more then I have seen on an appetizer plate. They seemed to have a very extensive wine list. The ambiance is perfect Italian. I... More

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See 2 more reviews by BigJuanJohn for Santa Barbara
Los Angeles, California
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
10 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
22 helpful votes 22 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed April 18, 2013

SERIOUSLY folks, if you read my reviews they r mostly positive and I try to look for the good in every place...but MAN! I really tried here. My wife and I dined there last Saturday. I have to say that it was a lot of hype. We wanted to dine at an Italian Restuarant and were looking for a filet... More

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Scottsdale
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
4 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 8, 2013

Great ambiance! Great Service! Fresh ingredients! This italian inspired restaurant is worth the trip, wait whatever. The Spinach Ravioli with house made sausage is wonderful! The Pork Medallions amazing. Others in our party had seafood dishes that were amazing as well. We'll go back for sure!

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Los Angeles CAQ
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
3 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 28, 2013

We plan to go back to this restaurant when in Santa Barbara. The food is excellent as is the service and ambiance. The homemade ravioli w/roasted eggplant and goat cheese, fresh tomato sauce w/basil and aged ricotta cheese was out of this world. We also enjoyed the hand shaped pasta w/sausage, tomato & pecorino and one of the specials for... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Bermuda
Senior Contributor
35 reviews 35 reviews
13 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
44 helpful votes 44 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 23, 2013

My spouse and I are foodies. We love great restaurants. This one fits the bill. It's tiny and a bit cramped but the food is fantastic. We ate with another couple and everybody was raving about their apps and their mains. Truly one of the best meals any of us had ever had. The service is fun and casual but... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Lakewood, California
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
13 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 18, 2013

We went to Olio e Limone Ristorante based on the recommendation of John from A White Jasmine Inn. When we arrived, there was only one other table with diners. We do dine relatively early - a little before 6. We were greeted with do you have reservations - looking around we thought the place is empty, why ask. But I... More

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See 4 more reviews by marysbandb for Santa Barbara
San Clemente California
Senior Contributor
37 reviews 37 reviews
18 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed March 17, 2013

Really enjoyed our dinners at Olio E Limone! Attentive but relaxed service. Nice atmoshphere, and delicious food. We had a homemade ravioli that was light and delicious, tender and tasty roasted chicken and a fresh salad. Everything was great. No complaints. Would gladly return to try more entrees!

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See 6 more reviews by DonnaKarson for Santa Barbara

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