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Ca Dario
37 E. Victoria St, Santa Barbara
Phone: (805) 884-9419


Reviews by the General Public

Best Risotto You'll Ever Have, 10/29/2009
Reviewer: Ian from Santa Barbara, CA
Ca Dario is a place you can count on...very consistent in it's food and service. Whenever someone asks me about a special restaurant to eat at, Ca Dario is one of the places that I recommend. I must, however, warn you about the risotto. Once you've had it, you'll find yourself dreaming about it on a regular basis. Consider yourself warned, this is the real deal. I'd make this review longer, but all of a sudden I need to get to Ca Dario for some risotto.
Best OVERALL in SB???, 6/21/2009
Reviewer: Mrs. Lovett from Santa Barbara, CA
My Boyfriend and I went to Ca' Dario last night for our Anniversary, because I had read and heard about Ca'Dario's phenomenal reputation. I was so excited going all day and ready for a lovely evening. We definently DIDN'T enjoy ourselves as much as we expected. Maybe my standards were just set too high, but if a restaraunt wins BEST OVERALL in SB, in my oppinion, they should have the whole package (Food, service, ambiance)and the latter two were certainly lacking. If you just want phenomenal food and don't particularily care about the service or the atmosphere Ca' Dario is an excellent place to go. I only had a few major critiques: Apon arrival, the entire staff was more interested in the man being arrested across the street than they were on the guest's waiting to be greeted and seated. Once the hostess came over, she was very cold and aloof. CUSTOMER SERVICE is the KEY to any expirience, ESPECIALLY when it is the first thing you encounter walking through the door. She also didn't acknowledge the fact that we were waiting even once she was at the hostess stand. After a solid five minutes(not alot of time for a normal restaraunt, but remember this is the BEST OVERALL in SB), we were seated in a table in the corner by the waiter's station. We were squished up against the wall with barely any moving space and the tables were so small that the menus plus the bread basket hardly fit on the table. The chair backs were quite low and uncomfortable for both me and my bofriend. It is pretty obvious that they are more interested in getting people in and out than they are about the experience of their guests. The waitress came over, a very cute blond girl, she was sweet but by no means went over the top to make sure we were comfortable and enjoying our dining. The time we spent waiting for the food I couldn't just have a conversation because it was loud and I was so focused on how physically uncomfortable I was. THEN the FOOD came...the moment we took our first bite into the food it was obvious that we both had, what I call, "Ratatouille moments." The food was PERFECTLY seasoned and absolutely EXQUISITE!!! We both looked at eachother in absolute heaven. I had the ravioli and it is up there in my list of top five meals EVER. I just wish that our entire experience would of reflected the quality of the food. As I said BEST OVERALL to me means the ENTIRE PACKAGE, and to me substandard service is unacceptable.
Very good Italian food , 5/14/2009
Reviewer: A. Reyes from Santa Barbara, CA
I loved the rack of lamb that I ordered. Excellent menu and good service. This time I will take the whole family.

