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Pascucci
729 State St, Santa Barbara
Phone: (805) 963-8123


Reviews by the General Public

Amazing!!, 11/17/2009
Reviewer: Myrna from Escondido, CA
Honestly one of the best meals of my life...and I am picky! The food was only surpassed by the service! Will go every time I visit Santa Barbara (which is quite often) I HIGHLY recommend this restaurant!
a big bunch o' deliciousness, 11/7/2009
Reviewer: elia from Santa Barbara, CA
the bread is yummy!!! pasta good to tummy!!!! soda bad 4 u but so yummy to me tummy! salad makes my tummy want to dance da pretty music.......service is wonderfully delicious!!!;> ;>mwahahahahaha!!!!!!
De-lish!, 8/10/2009
Reviewer: Stacy from Santa Barbara, CA
The food here is absolutely fabulous! However, the service is hit or miss depending on company it seems. Looking cute, great service - looking like a poor student/lousy tipper.. well, I've actually waited 45 minutes before ANYONE came by before. All we wanted was to order dessert and a coffee after our entree.. but by the time the waiter actually came back, we just wanted to leave. Funny part is, we always tip 25%. Hmm.
Great place, 8/5/2009
Reviewer: fletch from Santa Barbara, CA
The Food was great.I had ravioli sampler, the wife had Ahi salad.The service was also great.I never order for my two year old because she never eats it,she ate half of my raviolis.Thanks guys we had a great time.
Mediocre service with AMAZING food!, 8/3/2009
Reviewer: Denise K. from Santa Barbara, CA
We were not the least bit impressed with the service, but not really disappointed either. No one was that friendly, but they weren't rude, either, and the server gave us just the right amount of attention - wasn't overbearing, but never let our water glasses get empty either. And the hostess made sure to honor our request to sit outside. It was great, but for a truly exquisite dining experience, I would have expected supremely friendly staff. Our food, however, I have been talking about for the last 2 days since we ate there. DELICIOUS!! My boyfriend had the Portofino, which was delicious, but was a very flavorful dish - it's something that, well, at least we couldn't eat a ton of in one sitting. Leftovers on day 2 were even better. I can't remember the name of my dish, but it was smoked chicken with onions, mushrooms, and sun-dried tomatoes in a garlic-parmesan sauce (my favorite type, and I'm pretty picky). My dish was excellent, too, very flavorful. But the best part was our appetizer, something we'd never heard of and wanted to try just for the fun of it (and it was a date, so we deserved the appetizer, hehehe). We got the melted brie and roasted garlic on toasted baguette with a slice of pear and candied walnuts. DELICIOUS! I'm planning to attempt to make this at home. I would suggest that the servers sell-sell-sell this, because customers will NOT be sorry!! If you're looking for a perfect evening with great service, I'm not sure I'd recommend Pascucci, but if you're just flat out looking for AMAZING FOOD, then DO IT UP!! This is definitely the place to go for great Italian food!!!!!!
worse and worse everytime i go, 6/28/2009
Reviewer: Sid from Goleta, CA
When I first came here, it was admittedly not bad. However, every time I have returned, I have been met with mediocre service and subpar food. Getting the attention of the waiter was damn near impossible. The last time I went, I must have been waiting for the check for at least 15 minutes. The bread is probably the only good part of the meal (hence, the one star). The pasta is bland and lukewarm, and the portion size is mediocre. I strongly suspect the pasta is not fresh, but reheated as stated by a previous review. Honestly, if the food had come out of a Swanson TV dinner, I would not have been surprised. Just don't go. I know it is conveniently placed in the Mall, but save your money. Just go anywhere else. Chipotle is only a couple feet away, if you're desperately hungry, just eat there and pat yourself on the back on making a smart choice.
Three strikes and they're out, 6/23/2009
Reviewer: Eliana from Santa Barbara, CA
So I've been here on three seperate occasions and everytime I leave saying I will never go back. I think the only thing that kept me coming back was their DIVINE garlic cheese bread. Every time I go the food is less than satisfactory (pasta that is obviously reheated...badly, créme brulee that tasted more like oatmeal, this time my coffee tasted slightly acidic) and the service is either a mere annoyance or downright rude (the first time I went I just remember the waitress being very "head in the cloudsy") but this time was the last straw with service. I arrived at 8:10 on a Monday night and three of my other friends were there already. I went up to the podium to put my name in for table for eight (the other four were due to show up any time) and was left waiting for at least five minutes when, finally, the host showed up. Or more sauntered up. Like I was ruining his day. He disinterestedly looked at us which is when I asked to put my name in for a table for eight (awknowledging that I would probably have to wait for such a large group) and he looked down at the list of names, then back up at us and mumbled "will the rest of you be here by nine, we close then, so your whole group has to be here by nine" and I explained that they would be there shortly (...this was 50 minutes before nine). He gave us a look that can only be described as smug disbelief and hesitated, sighed and then wrote our name down. Now forty minutes later, the rest of our party having showed up a good twenty minutes earlier and a glass of wine later for our host (who was no where to be seen at his podium unless he was sipping his wine), mr. bored saunters up to us again and tells us that "he is sorry"(he could have at least acted like he meant it) and that "they only have two tables apart from each other of four each and well, they close at nine like he told us so...well". At this point I am very annoyed, we put in our name forty minutes in advance to avoid this, and if it wasn't going to be possible he could have told us at the beginning so we could, before everywhere else closed, find another place, but accepted anyway. What ensued was alright service with alright food. My advice is to stop hiring what seems like they could only have been friends of the owner to be hosts and get some well trained people who will actually seem like they care that the customers are patronizing their restaurant without being patronized!
I love this place! , 5/9/2009
Reviewer: Nikki Jade Lagerquist from Santa Barbara, CA
I have gone here many times in the past year, at least three times a month, and have never been disappointed.It is always busy out front and I understand why. Good pasta!!!

