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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

Horrible service for a gelato!, 7/13/2010
Reviewer: Terry K. from Santa Barbara, CA
Tonight was a warm evening and my daughter and I decided to stop for a gelato at Via Maestra 42. I've been there before, and find it a charming and delightful little place. When we got there, we were in back of a very large party and the manager appeared very stressed out and told us it would be about 5 minutes before he could help us. The very large party (at least 10) were waiting up at the counter and then they turned around and left, saying something about how their party was too big. After it was just the two of us waiting around, the manager seemed even more stressed out and kept doing everything except waiting on the two people at the counter. Finally he asked us in a very rude tone of voice "What do you want?" We chose our gelati (to go), and then decided to sit outside at a little table to eat them, since it was very warm and the gelato was soft. The manager seemed ready to have a meltdown, grabbing my daughter's gelato out of her hand and saying that he will bring a plate and spoon so as not to offend the other customers nearby! The other customers next to us were as flabbergasted as we were. Two different tables commented that this dude needs to relax a little bit. My daughter and I ate our premium-priced gelati, but probably would have had a warmer and fuzzier experience with a frozen ice-cream treat fresh off the blue truck. I will think again about returning to Via Maestra 42. Bad service and a bad attitude gives even the most delicious gelato a bad taste.

So Good!, 7/8/2010
Reviewer: Margaret from Goleta
Another wonderful meal at Via Maestra. After enjoying many wonderful pasta and salad meals at Via Maestra, ventured into the primos last eve, with Lamb Chops and Osso Buco. Both excellent. Lamb Chops (four small ribs nicely presented with a sprig of aromatic rosemary) came with truffled mashed potatos and perfectly done vegetables. Osso Buco was served with lemon risotto. Risotto was a bit undercooked, but still tasty. Despite every table occupied during the eve, service was right on. Dante's wine recommendation excellent, water glasses refilled promptly, bread refill brought without request. Too full for dessert, but they looked wonderful and very well received by surrounding tables that were enjoying them. Capaccino best in area by far. The ambience is so like a casual Italian trattoria and the enjoyment of the patrons makes for a totally plesureable experience

Cute and Yummy, 6/5/2010
Reviewer: Jay from Santa Barbara, CA
Go here if you want: great food, excellent service and a nice slow meal. The food is really great and well priced. The staff is so friendly and makes you feel very welcome and happy to see you! You can really take your time eating and enjoying the atmosphere, I never feel rushed, and I always spend a nice long time enjoying everything. Bring your own bottle of wine for a small corkage fee too!! Overall, excellent. Don't bother with busy Downtown places, this is too good to miss!
Two people for lunch, one served, the other waited,, 3/26/2010
Reviewer: Bea Ando from Santa Barbara, CA
The restaurant was charming..reminding you of past trips to Italy. The menu was also reminiscent of Italy. My husband was served with his order very quickly and as I sat there watching him eat, I waited for my salad... My husband had to ask for the order of my absent salad. The big surprise was that at first glance the spinach salad was lovely with perfect spinach leaves, however, as I ate, the spinach below was old, deteriorated and not of the same quality of the top layer.

Ravioli c'est tres bonne!, 3/13/2010
Reviewer: Paul L from Santa Barbara, CA
I had the spinach ravioli in the lemon cream sauce and was in heaven...wanted more bread to get the rest of the sauce. The service here is always good, if you come more than a few times they always smile at you and it makes you feel like they actually do recognize you. Table also had the bruscetta which was good too.
Wonderful Birthday Dinner, 3/4/2010
Reviewer: Leslie from Santa Barbara, CA
After receiving numerous recommendations for Via Maestro, my husband and I finally went last night for my birthday dinner. It was delicious! We arrived around 8:00 p.m. and had to wait a few minutes for one of the tables to clear. Once one did, we were promptly seated and soon after began enjoying some toasted bread with olive oil. For appetizers, we ordered the bruschetta (so flavorful and moist) and the mixed green salad to share. We also shared our entrees -- the ravioli spinaci and the pumpkin ravioli. Yum! All the food was wonderful. We also enjoyed the house wine, although we had to remind the staff that we ordered it. Everyone there was friendly, and we loved the authentic Italian decor. We can't wait to go back!
Bellisimo, 2/25/2010
Reviewer: Kevin Taylor from Basingstoke, Hampshire, UK
We were recommended this place by the receptonist at the Sandpiper lodge & boy was he right when he said you don't need to go into town for good food. This place has Italian charm oozing out of it's doors. From the moment you walk through said doors into the deli which is also the restaurant you are cosseted like only the Italians can. The house wine was a joy for a change but the food......we came back the next night & if we'd stayed another night we might have come back then too. Oh if you like Gelato you've definitely come to the right place for that too! I'd recommend booking in advance as it's a very cosy establishment.
Nice people food small portions, 1/30/2010
Reviewer: Glenn from Buellton
I guess looking at all of my seven raviolis and side salad w/ bread the price just does not match up to what you get. Its kind of like a pricey italian place masquareding as a deli. Very small. I think they would do well to buy a bigger place and go with dinner only. The spinach raviolis were just not that much food for me unfortunately. Need to order more but gets pricey. Not good for lunch unless you want to dodge parking, hassle with Las Positas and State traffic and wait 15 minutes for your food(call it in?). Servers were very nice and cordial. Similar sandwiches can be found at most other high end delis. They do have gelato available. Move to a bigger place!
MMMM....Molto Delizioso
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!
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
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!
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 !
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!
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
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!
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
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
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!
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
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!!!!
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
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....

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