Better than North Beach, 4/27/2009
Reviewer: Christina Murphy from Santa Barbara, CA
I went here for the first time with my mother and her friend for dinner on a crowded Friday night. I have lived in the SF bay area my whole life and before visiting Ca Dario thought that the only place I could find good authentic Italian food is north beach, however I have now found my new favorite Italian restaurant and insist that we go here whenever my parents come to visit. I am an Italian food snob and rarely find quality tomato sauce or dishes that are authentic to my heritage. Usually Italian food is very "Americanized". Here, every ingredient was of the finest quality and fresh and the meals were perfect. I am so happy that I have found an Italian restaurant with the perfect blend of dishes from northern and southern Italy executed to perfection.
New Favorie!, 4/16/2009
Reviewer: Matt from Santa Barbara, CA
Went to Tratoria Victoria for a bite to eat a few Sundays ago but they were closed. Found this restaurant a little further down the street, "supposedly the best in town". I would have to agree! The hostess and staff were more than accommodating considering we did not have a reservation and filled me in on some of the wonderful dishes on the menu. Lucky for me Tratoria was closed and I got to enjoy one of the best meals of my life!
Historically great, recently arrogant, 4/12/2009
Reviewer: Tom and Chris from Montecito, CA
We're new to Montecito and the area. We love Ca Dario. We've eaten there several times over the last three years. Recently we made a 6:30 Sunday night reservation for 4 people. We arrived at 6:15. Nobody seemed to care. The restaurant was filled and business was brisk. We inquired 5 times over the next 50 min why they chose to take multiple reservations early on Sunday with so many of us lined up at 6:30 trying to get in? No answer and no one cared was the response. We left at 7:15 and found Trattoria Victoria across the street. Seating immediately and very satisfied with the service and food. It will be a long time before we return to Ca'Dario and based on what we experienced they seemed not to care. Tom and Chris
Huh? This is the top rated SB Restaurant?, 3/20/2009
Reviewer: Lyman Orton from Santa Barbara, CA
First restaurant after arriving for 6 weeks from Steamboat Springs. Waiter knew nothing about wines nor did anyone else there. My girl friend ordered Risotto; very salty - and she likes salt - that she sent back to be replaced with ribbon pasta with tomato cream sauce. Pasta way overcooked and sauce tasted like canned. My corkscrew pasta with mushrooms was very oily and heavy. A mystery to us as to how it was rated so high. Are the regular crew and chef off on Monday nights?

Horrible Waitress, 3/11/2009
Reviewer: Corie from Santa Barbara, CA
The food was delicious, although a bit overpriced. I ordered ravioli's for dinner and had about 5 of them on my plate for about a $20 meal. The waitress was very rude. The food runner did not bring out half of my husband's meal and when we told the waitress she didn't say anything to us. She walked away and brought the rest of his meal out. My husband's wine was also not brought out at the same time as mine. She didn't apoligize until she knew it was time for her tip. Everytime we asked for something, she walked away from us without saying anything, then brought the requested item. Odd woman.

The out of towners, 2/8/2009
Reviewer: Jane from Gilbert, AZ
This was our first time to Ca Dario. It was highly recommended by our daughter who lives here. We were promptly and pleasantly greeted by the hostess. We had reservations and were seated quickly. The ambiance was reminiscent of a cafe in Rome. We ordered lamb, spinach ravioli and fettucini with mushrooms and Lobster. I have ordered lamb many times, I ordered it med.well. It was perfectly seasoned & cooked. The portion size was great and the price was reasonable. The ravioli was fresh, homemade and delightful! The fettucini was served with an amazing red sauce and the lobster was fresh. Overall, the food was delicious and it was a memorable experience! Thank you Dario! We will visit again.