Get the Mozzarella, 4/10/2009
Reviewer: Three Amigos from Santa Barbara, CA
Love this place. One of the best risottos I have ever had. Try it with the shrimp. Service was great friendly and quick. I’m originally from back east and it’s the closest to a New York Italian neighbourhood restraint. Our place (Three Amigos) for a good quick lunch.

I'd rather eat microwaveable pasta then go here. , 4/2/2009
Reviewer: Alaina from Santa Barbara, CA
I have been here several times and I have never been impressed. Each time I thought I would give it another shot but I’ve never left thinking “wow that was good”. The pasta tasted horrible, I have had better microwaveable pasta! The service was decent.
Not impressed!, 2/23/2009
Reviewer: Brenda from Santa Barbara, CA
I have asked my son not to give us gift certificates for Pascucci's ever again. I'm sorry to say that our recent meal there was one of the worst I've ever eaten. My spring lettuce salad was slimy and gritty - needless to say I couldn't eat it. My pesto shrimp wrapped with prosciutto was overcooked, dried out and tasted like overcooked ham. My pasta side dish was cold and tasteless. What a waste! The waiter was very mechanical, impersonal and never bothered to crack a smile. I've worked in the restaurant business for decades and just don't understand the appeal of this restaurant.

Food Mediocre Servers/Bussers saved the day!, 2/16/2009
Reviewer: Carmen from Santa Barbara, CA
We went in on Friday the 13th for my son's birthday @ 6:30 PM. We called while on our way to the restaurant (10 minutes away) to be put on the wait list since they didn't take reservations. As soon as we walked in, we were seated (AWESOME). We ordered our drinks, good, and then food. Good so far. Ambiance great, very lively and busy. Food arrived; my Chicken Picatta tasted like it had been sitting for awhile (dry and oily-not creamy) whereas my son, who is a picky eater, thoroughly enjoyed his Napoli, as well as my daughter who ordered the Pizza di Corsica. Will we go again? Hmmm...If it wasn't for the food servers and bussers who were above and beyond friendly, I don't think I ever will.
Not worth the money or your time, 12/11/2008
Reviewer: Nicole from Santa Barbara, CA
I've been to Pascucci 3 times and I can't believe, as I'm writing this, I've been that many. I keep hearing great things so my friends talk me into going back and each time I'm disappointed, even when I go with low expectations. Their service is hit and miss, I've been there on a date and also with a large group (8 people) and both times service was terrible. When we asked about the dishes (my companions had food allergies) the waiter or waitress seemed confused or irritated they had to go back and forth. The bread there is pretty good but the bread at Jill's Place is much better. The pasta dishes are overcooked and the risotto I had there was a little mushy. Not that great! No matter how much my friends want to go I will not be back.
Best Overall Value on State St., 12/9/2008
Reviewer: Sunny from Palm Springs, CA
Every time we're in town, we go to Pascucci. We were lead there by the smell of garlic - YUM - drifting all the way down to Macy's. I could go there just for the garlic cheese bread alone. It is always packed there and for good reason: great food, great prices, great atmosphere, and a host staff that couldn't get it done if their overinflated egos depended on it. But that's okay, you can sip delicious red wine (Ravenswood Zin)for only $4.25 a glass while you wait!
I am a local who doesn't waste my money here, 12/1/2008
Reviewer: Eric from Montecito
I am always confused by the crowds in front of this place - The food has perhaps slightly less quality than Olive Garden. Pasta made in bulk, well in advance of ordering - sauces that taste like they came straight from a can. Nothing unique about this place except the location - right on the border between weary shoppers and drunken college students. I guess they found a niche here but I would rather go to Presto Pasta than this pretentious Pasta wannabe. EMI
horrible hostess, 11/30/2008
Reviewer: rachel from Santa Barbara, CA
This was my first time at Pascucci's and I went because every time I passed by, it was crowded. We walked up to the hostess who acted like she didn't see us. I was standing directly in front of her and she blatantly looked directly past me. I stood there for a minute to see if she'd respond, but I got nothing. When I finally said "excuse me", she looked at me as if I had bothered her even though all she was doing was standing there. Aside from that, the food was pretty average, and our waitress was amazing. That hostess really needs to get a lesson or two in basic customer service.
Why do locals love this place?!
Reviewer: Angie from Santa Barbara, CA
Everytime I walk past this restaurant, it is always busy, and I just can't understand why. I moved to Santa Barbara 2 years ago from Vancouver, and yes I believe I was spoiled having lived in a city where there were countless great restaurants, in fact it was sometimes very hard to even find a bad one. Having said that, I also know that Santa Barbara is a small town compared to Vancouver and there is less of a selection of places to dine but that is no excuse for people believeing that Pascucci's is a good place to eat. I dined at Pascucci's shortly after moving here with my boyfriend, and the evening went like this.. When we were brought to our table - I immediatley asked if we could have a booth, and the hostess said, "wait here and I'll check." She left us standing there for a couple of minutes and I wasn't sure if she was coming back, so we sat down. When she finally came back she said, "we usually reserve the booths for larger parties, but we'll make an exception." That set the tone for the evening. The rest of the service was mediocre, not worth mentioning either way - but the food was another story. I ordered a Tricolore Pasta dish, and my boyfriend ordered a Baked Pasta dish. Mine was mushy, all the sauces were running together, and it was probably the worst pasta I've had. My boyfriend's pasta was burnt on the outside and cold on the inside. Overall - terrible. Needless to say, I tried going back, and it was even worse the second time. I'll just mention the dessert this time - I ordered a chocolate cake and what they brought me was awful. It tasted like it was frozen, thrown into a microwave and then drenched with Hershey's Chocolate Sauce. One last thing - our server - well her hygiene was less than good. Not something you want to experience in a restaurant. Will I go back and try for a third time? Absolutely NOT.

