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Via Maestra 42
3343 State St, Santa Barbara
Phone: (805) 569-6522

  • Category: Deli, Italian
  • Hours: Mon-Sat 8:30am-9pm, Sun 11am-5pm
  • Price: $10 - $20
  • Serving: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
  • Reservations: No
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Reviews by the General Public

MMMM....Molto Delizioso, 8/13/2009
Reviewer: Doreen from Santa Barbara, CA
Having just returned from our honeymoon in Italy, we came here for the gelato. Imported from Milan every other day! A few days later, on a Wednesday, we decided to try it for dinner. Amazingly busy. If you're in a hurry, let me tell you they are definitely on Italian time. Italians are renowned for looong meals. They close businesses from 1-3pm for lunch! So be prepared to relish your meal, which isn't hard to do as the cuisine is fantastic. My husband had the ravioli spinaci-very yummy & authentic. I love that they have some items from Italy as well like faro grain. And they serve Lavazza caffe! The sandwiches I saw in the deli case are exactly what you find in Italy! It was like revisiting Tuscany all over again. We will definitely be back! Again and again...especially for the gelato!
Great!, 8/10/2009
Reviewer: Ron Williamson from Carpinteria, CA
This is a nice little place. They have a deli/market, and a small dining area. The food is very fresh and well prepared, although they wouldn't know an insalata tricolore if it smacked them in the face, c'mon, gorgonzola and prosciutto with greens??? What happened to endive, radicchio and arugula. I realize there are variations but this recipe is just out there.
NOT BAD AT ALL, 7/28/2009
Reviewer: Antonio Gambino from Santa Barbara, CA
service was o.k. food was very close to home.i will go back, and try another dish.
amazing!, 6/24/2009
Reviewer: Rachel from Santa Barbara, CA
it was my first time eating at via maestra, and it definitely will not be my last! we had a beautiful salad with roasted bell peppers and ricotta cheese on top to start. the ravioli spinaci was AMAZING...fresh, homemade pasta with a creamy lemon alfredo sauce. desserts are also great. it was one of the best meals i have ever had! perfect!
Excellent !, 3/31/2009
Reviewer: Joe Daniel Bomgren from Santa Barbara, CA
On Saturday was the first time I had ever been to Via Maestra 42. I walked in and I was greeted with smiles. I was recommended the raviolis with spinach by the girl working. The portion was filling, the salad was excellent, and the service was exceptional. They made sure I loved it. I look forward to coming in again soon. I recommend this place to anyone who is looking to eat some very authentic italian food here in Santa Barbara.

food is like being in heaven!, 3/18/2009
Reviewer: Susan from Santa Barbara, CA
my friend brought me to this place for the first time on saturday lunch and I have to admit it is the BEST food in Santa Barbara so far.. ! the ladies helping us wery very friendly, they made me feel like I was in italy..they recommended the limoncello and cream puffs for dessert (without words!!!) the experience overall was exceptional!!! Excellent choice on the wonderful staff working there!
Great food, super cramped, 3/7/2009
Reviewer: Miguel Baja from Santa Barbara, CA
The food is great for sure. Very authentic, really exceptional. The atmosphere is true trattoria style, tight, cramped, and very casual. If you don't mind ordering at a bar and having food brought to you with minimal service then you'll be just fine. If you are looking for traditional restaurant service, this is not for you. Once again, really great food

No gimmicks here!, 2/20/2009
Reviewer: Isaura from Bay Area
We have eaten here twice and would return. Being from the Bay area,we have many Italian restaurants to choose from (North Beach). This dining establishment has been added to our favourite list for Italian. Their food is simple, refined and Italian. No gimmicks here, just good honest food which has not been americanized or covered in something that distracts from the dish. Eat the lasgna at least, if you not an Italian food fan. Now it is very small and they operate as best as they can being that it is very tight. If you cannot stand to be shoulder to shoulder with someone else, go for an early dinner instead.