"Dont Believe the Hype", 2/6/2009
Reviewer: Nancy from Santa Barbara, CA
Had lunch there this week. I just don't get what others like so much about the place. My salmon bowtie pasta had THREE small bite-sized pieces of salmon in it - for $15.00. I felt ripped off but did not say anything because I was there with friends who like the place. The tomato cream sauce was fine - nothing outstanding to justify the cost of the dish. Only other thing in the bowl was some tasteless peas. Bread was average. Had to ask our waiter for refills on ice teas and waters,he seemed too busy to give us excellent service. Noisy, too, and tables are crammed together. My friends liked their food but over $50 for 3 small bowls of pasta?
Fantastic Amazing Super oh my!, 1/23/2009
Reviewer: Veronica from Santa Barbara, CA
We didn't have a great first impression of the place as when we first came we were waiting for 30 minutes after our 7:00 reservation though the place was PACKED and there was nobody to blame. Suprisingly, once we were quickly served, the humor of the hostess and kindness of our waitress certainly lightened the mood. I must say order the spinach ricotta raviolli, it is their specialty though it does not say so, and though my acquaintences food was also spectacular we all agreed that the ravioli was to die for. due to there amazing food and employes, we ended up hogging the table for 3 hours, enjoying more and more food to the point when we ate so much we got nautious, and still didnt stop. All in all, absolutely spectacular.
Excellent as always -Vanessa Decker xoxo, 1/14/2009
Reviewer: vanessa from Santa Barbara, CA
My husband and I love Ca' Dario! Consistently excellent service and food. We dine out often and appreciate local businesses that take pride in their quality in service and food. Tres bien! xoxo Vanessa Decker
Decent food, mixed emotions, mediocre service..., 1/12/2009
Reviewer: Tim Halberg from Santa Barbara, CA
Been here once before and it was decent. Went last week with some friends for a birthday party. All of my friends were really happy with their food and seemed to get some great tasting food. BUT, I ordered the rack of lamb, as did my friend sitting right across from me. We both ordered medium rare. His arrived at the table at the same time as mine. His was beautiful and red/pink and he said it tasted amazing. Mine... well, it was medium/medium-well... not a good thing for lamb, and as expected it was DRY. The flavor was there, but not worth it with dry lamb. Sent it back, the cooked it again, but rare, waitress sent it back, they had already cooked it, tossed it under the broiler for a few minutes and I had brown looking lamb that was cooked properly, but had less than half the flavor of my original. To top it off, our water was NEVER refilled for the last 30 minutes... I even put my empty glass on top of the bill with my credit card, that was picked up, glass moved and still NO refill!! Truly disappointing.
Great Food Good Service, 1/2/2009
Reviewer: Tiffany from Santa Barbara, CA
We made reservations that same day and were seated at a great table by the window. The server was attentive and the food was great. Highly recommend the raviolis and the stripped sea bass. (although beware you get the entire fish head and all). Prices were reasonable for good italian and will be back.
Delicious pasta, but incredibly rude hostess
Reviewer: Lorraine Wood from Santa Barbara, CA
I've been reading the reviews prior to my posting and while I agree that the food was incredible, especially the bolognese, the hostess who worked on the evening of October 25 should be either given a written warning or fired. She brought the experience we had at Ca Dario down to an "average". Talk to her.