Return visit assured
Reviewer: Dorris from Santa Barbara, CA
This was our first time at the resturant but it won't be the last. From the time we sat down the service was great. There were five of us and everyone said the food was delicious and the servings were generous.
Great food, great prices, service low
Reviewer: Amanda from Santa Barbara, CA
The food and the prices are great, especially for Santa Barbara. The service is something to be desired for though. Work on the service and it would be a great place. No reservations though....
PLEASE owners/management pay attention to the service here!
Reviewer: Miss S from Santa Barbara, CA
I would go so far as to call myself a Pascucci's regular. I am hooked on a couple of their dishes to the point of craving them. I go there often with family and friends, but I must say, the service is awful. I have been treated rudely SO many times there, and yet I keep going back for the food. It's actually a big bummer. I wish the owners would DO SOMETHING about this. If you are a party of two, they WILL NOT seat you in a comfortable booth, (they save these for parties of 3 or more). The metal chairs are cold and VERY uncomfortable. Maybe they get away with this because it's always so busy? A lot of the staff can barely speak English and don't even try. The other ones just act like they are better than the customer and don't care about pleasing them. Service is slow and impersonal. It's a huge drawback, but I keep going back. I only tip 15% here, never 20% or more, which is my usual for good service. Maybe I'll start ordering my food to go and just not tip at all! I really do love the food here. It's fresh, delicious and reasonably priced. My drastic suggestion: Make SERVICE a priority!
Foods good. Service isnt quite the best.
Reviewer: Nicole from Santa Barbara
I have to say that most of the food on the menu is only okay to eat. I agree with the comments regarding mechanical service. They really arent personable. Well I used to get my favorite dish of Fettuccine Alfredo. Its okay, kind of bland. I have tried many dishes. They are quite small dishes. Well after many visits I have come to find that the ceasar salad is one of the best I have ever had and my now favorite pasta is the pasta pascucci. It's a shame that the dish is $14. All in all I'll keep going back, but now that the pasta costs so much it'll be a lot less frequently.
Fabulous dinner!
Reviewer: Sandy from Santa Barbara, CA
First time. Food was excellent, service was excellent. No complaints whatever.
One of my favorite restaurants in Santa Barbara!!!!
Reviewer: Bryan Kerner from Simi Valley, CA
Pascucci's has always satisfied my expectations and is a destination for me. I have enjoyed either sitting at the bar enjoying dinner and drinks listening to the live music, or the back room where it is warm and more intimate. I can't say enough, I drive up to Santa Barbara just to go there. Highly recommend a visit, you'll be sure to do so again.
It's a good place- just don't expect anything amazing
Reviewer: Morgan from Santa Barbara, CA
I like this place. My wife and I frequent it once a month or so, and always have a pretty good time. The food is delicious depending on what you order (I'd say a majority of the menu is tasty), and the service is usually prompt but mechanical (i.e. you only see the server for the order, one check in and then the bill). I recommend it if you want some decent grub and don't need to be razzle dazzled by a personable server, it's just not that kind of place. What really gets me though is the people who nitpick and get all snobby about a place that essentially offers cafe style dining. Or the people who are outraged and start their reviews with "We have been going here for years, But this ONE time..." Mellow out!
