Stella Mare's - Santa Barbara

Everything about this place is great. Food, service and feel are all great

Wonderful French food, the wait staff was wonderful

From the time we arrived to the moment we left this was a great experience. Our table was away from any noise so we could talk without feeling like we had to shout, the server was excellent and helped us make our choices for our entree. Food was served in a timely manner and the flavors were excellent. I had short ribs which were so tender I didn't need the knife they brought and the reduction sauce was very favorable. My wife's duck was very tasty and both of us enjoyed our meal very much. I highly recommend Stella Mare to anyone looking for a great meal and nice ambience

We used to eat here regularly for special occasions and never had something bad. Unfortunately, everything was horrible this time and it will be the last time we go

We visited the restaurant for lunch on a Tuesday. The menu is composed of many classic French country dishes. Stick-to-your-bones down home country French cookin’. For our meal, we tried two soups: onion cream of spinach, followed by the special app of the day, grilled artichoke. We ordered Coq au Vin for our entree. Dessert: creme brûlée The onion soup was the shining star of the entire meal. If I had it to do over again, I’d order that with the ham-and-cheese sandwich. The cream of spinach was excellent, too. The grilled artichoke was beautiful, with plenty of fresh-chopped fines herbs nestled throughout it’s charred leaves. The lemon aioli accompanying it was delicious perfectly balanced. I do wish the artichoke had been better seasoned. Nonetheless, it was good When it came to the Coq au Vin (chicken my hat’s off to him The creme brûlée is a must try. The custard is silky, rich, perfectly balanced in the sweet vanilla. And the berries garnishing it were massive. Blueberries the size of grapes, beautiful raspberries blackberries, all sweet, tart, juicy Chef Ironside is a craftsman in the kitchen obviously cares about the food. The waitstaff is enthusiastic without being overbearing I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the atmosphere: full-on French country style. White linen tablecloths from what I’ve read it has to do with the bird sanctuary across the street, some stagnant water that needs to be drained. Nonetheless, you cannot eat outside without the smell of fresh turds assaulting your nostrils. I’d like to give the restaurant another try next time I’m in town