Service was never a problem
Reviewer: Dave from Los Angeles, CA
I went here this past Sunday (October 12) with my girlfriend. Having read this site beforehand, I was a little nervous that the service would be subpar. Quite the contrary. The entire experience was great. Granted, it was early (our reservation was for 6) and it's not the summer, but everything was great. We were seated immediately; bread and water were brought promptly and our drink order was taken asap. Our server was well-informed, very polite and laid back all at the same time. The food was outstanding; original and creative without being pretentious...just what we miss living in LA. I really can't find a flaw in our experience and would strongly recommend that anyone in SB go to dinner here.
fuggedaboudit
Reviewer: Aaron from Santa Barbara, CA
Having eaten at Ca Dario over a hundred times, I feel uniquely qualified to evaluate the stability of its excellence. The service is exemplary on all dimensions -- hosting, bussing, and food serving. The people below who have given poor reviews to the servers are quite likely applying a set of criteria that are inappropriate for a bustling trattoria-style establishment (which are, by their very nature, hectic). The food is always great. I recommend the papardelle with mushrooms and pancetta, the seafood risotto, or, on thursdays, the gnocci special. If you are quite hungry and don't have to walk very fast for the rest of the evening, try the ossobucco. I, for one, will probably go back hundreds more times -- whether they like it or not.

A Girls night out was Perfect!!!
Reviewer: Jade from Santa Barbara, CA
My experience at Ca’dario was excellent. My girlfriend and I went on a Friday night. We had made reservations prior to our diner. We arrived 10min early and were seat within 15min. (excellent) my girlfriend and I ordered the Antipasto and we both thought it was just perfect on the salt. We ordered a bottle Qupe. My girlfriend ordered Lobster Risotto, she offered my to taste some and to my opinion was perfectly cooked. I ordered Fasolari, which was very tasty. Portions at Ca’Dario are fair. Our waiter was very friendly and would recommend to any to have him (Chuy) we then asked for dessert (Pear tart) very delicious. We would recommend this restaurant to anyone. Noisy level is fairly loud... But what can you do about it... your at a restaurant. (Boun Appetite!)
Great food, horrible hostess
Reviewer: Sylvia Vasquez from Santa Barbara, CA
This small, intimate restaurant is hugely popular and one should be prepared to wait a long time to be seated, even with a reservation. We were prepared to do whatever the situation required however, the hostess was not up to the job. She was unable to pronounce the simple name the reservation was placed under and it was a struggle to communicate with her. She was incapable of updating customers about available tables, etc and so many of us who were waiting for quite some time had to make frequent inquiries. This offended her and I was treated to some hostile behaviour. So much so my friend commented on the hostess' attitude. A woman who was behind me in line was also perplexed by the hostess' indifference and she rolled her eyes and complained to her boyfriend who finally managed to get the hostess' attention. The food is indeed memorable but if you are unfortunate enough to deal with this particular host, tell the manager and hope he addresses the problem.

