Ca Dario Cuccina Italiano - Goleta

Enjoyed an early dinner. The food was delicious. I enjoyed a seafood risotto that had plenty of shrimp, crab, and scallops. Portions are not huge, but plenty for one person, and very flavorful. Service was very good. The four people we interacted with from the time we arrived until the time we left were helpful and pleasant. While I have enjoyed better Italian food in the past, this was very good and I would recommend it.

This was our first visit to this Italian restaurant, and we really enjoyed it. The ambiance was pleasant, and while outdoor seating was available, it was quite chilly during dinner, so we opted to sit inside and had a nice view of the open cooking area. Our server was very friendly and spoke Italian with the other staff, which added to the restaurant's authentic atmosphere. They offered a good selection of wines, although the prices were on the higher side, even for a glass. Overall, we had a delightful experience with our appetizers, main courses, and dessert.

There is ample seating, with various dining areas divided into sections. The atmosphere is busy and has a modern vibe. However, the clam and pasta dish was disappointing, lacking flavor and the promised wine sauce; it essentially tasted like clams and pasta in clam juice and nothing more. The meatballs were somewhat dry. The Caesar salad had a nice crunch, but it was missing anchovies. On the positive side, the wine list is impressive, and the menu has a good selection. The team service was also commendable. The pizza dough was excellent, but it could have benefited from more pizza sauce to balance the thick mozzarella.

We absolutely love this Italian restaurant near UCSB! The food is incredibly authentic, and the service is excellent as well.

The wine selection is impressive, featuring both Californian choices and imported Italian wines, as well as an excellent selection of Italian beers on tap. Don’t overlook the appetizers— the Romana Caesar salad is perfectly chopped and dressed, with delightful croutons and a generous sprinkle of cracked pepper. The Caprese salad is a must-try, featuring thick slices of sweet, organic tomatoes topped with the fluffiest buffalo mozzarella, fresh basil, and a light touch of oregano. It’s all garnished with some of the most delightful olives you could imagine (yes, they really exist!). Be sure to ask for extra olive oil and balsamic for a little extra kick. The soups are always fresh, and if they’ve run out, it’s probably because they were so popular! Don’t hesitate to ask about the specials, and definitely consider the fresh fish selection, which is exceptional, including calamari and meatballs, as well as a porterhouse. The service is outstanding; the staff treats you like family. Come ready to eat, relax, and enjoy your meal. And don’t forget to save room for dessert— the tiramisu paired with an Americano coffee is a perfect finish, or you might opt for a dessert wine. If you’re dining on a weekend or with a group of four or more, it’s wise to make a reservation. And if you hear some Italian spoken, just know they appreciate your presence. When you leave, be sure to thank Mickey and the staff because you’ll certainly remember this wonderful experience. It’s truly my favorite Italian spot in the world!