SB Local loves Pascucci!
Reviewer: Kim from Santa Barbara, CA
I love Pascucci. I frequent all of the SB restaurants & Pascucci remains on the top of my list for great food, ambiance & service at a GREAT price. For years, nearly all of the items on the menu were under $10, now they are around $12. Fabulous for SB! I love their salads - ahi & salmon are my faves & their cobb is the best in town. Their pizzas are great - order the smoked salmon & goat cheese (from their old menu) & you will not be disappointed! If you want just a bite, share the appetizer sampler - yum - & leave room for their brownie/espresso gelato dessert (oh, & great espresso!!). Clearly I am a fan. The service is great as well- many professional servers that have been their forever (sign of great management). I'll be going to Pascucci for years to come!
Fantastic!
Reviewer: Dennis from Dayton, OH
The Tre Formaggio was good, but not great while the Bellagio had excellent flavor. The garlic bread is SUPER!! We sat down and within seconds there was water on the table, garlic bread and drinks were ready to be ordered. I tried the Chalone Cabernet (Montery) which did not have a dry finish at all, which was both pleasant and suprising. The Chocolate Creme Brulee with Raspberrys was delicious! Highly recommended.
Great place!!!!
Reviewer: Ron Burton from Santa Barbara, CA
I took my girlfriend to Pascucci for dinner and It was a amazing experience. They told us at the door that it would take 20 minutes to be seated... to my surprise only took 10 minutes and they gave us a booth right in front of a fireplace! It was the perfect seat for the night. The waiter was a tall curly hair guy that gave us a great service. The food was delicious. We order raviolli and a pizza and werent disappointed. We recommend going there if it is your birthday, date or any celebration you might have.
amazing food and service, never disappointed
Reviewer: rachel evans from Isla vista, ca
I've been eating at pascuccis for over 5 years and I have yet to be disappointed. Their garlic bread is the best I've ever had and its free! The lemonade and icetea are very refreshing. From the Orvieto to the frascati their caesar and tomatoe basil soup (a few favorites) the food is phenomenal and u dont have to wait long. The waiters are kind and attentive. The atmosphere is romantic and fun and was rated as best place to go on a first date in the ucsb newspaper.
LOVE the Bellagio
Reviewer: Lauren from Santa Barbara, CA
I have come here a handful of times, and each one is a little different. The Bellagio is always great, however once we ordered ravioli, it came out cold, and it took awhile to flag somebody down- we finally got a busboy. We were able to get it exchanged, however I think the server was just too busy (and often this is the case, but without problems). Most of the times the service is average or better, but never excellent. It baffles me that nearly everybody who works there is middle aged OR a mexican male. Regardless, it has proved to be a great place to bring out-of-town guests for good food, good atmosphere, at a decent price.