Ca Dario writes: We were sorry to hear about your experience at our restaurant with the hostess. We would like your whole experience with us to be happy and uplifting from the moment you walk in the door. Could you please let us know what evening you came in so that we can find out what the problem is and try to rectify it. Many thanks for your input.
Worth the commute!
Reviewer: Barb Massey from Calabasas, CA
Okay - So, if a visit to Santa Barbara (aka Paradise) isn't enough to make you smile... a meal at Ca Dario is truly the icing on the cake! I'm a former resident of SB, and now look forward to day-trips to my favorite city-by-the sea... topping each trip off with dinner at Ca Dario! The atmosphere is casual, classy, cozy.... and offers a nice "local" feel away from the tourist-tredded State Street. I rarely sway from the ravioli (It's to die for! I have to agree with another reviewer who stated this entree would be their request of a last meal, if ever facing the electric chair!)... and the cream of asaragus soup (special).... Oh My GOD! Straight to heaven when that flavor meets your taste-buds! Looking forward to another memorable and delicious dining experience this weekend! Don't plan to dine at Ca Dario if you're in a hurry though.... And that's not a knock on the service (which has always been fine in my experiences)... but you'll want to savor your time at one of the best little spots in Paradise! Enjoy!

As always...consistently Great!
Reviewer: vanessa from Santa Barbara, CA
The manager of this restaurant must take great pride in service, food, wine, and overall ambience. This is always the favorite! Please keep up the good work; I appreciate getting my money's worth and beyond. I love it~!
best pasta
Reviewer: Jeff Kim from Irvine, CA
I've been to many different italian places but Ca Dario offers one of the best pasta menus. My favorite is their clam-pasta and risotto. Although, last time I went, the risotto was slightly under cooked but tasted fabulous nevertheless. I live in Irvine, and I sometimes drive all the way to Santa Barbara just to dine at Ca Dario.
So good...went two days in a row!
Reviewer: Catherine from Trabuco Cyn, CA
Not sure why all the bad service remarks. My daughter and I went about 6:00 on a Thursday night and we were seated immediately without reservations. I ordered the ravioli and decided after the first bite, and if I were going to the electric chair, it would be my choice for a last meal. In fact, it was so good, we drove 30 miles to have lunch there again the next day. The staff was great. I told the waitress I was going to request the recipe through Bon Appetite, she then sent over a gal to verbally give me the recipe. How sweet was that! The next day, after we had lunch, ravioli again, I commented on the Caesar salad dressing and how I would love to know how to make it. She wrote on a back of the card, all the ingredients. When I asked about wine, both times I was offered a sample. I do agree the place is loud but we made friends with the table next to us and had a great time. After a few drinks, and a great dish, I have no complaints. The puff pastry with cream and fresh berries was also wonderful. I would not recommend Gnocchi, we were disappointed with that dish. P.S. Live in OC and can't wait to take my husband next time!
The food is fantastic, the service was horrific
Reviewer: Elizabeth from Santa Barbara,CA
First of all I have to say we've never paid as much as we did for dinner at Ca Dario and at the same time received such incredibly poor service. The hostess was rude and unhelpful and despite having made a reservation 3 weeks ahead of time for this past Friday, we still waited over 20 minutes to eat. Had we known that was just the beginning of a horrible night, we would've turned away immediately! It took at least 5 minutes to receive water and bread and another 10 for our server to even greet us. Not once were we given a smile from anyone in the place and we were never asked how our food was. I was extremely upset when our server rudely dropped our food and quickly ran over to the other server to resume their conversation.. terrible. Our check took FOREVER to come to us, and our coffees were cold. Poorly run place that happens to have good food. We can only figure it stays open because of the food, certainly not because you have a good experience there. We will not be returning and I would highly recommend trying somewhere else if you are considering this place.
One of the BEST dinners I have ever experienced.
Reviewer: Quinn from Santa Barbara CA
My favorite part was the service. My waitress Gena was amazing, look im 11, and when i asked about the fish, she warned me about the bones in it, but when i ordered it anyway, she offered to take the bones out! The food was superb. The atmosphere was great, Ca Dario is the best restaurant in Santa Barbara.
Horrible service, long waits even with reservations.
Reviewer: Beth from Santa Barbara, CA
I made a reservation a week in advance, showed up fifteen minutes before my reservation and was not seated until an hour later! Hostess was very rude about it. Tables are tiny, and noise level is deafening. We only saw our server twice. The food was nothing special, and arrived cold. Will not be returning.