Very Nice Experience, 2/9/2009
Reviewer: Shani from Santa Barbara, CA
This was the first time we went to Via Maestro 42. We were in the mood for some delicious Italian food and we were not disappointed. The only negative comments I have are that the portions are somewhat small and we did need to flag the waiter for water refills. But the people seemed very friendly, and the tiramasu was absolutely fantanstic.
Friendly staff and authentic ingredients, 1/3/2009
Reviewer: Keli Dispenziere from Redondo Beach, Ca.
On our way back to Los Angeles we stopped off at a Gelson's. I needed some specialty items for an elaborate meal I was making my husband. Gelson's didn't carry these items and recommended Via Maestra around the corner. What a find. Not only was I able to find the ingredients I needed but I realize this is a very special place. I was greeted by a very friendly staff who efficiently took care of my needs. I have been to Italy many times and I can tell you the cheeses and Gelato I purchased were the same quality as that in Italy. I can't wait to go back my next time through Santa Barbara to try some of the dishes that I saw coming out of the kitchen. They looked and smelled fantastic. Casual, warm and friendly atmosphere.

Worse service EVER!, 12/13/2008
Reviewer: Jess from Goleta, CA
I just came back from the restaurant. I ordered a pasta dish and a dessert for take out and I paid over 15% tips. When they handed me the food, they recited what I had ordered so I thought everything was in there. When I came home, I found out that my dessert was missing. And my pasta dish spilled because they didn't seal the lid well. I live in Goleta and I drove over 10 miles just for the food. I called and told them that I did not get what I ordered and the girl who answered had bad attitude. She asked "So when are you going to come back?" I told her that I was going all the way back just to pick up what should have been in the take out box. She did not even apologize for the mistake. Their food is decent but it's not worth the bad attitude.

Best Italian Food, 12/11/2008
Reviewer: Nicole from Santa Barbara, CA
This little hole in the wall place is not in the greatest location (next to the post office and a dog grooming salon) but the food more than makes up for it. The waitstaff/cashiers are very young but have been very sweet both times I've been in. I plan to go a lot more! I've tried their pasta dishes and purchased things from their bakery. They're very authentic and have a great mini salad that goes with all entrees. It's a very simple salad, just lettuce, a piece of bread and olive oil/vinegar but is a great way to kill time and save on calories for the entree! Perfect for a romantic dinner or just a gathering of friends. I highly recommend this place for people who want REAL italian food.
excellent!!!!, 12/9/2008
Reviewer: Julia and Kady from Santa Barbara, CA
we were celebrating our anniversary at this wonderful place last saturday where the environment was enjoyable and our two gorgeous waitresses were helping us very kindly.. the guy who seemed to be the manager or owner was very friendly as well.. we definetly are going back there SOON!!!! we had the splendid eggplant parmegina and penne bolognesse... My girlfriend and I are very content with the uncomparable service and food!
Need more attention to final preparation, 12/6/2008
Reviewer: jinelle from Santa Barbara, CA
With great affection for this place as a long time favorite for gelato, desserts, deli and sandwiches (Modena a total favorite), I had not been there for dinner until last night. Shared a antipasto plate, had the squash ravioli and partner had the penne with sausage. One could tell the ingredients were fine, but the preparation lacked the same attention. The antipasto was only okay even though it had a variety of elements, it lacked the over all zing found in the CaD'ario antipasto plate by a long shot. Oil and balsamic were offered with the dish but asking one to "dress" the antipasto on the small table just did not work. Therefore, final preparation lacking on that one. The squash ravioli with sage had wonderful flavors with an incredible tang to the sage butter but it had sat under the heat lamps far too long and the pasta was dried out and tough which was a pity because I think it started out fine, but here again is where final preparation failed. The Penne pasta was rated just okay by a great pasta fan - nothing memorable. The most simple of dessert offerings however puts this place over the top with their affogato (hot expresso poured over cold vanilla gelato). Perfection both in taste and presentation. Service was terrific, so the place remains dearly loved, but there does need to be more attention paid to how the final products get combined, prepared and delivered to the diners.
Francesca from SB
Reviewer: Francesca Ruggeri from Santa Barbara, CA
It is definately a place to try out! I have lived in Italy for the past ten years and this is the ONLY Italian resturant in Santa Barbara that can truly say that they have the real italian taste. The waiters are great and sweet to everyone even as they try to speak italian here and there to make you feel at home. The owner, Renato, is ALWAYS smiling (i will pay someone if they catch him without a smile on his face!!) I would definately recomend Via Maestrsa if one cannot afford to go over sea's to taste the true Italian cuisine.....and if your in a hurry, pick up some of their products imported directly from Italia....
Excellent Food, Sporadic Service
Reviewer: Paul from Santa Barbara, CA
First time here and the authentic Italian cuisine is as good as people have raved about. The atmosphere is good, pretty casual and non-pretentious, and very open. The prices are pretty good too, a nice pasta dish for about $13. We may have been there on a busy night (although a Thursday) but our service was pretty poor. I feel bad because the kind little Italian man who was our waiter was doing his best, he just had too much work to do. Our drink orders were forgotten once by him, and then also by the host (who might be the owner?). We'd like to try it again because the food and atmosphere were great, if only the service was reliable.
Bravissimo!!!!!
Reviewer: Marisa from Santa Barbara, CA
Food and atmosphere are perfect. What better place to sit outside on a beautiful Santa Barbara evening, looking out at the mountains? My daughter and I enjoyed a fabulous meal, and were hosted at the end with a glass of grappa with the charming owner. Staff were attentive, dessert was decadent. We'll be back!

