What a gem this place is! My wife and I rented out the greenhouse room for our wedding rehearsal dinner and everything was absolutely above and beyond our expectations. The ambiance is truly stunning, the abundance of natural light highlights all of the well balanced colors and tasteful decor. Our guest count was the maximum they allowed, which they set very aptly as we filled the room but at no point felt overly crammed. The hors d'oeuvres were spectacular and they never stopped coming throughout cocktail hour. The menu selections during the planning process were plentiful, and all sounded so delicious, and we were incredibly happy with our choices. The sea bass was delicate and delicious, while the NY strip steak was juicy, and cooked to perfection. The staff was genuine and friendly throughout the night, and the bartenders made excellent cocktails. This place was already special to us before, as it is where I took my wife to brunch before proposing on a beach walk afterwards, but it now holds a place in our hearts forever. We will continue coming here for many special occasions, or even for just a nice lunch or dinner. Thank you to everyone at Stella Mares who made our weekend amazing!
Christina H.
The 3 of us arrived for lunch 15 minutes before closing. It wasn't a problem. The food, drinks, and service were all excellent. The steak was the best thing I've eaten in years... perfectly cooked and smothered in herb butter and roasted garlic. Craveable!
Egg 366
Place charges $57 a person with a lackluster menu and is only made worse when the food does arrive. Ordered the avocado deviled eggs and the prime rib hash. The deviled eggs were very good, however you only get 3 half eggs which was a bit disappointing. The prime rib hash was the worst. I could not find any prime rib at all, someone else counted 4 minuscule pieces of meat so they lucked out i guess. The egg was extremely watery and not in the professional runny sort of way, but as in actual water was in the white. Super disappointed with the food and would not waste borderline premium price for awful food.Parking: Street parking between construction equipment or a various amount of lots.Kid-friendliness: Great kids menu for $26 chicken nuggets.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 5
Claire
The confit duck! Highly
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Glenn Wallace
The French onion soup was excellent, as was the quo au vin. We sat in the lovely greenhouse patio room. The restaurant was relatively quiet, making for easy conversation. The server was very good and helpfull. Overall a very pleasant dining experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Coq Au Vin, French Onion Soup, Beignets
W H.
Called and asked about dog friendly and they said yes for the patio. We showed up to our reservation and they had no server for the patio and started to set up a table outside which seemed in between the 2 buildings. Seemed as though they should tell people it is limited and to please call ahead to see if they have dog friendly seating. The time we were there prior they actually let the dog inside and that is why I am disappointed. I get no dogs allowed but I don't get that they do not have a better system or inviting area for people with dogs. I will be back without the dog so I can enjoy the atmosphere inside this beautiful gem.
Priscilla Finch
Really an incredible menu, and such good food. ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Escargots Persillade
Andrew McDougall
This is a great place with a really neat atmosphere. The house has a unique old style and then the green house is very cool. The muscles and the lamb were fantastic! The frog legs were also great!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Salads, Frog Legs
Maria S.
We had our son's rehearsal dinner there this past Friday. Superb service and food. Francisco was warm and friendly - such a beautiful venue in the greenhouse. Don't miss this hidden gem in SB. Thank you all so much for a memorable evening!
Karen C.
We came to Stella Mare for my husband's birthday. We had the rack of lamb, cassoulet with duck and halibut. Each dish was beautifully prepared to perfection. The service was so attentive and personable. The ambience was warm and cozy. It was a treat from beginning to end!
The middle private dining area was great! The service was spectacular. The food is always great but last nights Yellow Tail was mediocre. However, the salmon and chicken were delicious. Overall, I highly recommend.
Wendy Davis
Went for a bridal shower. Such a wonderful unique place. Staff was amazing, attentive and friendly.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jpatota
The yellowtail fish special was one of the best fish dishes I have ever had at a Santa Barbara restaurant, and I've lived here for 40 years. Super tender and very flavorful sauce on top of couscous. Stella Mare should put this dish on the regular menu, not just a special for the evening. 