There is no excuse...
Reviewer: Megan Burwell from Santa Barbara, CA
My friends and I were looking for a late dinner and decided to try Ca Dario. It started off fine - sat immediately, bread was brought to our table, and we ordered a bottle of wine all within 5-10 minutes of showing up. The food was not perfect, but nothing to complain about. Then our server reappeared. Even though I wasn't thrilled with my dish, I said yes with a shrug when she asked if I wanted a box.... a box which never materialized. When the plates were cleared, one friend asked for an espresso. What she brought him was not espresso, and since he buys and sells espresso machines, he should know. She took it back, telling him it WAS espresso but she would pour him another. When she came back with another, he commented that the color was different. The waitress got very defensive, insisting what she had poured originally was an espresso. We didn't argue with her, but she again, very rudely insisted, “It was an espresso!” and stalked off, obviously frustrated with us, shaking her head. We took it as a sign never to come back, which we certainly will not.

Ca Dario writes: Thank you for your input on your unfortunate negative experience at our restaurant. I would like to let you know that we have looked into this matter especially regarding the espresso and the attitude. If you remember could you let us know what the dish was that you ordered so that we can check on the quality of that dish. We appreciate your comments and obviously hope that you will give us another try and have a more favourable experience.
Consistently the best in Santa Barbara!
Reviewer: Vanessa from Santa Barbara
this is the place. I hope they keep it up. absolutely perfect experience every time. always a pleasure... xoxo Vanessa
Great Food, Long Wait
Reviewer: Thomas from Santa Barbara, CA
I went here with my girlfriend a month or so ago after reading all the good reviews and really enjoyed the food. But the wait was ridiculous. I made a reservation and showed up 15 minutes before and we weren't seated until an hour later. Besides the wait, it was pretty good. Don't go expecting a quiet dinner though, the tables are tiny and close together so its pretty loud.
Perfect restaurant, so long as guests behave!
Reviewer: Sophia from Santa Barbara, CA
The food here is divine, the service is always impeccable when we eat here, but if you come, please be courteous to other guests. This is NOT a restaurant where you can get away with dousing yourself in cheap perfume or coming fresh from a Pantene and Calgon shower. You will sit very, very close to the next table and who wants to inhale the contents of a drugstore when eating perfectly cooked pasta?
Deteriorating Service- Select another Place
Reviewer: Jim and Sue from San Diego, CA
We have eaten here several times and like the Branzino, Quail and Antipasto. The quality of the food is offset by very poor service. I noticed that 5 of the past 10 reviewers say the same thing. We waited 30 minutes to be seated for our 7:30 reservation. Three champaign flutes and one sherry glass were delivered for four people. The waitress said she would bring a fourth Champaign glass but never did. Dinner courses were delivered in a random fashion with some entrées delivered before appetizers. We reminded the waitress three times to bring the Red Wine we ordered before it arrived. No one checked on the quality of the food. Water and Wine glasses were not refilled. The waitress was missing and never visible.
When attempting to discuss this problem with the "General Manager" she became argumentative and denied that there was a problem. Too bad she does not listen to customers or read these reviews. My suggestion is to go somewhere else in Santa Barbara for a positive experience.
Classy, yet casual
Reviewer: Tom and Rosie from Los Angeles, CA
I took my boyfriend for his birthday on a recommendation from the Bath St. Inn. We both re-visited CaDario a couple of years later on my birthday. And, we would have visited again last week but ran out of time due to a concert at the S.B.Bowl. But we will be back. Love the food. period. it can get a little noisy. and you can smell the garlic down the street (we love garlic, so thats a good thing!). we love this place. we tell everyone about it. i cant wait to go back.
huge portions, good service. noise level over the top
Reviewer: john g from santa barbara ca
was treated to a dinner here by some busines associates, 14 of us in all. seated in the back room which was fine tho a bit crowded for the wait staff to get around all the tables. all food was excellent and the portions were HUGE! i had the veal chop and a friend had the rib eye, there was enough food on either of our plates for two to share! looking around our table, all the portions were large in size so i have no idea what those who complained portions are small had ordered. noise is certainly an issue. at one point i literally could not hear the guests on either side of me. it seems the more the wine flows, the noisier it gets. some sort of sound proof materials should be added to hush things up a bit. anyway, i'd return, and recommend this to locals and visitors to sb.