Third time - still going strong
Reviewer: lemonjelly from santa barbara, ca
Via Maestra 42 is fast becoming my favorite place for Italian. I recently dined there for dinner and really, there was not a single thing wrong. Everything, just perfect. The people who work there all work together and nothing was forgotten. They're also genuine, there's no script or upsell that's often a robotic facade to souless food. The bread brought to the table at the beginning is grilled, both chewy and golden toasty. Drizzled in olive oil and sliced in nice little pieces that's perfect to nibble on while you settle down with your company and peruse the menu. I was expecting the bruscetta to be on the same bread, but it came on wide wedges of thinly sliced crusty bread with fresh sweet tomatoes with great juices soaking in. My main was the pumpkin ravioli with butter and sage. Save some bread from the beginning of the meal to dip into the sauce. Yum! I took it easy on the main so I could have some lovely chocolate hazelnut gelato. They had very tempting profiteroles, but I stayed true to my gelato intentions. What a way to finish up the day. I don't know Italian, but I think the phrase is "bellisima!"
Good food-------------BAD SERVICE
Reviewer: Kate from Santa Barbara, CA
My fiance and I were out for a nice evening and a good dinner when we chose the Via Maestra 42 on Monday evening, July 14th. We expected the same standard we have experienced in the past, having had very good breakfasts and lunch there formerly. Too bad that same standard doesn't extend to the evening hours. After being directed to the table, we were virtually ignored by the "waiter" that asked us for our beverage order, then promptly forgot that we were there. Fortunately, two other employees took over the task of seeing that our order was taken, including the first beverage order. This is not good service!! I would have encouraged my fiance to skip the tip had it not been for the other two waitpersons who saw to our needs. I don't plan to go back there in the evening because of the service. Fifty dollars is too much to suffer bad service.

Best Soups & Salads
Reviewer: Eliz from SB
The service is hit and miss here but the food at Via Maestra 42 has always been more than delicious. The carrot rice soup is the best that I've ever had. Their salads are excellent-perfectly dressed. The ricotta salad and the spinach rice cake salad are my favorites. They have a wonderfully rich Pasta Carbonara that is worth every calorie & fat gram. Their breakfasts are pretty nice too. Try the egg pocket omelette.
Shockingly Rude and Poor Service
Reviewer: Kristin from Santa Barbara
My husband and I have given Via Maestra several chances and each time have been extremely disappointed in the service and by the rude snobby attitude. More than once we have gotten up and walked out after being ignored by waiters and counter staff. Food isn't worth putting up with such poor service, and certainly isn't deserving of any type loyal Santa Barbara customer.

Via Maestra 42 writes: La pace sia con te, Buona Pasqua from all of us at Via Maestra 42! viamaestra42@aol.com
Wonderful and the Catering....WONDERFUL
Reviewer: tracy from santa barbara
Via Maestra 42 is a pleasure to experience and work with. Our rehearsal dinner was a smashing success, thanks to the care and quality provided. Give them a try!
Great food, nice & helpful employees
Reviewer: R. Williams from Santa Barbara, CA
This place is a hidden gem for great Italian food in the upper State area. I am always very happy with what I order. My favorite is their lemony salad dressing. They offer a great selection of cheese, cured meats, wonderful soups and pasta. If you have not tried Via Maestra yet, you are missing out!!!
How did I miss this place??
Reviewer: Patrick from Montecito, CA
I moved here around 3 years ago, and pretty much hit all of the Italian restaurants in town. My favorites are Olio E Limone, Ca'Dario and Tre Lune. I kept passing on this place because it is located in a strip mall...what a mistake! It is so authentic, and the food fabulous....this is my new hangout!

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