food awful
Reviewer: Howard Gilbert from lagrange, ga
Ordered ahi grade tuna on salad from menu but got an unknown something that was not ahi grade. Tasted so terrible it could not be eat. After rejecting the dish the restaurant could not provide the high quality tuna that was described on the menu. Had a don't care attitude. I would not return to this resturant. This was a very bad experience during a vacation that should have been a good experience.
how can you write a review when.....
Reviewer: Natasha from Santa Ynez Valley, CA
you can't even get through on the phone to make a reservation? I've been calling every few minutes for nearly an hour and a half starting at 11am!!!
This place is AMAZING!!
Reviewer: Melanie from Houston, TX
I spent the last 2 summers in Santa Barbara and went to Pascucci's every chance I could!! My faves are the bread(haha...no, it's really good), the Ahi Tuna Salad, and the Toffee Brownie dessert. The flavors are absolutely amazing. Moving to SB permanently next week and planning to take my father to my favorite restaurant in Santa Barbara :) Oh...and if you're going to pay $12-$18 per entree, don't expect 5-star service, people. I've personally never had a bad experience with the waitstaff. I've been a server myself, and you can't please 100% of the people who come in.
Aweful Food, Terrible Service
Reviewer: Paul Daignault from Santa Barbara
I have eaten at Pascucci for 7 years. God knows it’s not the best Italian restaurant in Santa Barbara (Ca Dario is the best), however, it’s been reliable. Today, I ordered the Sienna Chicken (Chicken Marsala). It came literally 3 minutes after I ordered it! It tasted as if it had sat for awhile. I complained to the server who immediately got defensive and defended the restaurant. I told her it TASTED as if it sat around, not that it HAD. She had so much attitude, that I finally told her not to bring me anything else. Then, in the distance I see the waitress having an animated discussion, obviously about me. Do you think anyone came over to inquire what was wrong? No, no response, nothing. I won’t go back!
Used to be good a few years ago...
Reviewer: Katie Cleary from santa barbara, ca
I've been going to Pascucci for about 11 years now. I used to crave the Caprese presentation with nice, fat slices of buffalo mozzerella and do-it-yourself bruschettas with fresh garlic. I used to crave the Chicken Ceasar with it's succulent broiled chicken sliced up thick and piled high. The creamy tomato soup (not overspiced but just right) was ALWAYS ordered at the beginning of the meal as an 'appetizer to the appetizers'. Now, NONE of these delights can be found anymore - portions are small, meats are dry, shrimp is fishy, food is bland OR overspiced. Pascucci has been uninventive and pedestrian for the last three years or so, although I've continued to support them until recently. I no longer recommend it to my friends shopping downtown. Pascucci USED to be wonderful!!

Yum!
Reviewer: Deb from Vista, CA
i enjoyed my lunch at Pascucci's. Had the butternut squash and pumpkin ravioli. It was fantastic. I look forward to dining there again. Waiting area was small.

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