Great Food, so-so Service
Reviewer: Nick from Santa Barbara, Ca
My wife and I ate here last night and were very pleased with the food. Dishes were very tasty and authentic Italian. Wait time was decent, but worth it. Restaurant was a bit small, however if anyone has been to Italy, most places are small there as well, so no problem with that. :) Our complaint was with the service. The waiter was all about being brash, and somewhat abrasive....not rude, just very rough. Our feeling is that in a restaurant like Ca Dario the LAST thing any waiter needs to be is abrasive or rough. I expect a waiter like that at Dennys or Carrows.....not Ca Dario. We will probably go back. Next time we just hope that we get a better waiter.

Cozy, Inviting, FABULOUS
Reviewer: Cherry Garcia from Santa Barbara
Consistently the best food ANYWHERE! I have been eating at Ca Dario since I moved here eight years ago and it just seems to get better and better! Thursday night Gnocchi has become the highlight of my week!
Overrated
Reviewer: Jennifer from Santa Barbara
I always hear about how great this place is, but both times I've been I have been disappointed. The portions are so small and the food isn't very good. It's way too crowded and noisy, I just don't get why this place is so popular. The service is mediocre. For that kind of money (it's also really expensive) I expect a lot more!
UTTERLY DELICIOUS!!
Reviewer: MONIQUE GONZALES from COVINA
MY BOYFRIEND AND I SPENT THE WEEKEND IN SANTA BARBARA AND WE WENT TO THIS WEB SITE TO GET IDEAS ON WHERE TO DINE. I AM SO GLAD THAT I DID. THE FOOD WAS EXCELLENT!!!WE HAD A RESERVATION FOR 8:45 AND WHEN WE GOT THERE IT WS VERY BUSY. IT WAS LOUD BUT IN A GOOD WAY. THE ATMOSPHERE WAS VERY FRIENDLY I CAN SEE WHY PEOPLE GET CAUGHT UP IN A NICE BOTTLE OF WINE AND SOME GOOD CONVERSATION. WE GOT SEATED AT 9:15 AND WE GOT A DRINKS COMPLIMENTARY BECAUSE WE WERE CLOSE TO THE DOOR. WE HAD SOUP, RAVIOLLI PILLOWS AND RIB EYE STEAK!! EVERYTHING WAS TO DIE FOR!!!
So oversalted!
Reviewer: Marthine Satris from Santa Barbara
I was really looking forward to Ca Dario after reading the reviews here, but in my opinion, Ca Dario is far worse than the average restaurant in town. When we ate there last weekend, things ranged from too bland to overbearingly salty. My boyfriend and I got a tuna tartare with avocado and tomato that sounded great, but was really mostly slightly watery tomato. My dad ordered a caesar salad that was too bland-- not enough lemon or anchovy in the dressing at all. A friend got the caprese salad, which was good. Our experience with the main courses was far worse. I got the branzino special, my boyfriend got the quail, and my mother got the baked chicken. Everything we three ordered was incredibly salty. My boyfriend tends to salt his dishes far too much for my liking and even he was overwhelmed. The fish, quail, and chicken were really nicely cooked, but the oversalting ruined the dishes. Unfortunately, it was the kind of thing that built up as you ate, so we didn't realize how bad it was going to be till we were all halfway done with our dishes. My father did enjoy his lobster risotto, although I thought the rice was undercooked -- it still had that hard little kernel in the center. Our friend enjoyed her clam spaghetti enormously. I liked the touch of the meringues with the check, and my boyfriend enjoyed his tiramisu dessert quite a bit, but I still would not return.
An Excellent Valentine's Dinner!
Reviewer: Jill from Santa Barbara
We had a great dinner last night at Ca Dario! The food was amazing! We loved the ravioli and the heart shaped pasta. Wine was excellend as was out dessert (the puff pastry filled with barries and sabayon sauce). Our waitress was exceptional, she had great suggestions and was very attentive expecially on such a busy night! This was my first time at this restaurant and they made a great impression! Thank you for a great evening!
SUCH A FUBULOUS restaurant!
Reviewer: Vanessa from santa barbara, CA
I love this place! great staff, very kind, professional, caring, and wine and food savvy. They strive to make each experience a great one! Food is soooooooooooo good! Great wine list! Thy have the Seghesio Zin! Love this place!
Horrible Service and Very Loud
Reviewer: Tricia from Santa Barbara
I usually dine at Ca Dario for lunch. My friend was here from New York and we chose Ca Dario because it has been good food in the past. The food was good, however, there were 7 of us. We made reservations and requested the back room because of the noise level in the front--we were seated in the front room, not the back. We were told on the phone when we made the reservation we would be seated in the backroom. The service was horrible. They served 2 people at a time, with a lapse of about 7 minutes between the next 2 people being served. This went on until the last 2 were served probably 20 minutes after the first person. We all waited for everyone to be served before starting. The worst part was the 8 extremely loud,obnoxious rude women who screamed constantly and laughed so loudly that we could not even have a conversation. When we were leaving, the table next to us also left. When we were outside, the other people said they would never be back because of the noise. We also will never be back. The staff should have said something to the women to keep the noise down. It ruined everyone else's dinner for the evening. We were there 1/3/08

back to the streets of rome?
Reviewer: Kelsey from Santa Barbara
A party of four, ready to eat, and ready to sit back and relax. It was our first time there and as I believe it to be, not the last. We were well greeted and welcomed in by the host, but then became confused quickly when our waitress had "greeted" us. No complaints of food, other then a request for more entree options for the vegetarians. Because I know they would be wonderful! The atmosphere was great, this place could be a great date spot or even a good family dinner. Although once again I come back to commenting on service. We came to find it easier to ask other waitresses for help because sometimes ours was M.I.A. but the others were great and there for our assistance.

A Very Lucky Man...
Reviewer: roger from Santa Barbara
Is what I must be-- I have probably eaten at Ca Dario at least eight times since they opened, and each and every time, our reservations were honored at the proper times, the hostess and servers were friendly and knowledgable about the food, which was always prepared to our liking. Noisy? sure! Happy, Robust. Laughter, conversation and Italian food go together pretty darn well. If your dining companion can't hear every sparkling gem of your dinner conversation, say it louder! Love the place, and will be back again and again.
Incredible.
Reviewer: Laura Lewis from Santa Barbara, CA
The few times we've been here, it has been amazing. Unbelievable food, the ravioli...incredible. Our server was wonderful, she knew everything there was to know about food and all about the wine - there wasn't a single question that came unanswered. They made me something off menu without question, and it was delicious. Wonderful Italian.

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