sbsally
Truly neighborhood gem with warm, friendly atmosphere, reliably good food and service. Full dining room but acoustics allow for easy conversation whether table for 2 or 8. This visit we particularly enjoyed the pate and carrot appetizers as well as salmon and branzinni all nicely prepared
What a gem this place is! My wife and I rented out the greenhouse room for our wedding rehearsal dinner and everything was absolutely above and beyond our expectations. The ambiance is truly stunning, the abundance of natural light highlights all of the well balanced colors and tasteful decor. Our guest count was the maximum they allowed, which they set very aptly as we filled the room but at no point felt overly crammed. The hors d'oeuvres were spectacular and they never stopped coming throughout cocktail hour. The menu selections during the planning process were plentiful, and all sounded so delicious, and we were incredibly happy with our choices. The sea bass was delicate and delicious, while the NY strip steak was juicy, and cooked to perfection. The staff was genuine and friendly throughout the night, and the bartenders made excellent cocktails. This place was already special to us before, as it is where I took my wife to brunch before proposing on a beach walk afterwards, but it now holds a place in our hearts forever. We will continue coming here for many special occasions, or even for just a nice lunch or dinner. Thank you to everyone at Stella Mares who made our weekend amazing!
The 3 of us arrived for lunch 15 minutes before closing. It wasn't a problem. The food, drinks, and service were all excellent. The steak was the best thing I've eaten in years... perfectly cooked and smothered in herb butter and roasted garlic. Craveable!
Place charges $57 a person with a lackluster menu and is only made worse when the food does arrive. Ordered the avocado deviled eggs and the prime rib hash. The deviled eggs were very good, however you only get 3 half eggs which was a bit disappointing. The prime rib hash was the worst. I could not find any prime rib at all, someone else counted 4 minuscule pieces of meat so they lucked out i guess. The egg was extremely watery and not in the professional runny sort of way, but as in actual water was in the white. Super disappointed with the food and would not waste borderline premium price for awful food.Parking: Street parking between construction equipment or a various amount of lots.Kid-friendliness: Great kids menu for $26 chicken nuggets.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 5
The confit duck! Highly
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The French onion soup was excellent, as was the quo au vin. We sat in the lovely greenhouse patio room. The restaurant was relatively quiet, making for easy conversation. The server was very good and helpfull. Overall a very pleasant dining experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Coq Au Vin, French Onion Soup, Beignets
Called and asked about dog friendly and they said yes for the patio. We showed up to our reservation and they had no server for the patio and started to set up a table outside which seemed in between the 2 buildings. Seemed as though they should tell people it is limited and to please call ahead to see if they have dog friendly seating. The time we were there prior they actually let the dog inside and that is why I am disappointed. I get no dogs allowed but I don't get that they do not have a better system or inviting area for people with dogs. I will be back without the dog so I can enjoy the atmosphere inside this beautiful gem.
Really an incredible menu, and such good food. ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Escargots Persillade
This is a great place with a really neat atmosphere. The house has a unique old style and then the green house is very cool. The muscles and the lamb were fantastic! The frog legs were also great!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Salads, Frog Legs
We had our son's rehearsal dinner there this past Friday. Superb service and food. Francisco was warm and friendly - such a beautiful venue in the greenhouse. Don't miss this hidden gem in SB. Thank you all so much for a memorable evening!
We came to Stella Mare for my husband's birthday. We had the rack of lamb, cassoulet with duck and halibut. Each dish was beautifully prepared to perfection. The service was so attentive and personable. The ambience was warm and cozy. It was a treat from beginning to end!
Restaurantji Recommends
Very calm and enjoyable decor ..food is always cooked to perfection...from soups to casserole...cannot go wrong with anything.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Lamb Shank, French Onion Soup, Escargots Persillade, Creme Brulee
The middle private dining area was great! The service was spectacular. The food is always great but last nights Yellow Tail was mediocre. However, the salmon and chicken were delicious. Overall, I highly recommend.
Went for a bridal shower. Such a wonderful unique place. Staff was amazing, attentive and friendly.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The yellowtail fish special was one of the best fish dishes I have ever had at a Santa Barbara restaurant, and I've lived here for 40 years. Super tender and very flavorful sauce on top of couscous. Stella Mare should put this dish on the regular menu, not just a special for the evening. 
Truly neighborhood gem with warm, friendly atmosphere, reliably good food and service. Full dining room but acoustics allow for easy conversation whether table for 2 or 8. This visit we particularly enjoyed the pate and carrot appetizers as well as salmon and branzinni all nicely prepared